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​We love sharing information – sometimes it’s small tidbits and other times its big juicy chunks of info, and every now and again it might be something as simple as a meme to make your smile. We hope you enjoy our blog – which is mostly dog focused but can occasionally be distracted.​

Understanding what is in your dog's food!

16/5/2025

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The variety of options for dogs foods in Australia how grown exponentially in the last 10 years. Standing in the dog food aisle can be very overwhelming, so let's break down how to understand what is in your dog's food to help you make the best choice for your pooch and their diet.  

Compare the ingredients list to the front label.

Should your pet have an intolerance, allergy or should you be working on an elimination diet, it's important to know that what you are buying, doesn't contain that meat or ingredient.
Just because the front of a packaging is labelled with only one meat, doesn't meat other meats or by products are not included. This is when you need to refer to the ingredients list (usually on the rear or side packaging) Be sure to go through the entire list to rule out the ingredients that you need to. 
For example, the front of the packaging my indicate the flavour is 'Chicken' however on the rear you may find the ingredients include chicken, chicken by products, beef, beef by products. 
If your pet has severe allergies, you should be sticking to single protein options or going on the advise of your vet for suitable foods. 

Grains and cereals. 

Grains and cereals can be used in some pet foods, they can provide carbohydrates and fibre but can also be overused as cheaper filler options.
For those dogs who are sensitive to grains or gluten, it's important to refer to the ingredients list to know what is in the food you are buying and also how much is in it.
The ingredients list is written in descending order of predominance by weight, with the greatest amount shown first.
Should a grain or cereal be shown in the start of an ingredients list, this is a good indicator of a lower quality, unbalanced food that would require extras be added to offer a complete and balanced diet. 

What are by products?

You will often come across listings in your pet food ingredients that mention by-products. By-products are the parts of an animal that aren't considered part of the 'primary' meat portion of the animal and are the items that are listed as 'not suitable for human consumption'. These are often organs, bones and trimmings off parts of the meat.
By products can be very nutritious for a dog and can hold a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals, providing they are in the diet in a balanced way (ie: not just a lot of fatty tissue and no organ). When you consider what a natural diet for a dog in the wild would be, they digest every part of an animal that they hunt so a balanced diet for a dog should include these parts as well. 

What is meat meal?

Meat meal is a product used in animal foods to keep costs low and can result in a low quality food that is low in moisture and nutrients.
Meat meal is made by cooking animal meat and parts (this can include anything from blood, hoof, hair and manure) at a very high temperature (this is where nutrients can be lost) then drying it out to form a meal/powder type substance. 

Understanding packaging: 

Two examples below show one meat shown on front of packaging however when viewing ingredients list on the back, you can see other meats may be used. This could be a risk to any dogs with food allergies to certain meats. 
An example below to show when whole meats/fish are used as the primary and main ingredient in dry food as well as a detailed breakdown of all other ingredients. 
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Signs of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

17/4/2025

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It's something we all know, dogs get sick from eating chocolate. But why is that?

Well - there are two ingredients in chocolate that makes our dogs (and cats) sick, this is caffeine and the chemical used in chocolate called theobromine.
Dog's bodies and organs are not able to metabolize either of these chemicals the same way that humans can which makes them far more sensitive to the effects of them.

Theobromine is a compound found within cocoa which is used to make chocolate. It is toxic to not only dogs but cats and other pets also. The amount of Theobromine in chocolate does vary between the types of chocolate, with dark chocolate and baking chocolate having a higher level then milk chocolate. The amount that a pet digests obviously results in how much they are affect, though left un noticed even a small amount can lead to serious issues, even death.


Symptoms can include increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, nervousness, hyperactivity, trembling, increased drinking, increased urination and seizures.

Chocolate should always be kept out of pets reach and never intentionally given, not even as a small treat. If your pet does happen to digest chocolate, or you suspect they may have, contact your vet immediately.
​Emergency 24/7 vets are open over the public holidays of the Easter long weekend. It's best to be aware of your closest clinic in case of any emergencies. 

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Weight Loss Tips for Dogs.

18/3/2025

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Has the vet advised that it's time to put Fido on a diet? Do you feel guilty scaling back their meal sizes or taking away the treats? 
We all know what it's like when they look at you with those big brown eyes, just begging for a little more food!
Our tips below are some easy changes you can make to keep your pooch and vet happy whilst bringing their waist line back! 

