Years of zoomies can take a toll on their joints, leading to arthritis – often in the hips, elbows, and knees.

Look out for:

• Slowing down on walks
• Avoiding stairs or jumping
• Limping or stiffness, especially after naps
• Licking or chewing at joints

Understanding Heart Health in Dogs

Just like us, dogs can face heart issues, and the most common one we see is mitral valve disease (MVD). But what exactly is MVD, and how do you know if it’s affecting your dog?

MVD, sometimes called degenerative valve disease, happens when the valve on the left side of the heart starts to wear out over time. It’s a slow-progressing condition, so your dog might not show any signs for a while. In fact, some dogs can live their whole lives without you ever noticing a problem.

The key to catching MVD is through regular check-ups. Our vets can listen to your dog’s heart to detect a murmur, which is often the first clue. If you have any concerns, let’s get your pup in for a check – we’re here to help keep those tails wagging.

Signs to watch for:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Tiring easily or low energy
• Panting more than usual
• Weight loss or fainting spells

Understanding Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Cardiomyopathy might sound like a big, complicated word, but it simply means a condition that affects your cat's heart muscle. It’s one of the most common heart issues we see in felines and can sometimes be hard to spot. Your cat may not show any signs, which is why regular check-ups are so important.

When symptoms do appear, they can include breathing difficulties or even fainting spells. If your kitty seems a bit more tired than usual or has cold paws, it could be time for a visit. Our vets can pick up on any subtle changes and provide the support your cat needs to keep that little heart happy and healthy.

Look out for:

• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Cold ears and paws
• Fainting (less common)

Your pet’s kidneys are real multitaskers – they help filter out toxins, keep hydration in check, and maintain a healthy balance of blood pressure and acidity. But as pets age, their kidneys may start to struggle with these jobs, which can lead to kidney disease. The symptoms can vary a lot, so keeping an eye out and catching any changes early can make a big difference.

Signs to watch for:

• Drinking more and needing to go out more often
• Vomiting or weight loss
• Loss of appetite

High blood pressure, or hypertension, isn’t just a human issue – our feline friends can struggle with it too. It often sneaks in alongside other conditions, like kidney or heart disease, and can quietly affect their health without showing many signs. That’s why routine check-ups are so important.

Keep an eye out for clues like sudden blindness, changes in behaviour, or unusual weight loss. With a little extra care, we can help keep your cat’s blood pressure in check and their purrs going strong. If you’re concerned, let’s have a chat and make sure everything’s on the right track.

Signs to keep an eye on:

• Sudden blindness
• Bleeding in the eye
• Seizures or personality changes

Understanding Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Cushing’s disease occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol – a hormone that helps manage stress and metabolism. While a bit of cortisol is a good thing, too much can cause some unwelcome changes, like increased thirst, a pot-bellied appearance, or thinning fur.

The signs can be subtle at first, so it’s important to keep an eye out for changes in appetite, water intake, or energy levels. If you notice anything unusual, bring your pup in for a chat. Our team can help diagnose and manage the condition, ensuring your furry friend stays comfortable and happy.

Look out for:

• Drinking and peeing more
• Increased appetite
• Thinning fur or skin