Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian)

Dr. Ashley has worked in mixed and small animal emergency clinics and general practice ever since 2017 after studying Sydney University. She grew up in South Africa and England before moving to Australia, and her passion for animals came from many childhood safaris in the Kruger National Park. Ash lives with her husband, two happySpringer Spaniels, and one very patient black cat. She also competes in equestrian sports with her horse, Atlas.

man giving flea and tick chewable medicine to a dog

How Often Should I Deworm My Dog? Our Vet Explains When, Timings & Schedule

Worms are common parasites that can infest a dog’s digestive system and, in the case of heartworms, even their blood vessels. Parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Fortunately, there is a vast number of medications that are safe and effective in protecting your dog from worms. However, this variety of […]

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Dog ear infected by ear mites

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections? Our Vet Explains Causes & Care

Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs visit the vet clinic1. While a normal dog could expect a couple of ear infections throughout their life, the frustration and costs will increase when your dog becomes a regular vet visitor due to their ear issues. If head shaking, red ears, and constant scratching have

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uncooked sausages on a plate

Can Dogs Eat Vienna Sausages? Nutrition Facts & FAQ (Vet Answer)

Even if you aren’t sure what to do with them, Vienna sausages are a sensible canned pantry staple for almost anyone. Savvy home cooks know these tasty, versatile morsels can help out anywhere, bringing fun and flavor to breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and all the appetizers in between. Vienna sausages should stay on our plates and

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dog at vet clinic about to undergo surgery

Can a Doctor Treat a Dog in an Emergency? Our Vet Explains Ethics & Legalities

When it comes to human health, we have doctors, dentists, radiographers, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and many others with distinct degrees. Dogs, on the other hand, have veterinarians and veterinary support workers. While specializations exist in the veterinary field, almost everyone involved in your pup’s health can be considered a veterinary worker. Have you ever wondered

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seeds and castor oil on the wooden table

Castor Oil for Dogs: Our Vet Discusses Uses, Safety & Potential Risks

Castor oil is a natural substance that was used as far back as 4000 BC for medicinal purposes. It is an old remedy for constipation in dogs. Although it’s okay to use under explicit directions from your vet, we don’t recommend castor oil as a first-line treatment for any ailments. The risks of giving castor

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red and white pitbull

10 Common Pitbull Skin Issues & How to Treat Them (Vet Answer)

We think you’re so lucky to own a Pitbull! Unfortunately, these outgoing and loyal companions often struggle with skin problems. Is your Pitbull itchy? Do they have bald patches, also known as alopecia? Is their skin red and inflamed, indicating dermatitis? You’re not alone in your struggles. While listing every possible skin complaint in one

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dog licking its paw

Why Does My Dog Bite His Nails? 7 Reasons & Ideas to Redirect It (Vet Answer)

When you settle down to sleep or watch movies with your dog, there’s nothing worse than the sound of them obsessively going at their nails. If you want to fix the issue, you need to understand why they’re doing it in the first place. There are many possible reasons your pup could be biting their

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My Dog Ate Coffee Grounds

My Dog Ate Coffee Grounds: What Should I Do? Our Vet Answers

If your dog has eaten coffee grounds, they could be at risk of caffeine poisoning, depending on their size and how much they’ve eaten. Dogs are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, much more so than humans, and can experience severe side effects or even die from eating coffee grounds. If your dog has just

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dachshund sick dog vet

Chronic Hepatitis In Dogs: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

If your dog has been struggling with liver issues, you’re doing the right thing by learning as much as possible about it. If they’ve had liver biopsies, they may have even been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis. The good news is that the liver is a robust organ with an amazing ability to regenerate; after all,

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leonberger-puppy-with-his-owner-outdoor

My Puppy Doesn’t Want To Walk: 7 Reasons & What To Do (Vet Answer)

We all know the stereotypical dog who excitedly brings you their leash to signal it’s time to go walkies. That’s why it can be confusing when your pup appears less than enthusiastic about walks. They might be reluctant to let you clip on that leash or run away. Once the leash is on, they may

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Black french bulldog lying on the floor

Is a French Bulldog Good for a First-Time Dog Owner? Breed Pros & Downsides

Look, we understand your attraction to French Bulldogs. Their cute, squishy faces and fun personalities will charm almost anyone. Despite that, we believe French Bulldogs may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to the large number of health problems in this breed. First-time dog owners may be unprepared for the expenses

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woman massaging dog

How to Massage a Dog to Poop: 5 Great Tips (Vet Answer)

Massages are commonly used to treat some types of constipation in people, and they can relieve discomfort, improve stools and bowel movements, and promote relaxation, which enhances intestinal movements. If you’re wondering how to massage your dog to help relieve their constipation, you sound like an empathetic dog parent. A “constipation massage” might be okay

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Shih tzu dog getting food from owner at kitchen

Are Homemade Dog Food Recipes Right for Your Dog? Pros & Cons (Vet Answer)

Since there are so many commercial dog foods, confusing labels, and differing opinions about what you should feed, wouldn’t it be simpler to make your dog’s food at home? The truth is that it is difficult to prepare balanced homemade dog food, and while a one-off healthy homecooked meal won’t hurt your dog, feeding the

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dog suffering from eye infection

Dog Eye Infection: Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Eye problems in dogs can be very serious. If you have noticed a problem with your dog’s eyes, your first thought was probably an eye infection. However, eye infections rarely occur on their own and are usually due to an underlying problem. Fixing your dog’s eyes depends on accurately diagnosing and treating the initial cause.

