Heart conditions in dogs are not unusual but the one most often seen, particularly in Great Danes Boxers or Cocker Spaniels is known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The heart becomes enlarged so the heart muscle becomes weaker causing the heart not to be able to pump...
Overweight pets are increasingly common the world over, and in South Africa. Why? Because most pet owners show their love for their pets by overfeeding or handing out treats. So much so that obesity in dogs and cats has become the number one health problem experienced...
My pet has diarrhoea. Should I see my vet? Vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms and are not diseases in themselves, but are symptoms of underlying disease. It is important to look at the pet and the other symptoms in order to make a diagnosis and choose the...
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when there is a decrease of thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid hormones are very important as they affect almost all functions of metabolism. The cause of hypothyroidism is not usually known, but we do know that most of the time the...
Puppy training may seem like a bit of a luxury, or unnecessary effort to some pet owners, but as trainer Janina Kruger points out what you put in at the beginning pays rewards in the long-term. Dogs that are not trained as puppies tend to exhibit a range of...
Eye problems in pet may go unnoticed, especially in busy and boisterous animals. If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, he or she may have eye problems that necessitate a visit to the vet. Eye problems: symptoms Squinting or holding the eye closed (the...
Dog bites are usually preventable yet thousands of people are bitten by dogs every year, with children being the most likely victims. Dog bites: what you should know • Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention. • Most dog bites affecting young...
Finding fun stuff for dogs to do during lockdown is essential. Bored dogs become depressed and destructive so keeping them physically and mentally stimulated will go a long way to saving your furniture, and your sanity. A dog's nose is an excellent place to start....
Tick bite fever causes disease and death in thousands of dogs in South Africa. It poses a serious danger to dogs all year round and should never be ignored. Ticks are carriers of multiple diseases like ehrlichia (tick bite fever) and biliary (tick fever / babesia)...
Kidney stones in dogs and cats are not commonly encountered but they are important to diagnose as they can have a significant impact on a pet’s life. One of the main functions of the kidney is to filter waste products such as mineral salts and toxins. These products...
Winter illnesses in pets are not necessarily season-specific but they do tend to occur with greater frequency during the colder months. Taking steps early on to prevent or contain them can make a big difference to how your pet responds, and to his quality of life....
Distemper in dogs (or hondesiekte) is a very contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory (lungs and nose), gastro-intestinal and nervous system of dogs. It has also been found in lions and wild dogs in South Africa. Distemper: how it spreads Distemper is...