1)

Assess the main diet of your dog.
Have a look at the kibble or meat that you are feeding your dog. Is it high in fat? Look to move to a low fat option. Your vet or local pet store will be able to help you find low fat kibble options. For meat feeders, look at low fat proteins such as turkey or kangaroo.

2)

Adjust your meal sizes.
Make sure you are feeding a meal size that is suitable for your dog's IDEAL weight, not their current weight. Feeding to the current weight will only maintain the weight they are at. Ensure if the suggest meal size for your dog is 1 cup and you feed twice daily, that your dog is getting 1/2 cup each meal to meet their daily requirements, not 1 cup daily.

3)

Treats.
Is your dog getting treats often throughout the day? A lot of dog treats are high in fat so it's best to substitute them with more health friendly options. You could use a portion of their low fat kibble or diced low fat loaf from their daily requirements or check out our blog on healthy treat alternatives HERE!

4)

Increase physical exercise.
Providing your dog has no physical restrictions, they may need their daily exercise increased. You can reach out to family members or neighbours who may have some responsible teens who are looking to make some pocket money or use a professional dog walker if you are unable to increase their exercise. 
Alternative options to walking and running include water exercise, either at the beach or a dog suitable pool. This can be a fantastic option for arthritic or recovering dogs as it takes the weight off their legs and can relieve sore joints too. 

5)

Meal numbers.
How many meals is your dog eating each day? Ideally two meal a day, morning and night, will help to regulate your dog's ability to process their food and burn fat and energy. If you choose to only feed once daily, ensure this meal is given in the mornings and not at night. A large meal at night will only get the chance to turn to fat.
You can also divide your dog's total meal quantity by given 3/4 in the morning and 1/4 at night to help with this too. 
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Healthy Treat Alternatives for Dogs.

3/3/2025

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The wide array of options for dog treats can be very tempting, however they can often be full of un-natural additives or high in fat, which can be very dangerous for older dogs as well as those with any health issues sensitive to fats such as diabetes and pancreatitis. Did you know there are many healthy alternatives that you probably have sitting in your kitchen now? They are not only better for your dogs waist line but some are great for their teeth too!

Carrots 

Carrots are a fantastic treat for dogs, providing they are prepared to a size that is suitable for your dog. They are both nutritious and a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean. 

Broccoli 

Raw or cooked, broccoli is great for dogs as it's high in fibre and vitamin C and low in fat. Served raw it is also great for their teeth and satisfies a dog's natural want to chew and break up food. 

Cucumbers 

Being high in water, cucumbers are great treat to give on warmer days to your pooch. They are low in calories and easy to slice up to the right size for your dog to enjoy. 

Apples

Providing the core and all seeds are removed prior to serving, apples are a fantastic treat for dogs. They are full of vitamin A & C and dietary fibre. They are high in sugar so should be given in moderation as a sometimes treat. It should be avoided by dogs that suffer from diabetes, pancreatitis  or who are overweight. 

Watermelon

Watermelon can be a fun treat, especially on warmer days. Although it is low in calories and has no fat or cholesterol it does contain sugar so should also be avoided by dogs that are overweight or suffer from diabetes or pancreatitis. 
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World Record Dogs!

25/2/2025

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Did you know....?

The current Guinness World Record Holders for.......
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Longest ears EVER on a dog belongs to Tigger, the Bloodhound. Check them out! His left ear measures at 34.2cms long and his right ear at 34.9cm! No dog has beaten this record since he was awarded in 2004!
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Longest tongue of a dog belongs to Mochi. This St Bernard's tongue comes in at a whopping 18.58cms long! Imagine the slobber this giant could throw around! Mochi has held this title since 2016!
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Longest tail goes to Keon, the beautiful Irish Wolfhound, who's huuuuge tail measures in at 76.8cms! That's longer then the length of a Dachshund! Keon has held this record since 2015 and is yet to be beaten!


Photos and information credit to Guinness World Records: 
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
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Post Operative Rehabilitation Support and Care For Dogs

4/2/2025

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Has your dog recently had surgery or has an upcoming surgery? Are you unsure of how you will support them in their rehabilitation process following their discharge from the vets?

Did you know we offer Post Operative Rehabilitation Care?

