Health

The Newfoundland originated in Newfoundland, on the east coast of Canada and, given their strength, thick double coat and webbed paws, they were used to pull carts of wood from the forest, and fishing nets out on the water. Temperament Gentle and placid they have a wonderful nature so make fantastic family pets and generally love children. Although you will need to watch toddlers around...

Spina Bifida in dogs can occur across many breeds, but most frequently presents in breeds with a corkscrew tail and those more commonly affected than others include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Collie, Doberman, Boston Terrier, Miniature Poodle and German Short Haired Pointer. Studies show the English Bulldog is also 3-times more likely to develop the condition than other breeds. Most puppies in Australia that display...

Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs and often begins and when a dog is still young and not yet fully physically developed. It is a common malformation of the hip joint in dogs where the ‘ball’ at the top of the femur (the long bone above dog’s knee) doesn’t sit snuggly within the ‘socket’ of the hip. This...

It can be hard to know how to best give a dog a tablet without it being a huge debacle, even with normally sedate cats and dogs, so here are some tips to help. Using treats to hide the tablet Using your pet’s food or treats, or even bits of xylitol-free peanut butter or cream cheese (if your pet’s diet allows this) is one of...

The Maltese is an ancient breed in the toy dog group, one of several small “bichon” dogs found around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The exact place of origin is a mystery. Many historians pinpoint Malta for the development of the breed, but conjecture includes Sicily, Egypt, and southern Europe from spitz-type dogs…so the mystery remains. Temperament The Maltese are generally gentle and affectionate, with a...

This week’s breed in focus is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionately known as the Cavie, originating from the United Kingdom where they were used to warm laps during cold carriage rides and while waiting about in chilly castles! Temperament Affectionate, happy and outgoing, they love human company and are an ideal companion dog. They are playful and willing to please, and, while they are...

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes from the Staffordshire region of England. They were originally bred from crossing Bulldogs and other terrier breeds for bull and bear baiting, until the practice was banned in the UK in the 1830s. Affectionally known as the English Staffy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia’s most popular breeds. Temperament The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares its lineage with the...

The German Shepherd is a descendant of the German herding dog originally used for sheep herding and guarding. Today they are commonly used for police and protection work and are generally considered one of the finest all-purpose workers. Temperament German Shepherds are known for being courageous, confident, obedient, extremely faithful. In general, they excellent companions, are great with older children other pets if introduced properly...

It’s well accepted that widespread, vaccination for dogs, cats and other pets has resulted in control of major deadly infectious diseases. In some areas, for dogs, canine distemper and adenovirus have been virtually eradicated and the severity and extent of infection with parvovirus significantly reduced. Vaccination for dogs and other pets has unquestionable benefits, but there are increasing questions surrounding the necessity of annual boosters....

It is still widely debated over whether the poodle descends from Germany as a water retriever hunting dog, or from the French Barbet – a water dog breed. Temperament Poodles are alert, highly intelligent and trainable, loyal and active. They are generally friendly, happy dogs who love to socialize, and are most content when they are the centre of attention, learning tricks, obedience and agility. They...