Have you noticed your furry friend slowing down with age? Maybe they’re starting to have trouble climbing the stairs, or just seem less interested in chasing after their favourite toy? The big question on your mind might be, "Could this be arthritis?" Let's dig into the world of arthritis and find out what you can do to keep your pet feeling their best. What is arthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and simply means ‘inflammation of the joint’. It’s a degenerative disease that covers a wide range of joint issues, and it’s not exclusive to humans. Our cats and dogs can face it too. Arthritis in our pets is commonly associated with ageing, however congenital issues (things your pet is born with), odd bone shapes, diseases, or injuries can also put pressure on their joints. This can lead to excessive wear and tear on the cartilage lining the joints, causing pain and discomfort. ...

Have you ever wondered how old your pet is in human years? You might have heard that one pet year equals seven human years, but it’s not that simple.

When is a pet classified as being senior or mature? Dogs and cats are considered mature adults once they turn seven years old. However, large breed dogs age more quickly and are considered mature at 5-6 years. What are some of the signs of aging that a pet owner should look out for? Pet owners may notice changes to the pet’s appearance, such as some grey hairs appearing. Pets may also develop hearing loss and reduced vision. Even if a mature pet does not outwardly appear old, certain changes are progressively taking place. These include changes in their organ systems, such as their immune system, digestive system and certain behavioural changes. Behavioural changes include things like changes in their interactions with the family, changes in thinking and becoming confused about where the door is or where their bed is. It can be alterations in their sleeping patterns and toileting accidents when they were previously well ...

With proper health care management, older pets can live their lives to their full potential, which may be well over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to giving them a longer, healthier life can be pretty simple, it’s all about detecting problems early. Half-yearly check-ups and thorough physical examinations are recommended for senior pets. As are lots of pats and cuddles, but you already knew that bit! The importance of senior pet health check-ups Just like humans go to the doctor more regularly as they age, so should senior pets. A senior health check-up is a great way to get a comprehensive health assessment to detect potentially serious diseases and conditions at the earliest stages. Early detection of any disease gives you and your vet more options to either cure the problem, slow the progression or help keep your beloved pet more comfortable in their golden years. The comprehensive senior pet health check-up includes: ...

Similar to humans, pets can experience allergies during spring due to warmer weather, blooming flowers, and higher pollen levels. In this article, we'll explore how you can recognise and provide relief for these allergies so your pet can embrace the joys of spring without any discomfort. Spotting allergies Pets with allergies typically display a number of symptoms. Watch out for the following signs: Red, inflamed, and irritated skin Sores on the face, abdomen, back, or thighs Increased scratching or licking Itchy ears Watery eyes Sneezing Swelling in the face, ears and mouth area. What to do if your pet shows signs of an allergy If you notice any signs your pet has an allergy, book an appointment to see your vet. They’ll ask you about your pet’s health history and perform an examination. They may also conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the allergic reaction and recommend treatment. ...

Travelling with pets can be an exciting adventure! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a leisurely holiday, preparation is key for an enjoyable trip. Here are ten tips for a fun, stress-free trip. 1. Visit your vet Schedule a check-up at least one week before your trip to ensure your pet is safe to travel. 2. Vaccinations Tell your vet about your travel plans to ensure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations and parasite protection tailored to the destinations you’ll be visiting. 3. Check microchip details Are your details correct on your pet’s microchip? If you’re unsure, your vet can scan your pet and double-check. For extra security, ensure your pet has an ID tag on their collar with your contact details. 4. Start small Before going on a long journey, start with smaller car trips. This will get your pet used to the sounds and movements of the car. ...

Springtime can pose challenges for pet owners due to warmer weather, blooming flowers, and increased pollen levels, potentially leading to various skin symptoms for our pets. Skin problems are among the most common, presenting as redness, itchiness, and lesions. To help you and your pet survive this season, we have put together a guide to navigate skin troubles. Identifying skin problems and irritations One of the first signs to look out for is increased scratching, which can cause distress, disrupt your pet’s sleep, and alter their mood. Upon closer inspection, you may notice redness, swelling, and dryness. These irritations can quickly worsen and make your pet extremely uncomfortable. Therefore, addressing these issues quickly is crucial to prevent potential skin infections. Prevention is key While skin irritations can have various causes, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce their occurrence: Parasite control Regularly treating your pet for fleas and worms is essential to ...