“They’re dogs; they don’t need coats!”
Have you ever heard people say that? Well, thirty years ago I used to say it too.
Continue reading “Do Dogs Really Need Coats?”Do Dogs Really Need Coats?
The Link Between Diet & Heart Disease In Dogs
There’s been talk for some time that certain dog foods could be causing heart disease. I used to think it was a case of vets being biased against grain free and boutique diets. Now I’m not so sure.
Continue reading “The Link Between Diet & Heart Disease In Dogs”Help! My Dog Is Coughing & Gagging
(Quick guide) When your dog has a cough:
- A young, social dog with no other signs of illness is at low risk
- An older dog or any with lethargy or loss of appetite is higher risk
- Dogs with an elevated breathing rate should see a vet urgently
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Is Coughing & Gagging”Grape Sultana & Raisin Poisoning
‘Essential facts (Details Below)’
When A Dog Eats Grape Products
- Grapes are toxic whether dried, fresh or cooked
- The toxic dose is unknown and highly variable
- Removal via vomiting and treatment of kidney damage gives good results
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Grape Sultana & Raisin Poisoning”Fussy Eaters Are Made, Not Born
Some people don’t believe in Santa Claus. Others the tooth fairy. Me, I don’t believe in fussy dogs.
How is this possible? Fussy dogs are everywhere.
Continue reading “Fussy Eaters Are Made, Not Born”Can I Bury My Dog Or Cat At Home?
Burying a dog or cat is an important part of the grieving process for many people. It certainly was for me. So as someone who advises it, and has done it, I was annoyed to see “Why you shouldn’t bury your pet in the backyard” featured on my ABC.
It’s the classic case of sitting in an ivory tower making the rest of Australia feel guilty for doing what comes naturally. It also says some fairly silly things. So before I give you some simple tips for a proper home burial, let’s clear them up.
Continue reading “Can I Bury My Dog Or Cat At Home?”Help! My Dog Has A Mouth Lump
‘Essential facts (Details Below)’
When A Dog Has A Mouth Lump
- Oral masses have a high probability of being serious
- The sooner they are biopsied, the better the chances
- But don’t panic: many still turn out to be benign
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Has A Mouth Lump”Epitheliotropic Lymphoma In Dogs
Lymphoma in dogs is unfortunately quite a common cancer. It happens when the white blood cells called lymphocytes start growing and multiplying uncontrollably. They then spread to the lymph nodes, blood or internal organs.
A rare form that targets the skin is epitheliotropic lymphoma (EL), also called mycosis fungoides or cutaneous lymphoma. It has a very different appearance and outlook.
Continue reading “Epitheliotropic Lymphoma In Dogs”Osteosarcoma In Dogs
I must admit there’s a time when I’m tempted not to tell you what I’m thinking. It’s when I see an older large breed dog with an unexplained limp.
It’s all very well if I find a torn cruciate or an arthritic joint. Those are quite straightforward. For the rest, I honestly can’t get x-rays fast enough.
The fear of bone cancer is always lurking.
Continue reading “Osteosarcoma In Dogs”The Myths About Offal, Taurine & Raw Diets
I’m known for supporting clients who use raw diets. Done well, they should add to the health of your pet.
However, there are some persistent myths that get in the way. One of the most common is the idea that offal and organ meats are essential ingredients. As useful as they can be, (even with vegan diets!), they aren’t a cure all.
Continue reading “The Myths About Offal, Taurine & Raw Diets”How Much To Exercise & Run A Puppy
The other day I took the sutures out of a vasectomy (yes, a dog vasectomy!) and said, “great, now he can get back to running.”
It turned out he hadn’t been for a run yet. The owners asked a good question: “is that OK for his growth plates?”
Continue reading “How Much To Exercise & Run A Puppy”Titre Testing vs Vaccination
Does titre testing mean dogs and cats need a lot less vaccination? That’s certainly what you read online.
The truth is more complicated than that.
Continue reading “Titre Testing vs Vaccination”Cognitive Dysfunction In Old Dogs
The loss of mental function with age is one of the hardest parts of dog ownership. To some extent it’s unavoidable, but there’s also a lot you can do.
The most important thing is knowing when it isn’t likely. I see far too many dogs written off with ‘dementia’ who really have something else entirely. Usually something that can be treated.
Continue reading “Cognitive Dysfunction In Old Dogs”Hotspots On Dogs Skin
Does your dog have a sore in the hair that they keep licking or scratching? Is it also enlarging and crusty? Then they probably have a hotspot.
