A German Shepherd, Saint Bernard or Great Dane can take up a considerable amount of space at home. Sadly, many large and giant breeds have a shorter average lifespan than smaller dogs. I previously wrote about a study comparing the health histories of tens of thousands of dogs in an...
When a dog begins taking stairs more slowly, getting up stiffly after rest or falling behind on walks, people sometimes attribute it to old age. But joint problems are not confined to senior dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament injuries and various forms of joint inflammation can also...
I have always believed that our dogs' lives are far too short as it is. That is why I have promised myself to do everything within my power for their well-being. If the day comes when I must make a difficult decision, my dog's quality of life must come first,...
Dogs love routine. Every dog owner has probably heard that phrase, but for a long time I never stopped to consider what it actually means to a dog. Are dogs waiting for an exact time? Or do they benefit more from a predictable sequence: going outside after waking up, relaxing...
A dog that keeps begging may need a health check or a better-suited food. Learn about EPI, diabetes, appetite genes and the 30-day food trial.
We often look for the causes of a dog's stress outside the home: thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar dogs or being left alone. But how often do we ask what impact our own tone of voice, movements or expectations might have? Researching this subject made me look in the mirror. I realised...
A dry paw pad, an abrasion, a burn and a paw that is constantly being licked are not the same problem. The most useful first step is to look at what the damage actually is and only then decide whether it needs simple care, first aid or a veterinarian. I have...
Canine dementia is being discussed more and more, yet it is still very easy to put changes in an older dog down to age alone. They sleep more, move more slowly, no longer react in quite the same way, sometimes become confused in familiar places or grow restless in the...
I read holistic veterinarian Dr Odette Suter's discussion of the foundations of canine health. She describes something I have heard all too often: “I've tried everything.” The real question is frequently what exactly was tried, and why. I like her point that a symptom may not tell the whole story....
My dogs have eaten from stainless-steel bowls for years. I actually love glass bowls too, but I'm not convinced they would be a great idea with Faddu and Ossu. When two big dogs decide to move through the kitchen at once, a bowl can easily go flying. Faddu can even...
