Health

Alabama rot is a rare disease that affects dogs of all sizes, ages, breeds and genders. It was first discovered in Greyhounds in Alabama, USA in the 1980s, but cases dwindled out quickly. Many years later in 2012, cases with very similar signs were identified in the UK, and this is thought to be the same disease. There have been more cases reported in recent years but it’s unclear how much of this is because the disease is on the up and how much is because owners and vets are better informed about recognising the signs.

Your dog will always do their best to love you, and you can do the same by making sure they are microchipped and that you always keep their details up to date. Dog microchipping means that should they ever go missing, they have the very best chance of being found and safely returned to you as soon as possible – and if they cause any chaos, injury or damage if they escape or stray, you can be legally identified as their owner. If you’ve recently got a new puppy, you might be wondering ‘do dogs have to be microchipped?’, ‘how is a microchip inserted into a dog?’ and more about dog microchipping. Keep reading to find out all about them and the current dog microchip laws.

Just like us, our dogs sometimes need a little help to fight an illness, and that may mean a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are what are known as prescription only medicines (POMs), in other words they must be prescribed by a vet. You could be wondering ‘are antibiotics safe for dogs?’ Well, we’ve put together a handy guide. So, read on the find out what types of antibiotics for dogs are out there and why you should always follow your vet’s instructions when giving your pet a course of antibiotics!

Springtime is all about new outdoor adventures as the gloomy winter weather gives way to longer days and glorious sunshine. But while our pooches have fun exploring every green patch they can find in gardens and parks, owners might be wondering how safe is it for their pets to make acquaintance with every plant under the sun. Colourful spring flowers are wonderful, but are they just harmless beauties, or might they pose a danger for overly curious dogs? In this article, we’re answering the question ‘are bluebells poisonous to dogs’, so you can make sure your pet doesn’t get into too much trouble while admiring these beautiful spring flowers.

Spring certainly knows how to make an entrance. Blue skies, green gardens, colourful flowers and longer days entice all of us, owners and dogs, out of the house. But all this fun outdoor exploration might make owners nervous about the potential risks that spring plants pose to dogs. In this article, we’re exploring the springtime favourites: the breathtaking daffodils.

Our dogs love to eat but sometimes, they’ll have a munch on things they’re not supposed to. As some of you know, lilies, although pretty, can be dangerous for cats but is it the same for dogs?

Seeing your dog in pain is always a distressing time. Whilst humans have the ability to self-diagnose and often self-medicate, animals cannot. It is therefore important to consult a vet to determine what is the cause of your dog’s pain as quickly as possible. Your vet will ensure that your pet is treated effectively so they can return to their usual happy selves as soon as possible. We all want to do the most for our pets, but as much as they seem like a family member, albeit a four-legged one, when it comes to pain relief, there are some things they can’t have. In this article we will be exploring whether pain relievers for dogs are safe or not and look at some of the treatments your vet may prescribe if your pet is in pain.

The sight of blood is frightening for any pet owner. Blood in dog urine is called haematuria, and if you’ve ever noticed this symptom in your pup, you’ll know how worrying it can be – it can send your mind into a tailspin with visions of a heart-breaking diagnosis and expensive veterinary bills. While a dog peeing blood is not always a story of doom and gloom, this can still be a serious symptom, so calling your vet should be your top priority. But there are many possible explanations for this problem, and a lot of them are treatable health conditions. If blood in dog urine has set off alarm bells for you, here is what you need to know about this symptom.

Flat-faced dogs may be lovely and come with amazing personalities and give cute snuffles but unfortunately, often struggle to breathe because of the anatomy of their heads. The breathing difficulties in these breeds have a name: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS for short. Keep reading to find out what BOAS is and how you can help your dog.

It can be quite worrying if you notice that your dog seems to be losing some of their lovely coat. Alopecia in dogs can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), a bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and is often the result of the dog scratching or licking an itchy or sore area. Alopecia in dogs can affect all breeds and genders at any stage of their life. It’s a fairly common condition and can display as either partial or complete hair loss, but it can also affect your dog’s skin, endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems. It can be alarming to see your dog losing hair as it can be very noticeable, especially if you have a long-furred pet who typically has a silky-smooth coat. Luckily, alopecia in dogs is usually very treatable and a visit to the vet should help to find the root of the problem and allow you to find a suitable treatment to get your dog back to their usual, gorgeous selves. Causes of hair loss in dogs Alopecia in dogs can be a result of a number of skin conditions and cases can range from gradual to acute. The most common causes of hair loss in dogs include: • Mange, an occurrence caused by the mite ‘Demodex’. • A disruption in the growth of hair follicles caused by trauma, infection, immune disease or endocrine system abnormalities. • Hair follicle inflammation. • Allergic reactions: this may be to food or items in your dog’s environment. • Diet and feeding: poor diet can often be a cause of hair loss in dogs. • Parasites and fleas: these can cause intense itching and you may notice your dog losing hair around their lower back, inner thighs, neck and ears. • Bacterial skin infections or hot spots. • Ringworm: if the cause is ringworm, it will typically display as circular patches of flaky, red, hairless patches. • Overgrooming: grooming is obviously normal, but sometimes dogs may do it excessively due to stress or pain. • Seasonal alopecia: some dogs may experience hair loss each autumn which may take around 6 – 12 months to regrow. This type is most common in Boxers, Bulldogs, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. • Inherited: alopecia in dogs can be inherited if your dog’s mother of father suffered from it. More widespread hair loss in your dog’s coat may indicate a more specific disease, so it’s always important to see your vet as soon as you suspect your dog may be losing their fur. Symptoms of alopecia in dogs If you notice your dog losing hair, that can be a symptom of alopecia in itself, but there are also a few other signs they may display too: • Brittle or dry coat. • Shedding more than usual. • Bald patches on your dog. • Crusting, inflammation or red patches around the area of hair loss. • Scaly skin may be present. • Dandruff. • Itchy skin. • Overgrooming. • Patches of dark skin.

Arthritis in dogs is the biggest cause of chronic pain, particularly in older pets. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, your pet can continue to lead a happy life. Arthritis in dogs is an extremely common condition and the main cause of chronic pain in dogs. According to Canine Arthritis Management, Osteoarthritis affects an estimated four out of five older dogs, and sadly it’s progressive – meaning that it cannot be cured and gradually worsens. However, there are plenty of management options available to help slow the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Many dogs continue to live a happy and otherwise healthy life after diagnosis. If you suspect your senior dog has arthritis, you’ll probably be wondering about the symptoms and the current dog arthritis treatment and management options available. To help, we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs. What is arthritis in dogs? There are different types of arthritis in dogs, but usually we are referring to Osteoarthritis (OA). In a healthy joint, the bone surfaces are covered in a thin layer of smooth cartilage with a small amount of joint fluid to lubricate them – this allows them to glide over each other without friction so your dog can move freely. In a joint affected with OA, there is degeneration of the cartilage and underlying bone, leading to joint instability and pain. The process is a cycle, with these structural changes causing further inflammation and degeneration. This can also cause bone remodelling where there is new bone growth further affecting joint movement as well as weakening of the soft tissue structures around the joint – the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Are you worried that your dog is suffering from sensitive skin? Both genetic factors and environmental factors can cause skin sensitivity in dogs – and identifying the reason behind your dog’s skin problems will make finding the correct treatment much easier. Below we’ve explained how to spot the symptoms of sensitive skin, what causes it, and some of the ways you can help to keep your dog’s skin healthy. The signs of sensitive skin in dogs