Caring for your dog's health

Your dog is your best friend, so obviously you want what is best for them. Our vet-approved content has been created to help you better understand your dog and their behaviours, so that you can keep them happy and healthy.

What do behaviour changes in dogs mean? 

If you notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, you’re likely to feel alarmed, especially if a calm family pet suddenly becomes aggressive or an outgoing one becomes timid. You might even wonder if it’s real, or if you’re imagining it.

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.

What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes in dogs is a serious, hormonal condition that can easily go undiagnosed. Why? Because symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. However, if you know what to look for, some simple checks could save your dog from a host of unpleasant side-effects or more grave consequences.

Arthritis in dogs

When your dog starts behaving differently, it’s very natural to feel concerned. There could be a number of causes, but if they seem slower or less playful then it may be arthritis pain. This condition affects up to 40% of dogs at some point in their life, including those in their early years*. We can help you recognise the signs of arthritis in dogs so you can talk through treatment options with your vet. Even if your dog has already been diagnosed with arthritis, it’s well worth finding out about ways to alleviate their pain. Together, we can ensure your dog has the quality of life they deserve.

Dog Arthritis

Find out more about arthritis in dogs

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.

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. 

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.

Skin conditions in dogs

Skin conditions are one of the top three reasons why pet owners take their dog to the vet**. It’s important to spot the signs of irritation caused by skin conditions and get them treated early and effectively. This can prevent the condition getting worse, allowing your dog to get on with being their fun-loving self.

Dog Skin Conditions

Find out more about itchy skin conditions in dogs

The surprising link between your dog’s food and chronic itching

It's heartbreaking for any dog owner to see their pet struggle with skin issues. The scratching, itching, and visible soreness can be difficult to watch – and you just want to help them feel better.

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.

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

Spot the signs of a skin condition that needs attention

References

* Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract 2022;63(8):609-618.

** Singleton DA, McGarry J, Rodriguez Torres J, et al. Small animal disease surveillance 2019: pruritus, pharmacosurveillance, skin tumours and flea infestations. Vet Rec. 2019 Oct 19;185(15):470-475.