Distemper in dogs
In light of the recent canine distemper outbreaks in Gauteng and the Overstrand Municipality (September - October 2025), please read our article on the seriousness of canine distemper and how you can protect your dogs from becoming infected.
"My dog has a runny nose and really bad diarrhoea. They seem feverish, won’t eat and are coughing and wheezing."
My dog is shaking her head and pawing at her ears. She flinches when I touch her head.
Ear infections in dogs and cats are one of the most prevalent complaints veterinarians see in their patients, and they are often recurring. Read more about the primary and secondary causes of ear infections, the symptoms, how they are diagnosed and how th
Ear infections in dogs and cats
You may notice a foul odour emanating from your dog or cat’s ears, or maybe the pinnae (ear flaps) are red and warm, or you can see a dark discharge (or pus) or inflamed ear canal. However, it would be your pet’s behaviour that alerted you to the potential problem to begin with: persistent scratching, head-shaking, pawing at their ears and/or vocalising while rubbing their ears. They may flinch when being touched on the head or even avoid your touch altogether.
My dog's skin is inflamed and itchy, and he won't stop scratching himself
Up to 15% of dogs are affected by atopic dermatitis, in which an environmental allergen/s triggers a persistent itch. Self-mutilation and secondary infection are usually what send pet owners to the vet looking for answers.
Most dogs will sit on their rump and have a scratch behind their ears or relieve an itch on the trunk of their body. They will then stand up, shake off, and continue on with their day. A dog with atopic dermatitis will spend the majority of their waking hours scratching themselves, nibbling on their paws, licking their skin, and/or rubbing their face.
How dogs and cats keep warm in winter and cool in summer
We answer your questions about dogs' and cats' ability to thermoregulate - or control their body temperature. This is important information for keeping your pets cool in summer and warm in winter.
South Africa has the perfect temperate climate to keep dogs and cats safely comfortable during all seasons. However, in some parts of the country, it can get very cold in winter and very hot in summer. During weather extremes, we need to be aware of pets’ wellbeing: are they warm enough or cool enough? How do they keep themselves warm or cool themselves down, and what can we do to ensure they are not freezing or overheating?
