You didn’t really think you could read this column and get away from Brexit, did you?  Well, you can’t!  Brexit will likely impact on animal health in the same way it impacts on most aspects of our lives.  One of the most visible impacts of EU membership on pet welfare was the introduction of the … Continue reading How Will My Dog be Affected by a No-Deal Brexit?

There can be no doubt that cats think a lot of themselves.  They always take the best seat in the house - whether that be on your lap as you read, on the fresh laundry basket, or even on top of the radiator.  They no doubt feel that they deserve this.  But where does this … Continue reading Shoud You Worship Your Cat Like a god?

Does your cat get worried about going to the vets?It is no secret that cats don’t like being told what to do.  So what happens when you have to go to the vets for their annual checkup?  When it comes to the vets, cats seem to have a sixth sense.  You book the appointment, plan … Continue reading How to Reduce Stress in Your Cat Prior to Visiting the Vets

One of my very good clients informed me today that summer is a popular time for families to get new puppies.  This was news to me - I thought that people generally got dogs around Christmas time.  But I was labouring under a misconception.  Summer holidays are actually the times that families feel that they … Continue reading What (not) to Look Out for When Buying a Pup

This week we shall turn to the equestrian world.  As related a month ago in this column, you will be very aware that Downpatrick is a cradle of modern horse racing.  We have one of the finest courses in Ireland and been blessed by the visits of some equine superstars.  I see no reason why … Continue reading Should we Still be Whipping Racehorses in the 21st Century?

Please forgive the melodramatic title.  But trouble is brewing in Lecale, right under our noses.  And indeed inside our noses.  In these divided times, this is a problem that has the potential to unite us all, rich and poor, old and young.  The problem has the rather unsexy name of “Antibiotic Resistance” (AR), but I … Continue reading Antibiotic Resistance – A New Plague?

Now, when folk think of Downpatrick, they think of many things:  St Patrick, history, great pubs, fantastic veterinary care.  However, I doubt many think that it is the cradle of horse racing, but it is.  We do of course have a famous race-course - Downpatrick Race Course, which has just hosted a festival of racing … Continue reading Downpatrick as the Cradle of Horseracing?

So finally May is here - and summer has begun!  Our ancestors celebrated this month as the feast of Bealtaine.   This feast traditionally begins on May 1st - May day.  Various activities are associated with this day - from washing your face in the dew to maintain a youthful complexion, to various animal-related practices. … Continue reading Bealtaine

A question that we are often asked in the clinic is “Can I Feed My Dog Raw Meat?”.  Most people feed their dog on branded pet food, but some folks like to make their own diets for their pet.  This trend stems from a desire to feed the dog the “best quality” ingredients, or sometimes … Continue reading Should You Feed Your Dog Raw Meat?