Supporting Your Dog Through Pregnancy, Lactation & Weaning Pregnancy is an exciting time, and understanding how to support mum nutritionally and emotionally helps set both her and her puppies up for a healthy start. Every dog is different, so working closely with your vet throughout pregnancy and after birth is essential. Before & During Pregnancy Start With a Veterinary Check‑Up A pre‑pregnancy or early‑pregnancy health check helps ensure mum is in good condition. Your vet c

Managing Your Dog’s Heat Cycle: What Owners Should Know A female dog’s heat cycle is a natural part of her reproductive process. Understanding the different stages — and the emotional and physical changes that come with them — helps you support her calmly and confidently. The Four Stages of the Canine Heat Cycle 1️⃣ Proestrus (Preparation Phase) — 7–10 days The vulva begins to swell Light bleeding usually starts Males show interest, but she is not yet receptive Oestrogen leve

Phantom Pregnancy in Female Dogs: What Owners Should Know A phantom pregnancy — also called a false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy — can occur around 6–8 weeks after a season , causing a dog to behave and feel as though she is pregnant even when she isn’t. This is a natural hormonal response and is surprisingly common in un-spayed females. Why Does It Happen? After every season, female dogs produce pregnancy‑related hormones whether they were bred or not. These hormonal shifts

Pyometra in Female Dogs: What Owners Need to Know Pyometra is a serious uterine condition that can develop in un-spayed female dogs. It involves inflammation of the uterus and the build‑up of fluid or discharge. While it is more common in older females, it can occur at any age, which is why awareness is so important. Who Is Most at Risk? Pyometra is most often seen in: Intact females over five years old Dogs experiencing repeated heat cycles Dogs with a history of hormonal fl

Understanding UTIs in Female Dogs: What Owners Should Know Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common in female dogs, but they can sometimes signal a deeper issue. While many cases are straightforward, it’s important for owners to be aware that similar symptoms can also appear alongside other health concerns. Early veterinary assessment helps ensure your dog receives the right support. Potential Underlying Causes Some conditions can present with UTI‑like symptoms,