Health

Your dog will always do their best to love and protect you, and you can do the same by having them microchipped. Microchipping dogs means that should they ever go missing, you are giving them the best chance of being found and safely returned to you as soon as possible – even if it is with a guilty look on their face and their tail between their legs! There are many reasons your dog or puppy may go missing. They might get scared by another dog, a loud firework or rumble of thunder, or they may even become disoriented or distracted by a new environment – such as if you’re going on a new walk or have just moved house. If the worst happens and your dog gets lost, a microchip can help to ensure that they’re returned to you safe and sound. Of course, you should still make sure that your dog’s wearing a collar with an ID tag with your contact details on, but sometimes these can get lost or removed. A dog or puppy microchip will always stay safely in place. If you’ve recently got a new puppy, you might be wondering about what to expect from puppy microchipping, keep reading to find out how much to microchip a dog and the current dog microchip laws. What is a microchip? A dog or puppy microchip is a tiny computer chip that’s about the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique code which corresponds with your pup’s details. The actual process of microchipping is relatively fast and simple and can help you reunite with your four-legged friend if they wander away from home. When your dog is found, a vet or animal shelter can scan the embedded microchip to find your details from the microchip database, then they’ll contact you to collect your pet. How do microchips work? When you make your appointment, your vet will talk you through the process of puppy microchipping. Then, once you’re happy to proceed, they will insert a tiny microchip – about the size of a large grain of rice – under your dog’s skin. The procedure only takes a matter of seconds and is relatively painless and the actual sensation is said to be similar to what we feel when we have our ears pierced. Once the dog microchip is in place, that’s it, your dog won’t even know it’s there! The way microchips actually work is because of the unique 15-digit code, which is logged in a national database along with your details including your name, address and emergency telephone number.

Arthritis in dogs is the biggest cause of chronic pain, particularly in older pets. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, your pet can continue to lead a happy life. Arthritis in dogs is an extremely common condition and the main cause of chronic pain in dogs. According to Canine Arthritis Management, Osteoarthritis affects an estimated four out of five older dogs, and sadly it’s progressive – meaning that it cannot be cured and gradually worsens. However, there are plenty of management options available to help slow the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Many dogs continue to live a happy and otherwise healthy life after diagnosis. If you suspect your senior dog has arthritis, you’ll probably be wondering about the symptoms and the current dog arthritis treatment and management options available. To help, we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs. What is arthritis in dogs? There are different types of arthritis in dogs, but usually we are referring to Osteoarthritis (OA). In a healthy joint, the bone surfaces are covered in a thin layer of smooth cartilage with a small amount of joint fluid to lubricate them – this allows them to glide over each other without friction so your dog can move freely. In a joint affected with OA, there is degeneration of the cartilage and underlying bone, leading to joint instability and pain. The process is a cycle, with these structural changes causing further inflammation and degeneration. This can also cause bone remodelling where there is new bone growth further affecting joint movement as well as weakening of the soft tissue structures around the joint – the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

