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Iliopsoas Strains - Let's twist again!

Canine athletes, working dogs or even active companion pets that : accelerate quickly (like sprinters to fetch the ball!) jump (either in a trial or on and over a couch) brake abruptly (during a dumbbell retrieve or fetching his ball) …
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Exercise Programs - does your dog need one?

Exercise programs for dogs. You may be thinking: "What next?!" Would you guess that the gym is one of the most hazardous places for your health? Think about it. A gym has every single piece of equipment that can effectively pull a…
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When does my dog need PREbiotics?

Prebiotics work in harmony with probiotics and supports healthy guts and good digestion. A healthy gut supports the immune system and general health. When considering prebiotics and probiotics for dogs, it is often easier to deliver the…
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Does my dog need PREbiotics? Yes.

We know that probiotics are friendly forms of bacteria that live in the intestines and can improve our health as well as our doggo’s, in many ways. Veterinarians recommend probiotics for everything from treating digestive conditions to…
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5 Fun Facts About Your Dog's Teeth

Most dogs have a full set of gnashers! But hey, my dog's teeth don't look much like mine! Have you ever wondered about them?   Here are 5 fun facts about your dog's teeth   1. They have two sets, (just like us) Young human…
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Can you reduce Hip Dysplasia right now?

The short answer: Yes, you can help reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia in your puppy.   Recently I came across the following enquiry: Which x-ray protocols is best to use to determine if your dog has hip dysplasia?   My…
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Canine "Drive"-ing. Know the risks

What does it mean when people talk about the “drive” of their dog. It is a term commonly used among working or performance dog handlers and trainers. Working and performance dogs are selectively bred and trained to have a high drive.   This…
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What about structure? He's my best fur buddy!

“Angulation…. Withers… Croup… - Never heard of her!” (This is Structure lingo!) "In any case, what do I need that for? Fido is my beach buddy! We don’t go near a show ring!”   Any average, loving pet owner has almost…
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Walking my dog is the worst!

"Walking my dog is the worst!" Yes!  I've said it myself! The main reason why owners do not walk their dogs is probably that it is not fun. This might be because the dog pulls on leash like a maniac or because the dog takes off once…
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The importance of oral health in dogs

This is a super video from The Vet Society.  It explains the progression of oral health in dogs, how easily their oral health can go downhill and why it is SOOO important to keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy!     PlaqueOff…
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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs - An update summary

Hip dysplasia: a significant cause of pain and disability in dogs.   This remains true even after decades of research into its causes and diligent efforts by breeders to reduce risk through selective breeding. A new review article…
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Your cat - an expert at hiding dental pain!

Dogs are good at hiding signs of oral pain, but cats are even better - cats are experts at hiding dental pain! Cats will continue to eat and act normally regardless of some serious dental disease forming in their mouths. This is why it is…
Puppy and young Visla
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7 Reasons Why You Need To Strengthen Your Pet

7 Reasons Why You Need To Strengthen Your Pet ~by Dr Megan Kelly of Holsiticvet We all get told the benefits of exercise and strength training for ourselves but how many of us see the same importance for our pets? So lets see what the benefits…
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There's Magic in Movement!

This is so true when we see dogs with arthritis. So strange that this degenerative joint condition is eased by the one thing it inhibits - movement! Regular movement helps manage muscular and joint pain. It keeps muscles and joints flexible. We…
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To throw or not to throw?

I have seen a dog have to retire from sports due to injury from simply playing ball. An I must admit that I was guilty of zealous ball throwing too. "In the past two days, I have worked with two dogs injured from overzealous ball playing,…
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Overweight dogs live less

Study finds overweight dogs live shorter lives. Although this is a New Research published Feb 13, 2019, it's not new news. Pets, like people, have a shorter lifespan if overweight.   But let's see the research: Banfield Pet…
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Puppies thrive when exercise is age appropriate.

A puppy is not a little big dog. Their growth plates and bones are made up completely differently to an adult dog. Fact: A puppy's immature, young body cannot endure excessive amounts of exercise stress. They will suffer long-term negative…
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Heads Up Obedience - Physical Ramifications?

Some of you may know that I am actively involved in sports and competition with my dogs - I love it!. This includes obedience at a competitive level. For those that don't know what this looks like:  the dog walks on your left-hand side…
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Sporting Dog? 8 ways to prevent injuries

Sporting dogs are mostly high drive or athletic dogs! Pet owners would just call them really active! Most high drive or energetic dogs compete in sports such as flyball, agility, dock diving or sledding. Because of their activities…
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3 ways to prevent pain caused by muscle injuries.

Is your dog in pain? What are the signs? Is it a muscular injury? How can I avoid muscular injuries in my dog?   Jackie Crawford of Canine Muscle Works, Australia helps us address these questions below. Dogs that exercise…
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The #1 thing you can do for your fur buddy

Lack of mobility is a common cause of euthanasia in senior pets. It can also be easily avoided by helping your fur buddy live a healthy lifestyle. Young dogs easily remain active but older buddies can stay fit and strong too. By helping senior…
Man and older lab
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12 Tips to help your Senior Fur Buddy live a full life

Old age - It's only for the brave - both human and animal! Our pets, once in their golden years, don't run as fast and jump as high as they once did. They get a bit of grey around the muzzle and enjoy their afternoon naps more. Sometimes…
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Mobility issues? 6 Subtle clues your pet is struggling

The most common mobility issue in dogs is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD). Arthritis can affect all dogs of all ages and sizes, male and female. Most pet owners only see the visual effects of arthritis in their…
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After surgery/injury - Will his muscles return to normal?

This is a big question:  My dog has had surgery/an injury. Will his muscles return to normal - by themselves?   According to Michelle Monk, leading Pet Rehab specialist with a Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy, the short…
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Soft tissue injuries and their effect on your pet's joints

Soft tissue injuries include injuries to muscle, tendons and ligaments. They come in the form of sprains or strains and tears or ruptures.   1. Sprains and strains.   Dogs spend most of their days standing on their toes, with…
Dog digging on beach
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Your dog's sexy 6-pack - core essentials!

You know that having a strong core is good for you. The same applies to your dog! A strong core goes beyond the doggy "6-pack". Daily tasks like sitting, standing, bending to pee and poo, all need core muscles. The stronger the…
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5 Ways You Can Help Keep Your Fur Buddy's Mouth Healthy

It is a Universal acknowledgment that dogs may benefit from having their teeth brushed. The hard part: going from knowing to doing. Few of us have the time, discipline – or the cooperative pet – to brush teeth on a daily basis. While…