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Barna Veterinary Clinic (00353) 91867008
Moycullen Veterinary Clinic 091 868572

Dogs

  • Your Dog's Diet
  • Dental Healthcare
  • Senior Dog Healthcare
  • Pregnant Dog Healthcare

Your Dog's Diet

A balanced diet could go a long way to ensuring that your canine companion lives a long and healthy life

There are so many varieties of dog food available today, and the majority of them make up complete diets. However, there are lots of factors to consider when you make your decision. You need to think about your dog’s:

  • Age
  • Breed
  • Energy Levels
  • Size
  • Exercise requirements
  • Medical requirements
  • Dental health
  • Weight
  • Taste requirements

A puppy grows into an adult dog in just 12 months, so during the first year of their life they require specific nutrients to help them grow and develop healthily. Once your dog is fully grown, however, their dietary needs will change.

At one year old, your dog can move onto a maintenance diet, which can be given to them for the next few years until they become senior. This will provide your companion with the correct energy levels and nutritional balance for their lifestyle and breed.

It’s extremely important your dog doesn’t consume more calories than they are able to use up, as part of their typical daily routine and lifestyle. As with humans, excess food will eventually turn into fat, which could cause serious problems for your pet in the future.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always more than happy to answer any questions you might have, or make recommendations for your pet’s diet according to their size, breed and lifestyle. Simply ask us next time you are in practice, or call to make an appointment on 091 867008.

Dental Healthcare

A lot of work and effort goes in to keeping your dog healthy: a great diet, lots of walks and regular health checks – but what about their teeth?

When it comes to the health of your dog, dental hygiene is often one aspect that gets overlooked. If it is the case that your canine companion is feeling some kind of oral discomfort, it will have an extremely negative effect on their overall quality of life.

You may be under the impression that dental issues do not occur too regularly where dogs are concerned. However, the truth is that 85% of dogs aged four or older, suffer from some sort of periodontal disease during their lives.

The good news is, that the vast majority of dental conditions that your dog may develop, can be successfully treated here at Barna Vet Clinic. If an issue is left untreated, it is possible that the infection may get into the blood stream and cause more serious problems in other areas of the body, so it’s vital to keep on top of your pet’s preventative care.

The best way to ensure that your pet is not suffering from any oral discomfort, is to have their mouth checked regularly by a specialist. All dental health checks are carried out by an experienced member of our team and are completed quickly, efficiently and with minimal discomfort to your pet.

For more information about dental health checks, or to book an appointment with us please call 091 867008 today and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.

Senior Dog Healthcare

As your dog moves in to their senior years it is crucial to make life as easy as possible for them – regular visits to the vet could help you achieve this

As with humans, dogs also start to slow down as they get older. They might be inclined to exercise less and become more subdued. Although this may calm any undesirable and overexcited behaviour, there is also a very real chance of them putting on weight, which will have a negative impact on their overall health.

Different breeds of dog age at different rates, meaning that it is important to carefully monitor your pet’s habits in order to notice any changes.

So, when is your dog officially an ‘older pet’

  • Small Breeds – over 8 years
  • Medium Breeds – over 7 years
  • Large Breeds – over 7 years
  • Giant Breeds – over 5 years

What changes should you look out for?

  • Problems with eating
  • Poor / reduced mobility
  • Lethargy / sleeping more
  • Eyesight / hearing problems
  • Breathing problems
  • Seizures or fits
  • Losing weight despite having a normal appetite

As your dog ages, their immune system may become weak, meaning that it is far more likely that they will be affected by viruses and infections that could be potentially dangerous. This is why it is vital for you to bring them in to visit us regularly, so that we can thoroughly check their health and monitor any signs of change.

To find out more about senior dogs, the best ways to look after them, or to book an appointment with us, please call 091 867008 today and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.

Please contact Barna Veterinary Clinic for an appointment if you have any concerns about your senior pet.

Pregnant Dog Healthcare

Pregnant Dog Healthcare

Duration of Pregnancy in Dogs

A dog’s pregnancy lasts between 63-65 days. Pregnant animals have very different needs and problems to non-pregnant animals.

Nutrition

Their nutritional needs change during pregnancy and milk production. To maintain a healthy mother and puppies, it is important to feed correctly throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Labour

Labour can be distressing for both owner and pet unless you are aware of what is normal, what is not and when to call for help. We have a labour information leaflet at the practice, to allow you to be able to tell the difference between normal birth and problem births and when you may need to call for help. Problems during labour, unless promptly dealt with, can lead to the death of mother and puppies.

Please make sure you educate yourself on this subject if you have a pregnant pet. We are happy to help.

Problems Associated With Lactation / Milk Production

Diet

An appropriate diet is very important during milk production, as a mother will always feed her babies to the detriment of her own health. This means that if she doesn’t get the nutrition she needs from her diet, she will use her own body reserves instead, resulting in a very thin mother and fat puppies.

Seizures Related to Hypocalcaemia

A lack of calcium in the mother’s diet while producing milk can also lead to seizuring of the mother, which can be life-threatening (hypocalcaemia).

Mastitis

An infection in the mammary glands, or the breasts, is a common and painful problem. Glands should be checked twice daily for signs of swelling, teat redness and hardness. Mastitis can cause illness in both mother and puppies.

Weaning

Pups should be fully weaned by 6 weeks of age. You can start weaning from 3½ weeks of age and sometimes, if medically necessary, even sooner.

To find out more about looking after your pregnant dog, or to book an appointment with us, please call 091 867008 today and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.