Could your Dog be Suffering from Canine Acne?

Everyone knows of acne as a human condition suffered by unfortunate teenagers during adolescence, but it is in fact quite common in certain breeds of dog too. The most susceptible breeds are young adult boxers, English bulldogs, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes and Rottweilers. The condition starts at puberty around 5 to 8 months of age. Most dogs improve with age and the condition typically resolves after one year of age, though some dogs can develop chronic acne. Dogs with canine acne develop multiple... Read more »

Canine Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis/Eczema)

Also known as Acute Moist Dermatitis or Moist Eczema, Hot Spots can seemingly appear spontaneously anywhere on a dogs body and the area involved can rapidly spread. This raw, unsightly skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is a bacterial infection. There are a number of kinds of bacteria that can be cultured from a hot spot and fortunately most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. Anything that irritates or breaks the skin can create the right environment for bacterial... Read more »

Why is my Dog Scratching?

Scratching is a common symptom in dogs, and a whole range of underlying causes can be responsible. If your dog is scratching, it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible, as self trauma can cause secondary injuries that may extend the duration, and cost, of treatment. So, if you have noticed your dog scratching, what should you do about it? Firstly, ask yourself when was the last time I put anti-flea medication on him/her? Most spot-on flea products only provide protection for a month,... Read more »

Physiotherapy for Arthritic Pets

There have been great advances in the medical management of arthritis in pets but only recently has the veterinary world embraced the multitude of theories and complimentary therapies widely used within the medical world. One of the most proven methods of maintaining mobility in arthritic joints is physiotherapy (otherwise known as physical therapy) and the more advanced the mobility problems are, the more important this complimentary therapy becomes. In this article I hope to introduce you to the... Read more »

Disaster Preparedness For Your Pet: Part 2

2) During a Disaster -Make sure all your pets are inside immediately: Some animals can foresee severe weather changes, and may be spooked by an approaching storm, causing them to run away. The earlier you get them inside, the less likely this is to happen. -Separate dogs and cats: though your dog and cat may be best friends, the anxiety caused by a disaster can cause them to act completely out of character. Animals that normally get along may show fear related aggression to one another. -If you must... Read more »

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?

Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail. Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to... Read more »

Is Your Dog Terrified Of Fireworks?

Noise fears or phobias in dogs are among the most common of the behavioral problems, but are frequently ineffectively managed. They are most easily treated with early identification and intervention where possible. So what are the signs to look out for? - Inappetance - Increased restlessness, shaking or trembling - Hiding - Panting - Drooling - Tucked tail, ears back or a crouched posture - Destructiveness (e.g. chewing or scratching) - Defecation (sometimes with diarrhea) - Vomiting - Vocalisation... Read more »

Fleas: How To Rid Your Pet Of Them

There are several different types of flea, but by far the most common is Ctenocephalides felis felis, also known as the cat flea. Though it is called the cat flea, it is the species most often found on dogs as well. Unless your pet has a severe infestation, he/she is probably not bothered by the odd flea, unless he/she has a flea allergy. However, since these unpleasant insects also bite humans we are, not surprisingly, somewhat intolerant of them. This article discusses how to tell whether your... Read more »

Does Your Pet Have Worms?

Of the ailments pets can suffer from, worms may not be the most dangerous to an animals health, but they are one of the most unpleasant from an owners perspective. Not only can they cause weight loss and mild diarrhea in your pet, they are also unsightly and some of them can be transmitted to humans. There are 4 different types of worms that affect dogs and cats: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. These very greatly in both the part of the intestinal tract that they live in and the effect... Read more »

Moving House - Cats and the Settling in Period

Moving house can be a very stressful time for your cat. Territorial battles may occur with other local cats. This article is based on a question asked at the Why Does My Pet…? Question and Answer service. Q. I just moved to a house that was vacant for over a year and a few neighborhood cats think it’s their territory. One of them is much bigger than my cat and has attacked my cat three times now even though my cat ran under the house to get away. Is there anything I can do to signal to... Read more »