Health

You love your dog just the way they are, so you probably won’t worry too much if they seem to put on just a few extra pounds. But from a health point of view, size really does matter! Although weighing your dog and monitoring their weight regularly is a good idea, this can be tricky as there is a lot of variation between breeds and it’s not always easy to know what is right for your pet. That’s where dog body condition scoring can make things easier. What is the dog body condition score? Dog body condition scoring allows you to assess the amount of fat your dog is carrying, it is easy to do at home without scales, and can identify problems in overweight dogs before the scales show a big change. What’s more, the scale applies to nearly every kind of dog, so you can easily check them between visits to the vet whether they’re big, small, wiry or extremely furry! Why is the dog body condition score important? Owning a dog means keeping a close eye on your dog’s body score and working to maintain an 'ideal' score of four or five throughout all stages of your dog's life. This can also decrease the risk of health problems associated with owning an overweight dog. These include arthritis, heart disease and even diabetes, which not only mean large vet bills but an unhappy, uncomfortable dog – more reason than ever to get them in shape! Like people, each one processes their food in a slightly different way, particularly depending on their age and activity level. If your dog gets more calories than they need, those excess calories may be stored as fat, which in the worst case can lead to obesity in dogs. "Learning how to perform a body condition score for your pet, and regularly assessing this in combination with appropriate nutrition and exercise, will ensure you're doing your best for your pet's health and wellbeing", says Zara Boland, Purina's vet.

Nobody likes to think of their dog having worms, but there’s nothing unusual about it – in fact, your puppy or dog has probably had them at some point in their lives! Most puppies are actually born with worms, which are contracted from their mother’s milk, while other dog worms are obtained from fleas or the environment. If you puppy or dog has worms, there’s no need to worry – your vet can help you with treatment. If done speedily, there’s no need for your dog’s health to be compromised at all.

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.

Addison’s disease in dogs is a disorder which is caused by insufficient levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It’s named after Thomas Addison, the British scientist who first discovered the disease. We’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about Addison’s in dogs, including the symptoms and treatment options currently available – keep reading to find out more.

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.

Cherry eye in dogs can appear very alarming, as a red, angry looking lump develops in the corner of your dog’s eye – many say that this looks a bit like a cherry. The condition usually requires surgery, but the good news is that it’s usually very treatable and with speedy veterinary help, your four-legged friend will be on the road to recovery in no time. Keep reading to find out what cherry eye is and the treatment options available.

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition which can lead to blindness. Early detection is key to ensuring the best outcome for your pet, which is why we’ve created this guide to tell you all about the signs to look out for and the treatment options currently available.  

Have you noticed your dog limping for a few steps or holding one of their back legs raised from the ground? This might be a sign of kneecap dislocation, also known as a luxating patella. This condition is actually quite common in dogs, especially when it comes to diminutive breeds. Here is what you need to know about luxating patellas in dogs and how to decide when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet for a check-up.

If you’re getting ready to take your dog on a trip to the countryside, or even on the usual walk in the park, there’s something else to consider besides checking the weather and planning the route: ticks. In particular, a certain type of tick known as the deer tick or the black-legged tick which might carry Lyme disease and infect your pet if it attaches to them. Keep reading to find out more about this tick-borne disease and what you can do to help prevent it.

Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide. Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide.

If you’re suspecting your dog is suffering from a case of conjunctivitis, here’s what you need to know. From causes to symptoms and treatment options, we’ve got you covered. Does your dog seem to have irritated, bloodshot or weepy eyes? Are they blinking a lot or rubbing their face on you or the ground? If the answer is yes, your pooch might be suffering from a case of dog conjunctivitis. Much like the human version, canine conjunctivitis can appear out of nowhere, is unpleasant and will require professional attention. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.

Does your dog love splashing in every puddle they can find? You might be thinking your pet has already discovered canine hydrotherapy by themselves, but this form of therapeutic exercise is much more than just playing in water. If you’re wondering what hydrotherapy for dogs is, and whether your dog can benefit from it, keep reading to discover more about this increasingly popular form of physical therapy. What is canine hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy for dogs uses water to facilitate rehabilitation of pets suffering from various conditions or injuries, particularly for joint conditions or to help build up muscle again after surgery. Water helps to support a dog’s weight so that they can start the road to recovery with lower-impact movements that are not too taxing on their joints. Sometimes these exercises will be targeted to help treat a particular body-part, and other exercises might aim to increase general fitness and wellbeing. There are different types of canine hydrotherapy, so before you book your dog’s first session, it’s important to make sure your pet is getting the best treatment for their condition by discussing the available options with your vet.