What do the terms inbreeding and linebreeding mean? What is inbreeding? Inbreeding is the mating of related individuals that have one or more relatives in common. Linebreeding is...
How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? The paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, causes tick paralysis. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring urgent veterinary attention....
How can owners of dogs with exaggerated physical features help their pets? Owners of pet dogs with exaggerated physical features need to be fully aware of the specific health and welfare problems...
What can breeders do to avoid exaggerated physical features that compromise dog welfare? Every breeder has an important responsibility to ensure their dogs live a healthy, happy and long life. A number of...
Do flying foxes pose a disease risk to my dog? There are two viral diseases affecting bats that can also infect dogs. These are Hendra virus and Lyssavirus. There have...
What animal welfare problems are associated with pedigree dog breeding? There are a number of significant animal welfare problems associated with pedigree dog breeding. These include exaggerated physical features, inbreeding...
How do I keep my dog healthy? A healthy dog should be alert and responsive. Most dogs, except for elderly animals, will be energetic and have a...
I think my dog has arthritis, what can I do? Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a common problem in older dogs, but can also occur...
Why does my dog’s breath smell? There are a number of reasons why a dog’s breath might smell, a condition also known as halitosis. Underlying illness,...
What are the risks to my cat or dog from rat bait? Rat baits are dangerous and potentially deadly to animals and people that consume them. The baits used are normally flavoured to...
What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with a kind of bacteria called Leptospira. Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure and...
How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth? Our pets need regular and consistent dental care to make sure their teeth stay healthy and functional for as long...
What are the animal welfare issues with anaesthesia-free dentistry? Anaesthesia-free dentistry involves physically restraining a conscious animal, to remove calculus and tartar from the surface of their teeth and...
What are the welfare issues associated with narrowed nostrils in dogs (stenotic nares)? Some dogs have a condition from birth where their nostrils are narrowed or constricted; this is called stenotic nares [1]....