Hairballs can be a problem in dogs, although less frequent than in cats. They happen if dogs swallow too much hair. Hairballs can cause obstructions in the intestine if left untreated. But mild cases are resolved with common laxative pastes. Hairballs or trichobezoars result from overgrooming. Symptoms include gagging, retching and vomiting. Mild cases resolve […]
Limping or lameness in dogs is a common sign of pain and is never normal. It may be caused by a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. Dogs are active creatures and can be susceptible to a wide range of injuries. Limping may be due to muscle and ligament strain, arthritis, spine problems, […]
Worms are parasites that live inside your dog’s body. Around 34% of dogs in the UK have worms. Most dogs will pick up worms at some point in their lives, but puppies, adult dogs who eat things outside and untreated dogs are most at risk. Different types of worms live in different parts of the […]
Fast breathing is an important symptom in dogs and can sometimes be associated with severe disease, especially if the breathing is difficult or noisy. Normal breathing rate in dogs is about 15-30 breaths per minute at rest or asleep. This can increase dramatically during or after exercise but should return to normal within minutes. If […]
Bad or smelly breath, known medically as ‘halitosis’, is a common but unpleasant problem. It can affect dogs of any age or breed. And it can spoil everyone’s quality of life, especially your dog’s. Bacterial infection and decay are the most common causes of your best friend’s bad breath. And bad breath can also be a […]
Diarrhoea is a common problem in dogs and is often accompanied by vomiting. It’s usually caused by something they ate and gets better with diet management. Diarrhoea is characterised by soft poos passed several times a day. It’s often associated with vomiting. We call this gastroenteritis. In most cases, your dog is otherwise well and […]
There are many different causes of pain in dogs. Dogs don’t often show pain in the way we expect. The symptoms of pain can appear as physical and behavioural changes and can affect dogs of any age. Dogs try to hide when they are in pain, so the signs may be subtle. Pain can range […]
Urinary incontinence is a common problem, affecting around 2% of all dogs. It is more common in middle-aged neutered females and usually responds well to treatment. Puppies can have a rare and more serious type of incontinence. The most common cause is urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence, where the urethra becomes too weak to stop urine […]
Coughing is a common symptom in dogs. Â Always speak to a vet straight away if coughing is associated with breathlessness, as some causes of coughing can have life-threatening complications. Sudden bouts of coughing are usually caused by an infection like Kennel Cough. Long-term coughing is commonly caused by tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis or heart disease. […]
Constipation is when dogs have trouble passing poo and this is hard or dry. This is a common problem after they eat bones or hard-to-digest foods. It can be urgent if severe and become life-threatening if left untreated. Non-food materials can also cause constipation if they make it to the colon but are difficult to […]
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