Dog
- June 03, 2023
Ensuring the well-being of our cherished canine companions remains a top priority for dog owners across Australia. PetSure, a prominent pet insurance company recently published in their Pet Health Monitor 2023 Report, revealing the most common dog diseases in the country. Familiarising ourselves with these conditions and implementing preventive measures can significantly enhance our dogs' overall health and save us from substantial veterinary expenses. This article aims to explore the leading dog diseases in Australia, their average treatment costs, and practical strategies for prevention.
1. Skin Conditions (Allergy Related):
Skin allergies emerged as the most frequently reported dog diseases in Australia in the last year. These allergies often manifest as itching, redness, rashes, and hotspots. Multiple factors, such as fleas, pollen, specific foods, or environmental allergens, can trigger these conditions. To mitigate skin allergies, it is vital - May 17, 2023
If you hare asking "does my dog have arthritis" you obviously suspect that your canine companion may be suffering from arthritis. If so, there are several things you can do to help manage their pain and maintain their quality of life. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age, and it can cause discomfort and stiffness in their joints but modern veterinary practices will help your pet live a full, pain free life.
The following are some steps you can take to help alleviate your dog's symptoms and improve their comfort:
- Manage Your Dog's Weight: Carrying extra weight can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, so maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Speak to your veterinarian about a nutrition plan that is appropriate for your dog.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help to keep your dog's joints flexible and reduce their pain. However, it is important to ensure that you do not over-exercise your dog or cause them to overexert
- May 03, 2023
In Australia, most vets recommend that all dogs be vaccinated for canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. They are combined within a single vaccine commonly known in Australia as the C3 vaccine and are often called core vaccines.
Non-core vaccines are those that are administered depending on the risk. This is based on an assessment of the dog’s location, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to the infection so it is important to ask your veterinarian about which vaccines are most appropriate for your dog. Non-core vaccines in Australia include those against canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica (both of which contribute to kennel cough) and leptospirosis. The canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine (more commonly known together with the core vaccines as a C5 vaccine) is recommended for dogs who regularly come into contact with other dogs, such as on walks or at the park, or go in to boarding kennels.
The leptospirosis v
- April 05, 2023
Diabetes is a common disease in dogs in Australia. Diabetes is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. This is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (also called Type 1 Diabetes). Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include weight loss, increased thirst and low energy.
When making a diabetes diagnosis, veterinarians will undertake blood tests looking for factors such as persistent fasting hyperglycemia and glycosuria . Hyperglycemia is a medical term for a high blood sugar (glucose) level. Glycosuria is the excretion of glucose into the urine.
After diagnosis, veterinarians will determine the insulin dose based on your dog’s weight. In Australia Caninsulin is the most commonly used types of insulin in diabetic dogs. Oral medications are not considered effective in dogs and are not used in the treatment of canine d
- March 27, 2023
Certain pet medicines are prescription-only in Australia because they are classified as prescription-only medicines (POMs). POMs are medications that require a prescription from a veterinarian before they can be dispensed by a pharmacist1The reason for this is .....
- February 16, 2023
Skin complaints are a common issue among dogs in Australia. Some of the most common symptoms of skin irritation in dogs include constant scratching and itching, hair loss, areas of small bumps on skin, redness or swelling, scaling, crusting, or hardening of the skin, dry skin, abnormal odour and excessive oil production. The most common skin conditions found in Australian dogs include flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergies, contact dermatitis and pyoderma.
There are several medications that Australian vets use to treat dog skin complaints. Some of the most popular medicines include Apoquel which is an anti-itch tablet medication for pets with allergies, Cytopoint which is another anti-itch medication made - September 16, 2022
My dog has Heart Failure- Caring for your dog with Heart Disease
It is very scary to be told that your beloved pet has heart disease or heart failure. At least 10% of dogs have heart disease, and whilst it cannot be cured, you can manage the disease and give your dog a full and long life with proper care and treatment.
What is canine heart failure?
Canine Heart failure isn’t the same as a heart attack in humans! Heart disease in dogs or heart failure means that the dog’s heart isn’t able to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs. As the dog’s heart performance declines, the symptoms increase. Importantly, heart failure in a dog
- September 16, 2022
My dog has Osteoarthritis - how can I care for my dog with canine osteoarthritis?
It is very worrying for pet owners to be told that your dog has Osteoarthritis (sometimes shortened to OA, and also called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD). Sadly, this is a very common disease - it is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs will develop osteoarthritis in their life. Yet, whilst OA is progressive and degenerative, you and your vet can treat your dog, to maximise movement and comfort and to minimise pain.
What is osteoarthritis?
Canine Osteoarthritis refers to the medical condition when your pet has progressively worsening inflammation of a joint. In a healthy joint, which moves smoothly and painlessly, cartilage acts as a cushion - when the cartilage in the joint starts deteriorating, or breaking - July 21, 2021
My vet prescribed Metrogyl / Flagyl / Metronidazole. What does that mean?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal drug, sold in Australia under the brand names Metrogyl and Flagyl, as well as under the drug name Metronidazole. The different brands offer the same active ingredient in different strengths and different delivery methods (tablet, suspension, paste etc) and you should check with your vet if you intend to change between the brands.
- July 14, 2021
My vet put my pet on Meloxicam / Mobic / Loxicom / Metacam. What does that mean?
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used as a painkiller or to relieve pain, inflammation and fever in dogs (and more rarely,cats). It is often prescribed for pets that are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, and is also used to manage post-surgical pain.