Transporting dogs in cars – be safe and secure The Highway Code includes advice on transporting dogs in cars and requires animals be “suitably restrained so they cannot distract…
Tony Buckwell
Just how serious a threat is lungworm to dogs?
When the weather is warm, slugs and snails become much more active, which increases the risk of lungworm in dogs. Dogs that eat slugs, snails or frogs, even tiny ones…
How to make a dog vomit in an emergency
Most wild mushrooms aren't poisonous to dogs, but there are some symptoms of poisoning that you should watch out for
Parvovirus in dogs: should you have your dogs vaccinated?
Q: I was told that parvovirus in dogs is not seen very often these days and was wondering if, in the current economic climate, the annual booster vaccination is still…
Dog collapsing: what causes it and what should you do if it happens?
There are various causes for a dog collapsing and it’s upsetting to see. Prompt action is needed. So what should you do if you experience a dog collapsing? (Read best…
Seasonal Canine Illness – what you need to look out for
Q: As far as my two dogs are concerned, are there any particular autumn health risks to dogs? I recall hearing of some seasonal gut upset a few years ago…
Blue-green algae danger: it can be fatal to dogs
Shooting Times recently received this letter from a concerned owner of a working dog who was wondering about the dangers posed by blue-green algae. It’s certainly worth a read. (You…
14 checks for your dog’s health
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of routinely checking your dog’s health. Try following the schedule that I describe here, at least initially. Then, once you are…
Common garden plants that are poisonous to dogs – and what to do if they eat one
Q: My wife and I are both due to retire in the near future when we intend replanting much of our now mature garden. In deciding on what to replant,…
New injection for arthritic dogs: could it help?
Q: I have heard that there is a new injection for arthritic dogs available. Is this very different from other treatments and how effective is it? A: Arthritis is a…
What treatment can I give my constipated dog?
Helping a constipated dog Q: My labrador seems to get constipated; she gets into position to relieve herself but with no success, despite straining for several minutes. It’s distressing to…
Removing anal glands from a dog: is it recommended?
Q: I am having to take my dog to the vet quite often to have his anal glands emptied. I have heard removing anal glands is possible in a dog.…
Dealing with tapeworms in working dogs
Q: What’s the best of dealing with tapeworms in working dogs? I have recently had to treat my dog for tapeworms. How do dogs get tapeworms and how can I…
Looking after dogs in the cold
Can dogs suffer from the cold in winter? What are the signs to look out for and how best can we help them cope? (Read about hypothermia in dogs here.)…
How to bathe a dog’s wound
A reader recently asked me: “Should I bathe a dog’s wound myself? If so, what should I use? (If your dog has swallowed something harmful, here’s how to make a…
What should I feed my gundog on a shoot day?
On a shoot day you obviously want your gundog to perform at his best and remain fit and healthy. So what should your feeding programme for the day be? What’s…
Why you should never ignore a dog’s broken tooth
A vet explains why one reader was charged £150 to have his dog's molar removed
Six rules for caring for your gundog after a shoot day
Tony looks at ways of keeping a hard-working gun dog happy during the season.
Feeding dogs: before or after exercise?
Feeding dogs – before or after exercise? So should you feed your dog before or after a walk? There is no scientifically established “safe” time for feeding dogs, but in…
Spaying an older dog. Should you?
Q: What is your advice on spaying an older dog? I am unsure of what to do. I have an eight-year-old bitch I was a bit concerned about because she…