Blog
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Osteoarthritis in cats: the key facts every owner should know
Cats are experts at hiding pain, which is why osteoarthritis is often spotted late. We explain what happens in the joints, which changes in behaviour should ring alarm bells, how a vet makes the diagnosis, how the condition is treated and how to adapt your home for a cat with sore joints.
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What is a splenectomy, and when does a dog need one?
A splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, is one of the most common operations in dogs with an abdominal tumour. We explain what the spleen does, how benign masses differ from haemangiosarcoma, which breeds are most at risk, how to recognise a ruptured tumour, what surgery and recovery involve and what the outlook is afterwards.
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Heatstroke in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention
Hot weather is dangerous for dogs: overheating can become life-threatening within minutes. We explain why heatstroke happens, which dogs are most at risk, how to spot the first signs, what to do before you reach the clinic and how to keep your pet safe on hot days.
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How to prepare your dog or cat for anaesthesia
A planned operation for your dog or cat begins well before the procedure itself. We explain what general anaesthesia is, what the vet will ask you beforehand, which blood tests and heart checks are needed in advance and why your pet must arrive with an empty stomach.
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What does breathing difficulty look like in dogs and cats?
Rapid, shallow or rattling breathing, pale gums and restlessness can all be signs that a dog or cat is struggling to breathe. We explain the difference between inspiratory and expiratory dyspnoea, what causes breathing problems in pets and why you should never delay getting to a clinic.
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What is chemical castration in dogs?
Chemical castration is a way of temporarily suppressing a male dog's sex drive without surgery: an implant placed under the skin blocks testosterone production. We explain the pros and cons of the method, which dogs it suits best and whether it helps with aggressive behaviour.
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False pregnancy in dogs: causes, effects, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
False pregnancy in dogs is more common than you might think, and not as harmless as it seems. We explain why it happens, what risks it poses to a bitch's health, how to tell it apart from a real pregnancy, how it is treated and how you can help your dog cope with the symptoms.
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Raw or cooked meat for your dog: which is better?
Raw or cooked meat for your dog? We look at whether a raw diet is safe, whether it can be combined with commercial food, which meats should never be fed raw and what the BARF diet actually involves. Practical advice to help you build a safe, balanced diet for your pet.
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Hair Loss in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Is your dog losing its coat? There can be many reasons: parasites, allergies, hormonal disorders, infections, stress or nutritional deficiencies. We look at the types of alopecia in dogs, how to recognise them, which tests your vet may recommend, how hair loss is treated, and how to tell seasonal shedding from a medical problem.
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How to Teach Your Dog to Travel by Car
Many dogs are afraid of the car or suffer from motion sickness, but with the right approach almost any dog can learn to enjoy the ride. We explain how to get your dog used to the car step by step, how to choose a crate or car harness, how to prepare for a journey, and how to coax a nervous dog into the car.
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How to Make Your Home Safe for a Cat
Cats explore every corner of the home, and not every corner is safe. We explain how to secure windows and balconies with netting, which houseplants to get rid of, how to choose safe toys and accessories, and where to keep household chemicals so your pet can roam freely without putting its health at risk.
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How to Cool a Dog Down in a Heatwave and Help It Through Hot Days
Hot weather is far more dangerous for dogs than for people: they barely sweat and can overheat quickly, even to the point of heatstroke. We explain how to help your dog cool down, keep it hydrated, time your walks, which breeds are most at risk, and why you should never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes.
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