We answer some of the most common questions owners have about puppy neutering and spaying. Bringing a mischievous bundle of fur home is so much fun. When you’re teaching your puppy to sit and tickling their tummy, it’s unlikely that the thought of them having their own litter will even cross your mind. However, puppies can start to reach sexual maturity from around 6-7 months old up to 18 months, dependent on their breed size, and may therefore become pregnant earlier than you might otherwise have realise! As a new dog owner, you’ll have to think about whether you want your dog to breed or not from a relatively early age. Neutering your dog will help them avoid any unplanned pregnancies and may have a number of other health, behavioural and social benefits. However, there are also some disadvantages, and depending on your particular puppy these may outweigh the advantages of neutering, even if you do not want to breed from them. Your veterinary practice should be able to help you decide what is best for your puppy. What is neutering? Surgical neutering Neutering is a common operation which involves surgically preventing pets from reproducing by removing some or all of the reproductive organs. For male puppies this involves the removal of the testicles, and is called ‘castration’. For females the procedure means the removal of their ovaries and sometimes uterus, and is called ‘spaying’. In male dogs, neutering tends to be minimally invasive unless the dog’s testicles haven’t dropped. If your dog’s testicles haven’t dropped by 6-9 months of age, then they will need to be assessed by your vet. These dogs should not be bred from. For bitches, neutering is slightly more invasive than in males. It may be performed by an incision along her tummy to remove the ovaries and uterus. Alternatively, some veterinary practices offer the option of spaying via keyhole surgery, which is less invasive and may speed up recovery time. However, the decision as to which approach to take should be based on a discussion with your vet. Both operations are carried out under general anaesthetic. They will involve a small risk – as with any surgical procedure – but techniques and monitoring during anaesthetic minimise risks as much as possible. It also means your puppy will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Pain relief and anti-inflammatories will also be provided by the veterinary practice at the time of the procedure, and you will often also be given some to take home as part of your puppy’s aftercare. You will also usually have one or two post-operative checks with your puppy, with a vet or vet nurse. This will enable them to monitor healing, and remove any stitches at the appropriate time if, in female dogs, stitches have been placed. If and when you are thinking about neutering your puppy, the best source of reliable information and advice is your vet. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have about what is involved in the procedure, possible side effects, the cost of neutering a puppy, and more. Chemical neutering There may be reasons you would prefer not to have your dog neutered surgically. In these cases, it is also possible to administer injections and tablets that can prevent your dog from breeding. This avoids surgery, and does enable your pet to breed later in life if wished, but the treatment does need to be administered regularly. There is some risk of side effects and there is an ongoing cost, but this may be a preferential option for some dogs. Your vet will be able to provide further information on this option. When should I neuter my puppy? Your dog or bitch will start to reach sexual maturity from around 6-7 months old up to 18 months, dependent on the size of the breed. The best age to neuter is a controversial subject and does differ according both to the size and breed of your dog. If wanting to avoid unwanted pregnancies it may be better to neuter your puppy at a younger age, and neutering can be carried out before the first season in females, but some vets will advise waiting longer. Particularly in larger breeds, especially male dogs, waiting until fully mature may be advised. There is no clear evidence of the optimum approach, however, and you should discuss what may be best for your individual puppy with your vet. What are the advantages and disadvantages of neutering my puppy? There are several health, behavioural and social reasons why neutering your puppy may be advisable and likely to be of benefit to them, and to you. However, although there are plenty of advantages there are also some potential disadvantages and neutering may not be an appropriate decision for every dog. The benefits of the procedure also vary depending on gender.

Many owners are concerned about mites in dogs, how they can be prevented, and how affected dogs can be treated. We’ve put together a guide on dog mites to help you out. What are dog mites? Mites are tiny creatures, usually under a millimetre long, that burrow into your dog’s skin and cause irritation and inflammation. Mites are a fairly common health concern for dogs. They are parasites that can cause a range of skin conditions, from dry skin to hair loss. Mites live in the fur, or sometimes in the ears, and can make life uncomfortable for your dog. Mites are also what cause ‘mange’, a well-known skin condition in dogs. What health conditions do dog mites cause? If your pet is infested with dog mites, it is known as a condition called mange. The common types are “sarcoptic mange” and “demodectic mange”. Other conditions caused by mites include cheyletiellosis, and trombiculosis, also known as “harvest mite” infestation. Ear mites live in the ear canals of dogs and can cause severe discomfort, so spotting and treating ear mites is extremely important.

Pomeranians are one of the most popular toy dog breeds and it’s easy to see why with their larger-than-life personalities and cuddly looks. However, their popularity has also led to some common health issues in Pomeranians which can perhaps, in part, be attributed to irresponsible breeding practices. Keep reading to find out about health problems in Pomeranians which can affect the breed and how to reduce the risk of purchasing a puppy that’s predisposed to certain conditions. Common health issues in Pomeranians Pomeranians are currently classed as category two by the UK Kennel Clubwhich means that they have particular points of concern which, if they become exaggerated, may affect the breed in the future. The most common health problems in Pomeranians are described below. Collapsed trachea

Chihuahuas may be small, but their big personality, comic nature, and fierce loyalty are part of their charm, as you’ll soon discover when you welcome one of these tiny companions into your life. Although you’ll see their bubbly attitude on full display as you get to know each other better, when it comes to health and well-being, there are a few health problems in Chihuahuas that owners should be aware of from day one. Chihuahuas are a relatively healthy breed, but if you want to make sure potential signs of trouble don’t go undetected, here are some of the common health issues in Chihuahuas to keep an eye out for. Common health problems in Chihuahuas Luxating patella

