My weekly Telegraph column

This week I answered queries on swimming cats, roaring dogs and aggressive bunnies. Click here to read it. Click here for full post

Moulting dogs: what's the answer?

No-one likes dog hair all over the house, but what can be done? Click here to read my blog on this. Click here for full post

Medal-winning dogs

I've recently read a fascinating book about dogs working with soldiers at times of war. Click here to read the blog. (Thanks to the Press Association for the photo above of Rats with her soldier friends) And here is the rest of it. Click here for full post

Killer Whales - leave them in the wild where they belong

In the aftermath of the death of a trainer in a Marine Entertainment Park in Florida, the question needs to be asked: should performing marine mammals belong in the past, like lions and tigers in zoo cages? Click here to read my blog on this. Click here for full post

Will the new cure for peanut allergy in humans be helpful to pets?

This week on East Coast FM, we discussed allergies in pets, and the relevance of a new treatment for peanut allergy in humans to pets. Click on the play button below to listen.

VETALLERGY.mp3

Click here for full post

Cats with heart disease on TV3

Kizzy is an eleven year old cat with heart disease - this week she joined me on Ireland AM. Click here to watch. I also answered a few queries for viewers: read on to find out more: 1. My dog is lethargic all the time. She's a three year old Bassett Hound and has lost interest in her food, and doesn't want to walk.
2. My dog keeps waking during the night. What can I do?
3. My cat keeps trying to get at my goldfish. We've put the fish high up on a shelf but the cat's still trying. What should I do?
4. My dog is a Jack Russell and he's constantly shivering and acting very clingy. We've recently had a baby so wondering if he's looking for attention?
To find out my answers to these questions, click here. Click here for full post

Video Q&A - what do do about halitosis in cats, and more...

In this week's video Q&A, I answer the usual selection of questions from viewers. Read on to find out what was covered this week, or click here to watch: 1. I have an ordinary domestic cat. He is neutered and does not go outdoors. He has very bad breath that has become worse in recent months. Any ideas?
2. How do I stop cats spraying in my garden and chasing my pet rabbit?
3. I have a five-month old King Charles spaniel. We have a stone wall in the house which she licks and tries to chew. Is she low on something?
4. My rabbit will be one in June. She has recently started biting us. What can I do?
Click here for full post

Frightening people into buying pet insurance

Pet insurance is a good idea, allowing pet owners to afford the best treatment for their pet but budgeting a relatively small monthly amount. But insurance companies shouldn't need to scaremonger in order to get new customers. See my blog on this here. And here is the rest of it. Click here for full post

Deaf animals.... on the radio

This week on East Coast FM, Declan Meehan asked me about deafness in pets... click on the play button below to listen

VETDEAF.mp3

Click here for full post

Top ten tips on communicating with your vet

A successful veterinary consult is all about good communication between owner and veterinarian ..... I've written a blog piece that offers some suggestions on how to make the most of your fifteen minutes in the vet clinic... click here to read it. Click here for full post

Irish Dog Breeding legislation - on television

Today on Ireland AM, we discussed the Dog Breeding legislation that's currently passing through the Seanad and Dail in Ireland. Watch by clicking hereAnd here is the rest of it. Click here for full post

Deafness in pets

Deafness is very common in all-white dogs and cats. Click here to read my blog about Maisie, the white Boxer pictured above. Click here for full post

Video Q&A

My usual weekly video Q&A can now be watched - click here. The queries were..... 1. I have a five-year-old male Boxer and he is losing hair on both sides of his back. Is this common?
2. We have a five and a half month-old Black Labrador. She is terrible for biting, we have lots of toys but she would rather bite your fingers. What can I do?
3. What age roughly does a Great Dane live until?
4. How can I house train my Bichon Frise, and can I put my Bichon Frise outside?
5. My four-year-old neutered West Highland has a black layer on her back and sides. Given antibiotic shot. What can be wrong with him?
Click here for full post

My weekly column in the Daily Telegraph

Can rats understand English? Why would a Cocker Spaniel start to "whitter"? Is raspberry leaf useful for pregnant dogs? To find out, read my latest column in the Daily Telegraph by clicking here. Click here for full post

The appeal of peculiar pets

Have you ever seen a capybara - it's like a Guinea Pig as big as a St Bernard dog. Would you like to keep one as a pet? What is it that makes people want to keep animals that are out-of-the-ordinary. Read my blog in the Telegraph about this subject by clicking here. Click here for full post

Are cat owners smarter than dog owners?

On East Coast FM this week, we discussed the reports in the papers last week that cat owners are "more educated" than dog owners.... click on the play button below to listen.

VETIQ.mp3

Click here for full post

Animal A&E

In this week's Animal A&E, you can meet all sorts of interesting creatures, from tortoises to seals to Yoda, a cat with asthma who came into my clinic for treatment. Click here to watch. Click here for full post

Assistance dogs - on TV3

Assistance dogs are trained companions for autistic children - an extension of the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. I brought one onto TV3 this week, and you can watch her if you click here. Click here for full post

Video questions and answers

This week's video question and answers can be seen by clicking here or read on to learn more about the questions. 1. My rescue greyhound has started to lose hair from his tummy and bottom. Are we doing something wrong or why is this happening?
2. Since one of our two dogs died, our Old English Sheepdog won’t eat. What can we do?
3. My son wants to get a turtle as a pet. What is the best kind to get and can you recommend a good book or website to help get started?
4. Our 15-year-old Westie sleeps inside and calls us for the toilet most nights at 2:30am and 5:30am. What should we do?
5. What is the best way to help a dog travel? Have you any first time tips? Click here for full post

Pets visiting folk in care homes

This week on TV3, we discussed pets visiting nursing homes. Click here to watch. And here is the rest of it. Click here for full post

My weekly pet problem column in the Daily Telegraph

In this week's printed column in the Telegraph, I discuss a dog with halitosis, rats chewing each others' whiskers, a hyperactive cat, and bizarrely, a cat that steals money and valuables. Click here to read the column online. javascript:void(0) Click here for full post

The not-so-innocent rabbit on the park bench

Have you seen the Innocent tv advert featuring the talking rabbit? He's giving out the wrong message about rabbit nutrition. Click here to read my blog on the subject. Click here for full post

Radio discussion: a cat predicting death

This week on East Coast FM, we discussed Oscar, a cat in Rhode Island who predicts the timing of death of elderly patients in the nursing home where he lives. Click on the play button below to listen.

VETesp.mp3

Click here for full post

Video Q&A

ANother selection of questions from viewers on video. Click here to watch, or read on to find out what questions were asked....
1. I’ve an eight-month-old Shih Tzu and have had it since it was eight weeks old but am finding it very difficult to house train him. Any advice?
2. I have two small dogs but now my aunt wants me to take her dog as she is being miserable with the kids. Is it a good idea?
3. How can I prevent my dog getting fleas?
4. At what age should a Labrador stop teething and chewing everything around him. He is 10 months and is walked five miles a day.
5. My dog has cataracts on his eyes. My vet quoted me 2000 euro per eye. It seems very expensive. Is that right?
Click here for full post