Spring is here, which means flowers are blooming and bees are buzzing! Your dog or cat might see a bee as a fun new playmate and decide to chase it around. Unfortunately, this playful interaction can sometimes end with a bee sting on their face, mouth, or paws. While some pets may hardly react, others might have a more serious reaction. Here’s what you need to know to handle a bee sting. Why do bees sting? Bees usually sting to defend themselves. If your pet gets too close to a bee or disturbs its hive, the bee might sting to protect itself or its colony. When they sting, bees inject venom that can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes even an allergic reaction. How can I tell if my pet has been stung? Bee stings can vary in severity depending on where your pet is stung and how sensitive they are to the venom. Here are some common signs to ...

Grass seeds may seem harmless, but they can cause big problems for dogs and cats. These tiny seeds are often found in parks, fields, and even your backyard, where they can easily attach to your pet’s fur and work their way into their skin, ears, paws, and other sensitive areas. If they’re not treated, they can cause infections, abscesses, and may even require surgical removal. Learn more about grass seeds and how to prevent them. What are grass seeds? Grass seeds are small, arrow-shaped seeds that come from long grasses, especially in late spring and summer. They’re designed to travel and spread, which is why they stick so easily to fur and clothes. Because they have a sharp, pointed structure, they can burrow into soft tissue, making them risky for pets that spend time outside. Likely places for grass seeds to get caught on your pet Grass seeds can lodge themselves in various parts of your pet’s body, causing ...

Ear infections (also known as Otitis) are a common reason for pet owners to visit the vet. While they’re more common in dogs, cats can get them too. These infections can be really uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain. Let’s dive into what causes them, how to spot the symptoms, and what you can do to treat and prevent ear infections in your furry friends. What causes ear infections? Ear infections in pets can be triggered by a number of things, including: Bacteria and yeast The most frequent culprits are bacteria or yeast overgrowth in the ear canal. This usually happens when the natural balance of microorganisms in the ear is thrown off. Allergies Pets with allergies to food or things in their environment like pollen, dust mites, or mould are more likely to get ear infections. Allergies can cause inflammation and extra wax production, making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Ear ...

As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One common question we hear a lot from new pet parents is: "How often should I take my pet to the vet?" Our recommendation is for pet owners to visit your vet at least twice a year. In this guide, we'll explore the reasons why it’s important to schedule regular vet visits for cats and dogs of all ages. Regular vet check-ups are important While it's tempting to only visit the vet when our furry friends are visibly unwell, regular pet check-ups are essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. “When examining pets, vets often identify problems that you as a pet parent may be unaware of, such as dental disease, heart murmurs, and early signs of arthritis,” says Dr Rachel Dickie “By identifying these problems early, it allows for prompt intervention and treatment.” We recommend scheduling ...