Continue reading “Hotspots On Dogs Skin”Thunderstorm & Firework Anxiety In Dogs
After every thunderstorm or firework night I wait for the calls:
- Dogs wandering the streets far from home
- Dogs that have gone through windows
- Dogs with lacerations from escape attempts
What we don’t see nearly enough are the dogs that just suffer in silence, panting, trembling or hiding at home. Noise phobias are common in dogs, and there’s a lot your vet can do to help.
Continue reading “Thunderstorm & Firework Anxiety In Dogs”Cytopoint: The New Dog Allergy Medicine
Just read this message. Can it be that we are finally able to help these poor dogs?
“I have a Westie with atopic dermatitis. Have just started on Cytopoint – 2nd injection last week. First one lasted 6 weeks. Have been vilified on a number of FB groups as have other Westie members. Last week was told “well if you want your dog to go blind it is up to you.”
After 5 years my boy has found relief. Tried Atopica and Apoquel. Lots of steroids and antibiotics. Diet. Raw. Grain free. Hypoallergenic. Elimination. Malaseb. Baking soda. Iodine. Tee Tree oil. Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner. Sox. Bootees. Sandals. Onesies. Everything except the cone of shame.”
Continue reading “Cytopoint: The New Dog Allergy Medicine”Help! My Dog Has Bloat
Emergency care (details below)
How To Recognise & Treat Bloat
- Retching, distress and a large, hard belly are signs of bloat
- Travel to an emergency vet as fast as is safe to do so
- Any delay in treatment reduces the chance of survival
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Has Bloat”Help! My Dog’s Ear Tips Are Bleeding
The picture above shows an ear problem in Adelaide that’s also found around the world. It only affects the margins and tips of the ears. The most common cause will surprise you.
Continue reading “Help! My Dog’s Ear Tips Are Bleeding”The Danger Of Throwing Sticks For Your Dog
What’s more natural than throwing a stick for a dog? We love it, they love it too, and every park is a toyshop. That’s why so many dogs get injured.
Continue reading “The Danger Of Throwing Sticks For Your Dog”Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy In Dogs
Idiopathic epilepsy is the leading cause of seizures in dogs. If you’re already sure that’s what’s wrong with your dog, this page is for you.
Click here for the different types of seizures and causes of seizures in dogs
Continue reading “Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy In Dogs”What To Give Dogs For Motion Sickness
Anyone who’s had a car sick dog knows four things:
- It distresses dogs
- It makes a mess
- It’s very frustrating
- It reduces dogs’ enjoyment of life
The good news is that most dogs can be helped if you’re prepared for a bit of effort.
Continue reading “What To Give Dogs For Motion Sickness”Help! My Dog Has A Grass Seed
Grass seed season in southern Australia is that time between October and year’s end when extra care is needed. All dog owners need to know how to prevent and treat this menace. The same also applies to cats to a lesser extent.
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Has A Grass Seed”Seizures In Dogs
‘Emergency Care’ (details below)
What To Do If A Dog Is Having A Seizure
- Stay calm: dogs almost never die from a seizure
- If poison is suspected, go to a vet as fast as is safe to do so
- Otherwise, make your dog comfortable and time the seizure
- If over 2 minutes, go immediately to an emergency vet
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Seizures In Dogs”Causes Of Sudden Death In Australian Pets
I’ve been a vet for a quarter century now. Over that time I’ve seen just about everything go wrong that can.
Pet disasters tend to go along recurring themes. If you know what they are, you have an excellent chance to avoid them. Some might be upsetting, but I hope you can see the benefit in thinking about them now.
Continue reading “Causes Of Sudden Death In Australian Pets”21 Healthy & Long Lived Dog Breeds
Trying to choose a puppy breed? There are lots of great reasons to choose certain dog breeds over others. Health should be one of these.
Of course, I would say that, wouldn’t I? I’m a vet after all.
Continue reading “21 Healthy & Long Lived Dog Breeds”Snake Bite In Dogs & Cats
‘Emergency Care’ (details below)
If A Dog Or Cat Is Bitten By A Snake
- Stay calm and keep your pet still and quiet
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake
- Do not wait until symptoms develop
- Immediately travel to an emergency vet, calling on the way if possible
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Snake Bite In Dogs & Cats”The Pros & Cons Of Greyhound Adoption
Have a look at the figures above. Any legitimate dog rescue charity would dream of numbers like these.
These are what greyhound adopters reported in a recent study, and I’m not surprised. I see tremendous levels of satisfaction among greyhound owners. They are a genuine alternative for new dog owners.
