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The canine digestive system

Your dog's digestive system

Dogs require not only high-quality food, but – equally importantly – healthy digestion in order to absorb the maximum amount of goodness from their nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at your dog’s digestive system: the organs it’s made up of, how it works, how you can help your dog’s digestive system to remain healthy, the issues that could arise, and when to see the vet about your dog’s digestive system.



Your pets and the holidays

It's almost time for the holidays, which can really put a spoke in my pets' routine. What should I do?

Silly season has arrived, which means the end of the year is in sight. Some of you will be going away on holiday, some will have friends and family over to visit, while others may take time off work, stay in and get some much-needed ‘me-time’. Whatever your plans are for the holidays, they spell a change for your pet/s.

In this article, we offer a friendly reminder to be mindful of how the holidays may affect your pet’s emotional and physical wellbeing, and what you can do about it.



Managing your pets' anxiety

When I have lots of guests over, my cat goes into hiding and my dog becomes extra needy - getting under my feet while I'm trying to host. What can I do when my pets get so nervous?

The holiday season is fast approaching and while for many people that means spending more time at home with your furry friends, it also means that your and your pets’ routine is about to change. Perhaps extended family are coming to visit (or you and your pets are going away to visit them). If so, more people (potentially strangers) will be in your pets’ space; there will be more noise and longer days of visiting. Your pets are even sensitive enough to detect any changes in family dynamics – especially around holiday time!



Allergies to cats

How can I decrease my allergy symptoms with a cat in my household?

What are allergies?

Allergies are your body’s immune system over-reacting to a substance or material that is innocuous and shouldn’t cause a reaction (referred to as an allergen). When the body then encounters this allergen it launches an excessive immune response resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy or swollen eyes, and rashes or hives.



Nutritional Supplements for Pets

Nutritional Supplements for Pets

I’m concerned that my pet’s diet may be deficient in vitamins and omega-3s. Can I give her supplements?

High-quality nutrition

We know that people who eat healthily and have an active lifestyle have a longer life expectancy than those who do not. The same is true for our pets. If you want your furry friend to live a longer, healthier life, it’s crucial that you feed them a high-quality, veterinary-approved diet. These diets have been scientifically formulated and balanced to meet each type of pet’s specific needs. Choose the right diet for your dog’s breed, size, age and activity levels to give them optimal nutrition. Cats need feline-specific nutrition designed to meet their needs based on age, breed, activity levels and other explicit conditions (obesity, sensitive tummy, dental health, hairball-prone, etc.). When purchasing pet food, you get what you pay for. There is no degree of nutritional supplementation that can compensate for feeding a cheap, poor-quality diet.



How to manage a pet that is having seizures

My pet is staring blankly and twitching, and is drooling excessively. What must I do?

It’s a frightening experience to witness your dog or cat having a seizure. In everyday life, pets are conscious and aware of their owners, responding to your words and actions, but during a seizure, a dog or cat may be standing up or lying on their side, staring blankly, twitching, convulsing and drooling, or making some seemingly terrifying sounds. You may feel scared and helpless, not knowing what’s happening to your pet or what you can do to ease their seeming discomfort.



Adverse Food Reaction in Pets

My pet eats a premium pet food, but they are getting sick. Help!

As logic would go, feeding your dog or cat a high-quality, premium pet food would ensure their nutritional needs are met and they would thrive and live a long and healthy life. This is every pet owner’s objective for their beloved pet. However, some pets – both dogs and cats – can experience what is called an adverse food reaction. In this article, we’ll explore what adverse food reactions are, what causes them, when to take your pet to the vet, and how adverse food reactions are diagnosed and treated. 



Pancreatitis in dogs

My dog is vomiting and has a very sore tummy

The pancreas is an organ located near the stomach and alongside the small intestine. It is responsible for producing most digestive enzymes as well as hormones (such as insulin) that regulate blood glucose. Pancreatitis in dogs is the condition we see when the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to vomiting and abdominal pain. This disease can be life-threatening and have long-term effects. In this article we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pancreatitis.



Your new puppy

Important things to know about new puppy care

Adopting and bringing home a new puppy is a very exciting time. Everything is brand-new for your puppy and for you too. It may feel a bit overwhelming to start afresh with this new life in your home, but here are some very important parts of puppy care that you absolutely should not skip. The over-arching reason for ensuring you check all these care boxes is to keep your puppy as healthy as possible and to be a responsible pet parent.



Your new kitten

I just adopted a new kitten. What is the best veterinary advice on how to care for her from Day 1?

Important things to know about new kitten care

Adopting and bringing home a new kitten is a very exciting time. Everything is brand-new for your kitten and for you too. It may feel a bit overwhelming to start afresh with this new life in your home, but here are some very important parts of kitten care that you absolutely should not skip. The over-arching reason for ensuring you check all these care boxes is to keep your kitten as healthy as possible and to be a responsible pet parent.



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102 Umhlanga Rocks Drive
Durban North,
Durban,
4051





 

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031 563 6565

 

Westville Veterinary Hospital After Hours Emergency:
031 2678000

31 Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville