Parvovirus is so incredibly contagious because of its stability and because it takes just a few minute particles to spread the disease. Parvovirus is resistant to heat, detergent and alcohol, which is why it remains in the environment for so long. Parvovirus is spread via dog faeces and can also be transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs. It can even live in wet soil for up to a year.

“Phewee!” If your pet could be renamed Pongo because of bad breath, you may want to schedule a dental hygiene appointment for them right away. A stinky smelly breath and excessive drooling are key indicators that your pet may be suffering from tooth or gum disease. The last thing you want to do is just ignore the problem – the cost of the bill is almost always related to extent of time.

If your pets get sad even when you’re just taking your garbage bins out and you feel that holidaying without them really isn’t an option, well, you’re not alone. Many of my clients opt to take their fur-babies away with them because, after all, if you holiday without your pets, it really feels like you’re leaving a member of the family behind!

When you bring your new dog home, introduce the dogs to each other gradually in a series of gradual steps. Take things slowly, and only let them spend time together unsupervised once you are sure there won’t be problems.

Greyhounds make fantastic pets. They are loving, warm around people, have a very docile, gentle and quiet disposition are generally patient and sensitive with children. Being non-aggressive, they would prefer to walk away.

I have a simple answer on this one… if you think your pet has a sore eye – yes in most cases, you should treat it as an emergency. You will need to get your vet to have a quick look as soon as possible.

Vaccines are an area where there is a lot of ongoing debate both in human and veterinary health. No doubt you’ve heard the discussions and comments about possible reactions to vaccines. And you might have wondered about the optimal frequency of vaccines.

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from my clients is, “Can my pet make me sick?” Well, the short answer is yes, and there’s even a name for these type of diseases: zoonotic diseases or zoonosis. But to put things in perspective, the health benefits of having pets far outweigh the risks of your pet making you sick. If your immune system is compromised.

Tick paralysis is a fast-acting condition that is potentially fatal and requires immediate veterinary attention. Read about how to prevent ticks and the symptoms of tick paralysis. The paralysis tick is usually about 2–10 millimetres long and can be black. brown or tan, but may also appear blue or grey.