Continue reading “The Pros & Cons Of Greyhound Adoption”Are Apple Cores Poisonous To Dogs?
There’s a lot of rubbish on the net…
Every time I bite into a crunchy apple, I hear the pitter-patter of eight tiny feet. That’s not some 8-legged apple monster, just my two hungry dogs.
Continue reading “Are Apple Cores Poisonous To Dogs?”Male Dog Behaviour After Neutering: The Science
Recently, a well-respected Sydney academic published his behavioural data on over 6000 castrated male dogs. It’s created headlines like”Neutering Causes Behavior Problems In Male Dogs”.
Can this be true? You’ve probably been told that desexing reduces behaviour problems, not causes them!
Continue reading “Male Dog Behaviour After Neutering: The Science”Insulinoma in Dogs & Ferrets
Insulinomas are tumours of the beta cells in the pancreas. Most cases are diagnosed due to signs resulting from an excessive production of insulin.
Continue reading “Insulinoma in Dogs & Ferrets”Help! My Puppy Won’t Eat Dry Food
I’m deeply concerned by a fast-growing trend in puppy diets. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that puppy owners are being badly let down. It makes me angry and it should make them angry too.
New puppies at our Adelaide clinic are being set up to fail in numbers that I haven’t seen since the 1990’s. The consequences can be the permanent leg deformities you see in the picture.
Continue reading “Help! My Puppy Won’t Eat Dry Food”What is the Best Heartworm Treatment for Dogs?
When faced with the bewildering array of heartworm and flea treatments, dog owners have two choices:
- Ask advice
- Research it yourself
An amazing number of dog owners using option 2 will buy Sentinel Spectrum. One look at our chart of the flea and heartworm treatments for dogs and you’ll see why. It does ‘everything’.
Preventing Stress, Fear & Scares At The Vet
Yesterday: a dog who panics whenever someone touches her feet. The day before: a dog with anxiety about her ears being touched. These dogs are everywhere, but what happened to them?
The answer is something I’ve held back a long time from writing about. It contains criticism of my own profession as well as others. God knows, I’m no saint, and like most vets, I’ve made all these mistakes too. But we’re going to keep making them, so you need to know how to stop them.
Continue reading “Preventing Stress, Fear & Scares At The Vet”Inbreeding In Show Dogs
Bad dog breeding makes me fear for the future of many dog breeds. Just the other day I saw a West Highland White Terrier with severe skin disease still being used for breeding. There’s no future if decisions like this keep being made.
However there’s a second and more insidious danger that ultimately might be more important: inbreeding.
I can only hope that by understanding the problem, we can fight it. The first place to go for answers is zoos.
Continue reading “Inbreeding In Show Dogs”The Senate Pet Food Safety Inquiry & You
Update 2021: still no news on whether the findings of the Inquiry will ever make it into law.
Background
Australia lacks any form of oversight regarding pet food safety or basic standards of hygiene or quality.
Australia also lacks any way to report faults in pet foods. Mistakes happen even with good brands, but attempts in the past by individual vets to highlight them have invariably led to threats of ruinous legal action against the vet involved.
I provided evidence at the public hearings into the safety of pet food on Tuesday the 28th of August, 2018 in Sydney. Here you can read my oral and written submissions.
You might also like:
- The health problem with jerky treats
- The Advance Dermocare deaths
- The deaths from pet meat in Victoria
- Grain free diet-related heart disease
- History of pet food safety in Australia
- The unbalanced cat foods hiding in plain sight
I went there to put forward the demands of ordinary pet owners. You can be sure that industry was well-represented but what about you? We needed the opinions of ordinary consumers and average Australian pet owners.
Continue reading “The Senate Pet Food Safety Inquiry & You”5 Myths About Food Allergy In Dogs
If you have an itchy dog, it doesn’t take long before someone tells you it’s due to the food. Usually that someone also offers an alternative.
It’s not a case of people trying to pull a fast one; they just believe in what they use. Who doesn’t? If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
The trouble is, though, most owners of dogs with skin problems aren’t getting the advice they need. Or they’re getting it far too late.
Continue reading “5 Myths About Food Allergy In Dogs”Pet Food Allergy Testing | Elimination Diets
Elsewhere on this site we’ve published the evidence for which foods dogs and cats are allergic to. Now we’ll show you how to figure it out for your own pet. This even works for a mouse!
Diagnosis of Food Allergies
The bad news is that there is no simple test. Popular blood test kits are not reliable enough.
