🩺 Health & Wellness
Keeping your dog healthy through preventive care, vaccinations, and knowing the warning signs
💉 Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do for your dog. They protect against diseases that can be fatal, and many of these illnesses are still present in the UK environment.
Core Vaccines (All UK Dogs Need These)
| Disease | What It Does | Booster Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Parvovirus | Highly contagious virus causing severe bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Often fatal, especially in puppies. Can survive in the environment for over a year. | Every 3 years |
| Distemper | Attacks multiple organs including the brain, lungs, and gut. Usually fatal. Rare in the UK now thanks to vaccination, but outbreaks still occur. | Every 3 years |
| Infectious Hepatitis | Virus that attacks the liver, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. Can cause sudden death in puppies. | Every 3 years |
| Leptospirosis | Bacterial infection spread through rat urine, contaminated water, and soil. Causes liver and kidney failure. Can be passed to humans (Weil's disease). | Every year |
Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended Based on Lifestyle)
| Vaccine | Who Needs It | How It's Given |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel Cough | Dogs that mix with others — kennels, day care, dog walkers, training classes, shows, busy parks | Squirted up the nose annually. Takes 3–4 days to become effective |
| Rabies | Only required for dogs travelling outside the UK | Injection. Boosted every 1–3 years depending on vaccine |
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
| Age | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First vaccination (DHP + Leptospirosis). Often given by the breeder |
| 10–12 weeks | Second vaccination (DHP + Leptospirosis booster). Usually given by your vet |
| 2 weeks after 2nd jab | Puppy can go on the ground in public places for the first time |
| 12 months | First annual booster |
| Then ongoing | Leptospirosis annually; DHP every 3 years; kennel cough annually if needed |
🐛 Parasites
Regular parasite prevention is essential. Left untreated, parasites can cause serious illness and some can even be passed to humans.
🕷 Fleas
Signs: Scratching, biting at skin, tiny black specks in fur (flea dirt), red irritated skin, hair loss. Some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis from a single bite.
Treatment: Spot-on treatments, tablets, or collars from your vet. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously. Wash bedding at 60°C and vacuum thoroughly — 95% of fleas live in the environment, not on your dog.
Prevention: Year-round monthly treatment recommended. Don't wait until you see fleas.
🐛 Ticks
Signs: Small grey/brown lumps attached to the skin, often around the head, ears, legs, and belly. Swell as they feed on blood.
Removal: Use a tick removal tool (twist, don't pull). Never squeeze, burn, or smother with Vaseline — this can cause the tick to regurgitate bacteria into the wound.
Why they matter: Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections. Check your dog after walks in long grass, woodland, and heathland.
🪨 Worms
Common types: Roundworm (especially in puppies), tapeworm (often from fleas), lungworm (from slugs and snails — can be fatal).
Signs: May show no symptoms, or: pot belly (puppies), visible worms in faeces, weight loss, scooting, dull coat, diarrhoea, vomiting.
Treatment: Regular worming tablets or spot-ons. Puppies: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life. Or ask your vet about worm count testing.
👁️ Mites & Mange
Types: Sarcoptic mange (fox mange — extremely itchy, contagious), demodectic mange (usually in puppies with immature immune systems), ear mites.
Signs: Intense scratching, hair loss, crusty skin, head shaking (ear mites), thickened skin.
Treatment: Vet-prescribed medication. Sarcoptic mange is a veterinary emergency due to the severity of itching.
✂️ Neutering & Spaying
Neutering is one of the most common veterinary procedures in the UK, but it's a personal decision that should be made with your vet based on your individual dog's breed, health, age, and temperament.
What it involves: In males (castration), the testicles are removed. In females (spaying), the ovaries and usually the uterus are removed. Both are done under general anaesthetic.
✅ Potential Benefits
- Prevents unwanted litters
- Females: eliminates risk of pyometra (life-threatening womb infection affecting up to 50% of unspayed bitches by age 10)
- Females: reduces risk of mammary tumours
- Males: eliminates testicular cancer risk
- Males: reduces prostate problems
- May reduce roaming and marking behaviour in males
- Eliminates false pregnancies in females
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Irreversible (except chemical castration implant for males)
- Requires general anaesthetic (low risk but not zero)
- Dogs need ~30% fewer calories after neutering to avoid weight gain
- In under-confident or fearful dogs, neutering can worsen anxiety (reduced testosterone)
- Some evidence suggests early neutering in certain large breeds may increase joint problems
- The BVA states there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend a specific optimal age
When to Neuter
There's ongoing debate about the best age. Some vets recommend before the first season (around 6 months); others prefer waiting until after the first season or until the dog is physically mature (especially for large breeds). Talk to your vet about what's right for your dog. There is no evidence that dogs benefit from having a litter before being spayed.
Cost
Typically £100–£400 depending on sex, size, and practice. Spaying is generally more expensive as it's more complex surgery. Charities such as the Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and PDSA may offer reduced-cost neutering for eligible owners.
🦷 Dental Care
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs, yet one of the most overlooked. By age 3, most dogs have some degree of dental disease.
