10th October 2018
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 returning from Vietnam during the 1970’s were found to be infected. The disease seems to […]
26th September 2018
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 you feed your dog, experts stress the importance of consulting […]
26th September 2018
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 hiding illness and the signs and symptoms may be so subtle […]
25th September 2018
Kennel Cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs commonly contract kennel cough where large numbers of dogs gather, like boarding kennels, daycare facilities, in parks and at dog shows. Kennel cough is spread through airborne droplets, direct contact (e.g., touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water/food bowls). It’s […]
14th September 2018
Canine distemper virus infects dogs and other mammals, including ferrets, but does not infect cats. Dogs of all ages are susceptible if not previously immunised, although infection is most common in puppies less than 16 weeks of age. Vaccination is your dog’s best protection. There is currently no available medication that can destroy the virus that […]
10th September 2018
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 (gum disease) occurs. It starts when bacteria combine […]
10th September 2018
Emergencies are impossible to predict and sometimes difficult to read, especially when it comes to a pet. Most pet owners will wait several hours, or sometimes days, before taking a pet to the vet believing that whatever ails their dog or cat may resolve itself, or can be helped with a bit of TLC at […]
3rd September 2018
Losing a pet is one of the toughest things any pet owner will go through. It is especially tough if you have to take the decision to have your pet euthanased Preparing for euthanasia: our vet’s advice And then there’s how to dispose of the body. It is illegal to bury your pet in your garden […]
31st August 2018
Rabies is not a ‘farm animal’ disease; all mammals are at risk of rabies and in South Africa, more dogs carry rabies than any other animal. That’s why veterinarians are urging pet owners to please vaccinate their pets. You might think you’re safe in the suburbs but rabies is endemic in SA. It knows no […]
22nd August 2018
For any dog owner, witnessing your beloved pet having a seizure or fitting episode can be a terrifying experience. Seizures or fits are the result of disease and your veterinarian will need to run several tests on your dog to determine the cause. “The most important thing you can do as an owner is not […]