The good news is that you can do it at home. It’s called an elimination diet. You have two choices:
- Buy one off-the-shelf
- Make it yourself (this is preferred if possible, see below)
8½ Adventurous Adelaide Dog Walks
Looking for new dog walk adventures? Here are my family favourites! Most of these you won’t find elsewhere.
There’s a map afterwards or click on a walk for its description.
Vegan Dog & Cat Diets In 2020: Are They Safe?
Three years ago when I first investigated vegan diets for dogs and cats, my response was a bit simplistic. I said that as long as you use a complete and balanced diet, your pet can be vegan.
Since then, we’ve learned more and I have too. I still think you can have a vegan dog, but there are important warnings. And vegan cats? Probably not, but I can show you how to feed them without any guilt.
Continue reading “Vegan Dog & Cat Diets In 2020: Are They Safe?”South Australia’s New Dog & Cat Laws
The biggest change to dog and cat ownership law ever will happen on July 1st. If you live in or have moved to SA, here’s how it will affect you and what you need to do. For everyone else, I think you’ll find this unique experiment very interesting.
Continue reading “South Australia’s New Dog & Cat Laws”We Need To Talk: Anxiety Medications In Dogs
No one wants to drug their pets. I get that. But we need to talk about mental health.
Let’s start by throwing out all the weasel words that stop us seeing it for what it is. It isn’t a ‘behaviour problem’ except to us. All these concerns like destruction, whining, howling, barking, biting or escaping. They’re only symptoms of a much greater problem.
Continue reading “We Need To Talk: Anxiety Medications In Dogs”What Can I Give My Dog For Arthritis?
There is no animal treatment that provokes more debate than arthritis medication. The sheer number of treatments on offer is bewildering. Why??
Continue reading “What Can I Give My Dog For Arthritis?”A Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipe
More and more dog owners are choosing to make grain-free or raw diets. Most vets, on the other hand, recommend premium commercial foods. Neither group is likely to change. I think it’s time vets put aside their beliefs to help dog owners get these homemade diets safely balanced.
Continue reading “A Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipe”The Advance Dermocare Fiasco FAQs
Update: a Senate inquiry into pet food has been initiated as a result of this scandal. Click here to read my submission.
Over 100 dogs have now been identified with megaoesophagus after eating Advance Dermocare. Here are the essential facts.
Continue reading “The Advance Dermocare Fiasco FAQs”Early Age Desexing and Incontinence
If the only way you could have a certain puppy was if they were already desexed, would it be a deal-breaker for you? It would be for me.
It’s not a trivial issue. Many breeds in Australia come already desexed by the breeder before sale. I can see why they do it, but as a vet, it makes me uncomfortable. What’s the big deal?
Continue reading “Early Age Desexing and Incontinence”Help! My Dog Yelps & Shakes For No Reason
‘At a glance’ (details below)
Why Dogs Yelp, Cry or Shake Suddenly
- Acute pain is the cause of most yelping ‘for no reason’
- The majority of unexplained cases have neck or back pain
- It can happen when moving, when touched or even while sleeping
- Some of these dogs are at risk of IVDD
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Yelps & Shakes For No Reason”Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
‘Emergency Care’ (details below)
How to Tell Reverse Sneezing from Choking
- Reverse sneezing causes minimal distress and gums remain pink
- It can usually be stopped if you call or distract a dog
- The dog is 100% fine immediately before and afterwards
If in doubt, see a vet immediately. True choking is often fatal. No vet will criticise you for being careful, even if there is nothing wrong.
Now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Reverse Sneezing in Dogs”Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate
‘Emergency Care’ (details below)
What To Do If A Dog Eats Chocolate
- Chocolate is a nervous system stimulant & causes seizures in dogs
- Death is more likely with dark or cooking chocolate & smaller dogs
- See a vet ASAP to have the chocolate vomited and signs monitored
now dive deeper…
Continue reading “Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate”What Human Drugs Are Safe For Dogs?
You’ve got a dog needing treatment and you’ve even got some of your own meds nearby. Can you use them?
The use of non-veterinary drugs is a common question from pet owners. When is it a good idea to give your dog human medications? Sometimes, surprisingly, it is. Just not that often.*
Continue reading “What Human Drugs Are Safe For Dogs?”Should My Pet Have Blood Work?
Blood testing in dogs and cats isn’t simply a case of ‘more is better’. It can be lifesaving but it can also occasionally bring harm. The decision to do it is by no means as black and white as it seems.
I’m going to use the evidence and my experience to help you decide if blood tests are a good idea for your pet. I’ll start by answering the question: when are blood tests useful? Then I’ll discuss the downsides.
Continue reading “Should My Pet Have Blood Work?”