Info Sheets - Dog

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is usually associated with ageing joints or those that have been placed under unusual stresses from less than ideal conformation or from injuries. In pets with arthritis, there is increased friction within the joints and associated inflammation, leading to joint stiffness and pain. Although this condition can be seen as 'part of the ageing process,' there are options available to manage this condition and allow our pets to grow old comfortably.

Ear infections are reasonably common in our pets, particularly in dogs.  They can be caused by various bacteria or yeast organisms.

Hot spots are also known as acute, moist superficial pyoderma. They are commonly seen in dogs during the summer months. 

Signs to look for:

• Scratching or licking at a particular area
• Moist, purulent, painful, warm, itchy lesion
• Lesions may occur suddenly and enlarge rapidly

Pancreatitis is a painful, potentially life threatening condition caused by inflammation of an organ called the pancreas. 

There are several protective mechanisms that prevent these enzymes being activated while within the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis develops when these protective mechanisms are overwhelmed and the prematurely activated enzymes start to ‘digest’ the pancreas and destroy it.

Common household items toxic to dogs and cats