Health Problems

If your dog is constantly scratching and biting himself, you know you have a problem. Identifying the exact problem can turn out to be a challenge. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana shares common causes for dogs constantly scratching and biting themselves.

Meningitis is a life-threatening but fortunately rare condition in dogs. It can affect any breed, though some breeds such as beagles and German pointers are more likely to be affected. Its consequences can be serious, which is why all owners should know the symptoms of this condition.

Here's a guide to giving your dog a simple nose-to-tail health check at home. Regular home checks may help you notice any changes to your dog's health early on so you can seek professional treatment sooner.

From benign and easily fixable causes like plaque buildup to more serious issues like cancer or dental disease, there are many reasons your dog might have stinky breath.

Spotting blood in your dog's urine can be scary. It is not something that normally happens without a cause and often requires a vet visit. This article explores the varied conditions that can cause your dog to pass blood when they urinate.

Making a dog comfortable before a euthanasia appointment is the last gift dog owners can provide to their beloved canine companions. Those last moments should be peaceful so to allow a calm setting for that final farewell. Dr. Ivana shares tips on how to make a dog comfortable before euthanasia.

Hip dysplasia is, unfortunately, a common condition found in dogs that can be life-limiting. Dogs with hip dysplasia suffer chronic pain and in severe cases, they may need an operation. Understanding what hip dysplasia is will help you to find the right treatment plan for your pet.

You may have noticed that your dog's front paws are turning out and are wondering whether this is something to be concerned about. Standing 'toe-out' can indicate a range of potential problems, but many can be easily treated, and most dogs will live a healthy life even if their feet are wonky.

Lumps on dogs can be worrisome, but fatty tumors or lipomas are fairly common. Find out what causes them, if they are dangerous, and what to do.

Find out how to know if your senior dog has Sundowners Syndrome (also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction) which is a common degenerative and progressive dementia experienced by aging dogs that impairs a pup’s awareness and responsiveness to their once-normal setting.

Flea infestations are one of the most challenging things that a dog owner has to deal with. This article lists the three treatments that I've found to be most effective in my own experience. I explain my reasoning and give some tips that I've picked up over the years.

Arthritis is a common problem for older dogs. It can be a crippling condition, that detracts from a dog's quality of life and may even shorten it, but there are several things owners can do to manage arthritis and keep their pets happy and active.

Diarrhea in German Shepherds is one of the more common and annoying health problems. Let's look at the causes and treatments.

The causes of dogs vomiting undigested food may be various, and only your veterinarian can confirm or rule out certain medical conditions. This article. offers information I have learned about when my dog started vomiting undigested food out of the blue as he got older.

The medical term 'stroke' conjures up all sorts of negative thoughts when we hear it. Truth be told, our dog has suffered a stroke, and it was both shocking and frightening. Fortunately, with appropriate care, many dogs recover from a stroke without long-term consequences.

If your dog's ears stink, you may be wondering what to do in order to decrease the smell. Consider though that the smell can be indicative of a medical problem and therefore it may be best to have your dog's smelly ears checked by your vet.

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 a 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. In reality, if 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.

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. We want to share this fun with our dogs but every year, dogs end up at emergency vets due to holiday-related accidents. Learn about the season's dangers to dogs and how to avoid an unhappy Christmas.

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.

Due to the Cockapoo's popularity, some unscrupulous breeders produce 'rare' blue or red merle cockapoos—a colour that does not exist in either Poodles or Cocker Spaniels. Buyer beware.

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.

These are the most common types of parasites that your dog might get, some common symptoms, and what to do if you think your dog has an infestation.

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.