Feline Leukaemia Virus is highly contagious and easily spread, though cats who are infected may show no signs of the disease for months or even years. The disease slowly weakens the immune system, exposing the cat to other life-threatening ailments like kidney disease...
Walking your dog should be a pleasurable and health-giving activity enjoyed by you and your dog. Unfortunately, for many dog owners, a walk is often an out-of-control disaster zone. To help you control the chaos of leashed walks, consider the following: Leashes...
Tick bite fever is a relatively common illness in South Africa, particularly as the weather warms and ticks become more plentiful. Known by its Latin name, Ehrlichiosis, this infectious disease first gained attention as a significant disease when military dogs...
Vegan diets are kinder to the environment and to farm animals, but is it healthy to restrict a dog exclusively to veganism? Before considering a vegan diet for your best friend, it is important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks. Regardless of the diet...
If you’re planning to take your dog along on your next holiday, there are some important preparations that need to be made before you leave home. Protect your dog against parasites. Your own garden may be parasite-free (or so you think) but if your holiday includes...
Senior cats, like people, need more focussed healthcare and attention as they age. Most vets consider cats 'senior' from the age of 7 and will recommend six-monthly wellness checkups rather than the usual annual veterinary exam. This is because cats are very good at...
Pets need their teeth cleaned just as humans do. Few pet owners diligently follow this practice and that's why 85 percent of all pets have gum disease and infection by the time they are 3 years of age. Like humans, if teeth aren't cleaned regularly periodontal disease...
New puppy owners are understandably anxious about what to feed their babies. There are so many food choices out there, as well as the latest fads and fashions and this can be confusing. However, feeding your new puppy the correct diet from day one will set up him for...
Vaccinations have become a hot topic on the internet and as a result there's a lot of conflicting and confusing information out there. If you have concerns, please remember that your veterinarian has all the updated scientific information at her fingertips. Ask her...
Workouts are more commonly associated with humans and Virgin Active but pets, particularly those that are ageing, need to maintain an active lifestyle too. Regular exercise promotes muscle strength, joint flexibility and overall health and is particularly important to...
Prostate cancer, or adenocarcinoma, is a malignant tumour originating in the glandular tissue, in this case the tissue of the prostate gland. It can grow and metastasize rapidly to other parts and organs of the body, including the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes....
Sexually transmitted diseases are not something one naturally associates with animals but venereal tumours do unfortunately occur all too often in South Africa. Transmissible venereal tumour, or TVT, is a naturally occurring tumour that is sexually transmitted from...