Health

Microchipping dogs and cats is compulsory across most of Australia, but unfortunately many owners don’t update their pet’s microchip when they move home or change phone numbers. Most recently I have had a few people contact me for advice when they have lost a pet and, alarmingly, I have found their pet’s microchip is not only not updated with their contact details, but it also...

While many pet owners know they need to take care of their dog or cat’s health with regular parasite protection, a lot still don’t fully understand the risks to both pets and people and just how many parasites in dog poo can be found in their own backyard, as well as at the local dog park. New research has revealed that alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of...

I often get asked by frustrated (and slightly repulsed) dog owners as to why their adorable dog is eating poop and how to stop a dog eating poo. Vets refer to the habit as Coprophagia and, while the thought of it is enough to make our stomach churn, remember, dogs are frequently attracted to the smell of faeces when they’re out and about so it...

Just like us, our dogs start suffering the same common ailments as they age. Symptoms that we can easily relate to, such as weight gain, mild forms of arthritis, greying and of course lacking energy are experienced by older dogs, so knowing what to feed a senior dog is important. Just as these signs are symptoms to us that we are ageing, so too are...

Fleas are not only a nuisance to find on your dog and cause them great discomfort, but they have the potential to cause serious skin problems and transmit disease through Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Fleas feed on the blood of companion animals and their bites transmit tapeworms, bartonella bacteria, and may cause severe anaemia in young animals. Flea allergy dermatitis They can also trigger a condition...

Brushing dogs teeth is not easy, but it is a very important part of helping keep dental disease at bay, which impacts on their overall health and wellbeing. Let's put it into perspective. Imagine if you never brushed your teeth and how this would impact on your health. Not to mention the pain you would be in due to gum disease, loose and cracked teeth, cavities...

The deadly Paralysis Tick is found along the East Coast of Australia and can kill a dog if left untreated.  However, many dog owners are still unaware of the threat this deadly parasite poses. Vets are urging pet owners to be compliant with tick prevention after a new study published in the International Journal for Parasitology found paralysis tick cases are seen all year-round (including...

Walking your dog every day is not only important for their physical health and wellbeing but their mental health as well. But unfortunately, according to a Sydney Uni study, 40% of Australian dogs are not walked enough, which coincidentally, is a similar number to how many dogs are overweight or obese in Australia. Some people also think that just because their dog is small or...

Using essential oils for anxious dogs and extracts from plants that are known for their calming properties can help keep dogs relaxed in many scenarios. Even at bath time, when the most placid of dogs can get anxious about grooming. Scientific studies into the use of aromatherapy with dogs goes as far back as the mid-1800s in Germany and France, and it’s a widely accepted...

Many people may not realise the dangers of grass seeds in dogs and just how much of a risk, a tiny grass seed can pose for them, especially during the summer months when grasses are seeding. These seeds can easily get trapped in a dog's fur, ears, eyes, nose, and paws, and can cause a range of health issues, so it’s important to be aware...