Pugsare so easy to love. They’re intelligent, have a sweet nature and bring plenty of humour to households. They also have huge personalities that somehow manage to fit into their small statures. You might not guess it when you see them strutting confidently around the house, but some of the characteristics that make them so endearing might cause certain health conditions that are typical for these little fellows. This doesn’t make them any less loveable, but owners should be aware of the specific Pug health problems. The sooner the symptoms are recognised and treatment can be offered, the quicker your dog can go back to being the awesome pups they are. The 9 most common Pug health problems you should know about Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

French Bulldogs have become an incredibly popular breed in recent years, which is due to their adorable bat-like ears paired with their wrinkly face, alongside their quirky and playful personalities. Sadly, this popularity has also had a downside and there’s now a long list of French Bulldog health problems that have arisen due to irresponsible breeding practices. French Bulldog health problems French Bulldogs are currently classed as a category 2 by the UK Kennel Club which means they have some particular points of concern. The most common health issues to affect the breed are listed below. French Bulldog respiratory system disorders

If you’ve spotted that your dog has weepy eyes, it’s likely you’re wondering what the possible causes are. Find out all you need to know about runny eyes in dogs and when to seek veterinary help in this guide. Our dogs’ eyes are incredibly precious – they help our canine friends explore and discover the world. So, when we notice something slightly out of the ordinary such as our dog’s eyes watering, it’s only natural that we feel a sense of panic. What causes runny eyes in dogs? Weepy or runny eyes in dogs is actually a fairly common problem and the causes of it can range from something as normal as wind or dirt getting in their eye to more serious health issues such as glaucoma. Some of the most common causes are: • Eye infections • Corneal ulcers • Eye injuries • Dry eye • Eyelash issues • Eyelid issues • Wind exposure • Eye lumps • Something stuck in the eye • Breed-related issues What other symptoms may be present? Alongside your dog’s weepy eyes, you may see the following symptoms: • Rubbing their eyes • Squinting • Holding their eyes closed • Redness • Swelling • Cloudy eyes If your dog has weepy eyes after a walk but the problem quickly clears up, then it may well have just been caused by a sharp wind or little bit of debris. If the weepiness lasts longer or you notice any of the symptoms listed above, seek advice from your vet. Discharge colour One of the things you should look at if your dog has runny eyes is the colour of the discharge, as this will give you some clues as to the cause of the problem.

Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ from what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide. Can dogs have strokes? Yes, dogs can have strokes, although they are thought to be a lot less common than in humans. While in people, symptoms include paralysis on one side of the body, and facial drooping, these symptoms are extremely rare in pets. In fact, many of the symptoms of stroke in dogs are relatively non-specific and can be indications of a variety of other medical conditions. This means that diagnosis can be challenging, and in many cases, we might never know the underlying cause. Keep reading to find out about the possible dog stroke symptoms and treatment options available, so you know what to look for and when to seek help. What is a stroke? A stroke is the result of reduced blood flow to the brain which deprives the brain cells of sufficient oxygen, resulting in cell death or injury. Usually, a stroke will occur very suddenly, and the damage caused can range from mild to severe, which may depend on which part of the brain is affected. Some mild strokes can even go undetected. Causes of strokes in dogs To understand the different causes of strokes in dogs, it is helpful to learn about the two broad categories. Firstly, there are ischemic strokes which can be caused by blood clots, tumours, bacteria or parasites. In the event of an ischemic stroke, there is a blockage in a blood vessel, disrupting blood and oxygen supply to the brain. The other type of stroke is referred to as a haemorrhagic stroke, which is where blood vessels rupture and leak blood into the brain. This type can be caused by trauma, and some diseases or clotting disorders. All dog breeds can suffer from a stroke, but there are certain breeds which are more predisposed to the underlying causes, including King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and Greyhounds.

Your bitch is about to become a proud mum, and soon she’ll have some adorable new pups to care for – how exciting! The great news is that most canine pregnancies are problem-free and dogs generally make excellent mothers. Even though dog birthing problems are very rare, there are a few things to keep an eye on before, during and after labour. If you’re at all worried at any stage your vet will be more than happy to give you advice. Things to look out for during dog pregnancy Although dogs usually enjoy hassle-free pregnancies, there are a few signs that could suggest complications. Contact your vet if:

Ever wondered what your dog’s teeth look like? Take a look at our canine dental chart to explore dog teeth anatomy, the different types and what they’re used for.