When discussing a dog's health, we tend to talk more about the liver, kidneys and digestion than the lymphatic system, although in my view even those subjects do not receive enough attention. The lymphatic system is often overlooked despite its important role in the body's clean-up processes, immune defence and...
Faddy was recently found to have a heart problem and was prescribed furosemide to help remove excess fluid from his body. As this is all still quite new, I do not want to draw major conclusions about his story or add facts that we simply do not have yet. His...
This time, I want to share my own experience of how easily we can fall into the trap of thinking, “I simply have an older dog at home.” I know Faddy inside out. I know his quirks, habits and characteristic behaviours almost without thinking. Yet last week, I realised that when...
Dehydration in dogs can develop more quickly in summer than we might expect. Hot weather, activity and constant panting make the body work harder and increase the need for fluids. The problem is that a dog cannot always tell us when they are thirsty or feeling unwell. By the time...
We all know that our dogs will grow older one day, but admitting it is not always easy. Especially when they still rush to the doorbell, their eyes light up for a treat and every now and then they produce an especially joyful puppy jump. Irene and I were recently...
Aging does not mean a dog has to stay on the sofa. To preserve muscle mass and function, an older dog needs suitable movement, adequate nutrition and a reason to keep taking part in the world around them. As a dog ages, the body changes. They may sleep more, move more...
Most of us have probably heard the old rule that one dog year equals seven human years. It is a convenient calculation, but real life is much more interesting. Dogs do not age in a linear way, and their size matters in particular: during the first years of life they...
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, but this is one of those cases where “more is better” simply does not apply. Dogs need vitamin D, among other things, for normal calcium and phosphorus metabolism and to support bone health. Vitamin D receptors are also found in cells of...
Your dog vomits once, looks at you, shakes it off, and five minutes later asks for food. Panic? Usually not. With vomiting, however, there are always two questions: is there a red flag that needs prompt veterinary attention, and if not, how can you gently support an upset stomach and...
Diarrhea in a cat can be a one-day unpleasant episode or the first sign of a problem that should not be watched at home for a week “to see what happens.” What matters is not only what the stool looks like. Look at the whole cat: is your cat eating,...