Signs of Dental Problems
- Bad breath (beyond normal "dog breath")
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating, dropping food, or preferring soft food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling more than usual
- Loose or missing teeth
- Yellow or brown tartar build-up
Prevention
- Daily brushing is the gold standard — use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs)
- Dental chews can help reduce plaque, but aren't a substitute for brushing
- Start early — get puppies used to having their mouth and teeth touched from day one
- Regular vet checks — your vet will examine teeth at annual check-ups and recommend professional cleaning if needed
- Avoid cooked bones (splinter), tennis balls (the felt wears enamel), and very hard chews that can crack teeth
🤏 Common Illnesses & Conditions
💩 Vomiting & Diarrhoea
Often caused by dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't). Usually resolves within 24–48 hours with a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice). See the vet if it lasts longer, contains blood, or if the dog is lethargic or a puppy.
👂 Ear Infections
Common in breeds with floppy ears (Spaniels, Labradors). Signs: head shaking, scratching ears, redness, smell, discharge. Keep ears clean and dry after swimming. Always see a vet — don't put anything in the ear without veterinary advice.
🧮 Skin Allergies
Causes include fleas, food, pollen, dust mites, and contact allergens. Signs: itching, licking paws, red skin, recurring ear infections, hair loss. Often requires ongoing management with diet, medication, or medicated shampoos.
💨 Kennel Cough
A highly contagious respiratory infection causing a harsh, hacking cough. Usually resolves in 2–3 weeks but can lead to pneumonia in puppies and older dogs. Vaccination reduces severity but doesn't prevent all strains.
💨 Urinary Tract Infections
More common in female dogs. Signs: frequent urination, straining, blood in urine, accidents indoors, licking genital area. Treated with antibiotics. See your vet promptly as UTIs can indicate deeper issues.
🦼 Arthritis
Extremely common in older dogs and large breeds. Signs: stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb, slowing on walks. Managed with anti-inflammatories, joint supplements, weight management, and gentle exercise. See our Senior Dog Care page.
⚠️ Bloat (GDV)
A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Common in deep-chested breeds (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Setters). Signs: swollen abdomen, retching without vomiting, restlessness, drooling. Get to the vet immediately — minutes count.
💖 Heart Disease
Mitral valve disease and cardiomyopathy are most common. Signs: coughing (especially at night or after exercise), tiring easily, rapid breathing, fainting. Early detection through regular check-ups allows medication to slow progression.
🌱 Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Don’t panic! Grass eating is one of the most common behaviours dog owners ask vets about. Studies show that around 80% of dogs eat grass at some point, and most veterinarians consider it completely normal behaviour. It has been observed in wild dogs too, suggesting it may be a natural instinct rather than a sign of illness.
Common Reasons Dogs Eat Grass
🍃 They Simply Enjoy It
Many dogs genuinely like the taste and texture of grass, particularly fresh young shoots in spring and summer. Some dogs are quite selective — preferring one type of grass or grazing only in certain spots. Just like humans enjoy salads, some dogs simply find grass appealing.
🥦 Natural Instinct
Dogs are omnivores, and their wild ancestors ate entire prey animals — including the plant matter in their stomachs. Eating grass may be an echo of this ancestral diet. Research by Dr Benjamin Hart at the University of California found grass eating is widespread across dogs regardless of diet type, supporting the theory that it’s simply instinctive behaviour.
🥗 Fibre & Digestion
Grass provides roughage that can help keep a dog’s digestive system moving. Some dogs may seek out grass if their diet lacks sufficient fibre. One published study reported a miniature poodle that ate grass daily for seven years — but stopped entirely within three days of being switched to a high-fibre diet.
😔 Boredom & Anxiety
Dogs left alone in the garden may nibble grass simply to pass the time. Anxious dogs may eat grass as a comfort mechanism, much like humans biting their nails. Research shows that grass eating often increases when owner contact time decreases. If boredom is the cause, more exercise and mental stimulation can help.
😬 Stomach Upset
The popular belief that dogs eat grass to make themselves sick is largely a myth. Studies show that fewer than 10% of dogs appear unwell before eating grass, and fewer than 25% vomit afterwards. However, some dogs do eat grass urgently and then vomit — possibly to relieve an upset stomach or expel bile on an empty stomach.
🦠 Possible Nutritional Gap
While dogs on well-balanced commercial diets shouldn’t be nutritionally deficient, some vets suggest grass eating could occasionally indicate a need for specific micronutrients. If your dog suddenly starts eating grass much more than usual, it’s worth reviewing their diet with your vet.
Is It Safe?
Eating clean, untreated grass in moderation is generally harmless and is not something you usually need to prevent. However, there are some important risks to be aware of:
⚠️ Pesticides & Chemicals
Grass treated with herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers, or lawn feed can be toxic if ingested. This is the biggest risk of grass eating. Avoid letting your dog graze on treated lawns — including public parks, council verges, and neighbours’ gardens where chemicals may have been applied. Signs of pesticide poisoning include vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, and eye irritation.
