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Our areas of expertise

Dog and cat healthcare, including arthritis and skin conditions

More about your dog's health

We cover all kinds of dog healthcare topics, including arthritis and skin conditions. So if your dog has been itchy or slowing down on walks recently, these signs could mean that something is wrong – check out our online assessment tools, resources and articles to learn more.

What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?

How common is arthritis in dogs? Arthritis in dogs is very common. Exact figures vary but it has been estimated to affect up to up to 38% of dogs. There are an estimated 10 million pet dogs in the UK so this means a significant proportion of our pets could be affected with arthritis which can substantially affect their quality of life. 

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How often should I take my dog to the vet?

If you've got a sick dog, your first thought is to call your vet for advice. You'll probably need to take a trip to the practice for them to be seen, and it's greatly reassuring when they've had the once-over and the best care to aid their quick recovery.

Is it old age or signs of dog pain?

Due to advances in veterinary medicine and nutrition, our pets are living for longer which leads to an increasing population of older dogs. This is great news because we want our canine companions to be with us for as long as possible, but it does mean that we need to be aware of the type of problems that our golden oldies can have. This article will explain how to spot the signs of disease in our dogs as they get older-and how to differentiate these signs from the normal aging process.

How to manage arthritis flare ups in dogs

Dogs with arthritis can have good days and bad days, much like their human counterparts, and with any chronic condition there may be days where your dog experiences a flare up (sudden re-appearance of their symptoms) and these need to be managed to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

Myth-Buster Quiz

Think you know everything about skin conditions in dogs? Take our vet-approved Myth-Buster Quiz to see how good your knowledge of common misconceptions is.

Dog Skin Conditions Online Assessment

Is your dog biting, chewing or licking the same part of their body?

Dog Skin Conditions Online Assessment

Does your dog seem to be scratching more than usual?

Dog Skin Conditions Online Assessment

Is your dog waking you up at night scratching?

Check my dog

The most common causes of itchy skin in dogs

There can be a number of possible causes of itchy skin in dogs. Incessant itching could turn that sore spot into a wound, which could easily become infected. Let’s see what could be causing your barking buddy to go crazy with the itching and how best to get them to stop.

More about your cat's health

We cover all kinds of cat healthcare topics, like arthritis in cats. So if your cat isn’t as sprightly as they used to be, this could mean something is wrong – check out our online assessment, resources and articles to learn more.

How to prepare for an arthritis vet check-up

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as arthritis, is a disease that means ‘inflammation of the joint’. It is believed that 80% of cats over the age of 10 years old1, and as many as 90% by 12 years old2, will experience OA in one or more joints – however it’s a relatively under treated and under recognised condition in cats – why? The reason may be because cats express chronic (long term) pain in such a subtle way that it can be difficult for an owner to pick up on it.

Cat Arthritis Online Assessment

Has your cat started having difficulty jumping up or down?

Cat Arthritis Online Assessment

Is your cat having trouble going up and down stairs?

Cat Arthritis Online Assessment

Does your cat seem less playful?

Check my cat

An active cat is a healthy cat - how to keep a stiff cat moving

Exercise is widely recognised as one of the most important factors in helping patients with arthritis stay mobile. And arthritis isn’t just a disease of older cats - we are seeing cats with joint pain as young as 2 years old! If your cat has been slowing down and you suspect it may be arthritis, a great place to start is to talk to your vet.

Making your home easier to navigate for your cat with arthritis pain

Seeing our feline friends slow down as a result of cat arthritis can be very difficult, and can leave us feeling helpless or frustrated. If you are struggling with this, then the good news is that there are things that you can do at home to help your cat. These are often simple changes, and do not require you to buy expensive equipment, but they can still make a big difference to your cat’s quality of life.

Should I wash my cat?

Whether you’re a new cat owner or have been the proud owner to a fur baby for some time now, there’s one thing that all cat owners should be aware of. Grooming is extremely important when it comes to your cat’s health and wellbeing, and we all want our cats to be healthy and happy. In case you find yourself wondering “Should I wash my cat?” we have the answer, as well as some advice on grooming your feline friend to keep them looking purr-fact.

How to get your cat to the vet safely

Getting your cat into its carrier and safely to the vets may be a stressful experience for both you and your cat. However, regular check-ups are important to make sure they stay fit and healthy, and they may have to visit the vets more frequently due to illness. So, how can you try to make it a more positive experience for all involved?