DOGS AND PUPPIES
Top tips on giving your dog a bath
Rub a dub dub, it’s time for a scrub! For some pooches, bath time is no big deal and they are willing participants as their owners scrub the mud off their paws and belly. For others, however, bath time can be a source of stress and anxiety (for dog and owner alike). Baths are not…
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Skin problems in dogs
Skin problems are very common in dogs, especially in the warmer months. In fact, probably as many as 1 in 5 consultations at our clinics are in some way related to skin or coat problems in our pet dogs and cats. Skin conditions range from just being “itchy” to having a major life changing impact…
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Can dogs have allergies?
An allergic reaction is a reaction that the body displays when it is faced with an “allergen” – which is the substance causing the reaction. Common allergens are: Flea bites, fleas and their faeces Food – not necessarily a new food. Dogs can become allergic to food they have been eating for a while. Environmental…
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Separation anxiety in puppies
As any owner of a dog with separation anxiety will tell you, it is a behavioural disorder that is best prevented as it can be notoriously difficult to treat. Not only does it cause a great deal of stress to the affected dogs, it can also make it difficult for their owners to lead a…
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Neutering your dog
Neutering is a surgical procedure that is also known as ‘castration’ in males or ‘spaying’ in females. While dogs can be neutered at any stage in their adult life we generally recommend having your pup neutered between the ages of six and twelve months, depending on their breed. Larger dogs are slower to grow and…
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Top tips on playing with your puppy
Puppies, by nature, absolutely love to play. In fact, some owners will underestimate just how lively and eager a young dog can be. Most would play all day if we let them, rarely tiring of their toys. As an owner, it can be a challenge keeping these little mites entertained. Playing with your puppy is…
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Taking your puppy out for their first walk
While it may seem like the most natural thing in the world, not every puppy will automatically understand how to go on a walk. In fact, for some, it can be a strange and scary experience that leaves them feeling uncertain and anxious. Being bombarded with lots of new smells, sights and sounds all at…
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Protecting your puppy against parasites
Even those amongst us who aren’t squeamish would have to admit that the thought of parasites either inside or outside your young puppy is enough to leave your skin crawling! Thankfully, nowadays, we have safe and effective products available which can rid our furry friends of these pesky critters. Most breeders will provide parasite prevention…
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How to improve your dog's bad breath
Is doggy breath normal? Bad breath in dogs is not normal, but it is common! Puppies always have sweet smelling breath because they do not yet have a build-up of the bacteria that causes bad breath. If you have a dog that likes kissing you, you will soon notice if their breath is a bit…
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Dental disease – the risk of not taking care of your dog's teeth
What do we mean by taking care of our dog's teeth? By taking care of our dog's teeth, we really mean brushing them, with a brush and tooth paste. Other things such as chews, mouthwash and special food can also be helpful in addition, but should not be viewed as an alternative. The symptoms of…
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How to brush your dog's teeth and why you should do it
Why you should brush your dog’s teeth If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, they will almost certainly develop some degree of dental disease as they get older. Some breeds will get it much worse than others and at a relatively younger age. Not only is bad breath unpleasant to live with; it also means…
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Top 6 dog walks in the UK
The New Year has rung in and what better way to kick start your resolutions, than to go on an adventure with your canine pal! We’ve compiled some stunning, dog friendly walks across the UK – so what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots, poo bags and your dog’s lead and off you…
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Settling your puppy into their new home
So, the big day has arrived and that precious puppy you have been waiting for is finally home with you. Initially, it can be a bit of a shock to the system – for both you and them! However, there are a number of things that can be done to ensure they settle in effortlessly…
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Puppy Socialisation
As the Scout motto tells us: ‘Be prepared’. Socialising puppies from an early age sets them up for success and prevents a multitude of potential issues as they get older. The more we learn about our canine companions, the clearer it has become that socialisation is an essential part of their development and one that…
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Train your dog to walk perfectly on a lead
You don't have to be very observant to realise that the most common problem owners experience outside the home, is their dog’s tendency to pull on the lead. Even many dogs that learn not to pull at a training class, tend to drag their owners from pillar to post once they escape the confines of…
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Body condition score your dog
Over 50% of dogs in the UK are overweight. Being overweight can lead to the following problems: Reduced life expectancy Chronic inflammation Cancer Metabolic and endocrine disorders Orthopaedic and joint diseases Skin diseases Respiratory disorders. Obesity is just a term given to individuals that are extremely overweight. But how do you know if your dog…
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What to do if someone pets your dog without permission
For some owners, it can be worrying and stressful if their dog is approached and/ or touched by other people or children. Not all dogs are the sort of dogs that want to say “Hi“ to everyone. It doesn't mean they are aggressive. However, dogs that do not like their personal space invaded can behave…
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Looking after your older dog
Sadly, a dog’s lifespan is relatively short compared to our own, and dogs are often referred to as “senior” after the tender age of seven! In very large breeds, such as Great Danes, it is even earlier. Many dogs will however still be perfectly sprightly until much later than this, even into their teens. The…
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What to do if a loose dog approaches you on a walk
Dogs are unpredictable creatures. If you come across an unfamiliar dog on a walk, it is not always going to be a friendly meeting. If worse still you see a dog approaching which is not on a lead, it can cause a lot of anxiety both for dog and owner. Here are some tips of…
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Noise Phobia in dogs
What is noise phobia? A phobia is the irrational fear of something. The word phobia suggests that the fear response is out of proportion to the source of the fear. This certainly can be the case for dogs who are frightened by noises – noise phobia. How and why does noise phobia develop? Fear of…
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