If you own a Bulldog, there may come a time when your vet recommends a surgical procedure.

Exciting news—Gigi has passed her BOAS test with a Grade 0, the best possible score! This means she has excellent respiratory health, making her an ideal candidate for breeding. But why is BOAS testing so important, and how does it benefit LaRoyal puppy owners?

You'll read within our breed, 'head nods' or 'tremors' aren't uncommon. However, in my decades of Bulldog ownership, I've only had one female suffer from these. I used to keep a packet of Custard Cream biscuits in the cupboard with her name on them (fortunately one of my least favourite biscuits, so I was never tempted to dip into them!).

I found no pattern or triggers for her head shakes, and after blood tests that showed no precise diagnosis, the vets ruled out poisons, toxins, pain, or infections. It's widely accepted that these tremors could be due to low blood sugar or calcium. Offering her a Custard Cream used to snap her out of the shaking ‘habit’, if nothing else!

​However, this same female did go on to show early signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), signalled by poor memory and unnecessary barking - so I have no doubt the two were connected. As dogs age, they may require additional care and attention to maintain their health and well-being. Just like humans, senior dogs can experience various age-related issues, including joint problems, decreased mobility, and cognitive decline. In this blog, I’ll share the common symptoms in ageing dogs, how to manage canine cognitive dysfunction and supplements that can help prevent the onset of age-related issues.

Let me tell you about the little scare I had a few days ago. My youngest dog Poppy ‘the puppy’ she has had a really rough time with her first season at 9 months old. To be blunt the bleeding was horrendous and I decided after over 30 years of living with 'breeding girls' to buy some ‘dog knickers’, they are pretty cute I must admit!

One pair of unicorns and one pair black floral knickers with 14 washable sanitary towels set me back over £50! They did the job to a degree but she kept peeing in them too as she had also picked up a spot of cystitis and also the odd poo!

After what seemed to be eternity she was ‘drying up’, but the next day we had constant ‘strawberry milkshake’ discharge, I knew this meant only one thing, Pyo. Pyometra is a uterus infection that can be deadly.

It’s really unusual for dog to get Pyo with their first season, but I knew it possible. I was fortunate that I could quickly ultrasound scan her and see pockets of puss. I was even more lucky that the vets could fit me in less than an hour.