Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian)

Most dogs are excellent companions for introverted people. Dogs provide an easy, non-judgemental relationship that has benefits that go both ways; your dog benefits from your love and care while you get stress relief, emotional support, a reason to get out of the house, and even a conversation starter! Contrary to popular belief, introverts are […]

If you’re a cat parent, you know the joy of giving your furry friend a tasty cat treat now and again. The same goes for dog parents and dog treats. But what if you have both cats and dogs in the house and run out of dog treats? Is it safe to give your dog

If you have seen videos of a dog making a retching noise, you might wonder if it’s due to a gag reflex. We’re here to tell you, that yes, dogs have gag reflexes just like humans. Yet another thing we have in common! Before reading this article, you should ensure what your dog is really

Dogs eating glass is a risky situation. Shards of glass can damage the gastrointestinal tract or even perforate it, which can be a life-threatening situation. However, the risk depends on what the glass is like. You need to take your dog to the vet, but we will give you a quick rundown of what you

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb commonly found in fresh and cooked salsa, pizza, and pasta sauces. Its slightly bitter and pungent flavor is very bold and makes a dramatic impact on whatever recipe it’s found in. With a taste so intense, you might wonder if oregano is a dog-friendly herb you can share with

When a mother dog is producing milk, she needs to feed herself to feed her puppies. She needs water, calories, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals to make lots of nutritious milk. Good nutrition starts in pregnancy, but the recommendations for pregnant and lactating dogs are different. Fortunately, providing everything your momma dog needs is very

IVDD is a common condition in French Bulldogs. It stands for “intervertebral disc disease.” Frenchies are the second most common dog breed impacted by this condition, after Dachshunds. You might be interested in this disease if you’re considering a pet Frenchie or your pet is currently experiencing spinal problems. We’ll discuss why French Bulldogs are

We love Dachshunds for their fiery personalities and doleful eyes. Animal care workers will tell you they can be a handful but only need some extra love to become putty in your hands. Taking good care of your Dachshund includes looking after their teeth; dental problems can be severe and painful. If you’ve noticed something

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve in our legs and, similarly, is present in the canine hindlimb. You might be familiar with it, especially if you have experienced sciatica, which tends to give humans a lot of trouble. Sciatica causes nerve pain that shoots from your rear down your leg, which is the path

Most veterinarians and animal welfare experts advocate for spaying and neutering dogs. However, more attention is being given to the optimal age of these procedures as we recognize that the standard 6-month age may not be beneficial for all breeds. So what about the Labrador Retriever? In general, veterinarians recommend that Labradors are spayed or

Worms are common parasites that can infest a dog’s digestive system and, in the case of heartworms, even their blood vessels. Parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Fortunately, there is a vast number of medications that are safe and effective in protecting your dog from worms. However, this variety of

Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs visit the vet clinic.1 While a normal dog could expect a couple of ear infections throughout their life, the frustration and costs will increase when your dog becomes a regular vet visitor due to their ear issues. If head shaking, red ears, and constant scratching have become

Even if you aren’t sure what to do with them, Vienna sausages are a sensible canned pantry staple for almost anyone. Savvy home cooks know these tasty, versatile morsels can help out anywhere, bringing fun and flavor to breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and all the appetizers in between. Vienna sausages should stay on our plates and

When it comes to human health, we have doctors, dentists, radiographers, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and many others with distinct degrees. Dogs, on the other hand, have veterinarians and veterinary support workers. While specializations exist in the veterinary field, almost everyone involved in your pup’s health can be considered a veterinary worker. Have you ever wondered

Puppies are beautiful little creatures that can bring a smile to your face and melt your heart. Did you know that the average litter is five to six puppies, and some dogs have been known to have more than 20 pups at once?1 That’s a lot of mouths to feed and a lot of work.

If your dog has eaten coffee grounds, they could be at risk of caffeine poisoning, depending on their size and how much they’ve eaten. Dogs are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, much more so than humans, and can experience severe side effects or even die from eating coffee grounds. If your dog has just

A dog’s broken nail can be sore and bleed a lot, too! Like us, dogs have sensitive tissue with nerves and blood vessels attached to the nail where it begins to grow. In dogs, this tissue is in the center of the nail, attached to bone, and is called the “quick.” If your dog has

We all know the stereotypical dog who excitedly brings you their leash to signal it’s time to go walkies. That’s why it can be confusing when your pup appears less than enthusiastic about walks. They might be reluctant to let you clip on that leash or run away. Once the leash is on, they may

If your dog ate a bee or got stung by a bee in the mouth, please remain calm. The odds of a dog dying after a bee sting are very low. However, allergic and anaphylactic reactions to bee venom are possible; the more stings that are present, the higher the risk for your dog. What

Massages are commonly used to treat some types of constipation in people, and they can relieve discomfort, improve stools and bowel movements, and promote relaxation, which enhances intestinal movements. If you’re wondering how to massage your dog to help relieve their constipation, you sound like an empathetic dog parent. A “constipation massage” might be okay

Since there are so many commercial dog foods, confusing labels, and differing opinions about what you should feed, wouldn’t it be simpler to make your dog’s food at home? The truth is that it is difficult to prepare balanced homemade dog food, and while a one-off healthy homecooked meal won’t hurt your dog, feeding the

We’re sorry to hear your dog is unwell, so we’ll get right to the point. Dark red or black vomit is usually due to blood in the vomit. Vivid red excretions usually signal fresh blood. As the blood oxidizes over time, it gets darker and turns black. Black or brown blood in the vomit is

If you own a small dog or want to bring one into your family, you are probably aware they are prone to different health complaints than bigger dogs. This can be a direct result of their small size or due to genetic factors. As every breed differs, you should research your dog’s breed for a