🐛 Parasites
Grass can harbour eggs and larvae of intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and lungworm from other animals’ droppings. Dogs who regularly eat grass should be kept up to date with their worming treatment. Lungworm in particular (carried by slugs and snails on grass) can be serious — ensure your preventative treatment covers it.
🌱 Toxic Plants
Dogs grazing on grass may also nibble nearby plants. Many common garden and wild plants are toxic to dogs, including foxglove, lily of the valley, azaleas, daffodil bulbs, and yew. If your dog tends to eat grass, check the surrounding area for any dangerous plants. See the Dogs Trust poisonous plants list for a full guide.
💩 Contaminated Ground
Grass in areas frequented by other dogs can be contaminated with faecal matter, potentially transmitting diseases such as parvovirus (particularly dangerous for unvaccinated puppies) and bacterial infections. Avoid letting your dog eat grass in heavily used dog-walking areas, especially if they’re not fully vaccinated.
When to See Your Vet
Occasional grass eating is normal, but consult your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Your dog is eating grass obsessively or compulsively — far more than the occasional nibble
- They are vomiting frequently after eating grass, especially if they seem unwell beforehand
- There is a sudden increase in grass eating that’s out of character for your dog
- Your dog is refusing their normal food but eating large amounts of grass instead
- You notice other symptoms such as diarrhoea, lethargy, weight loss, or blood in vomit/stools
- You suspect they’ve eaten grass treated with pesticides or chemicals
- Your dog shows signs of intestinal distress such as bloating, constipation, or straining
Frequent grass eating combined with vomiting can sometimes indicate an underlying condition such as gastric reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis — all of which benefit from early veterinary treatment.
Tips for Grass-Eating Dogs
✅ Keep Your Own Lawn Chemical-Free
If your dog likes to graze at home, avoid using pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilisers on your lawn. Consider pet-safe lawn care products instead. Some owners even grow a small patch of grass or wheatgrass specifically for their dog.
✅ Stay Up to Date with Worming
Regular worming is essential for grass-eating dogs. Adults should be wormed every 3 months at minimum, with monthly lungworm prevention. Ask your vet to check your parasite prevention covers all the key risks.
✅ Review Their Diet
If your dog is a persistent grass eater, consider whether their food provides enough fibre. Switching to a higher-fibre diet has been shown to reduce or stop grass eating in some dogs. Always discuss dietary changes with your vet first.
✅ Tackle Boredom & Anxiety
If grass eating is linked to boredom or separation anxiety, try increasing exercise, providing puzzle feeders, or leaving a comforting item (like an old t-shirt with your scent) when you go out. If the behaviour is compulsive, your vet can advise on behavioural support.
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals, American Kennel Club, PetMD, Blue Cross UK, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr Benjamin Hart — University of California (2008 study on plant-eating in dogs)
✅ Preventive Care Checklist
| Task | How Often |
|---|---|
| Vet health check | At least annually; twice yearly for senior dogs |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster (leptospirosis); DHP every 3 years; kennel cough as needed |
| Flea treatment | Monthly, year-round |
| Worming | Every 3 months (adults); more frequently for puppies |
| Lungworm prevention | Monthly (check your product covers it) |
| Tooth brushing | Daily ideally; minimum 3 times per week |
| Weigh your dog | Monthly (many vets let you use their scales for free) |
| Check for lumps | During grooming — feel all over for new lumps, bumps, or swellings |
| Nail trimming | Every 4–6 weeks, or as needed |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly check; clean as needed (especially floppy-eared breeds) |
🚨 When to See the Vet
As a general rule: if you're worried enough to wonder whether you should call the vet, call the vet. Trust your instincts — you know your dog best.
See the Vet Urgently If:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid laboured breathing
- Collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness
- Suspected poisoning (even if no symptoms yet)
- Bloated or swollen abdomen with restlessness or retching
- Profuse bleeding that won't stop
- Inability to urinate or straining to urinate with no output
- Signs of extreme pain (crying, inability to settle, aggression when touched)
- Hit by a car (even if they seem fine — internal injuries may be hidden)
Book a Routine Appointment If:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours
- Change in appetite or thirst lasting more than 2 days
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Limping or stiffness that doesn't resolve overnight
- New lumps, bumps, or skin changes
- Persistent scratching, head shaking, or licking
- Changes in behaviour (lethargy, withdrawal, anxiety)
- Bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating
- Cloudy eyes or bumping into things
- Drinking noticeably more or less than usual
💰 Pet Insurance
Vet bills can be substantial — a single emergency could cost £1,000–£5,000+. Pet insurance helps manage unexpected costs.
- Lifetime cover is generally recommended over per-condition or time-limited policies, as it covers ongoing conditions year after year
- Start early — pre-existing conditions are never covered, so insure before problems develop
- Check the excess — some policies have a fixed excess plus a percentage of the claim
- What's excluded — routine treatments (vaccinations, worming, neutering) are usually not covered
- Dental cover — check whether dental illness is included, as many policies exclude it
🔗 Useful UK Resources
📚 Health Information
📞 Find a Vet
- RCVS — Find a Vet
- Animal Poison Line: 01202 509 000
- PDSA PetWise Pet Health Hub — free online advice