Health Problems

If your pet needs access to an emergency clinic but there is none available, there are alternatives. Find out now.

Find out what is causing your puppy's diarrhea. From stress to parasites and viruses like parvovirus, knowing what is causing loose stool is the first step to helping your puppy to recover.

Find out five ways you can add comfort and quality of life for your senior dog. Older dogs have special needs that we can address—making their lives happier and healthier.

Your dog's carpal pads are not there just for decoration: Mother Nature has strategically planned use for most of your dog's body parts. The purpose of your dog's carpal pads is a noble one: providing protection.

Dog blackheads may appear on a dog's back or belly or other parts of the body. Learn more about blackheads in dogs.

In order to help your dog sleep at night, you need to first identify why they are having trouble falling asleep. Once you've identified the underlying cause, you can take several steps to make your dog go to sleep almost instantly.

Paw licking is a very common behaviour in dogs. Often it is just the dog cleaning its paws, but when the behaviour becomes obsessive or causes damage, then it is a sign of something being wrong.

If your dog's baby teeth don't fall out, you may just think it's a minor problem, but in reality, left untreated, retained baby teeth in dogs can lead to lifelong dental problems.

We all like our homes to smell fresh and clean, and for that reason, many people use plug-in or spray air fresheners to help their house smell nice. Unfortunately, air fresheners can have a downside—they can make dogs very unwell and can even lead to death.

While most people would never consider giving alcohol to dogs, accidental cases of alcohol poisoning are seen far too often by vets, especially during holidays. Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and it is important to know the symptoms to ensure your pet is swiftly and effectively treated.

So, Scooter’s veterinarian has recommended a dental cleaning. You’ve heard that there is anesthesia involved and costs that have made you hesitate. What do you do? Here's a breakdown of the stages of veterinary dental cleaning and the various charges explained.

We all catch colds or the flu from time to time, but what about our pets? Dogs, like any animal, can suffer from viruses and infections similar to humans. They can also suffer complications from illnesses, so knowing how to spot when they have a cold is important to keep them healthy.

If your dog's skin is turning yellow, he or she is likely seriously ill and needs to be treated correctly. Learn what exactly is going wrong, how your dog should be treated, and everything you can do at home to help them.

Obesity in pets is on the rise, but sometimes it is easy to overlook when a pet is just a bit overweight. In fact, many people are unsure of what a dog at a healthy weight looks like. Even slight excess weight puts pressure on a dog's heart and joints, so knowing when they need a diet is vital.

Joint issues are common in German Shepherds. Elbow dysplasia is a painful condition, especially when dogs get older, as this can seriously lessen their quality of life.

This article details the side effects that I observed in my 11-year-old lab after she recevied the melanoma vaccine for dogs.

Here's what to expect in the long-term/future if your pet had a canine urethrostomy.

Christmas is a joyous time of year. We want to share this fun with our dogs, but every year dogs end up at emergency vets due to holiday-related accidents. Knowing how to prevent these dramas will make your festivities safe and enjoyable for you and your dog.

Know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of gluten allergies in dogs. Learn how you can adjust to your dog's needs for a gluten-free lifestyle.

If your dog has dandruff, you can usually figure out what is causing it and can treat it at home without even having to visit the vet. Find out the four common causes of dandruff in dogs and how to take care of each type.

Reverse sneezing is when a dog appears to snort backwards repeatedly. It is considered a common issue and is usually nothing to be worried about, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Titre testing (or titer testing) is a way of checking a dog's immunity to certain diseases. Many owners are choosing this method over annual boosters, but it is a confusing topic and many people do not fully understand how it works.

The Cockapoo (or Cockerpoo) is a popular cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Due to the breed's popularity, some unscrupulous breeders breed cockapoos for profit, including producing 'rare' blue or red merle cockapoos—a colour that does not exist in either Poodles or Cocker Spaniels.

Have you ever wondered if excessive ear scratching is a sign of a dog ear infection? This article helps you identify the signs and causes, remedies, and what steps to take to keep your dog's ears free of infection. Also included is a helpful video/poll.

Summer and autumn are both great times in the year for walking your dog, but beware of heatstroke and grass seeds! This article tells you what to look out for and what to do.