We are lucky enough to have a secondary Resort, We Love Dogs Resort, located a short 15 minute drive from our Country Club.
At this Resort, along with many other areas of specialised care, we are lucky enough to also offer our Post Operative care. 
This allows us to care for guest's who have been discharged from the vet following a surgical procedure and administer any required medication, physical rehabilitation and exercise around the clock as well as transporting them to and from any appointments with their vets and specialists. 
Our luxury rooms, fitted with heating and cooling and TV's have been purposely built in varying sizes, allowing us to care for post operative guest's in comfort but also with area restrictions, to limit their movement and mobility as advised by their vets to aid in their recovery. 
Our loving and skilled team of Doggy Doaters can closing monitor our guest's and keep a constant line of open communication with vets, specialists and our doggy parents to work together for our guest's full recovery. 
Some guest's we have cared for in the past and continue to offer care for have been recovering from surgeries for:
  • ACL ruptures
  • Spinal surgery
  • Neck surgery
  • Open wound recovery
  • Limb amputations
  • Broken bones

    We can comfortably accommodate guests who are using wheel chairs,  have waste bags attached, are wearing blood glucose monitoring devices and those wearing cones. 
Should you have any questions, wish to visit We Love Dogs Resort for a tour or may need assistance with your dog's care following surgery, don't hesitate to reach out to us today. You can find more information at our website HERE or reach We Love Dogs directly at 5978-5831. 
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Tip to keep your dog safe and secure during Fireworks

27/12/2024

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The below tips can help to keep your anxious or nervous dog safe and secure during fireworks and other loud experiences. 

Plan ahead

When possible, plan ahead for when your dog will be exposed to loud noises. Aside from thunder storms, you are often aware of expected loud construction work or fireworks beforehand. 
In these instances, walk and exercise your dog prior to the noise beginning. Get your dog as tired as possible. The less energy they have when the noise starts, the less energy they have to put into their stress.
Make sure to feed your dog well in advance. Some dogs, when they become stressed, can vomit. If they have had the chance to digest their food in advance, they will be less likely to do so. If you are unable to feed them earlier then normal, consider reducing their meal size. You can always offer them the remainder at a later time once they are calm again. 

Burn as much energy as you can!

As mentioned above, getting your dog out for a walk and exercise is a great way to reduce their energy levels.
If there is the risk of storms or something could occur during a time when you are not home, leave things for them to play with that can keep their busy. Puzzle toys and bowls are a great way to keep them entertained and burn lots of mental energy. 

Make sure they are in a secure space

If you dog can react in an erratic way when they are scared, be sure to have them in safe space prior to the loud event occurring. In same cases this is inside your house, sometimes inside a room or sometimes outside if inside is not an option.
Make sure there is no possible way for your dog to escape, even dogs who normally don't jump or climb can be capable of reaching heights when they are scared. They can also squeeze through gaps when needed too. Make sure to check there are no spaces of escape. 
​If there is a safe space you can keep them inside, ensure there are no items that they can break or damage in an attempt to get out that could cause them harm. 

Don't cause the anxiety. 

If you are home with your dog during a time when they are anxious, be cautious of your behaviour and if this is encouraging your dogs anxiety.
​For example, if the situation is making you anxious or nervous or you are rushing around trying lots of different methods to sooth your dog, you will only create more anxiety for them. As their pack leader, they look to you for guidance, if you are stressed, they are stressed.
Remain calm, talk to your dog in a nice calm and gentle voice. Avoid holding them or trying to shelter them from the noise. This only confirms to them that there is something to be scared of. Simply pet them in calm, gentle strokes and reassure them that they are okay. 
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5 Hot Tips For Keeping Your Dog Cool!

25/11/2024

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When it's not an option to have your dog inside with the cooler on during the hot weather, keep these tips in mind on how to keep your doggy cool at the temperature rises. 

ONE

Plan your daily walks early in the morning, before or as close to sunrise as possible. This way the ground outside is cool on your dogs pads and the temperature is not too hot. Reduce your walk time if need be. 

TWO

Ensure your dog has shade ALL DAY! Remember that the sun will move throughout the day and one space that may provide shelter in the morning, could be covered in sun by the afternoon. Ensure to use a material that won't cause more heat once the sun reaches it, ie: metal or tin. 

THREE

Offer a method of cooling for your dog that they will use. A small child's pool full of water, placed in the shade is great for water loving dogs. Cooling matts, placed in the fridge the night prior offer a great, cool space for a dog to lay on and allow them to regulate their body temperature. 

Cooling matts are available for purchase in both of our offices, at Baxter and Pearcedale.