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german shepherd resting on the grass

8 Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease that severely impacts the pancreas’ ability to produce digestive enzymes. EPI can be a problematic condition for your canine to deal with, and it can be difficult for you as the dog owner to help them through it. Along with replacing digestive enzymes and vitamin B12 injections, a

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dog in a blanket is panting

Why is My Dog Throwing Up Black or Dark Red Vomit? Our Vet Explains Causes & Treatment

We’re sorry to hear your dog is unwell, so we’ll get right to the point. Dark red or black vomit is usually due to blood in the vomit. Vivid red excretions usually signal fresh blood. As the blood oxidizes over time, it gets darker and turns black. Black or brown blood in the vomit is

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border collie drinking water from the fountain

Why Does My Dog Throw Up After Drinking Water? 7 Potential Causes

So, your dog has a nice drink of water and then all of a sudden seems to bring it all back up. Or maybe you’ve just noticed foamy, watery puddles around the house. This is a very general sign and there are many possible causes. Sometimes the issue is nothing to worry about if it

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aggressive german shepherd dog

Protective Aggression in Dogs: Expert Tips to Recognize & Stop Behavior

When your dog is aggressive toward others when you are around, it’s only natural to think the root of the behavior is protection. After all, your dog loves you, and when you’re not around, they seem to behave themselves. There are some natural protectors out there, and some breeds have a genetic inclination toward being

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My Dog Ate Ibuprofen

My Dog Ate Ibuprofen: Signs Of Toxicity & What To Do (Vet Answer)

Dogs have a reputation for getting into anything and everything. While you wouldn’t think that your pain relief medication would be a tempting target, it’s very common for dogs to ingest it accidentally, a problem that could be enhanced by the sugar coating on some tablets. Unfortunately, eating these tablets usually leads to ibuprofen toxicity

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English cocker spaniel dog eating food drinking water from bowl on the floot in the kitchen home

Best Dog Foods for Joint Health in 2024: Vet-Recommended Reviews & Top Picks

Supporting your dog’s joints should be a priority throughout their life. Young, large-breed puppies need special puppy food to support healthy joint development. These formulas have moderated energy and calcium to support healthy growth. If you are looking for a diet for a large-breed puppy, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal

Best Dog Foods for Joint Health in 2024: Vet-Recommended Reviews & Top Picks Read More »

labrador retriever dog lying on the floor looking sad or sick

Addison’s Disease in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Signs, Causes & Care

Most people can rattle off a list of the major organs in the body, like the liver, heart, and brain. Some minor organs don’t get as much attention. Have you heard of the adrenal glands? Do you know what happens when the adrenal glands don’t work properly? You get Addison’s disease, a syndrome named after

Addison’s Disease in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Signs, Causes & Care Read More »

White aspirin pills on blue table

Can Dogs Have Aspirin? Our Vet Discusses Safety Facts

Since people can pick up over-the-counter pain relief medication for themselves, you might be tempted to think the same is true for our pets. The truth is that human over-the-counter pain relief options are not ideal for our pets. Most of these medications fall under the class of drugs known as NSAIDs or “non-steroidal anti-inflammatories,”

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Pregnant rhodesian ridgeback dog lying on bed with a white blanket

Mastitis in Dogs: Our Vet Explains The Causes, Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

A dog’s mammary glands function to produce milk to nurture her offspring. Dogs usually have five pairs of mammary glands along their belly and chest, but they can have a few more or less. Unfortunately, these mammary glands can sometimes be afflicted by a painful condition called mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary glands. Some

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puppy with a vet

10 Common Puppy Medications & Their Side Effects (Vet Answer)

In this article, we’ll look into medication commonly prescribed to puppies or dogs under 12 months of age. All medications have side effects, and it pays to be informed before starting your pup on any medication, especially long-term medication. If you suspect your puppy is unwell because of a medication, you should notify your vet

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woman snuggling and hugging her basenji dog

What To Do When Your Dog Has Cancer: Our Vet Discusses 6 Important Steps

If you’ve been told your dog has cancer, you know the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with it. You may have been so overwhelmed when you got this news that you took in little of the vital information you need to decide what happens next. Cancer is an abnormal growth of an individual’s cells, which multiply

What To Do When Your Dog Has Cancer: Our Vet Discusses 6 Important Steps Read More »

Does Dog Get Along with Horse

Can Horses and Dogs Be Friends? 7 Safe Introduction Tips (Vet Answer)

Dogs have long claimed the title of “man’s best friend”, but some argue that horses could claim this because of their roles in society over time. So, taking humans out of the equation, can horses and dogs be friends? Looking at horse and dog interactions, they can display calm, affectionate, and even playful body language

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