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...
Anti-inflammatory painkillers, or NSAIDs, can give a dog in pain something very important back: the ability to get up, move, walk and live with less pain. In osteoarthritis, they are also among the best-studied pain-relieving medicines. This article did not come from a position of being against medicines in principle. Quite...
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...
For decades, spaying and neutering dogs was often treated as a fairly simple choice: if a dog was not going to be used for breeding, the ovaries or testicles were removed. This prevents unwanted litters and reduces the risk of several diseases of the reproductive system. For me, the question has...
Joint problems are not only an issue for old dogs. Osteoarthritis can develop as a result of trauma, a developmental joint disorder, dysplasia, excess weight or long-term uneven loading, and some dogs begin to need joint support at a fairly young age. This topic is very personal to me. Oscar has an elbow...
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...
Glucosamine is one of the best-known supplements used to support canine joints. It can be found in tablets, powders, complex joint formulas and sometimes together with chondroitin. At the same time, precursors and structural components related to glucosamine occur naturally in cartilage and connective tissue, while green-lipped mussel contains a...
Turmeric has been one of those things in our home that I have instinctively reached for when inflammation flares up. Because of the anatomical problem in Ossu’s elbow, his left elbow sometimes becomes swollen. More than once I have seen the swelling look smaller, occasionally as soon as the next...