FOUR

Leave your pooch frozen treat toys to enjoy during the day. The day prior, fill a plastic container with treats your dog enjoys and place in the freezer. You can make multiples of these to hide around your yard in shady spots for your dog to find and enjoy during the day. Also offering another way to stay hydrated. 

FIVE

Ensure multiple sources of water are left for your dog. Dogs sweat through their pads on their feet and can dig at their water bowls to cool down. This could leave your dog with no water. They will also drink an increased amount of water during the heat. Having multiple options of bowls of water out will ensure your dog doesn't run out in the heat, which can quickly lead to heat stroke. 
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Bloat - is your dog at risk?

16/9/2024

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What is Bloat?

Bloat is when gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times its normal size and the stomach turns more than 180 degrees on its longitudinal axis, sealing off both the entry and exit from the stomach. This causes the spleen swells placing pressure on the major vein bringing blood back to the heart from the lower body. Many damaging events follow including the release of toxins from the dying stomach lining and heart dysfunction. Without immediate care the dog goes into shock and dies. Bloat is an extremely serious condition, and should be considered a life-threatening emergency when it occurs. 
Sadly, the exact cause of Bloat is still unknown.  even after extensive testing in controlled situations, Bloat does not occur consistently in the same simulations. 
It does however, seem to  appear that it occurs as a combination of events. There are many theories about the cause of Bloat from Veterinarians. Factors may include feeding large meals of dry food followed by exercise, abrupt changes in diet, drinking a large amount of water after eating, and fast gulping of food. Other causes have been suggested but nothing has been proven.

What causes Bloat?

Symptoms, Signs and Treatment

The most obvious signs are abdominal distention (swollen, hard belly) and non-productive vomiting (animal appears to be vomiting, but nothing comes up) and retching. The stomach and abdomen will be distended and hard to the touch. This distension is first apparent on the left hind side of the abdomen Other signs include restlessness (pacing & panting), abdominal pain, and rapid shallow breathing. Profuse drooling may indicate severe pain. If the dog’s condition continues to deteriorate the dog may go into shock and become pale (check gum color), have a weak pulse, a rapid heart rate, become lethargic and eventually collapse. 
There are no home remedies to treat bloat, your dog needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Bloat is an emergency situation. Your dog will be assessed by the vet to establish what stage of bloat they are in and if a tube can be used to remove the gas from the stomach or if surgery is needed. 

For more information, download our Bloat information HERE. We suggest any dog owners with a high risk breed of Bloat to keep this on hand and make sure everyone in your household is educated on the signs of Bloat. 

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Hot Spots - a water lover's enemy!

23/8/2024

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Hot Spots are a bacterial infection on a dog's skin, that can start very small and often go un-noticed until they are larger in size. 
A dog will lose fur in the area of the hot spot. In the early stages, the skin will be red and moist and will often appear round. The skin will be warm and your dog will constantly be itching at the area. Because of the irritation and the constant itching of the area, the bacteria  and infection spreads fast. 
As the hot spot progresses it can start to ooze pus and smell. 
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Hot Spots hot spots!

What has caused my dog's hot spot?

The two main causes of Hot Spots are Moisture and Irritations. Sometimes the initial cause is one or both of these issues.
Moisture sitting on a dogs skin, especially under a thick coat of fur, is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Dogs who are water lovers are especially prone to hot spots, due to the constant moisture within their coat. Additional factors that help keep moisture on a dog's skin is thick, knotted, matted or unmaintained fur, collars that don't allow the skin to breath or wearing coats/jackets without having a totally dry coat underneath. 
Irritations  that cause a dog to scratch and itch constantly can lead to a hot spot in that area. Obsessive itching can be caused from a number of different reasons, including skin irritations, allergies, fleas, parasites etc. 
In this case, the hot spot and the cause of the irritation need to be treated at the same time, to prevent reoccurrence.  ​

Treatment of Hot Spots

A visit to your vet is needed. The area will likely be shaved to allow it to air and heal fast and your vet will prescribe the appropriate medication needed for a speedy recovery. 
It's also important to provide your vet with as much information as possible about the possible cause of the hot spot, as preventative measures may be able to be taken to prevent a flare up in the future. ​

You can find more information or download our Hot Spot Brochure by clicking HERE!

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15 Sumner Rd,
​Baxter Victoria 3911
​Australia
Phone  03 5971 1127
Email  [email protected]
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