As the nights draw in and the weather worsens, many people begin to suffer from winter blues, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Research suggests dogs may also suffer from depression in winter, so how can we make the colder months a happier time for our pets?

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), also known as Seasonal Canine Disease, is a condition found in the UK which can be fatal to dogs. This guide aims to give you the facts about the sickness, how to prevent your pet from contracting it, and how to identify it and help them if the worst happens.

Parasites are an issue for nearly every active dog that loves to be outside and play with his mouth. Some German Shepherds have weaknesses that make them more prone to worms and gastrointestinal tract problems than others.

As the temperature rises, keeping our pet dogs cool and comfortable is essential to maintain their health and well-being. These ten ideas will help you keep your dog safe and chilled during the hot months of summer.

Fleas or lice can be irritating and can also cause some health problems in German Shepherds. Prevention and effective treatment are necessary.

There is only one venomous snake in the UK: the European adder. Adder bites are extremely rare, but every once in a while a dog gets bitten by a snake. Know how to minimise the risk of this happening and what to do if a bite occurs to keep your dog safe.

Acquiring a parasite is one of the most common health issues for German Shepherds. When you leave the problem untreated for too long, worms can wreak serious havoc and hamper the growth of younger dogs.

Here are 8 popular houseplants that are toxic to dogs. Know who to call if your dog eats one of these plants.

Urinary problems are quite common in shepherds. We’ll discuss some tips for managing urinary infections and bladder stones in German Shepherds.

German Shepherds are susceptible to urinary and bladder issues. Many of these problems are food-related and there can be hereditary weaknesses in the bloodline.

Burping in dogs . . . when is it normal and when is it not? Many dogs burp just like humans do, but if your dog is belching a lot, investigate the cause to determine whether it could be a sign of something more serious.

Leptospirosis is a serious disease that dogs can pick up from water. Lepto4 is a vaccination by Nobivac designed to prevent the disease, but there are growing concerns about the safety of this vaccine and whether it could be harmful to some dogs.

This article focuses on five causes of bad breath in dogs and five solutions for how to fix it. A helpful video is also included.

This is an informative description of what to expect from a canine urethrostomy. This article will discuss the procedure itself as well as post-operative care at home.

Xylitol is a type of sweetener found in numerous food products. Over the last few years, growing concerns have emerged about the toxic effects of xylitol in dogs. With an increasing number of products using this sweetener, it is important you know the risks and what to do if the worst happens.

One of the most common hereditary health problems for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. Knowing the causes and symptoms can help you avoid or lessen the burden of this issue.

Many dogs suffer from patellar luxations, a condition also known as "trick knee", where the kneecap slips out of place and can cause discomfort and pain. Fortunately, if caught early, the condition is treatable. That's why it's important to know the signs of a slipping knee and what to do about it.

If your dog is itching and scratching, you need to provide help now before he damages his skin with his nails. Here are some things you can do right now even when you cannot take your dog to the vet.

Have you noticed that extra digit on your dog's leg? Or, maybe you have read a puppy advertisement that says "dewclaws removed" and wonder what that means? This article explains the purpose of a dewclaw, why your dog has them, and why you should be careful when considering having them removed.

Is there blood in your dog's poop? While occasional blood can be caused by less pressing health conditions that may resolve on their own, other times, blood in stool can be a symptom of more serious issues that need to be addressed by your veterinarian.

If your dog is itching and scratching, learn about some natural alternatives to steroids before the problems start.

This article explains how to make sure your dog gets the right amount of water for his breed, age, size, and condition. It describes signs of dehydration to look out for, medical issues which can cause dehydration even when a dog has access to water, and advice on when to take your dog to the vet.

Using a serving tray is a great way to transport your dachshund to appointments and other trips to minimize lifting, which may contribute to back pain and strain.

Passive smoking doesn't pose health hazards only to humans. Pets are often exposed to smoke and nicotine from cigarettes. When dogs smoke alongside their owners, the damage to their bodies can be substantial.

Learn strategies to minimize the risk of back problems in your dog. Do your part to help your dog avoid back injury, which can be both painful and expensive.