Frequently Asked Questions – Dogs
From the serious conditions to small head-scratchers, we all have questions about our dogs. Whether they’ve eaten something that you’re not sure about or have adopted a strange new behaviour, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions we receive right here.
The answers come from our team of vets. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, be sure to check out our Ask a Vet section to search responses or to ask your own question – it’s free and you’ll get a response. There are also hundreds of articles on our Blog. For more immediate concerns, visit our Dog Symptom Checker or Poisons Guide.
- What might be causing bald patches on my dog?
- Are there alternatives to Elizabethan collars for large dogs?
- Why does my dog eat poop when we’re out on walks?
- Do vets let you visit your dog when it’s in hospital?
- How do you know if your dog has an anal gland issue?
- What’s the best way to get rid of ringworm from a puppy
Latest articles on Dogs

Pets and children – when is the right time to get a pet for your child?
When is the right time to let my children have a pet? This is a question many vets are asked in the course of their working day. It’s also a question I’ve been asking myself, as I raise my two small children in a (currently) pet-free home. To mark February’s Responsible Pet Owners month, let’s […]

Dog DNA tests – how to prepare for your first test
DNA test kits have become hugely popular over the last decade or so. This may in part be thanks to the popular TV series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Over 26 million Americans have so far taken an at-home ancestry test. For many, the appeal lies in the exciting possibility of unlocking hidden information […]

Can a male dog be infertile? How is it diagnosed and what can be done about it?
While an unplanned dalliance in the woods will often lead to an unwanted litter, organised matings can require a lot of planning. Everything must be perfectly aligned for a natural mating to happen and result in a litter. Mother nature usually expertly takes care of this. When matings are planned however, us humans take control […]

Can dogs have fleas in Winter – and should they be treated all year round ?
Yes, dogs can get fleas in Winter – and treatment should continue all year round. It is summer that has typically been viewed as the main season for fleas in the UK, but it is now much more common to see flea infestations throughout autumn and winter. It is therefore important that as pet owners, […]

What is a Boerboel and do they make good pets?
Although some breeds will always remain popular as pets, others will fall out of favour while newer, more unusual breeds may start to appear. One such breed is the boerboel (pronounced bor-bull), also known as the South African mastiff. As one of many mastiff breeds, these large dogs can make good pets for some people, […]

A “wag injury” – how are tail injuries managed in dogs and cats?”
Due to our pet’s tails being somewhat ‘out on a limb’ (if you will excuse the pun!), they are very prone to injuries. The tail is an important part of dogs’ and cats’ anatomy. It serves multiple purposes but can often become injured as it is so mobile and exposed at the end of the […]