Q: I have heard that there is a new injection for arthritic dogs available. Is this very different from other treatments and how effective is it? A: Arthritis is a…
Tony Buckwell
In the heat, is it kind to give your dogs chilled water? Or could it be dangerous?
Should dogs drink ice cold water? The temperature is soaring and your faithful gundogs are lying in the shade, panting heavily. It’s tempting to think there would be nothing kinder…
Just how serious a threat is lungworm to dogs?
In April and May, with the weather becoming warmer, slugs and snails become much more active which increases the risk of lungworm in dogs. Dogs that eat slugs, snails or…
What treatment can I give my constipated dog?
Helping a constipated dog Q: My labrador seems to get constipated; she gets into position to relieve herself but with no success, despite straining for several minutes. It’s distressing to…
Removing anal glands from a dog: is it recommended?
Q: I am having to take my dog to the vet quite often to have his anal glands emptied. I have heard removing anal glands is possible in a dog.…
Dealing with tapeworms in working dogs
Q: What’s the best of dealing with tapeworms in working dogs? I have recently had to treat my dog for tapeworms. How do dogs get tapeworms and how can I…
Looking after dogs in the cold
Can dogs suffer from the cold in winter? What are the signs to look out for and how best can we help them cope? (Read about hypothermia in dogs here.)…
How to bathe a dog’s wound
A reader recently asked me: “Should I bathe a dog’s wound myself? If so, what should I use? (If your dog has swallowed something harmful, here’s how to make a…
What should I feed my gundog on a shoot day?
On a shoot day you obviously want your gundog to perform at his best and remain fit and healthy. So what should your feeding programme for the day be? What’s…
Transporting dogs in cars
Recent surveys have shown that 4% of pet owners whose dogs were insured had had an accident or near miss as a result of the animal being loose in their…
Why you should never ignore a dog’s broken tooth
A vet explains why one reader was charged £150 to have his dog's molar removed
Six rules for caring for your gundog after a shoot day
Tony looks at ways of keeping a hard-working gun dog happy during the season.
Feeding dogs: before or after exercise?
Feeding dogs – before or after exercise? So should you feed your dog before or after a walk? There is no scientifically established “safe” time for feeding dogs, but in…
How to make a dog vomit in an emergency
Most wild mushrooms aren't poisonous to dogs, but there are some symptoms of poisoning that you should watch out for
Spaying an older dog. Should you?
Q: What is your advice on spaying an older dog? I am unsure of what to do. I have an eight-year-old bitch I was a bit concerned about because she…
Sleeping dogs, their positions and what they may be dreaming about
Q: Our dog has started to sleep on his back. Is there any obvious reason for him to do so and should we be concerned? A: Dogs are likely to…
Spaniel ears – what a new owner needs to know
Q: I’ve acquired a spaniel, a breed I believe that is prone to ear infection. Should I clean his ears regularly or how else can I best prevent problems with…
Are blue merle dogs prone to health problems?
Q: Is it true that blue merle dogs have health problems? I was told this after acquiring a blue merle collie from a dog rescue centre but as far as…
The dangers of choke collars and how they can cause injury
What is a choke collar? A collar made of metal links designed to control the dog by tightening around the dog’s neck Some people use them as a dog training…
Hearing loss in dogs
Have you ever heard of a gundog going deaf because of the noise of gun shots?