I have always explained to my clients that it is so important to keep on top of their pet's health. The age old saying is " Prevention is better than cure" and I couldn't agree more! A typical example is dental disease.

So many times I encourage owners to keep an eye on their dog's teeth regularly as well as consider dental chews, dental biscuits or tooth brushing. However, time after time their dogs return to me ages 7 - 8 onwards with appauling dental disease. These dogs primarily seem to be the small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas for example with small, crowded mouths. The end result is a full general anesthetic and multiple teeth to be removed. 

Your vet is a pretty significant figure in your dog’s life – and thus, in yours. Hopefully, you will only ever need him or her for routine checkups and preventative procedures; but just in case, it’s worth taking the time to develop a good relationship with a suitable vet, before you need their services.

WHERE TO LOOK

Sure, you could just pick a vet at random from the Yellow Pages or from an Internet search; but having the right vet is crucial to your dog’s health and happiness (and, presumably, this plays at least some part in your own happiness and peace of mind as an owner, right?)

Think about it this way: if you were trying to choose a doctor for yourself, would you be happy to just select one at random from an impersonal list?

Well a bit of a sad day today. We had a Lulu a 10 year old Labrador come in for xrays as she has had an ongoing cough for the last few months. Initially when she came in for this problem around a month ago - she had all the signs and findings of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection (otherwise known as Kennel cough!) and she was treated for this. With no improvement after a 2 week course of an appropriate antibiotic, the decision was made to take some chest xrays.

This summer I have seen a large number of dogs presenting to the clinic with very itchy bellys, groins, underarms, legs and paws. Any itchy dog that presents to the clinic I get suspicious of a large range of possible potential skin problems ranging from mites to allergies to bacterial/fungal infections and more.

Dogs presenting with itching and dermatitis (skin inflammation) in the above regions however, very commonly have an allergy to something they come in contact with either at home or on walks. Dogs quite commonly develop allergies to plants and grasses as well as sometimes to bedding and floring. These allergies are typically termed contact allergies and seem to be even more common at this time of year with long grass and pollens about.

There are several foods that you should never feed your cat, as they will not only make it feel unwell but in some instances can be extremely detrimental to its health and well-being.

During hot summer months it is important to take extra care of your cat. Be careful to protect your cat from dehydration. Since your cat is unable to communicate with you, you will have to keep a sharp eye on your pet. Watch for any changes in behavior that may be related to heat. If you aren't home enough to keep an eye on your cat, make arrangements for cool living conditions so that your cat doesn't dehydrate and overheat.