Dr. Manine Tarr, BVSc Pet obesity has become highly normalized, to the point where an animal in ideal condition can look "skinny" to an untrained eye. However, keeping a pet lean is not about aesthetics. Fat is an active endocrine organ that continuously secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines, triggering a state of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation and causing the body to over-react to normal inflammatory insults. According to the Purina Life Span Study, overweight dogs l

Dr. Jono Clark, BVSc Scooting (when a dog drags its hindquarters across the floor) is a sign of localised irritation, itching, or discomfort in the perineal area (around the anus). While scooting may be familiar to pet-parents as a sign of intestinal worms, the action can be associated with a wide range of conditions affecting your pet’s rear-end. To help identify the cause, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical and rectal examination. Other tests such as faecal

Sr. Jenna Wright, BVN Many everyday items that are perfectly safe for humans can pose a serious, sometimes fatal, threat to our pets. Because animals explore the world with their mouths, securing the home environment is a vital part of preventative care. 1. In the Kitchen: Dangerous Foods & Cleaners Items like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and alcohol should never be given to pets. Xylitol artificial sweetener is highly toxic and can be found in

Dr. Christy Rootman, BVSc One of the most frustrating experiences for a pet parent is applying a high-quality flea treatment, only to spot live fleas crawling on their pet a week later. It is incredibly common to assume the product isn't working, but understanding the lifecycle of a flea infestation reveals a completely different story. When you begin treating your pet, you are starting a multi-month process to clear out an entire hidden population living right inside your ho

Dr. Shané Anders, BVSc Many dogs find paw handling uncomfortable, but maintaining short nails is a vital part of their physical health. Long nails can become a problem as they curl and grow back toward the skin, and they are much more likely to snag or tear during exercise. The key to a successful trim is moving slowly and making the experience as positive as possible. Steps for Success: Handle your dog's paws daily for just a few seconds at a time, followed by a treat, to ge

Sr. Danica Oosthuizen, BVN Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in modern veterinary medicine, acting as a "training manual" for your pet's immune system. By introducing harmless versions of disease-causing organisms (antigens), vaccines prepare the body to recognize and fight off dangerous infections before they can cause serious harm. This proactive approach is far more effective, and significantly less costly, than treating a full-blown illness later in life. Beyon

Dr. Nicole Barnard, BVSc Pet obesity has skyrocketed recently, with a >150% increase in both overweight cats and overweight dogs over the last decade. While those begging eyes make it hard to resist sharing a treat, the reality is that carrying extra weight can reduce a pet's lifespan by an average of 2.5 years and lead to several health conditions, many of which manifest as physical pain. Weight alone isn’t the only indicator of health due to different breed shapes and sizes

Dr. Nicholas Lonsdale, BVSc Puppies are naturally inquisitive and explore their environments by leading with their mouths and noses. Because of this bee stings are a very common occurrence in young dogs. While most stings result in only mild, temporary discomfort that improves within a day, being able to recognize the difference between a normal reaction and a medical emergency is vital for any pet parent. Stings most frequently occur on the face, lips, or paws. When a puppy

Dr. Mieke Botes, BVSc Intestinal worms are a common but often overlooked health risk for our pets. Because dogs and cats explore the world using their noses and mouths, they are naturally susceptible to picking up internal parasites. Deworming is a critical component of preventative healthcare, as regular treatments kill existing worms to prevent serious complications like internal blockages, weakness from blood loss (anemia), or severe gut irritation (vomiting and diarrhoea)

Dr. Manine Tarr, BVSc Vomiting can be brought about by a series of causes, including "garbage disease" (dietary indiscretion), parasites, viruses, bacteria, constipation, or organ disease and inflammation. In some cases, it may even be a symptom of foreign bodies or underlying conditions such as cancer. While it is rarely necessary to panic, it is essential to act quickly when you identify specific warning signs. If your pet exhibits any of the following signs, it is essentia

Sr. Maya Munster, BVN Regular body checks are essential for your dog’s health, as certain tick species can transmit serious diseases. After any outdoor activity, perform a thorough inspection by running your hands over your dog's body, feeling for small bumps ranging from the size of a sesame seed to a pea. Use your fingers like a comb to check deep within the fur. Pay special attention to dark, hidden areas where ticks often hide. These areas include under the collar, betwee

Dr. Nina Burger, BVSc Strict rest is essential after surgery; limit running, jumping, and rough activity to prevent strain on the incision and allow proper healing. Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Do not bathe your pet or allow the wound to get wet until advised. Prevent all licking or chewing of the stitches by using a cone (Elizabethan collar) or recovery suit at all times. Monitor the incision daily. Mild redness and swelling can be normal initially, but increasing r

Dr. Shané Anders, BVSc Brushing your pet’s teeth is an important part of their routine, aim for 2–3 times per week for it to be effective. Focus on reaching the back teeth, where plaque builds up quickly, and stay consistent over time. Keep an eye out for signs of dental disease, such as bad breath, yellowing of the teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the mouth. If you notice any of these, it may be time for a professional dental clean at t