Advice

As strange and stressful as this Coronavirus lockdown is for us and our families, it must be that little bit more peculiar for our pooches who haven’t the foggiest why we are suddenly around all day, cramping their style and limiting their time outside.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things that we can try to keep our dogs entertained and content while we all adjust to this new way of life.

Written by Veterinary Dr Linda Simon  Knowing how to best feed your dog to ensure optimal health is not always straightforward. Owners generally find it hard to decide: How many times a day their dog should eat How much to feed per meal Whether to feed wet or dry diets Whether their dog needs a special diet or not Read on to learn a little more about best feeding practices. How often we should be offering food Typically, the frequency of feeding will depend on the dog’s age. As a rule of thumb, we feed young puppies very regularly; at least...

Written by Veterinary Dr Linda Simon   It can be quite concerning to see our dogs chowing down vigorously on a patch of grass, acting as if we rarely feed them at all. Owners worry not only about the effect the grass itself may have on the dog but also about the possibility of parasites such as intestinal worms and lungworm and toxins such as weed-killer and lawn feed. It is also possible for a grass blade to lodge in the throat, causing discomfort and local infection. So, why do dogs eat grass? Well, there are various theories and no real...

Written by Veterinary Dr Linda Simon   Many of our customers will ask us how dietary supplements could benefit their dog and if they are necessary when the dog is already being fed a complete diet. For the majority of dogs out there who are fed on nutritionally balanced diets, at least one of type of supplement will benefit their health in the long run. Think of it this way: To make a hot chocolate, you only need cocoa and milk. However, if you add chocolate sprinkles, a flake and whipped cream, you’ve made a far superior drink (at least in...

How Can I Tell if my Old Dog is Unwell?Written by Veterinary Dr Linda Simon   While they may not be able to talk to us, our pets communicate to us in their own unique way and are more than able to let us know when they are feeling under the weather. While some signs are obvious, others are more subtle and can take a little detective work to figure out. Knowing the difference between a dog that is ageing and a dog that is poorly is important and is not always as easy as it may seem.   Weight Loss...