Health

Children and Dogs: Essential Safety Tips for Families Dogs can bring enormous joy, companionship and valuable life lessons to children - but safe relationships don’t happen by accident. Some of the most important children and dogs safety tips include learning to recognise when a dog is uncomfortable, actively supervising every interaction, giving dogs child-free places to rest and teaching children how to show affection in...

How to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs Dental disease in dogs is extremely common, painful and potentially damaging to their overall health. Regular veterinary dental checks, daily brushing and suitable dental-care products can help prevent plaque from progressing to gum disease, infection and tooth loss. More than 80% of dogs over the age of three have some degree of periodontal disease, with small dogs particularly...

Superfoods for Dogs: Are they really good for our pets? Superfoods for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with everything from blueberries and turmeric to spirulina and green-lipped mussels being promoted as the next miracle ingredient. But do dogs really need superfoods, or is it simply clever marketing? As a pet nutrition specialist, it's one of the questions I'm asked most often. The...

Roundworm: Do you know the risks? Roundworm is a common internal parasite that can affect dogs and cats of all ages, particularly puppies and kittens. It can cause digestive problems, poor growth and other health issues in pets. Roundworm can also affect people, so it is important to understand how it spreads, recognise the possible symptoms and keep your pet’s worming treatment up to date....

Ear Mites in Dogs and Other Common Mites Ear mites in dogs are tiny parasites that live primarily inside the ear canal and on the surrounding skin. They can cause intense itching, head shaking, inflammation and a characteristic dark-brown discharge that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are also one of several types of mites that can affect dogs. Sarcoptes mites cause highly contagious sarcoptic mange,...

Every year thousands of dogs across Australia require lifesaving blood to treat a variety of diseases and trauma, yet very few owners are aware of the need for pet blood donations. Just as human blood banks play a vital role in saving human lives, dogs and cats also rely on blood donations for their survival in times of need. From emergency blood transfusions to assist...

Many people may not realise the dangers of grass seeds in dogs and just how much of a risk, this tiny seed can pose for them, especially during the summer months. 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 of the signs and symptoms...

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and Natural Support Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in older dogs and cats, although it can affect younger pets too. The most common form is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), which occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints gradually wears away. This leads to inflammation, pain and reduced mobility...

Heartworm can cause great suffering and even death in your dog, and the treatment is as risky as the disease itself, so it is important your dog is protected all year round against this parasite. Mosquitos are found everywhere! As Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, despite what some owners (and some Vets) believe, it can be transmitted anywhere. However, if you are heading to tropical...

Anxiety in dogs and cats is an increasingly common problem that both Veterinarians and animal behaviourists are treating these days, and can significantly impact their well-being if left unaddressed. That's why understanding the signs of anxiety in dogs and cats is essential for providing them with the care and support they need. It’s been estimated that over 40% of dogs and cats are now suffering...