“Ageing brain disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, are really hard to diagnose in dogs and cats. In veterinary we group all these conditions under the term 'cognitive dysfunction'. In simple terms, this is where the brain ages and doesn't function as well as it used to. We aren't exactly sure what causes this, but it is possibly...
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If you have a pet you will probably have had an experience with worms first-hand, finding them in faeces or even vomit! They vary in size from 1mm long nematode worms to 2m long tapeworms. In fact, there are nearly 300,000 species of parasitic worm in the world. They can cause anything from mild weight loss in your cat, to colic in your horse. Thei...
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Dental disease in dogs is a growing problem. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of dogs (and cats) will have the beginnings of dental disease before they are even two years old. This is a worrying statistic and one that needs to be taken seriously. “Plaque is a build-up of bacteria on the teeth and gums, and these bacteria can easily enter the...
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How do I know it’s fleas? The following are usually signs of fleas on your pet: Your pet is itching more than normal (but not always) You’ve seen live fleas, or flea dirt (small black dots) on your pet or in your house You’ve noticed flea bites on your or your pet How did my pet get them? Fleas are found in warm places whe...
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You may have heard in the news over the last few months that Tick-Borne Encephalitis has been found in ticks in certain areas of the UK. Here at VioVet we have put together a guide on what this means for you and your pet. What? Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a virus that is transmitted through tick bites. It mainly affects humans, and...
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The UK has seen a lot of rain recently. To be expected for autumn/winter, I suppose, but it has made for some very soggy dog walks! Rain is rain and will affect your dog no matter what breed you have, although some breeds will be affected more than others. It is important to bear this in mind when planning your next trip in the great outdoors and m...
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Put simply, canicross is cross-country running, but with humans and dogs. With a harness attaching your dog to your middle, you run together as part of a team. With voice commands given from behind, it is your job to guide your dog in the right direction. Is it suitable for all dogs? As long as your dog is fit, healthy and willing to take part, you...
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If you are a dog or cat owner, especially a dog owner, you will have likely had it happen before. You come down in the morning to a shocking smell and find a puddle of something brown, green or even frothy covering your kitchen floor. You’re not sure exactly which end it came from but it is definitely from your furry housemate, who is now con...
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Cat supplements can play an important role in supporting long-term health, but with so many options and conflicting information, it can be hard to know if your cat really needs them or which ones are best. This vet-reviewed guide explains when supplements can help, and how to choose the right ones. Key Takeaways Many cats can benefit from targ...
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Helping your dog lead an active and healthy life means ensuring they are an ideal weight and neither too fat or too thin. Being anything other than their ideal weight can lead to problems and may even reduce the lifespan of your beloved pet. So how do you know if your dog is a healthy weight? Ask your vet. Not everyone owns weighing scales at home,...
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