When a dog has a luxating patella, this means that their kneecap (the patella) slips out of its normal position in the thigh bone (femur). This causes the knee to dislocate (luxate) sideways. The term “luxating patella” simply means the kneecap dislocates out of place.
There are two types of luxating patella:
MPL – Medial Patellar Luxation
This is where the kneecap moves inward out of position. This is the most common type of patellar luxation, and symptoms are usually seen earlier in a dog’s life. It is most commonly seen in small dog breeds.
LPL – Lateral Patellar Luxation
This is where the kneecap moves outward from its normal position. This is less common and is often seen in medium to large dog breeds. It is also more common in dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia.
A knee affected by a luxating patella is more likely to develop arthritis earlier in life due to consistent rubbing on the joint cartilage.

In most cases, a luxating patella is a hereditary condition passed down from breeding parents. However, it can also develop over time or be caused by a degenerative condition.
It’s important to ensure that the medical history of breeding parents is known, to help prevent luxating patellas from being passed on to future litters.

In mild cases, signs of a luxating patella may remain asymptomatic, and dogs are often able to pop their kneecap back into place on their own, sometimes without the owner even noticing.
A common sign is a dog walking with a “skip” in their step. They may briefly hold up the affected leg, kick it out, or shake it. If they quickly return to normal walking, it usually means the patella has slipped back into place on its own.
As a dog ages with a luxating patella, they may become increasingly lame in the affected leg. This is due to ongoing cartilage wear, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
If a dog needs help getting the patella back into place, they may cry out in pain and lick at the knee joint. It’s best not to handle the leg, as dogs can often correct it themselves. However, if the issue persists or the dog becomes distressed, veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible.

During a physical examination, your vet can diagnose a luxating patella and assign it a grade. Luxating patellas are graded from 1 to 4 to determine severity, guide treatment, and monitor progression over time.

• Grade 1: Mild and unlikely to significantly impact day-to-day life
  
• Grade 4: Severe, painful, and likely to require surgery
  

Grade 1–2:
These cases often don’t require major intervention. Management includes maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that involve sudden stopping, sharp turns, or spinning. Dogs may also benefit from physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory medication if discomfort is present.
Grade 3–4 (or frequent Grade 1–2 cases):
Surgery is usually recommended. This helps realign the patella, reduce pain, and minimise the risk of early-onset arthritis, especially in younger dogs.

Seeing an Assistance Dog at work is a heart-warming experience, and the journey of training and preparing one to join their new owner’s life is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of this process but weren’t sure where to begin, or what role you could play, we’ve got you covered. In this edition of Therapy Dog Thursday, we’re excited to share a few ways you can get involved in the training and raising of a future Assistance Dog.

Volunteer as a Puppy Raiser!
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Welcome a beautiful puppy into your home (and heart) and help play a vital role in potentially raising a future Guide Dog who will assist someone with low vision or blindness in their day to day tasks.
As a puppy raiser, you will love, nurture and help expose your puppy to the world, to help grow them into a confident and well socialised dog.  Guide Dogs support you every step of the way with on going support from their Puppy Raising network and also cover costs of food, vet bills, collars, toys etc. 

Want to find out more? Visit their website here and register your expression of interest to learn more! 

Volunteer  to support a Breeding Dog!

​With Assistance Dogs Australia, you can share in a really special moment, by taking in a Mum-To-Be, pregnant breeding dog and supporting her through her pregnancy and birth. These beautiful babies will remain in your home until around 8 weeks of age.
Your job during this time is to provide love, safety and a secure space inside for Mumma and, when they arrive, her pups.  Support is provided by ADA during the entire process.
Please be aware, carer's for this role must live within a reasonable distance from the ADA National Training School in Waterfall NSW.  As most of our readers live in Victoria is would be great if you shared this opportunity with dog loving friends who live in NSW so they and then share this on with their networks - you never know who knows who - It's a small world these days!

If you, or someone you know, would be a suitable 'Brood Carer', find out more here.  You can also find other ways you can volunteer with Assistance Dogs Australia here! 

Provide your salvia... no really! 

Lions Assistance Dogs need your saliva - that is providing you are a Type 1 Diabetic.  Volunteers who provide their Type 1 Diabetic salvia are assisting in training Diabetic Alert Dogs - without even having to leave your home! 
To qualify to provide your salvia you must 
- Be a Type 1 Diabetic
- Have well managed diabetes and it be safe for you to fall outside of the normal blood glucose range

Lions Assistance Dogs provide collection kits and then freeze the salvia to store it until it is needed for training. Without these samples, they are unable to train their Diabetic Alert Dogs. 

Visit the Lions Assistance Dogs website here for more information on providing your salvia as well as other ways you can volunteer to support them. 

These amazing organisations could not operate without the efforts of amazing volunteers and donations. To donate, visit the websites below. 

​There can be a number of reasons why our dogs eat grass, which can range from simple behavioural habits to more serious health concerns. Finding out the specific reason your dog eats grass can help you address the issue or rectify any underlying health problems.

Grass contains roughage, which is dietary fibre found in the indigestible (for humans) parts of plants. Although human digestive systems cannot break down and use the fibre from roughage, dog’s in fact can. If a dog is lacking fibre in their diet and it’s causing them to be unable to comfortably pass bowel motions, they may begin eating grass to help them pass this.

If your dog’s diet is steadily consistent and they eat grass often, this could be a reason why. You should discuss with your vet and assess the nutritional content of your dog’s diet.
Although there is no universal rule for how much crude fibre a dog should have daily within their diet, in general the suggested amount is anywhere between 2.5-6%, however this should always be discussed with your vet as every circumstance is different for each dog, based on their aged and health.

Some dogs simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass. 

Some dogs may only eat specific types of grasses, or they might prefer it when it is at a particular length, or at certain times of the year (e.g., when new shoots appear).
This habit can also stem from boredom. If you find your dog does this when they haven’t been for a walk or at times when they are alone, it could be a self-entertainment habit. The act of chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, the "happy chemicals, in a dog’s brain, so chewing is often a habit they use to alleviate boredom or anxiety.
If your dog only eats grass periodically or a specific type of grass, it may just be a habit that they enjoy. It shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, however, you should always be aware of any chemicals or pesticides that have been sprayed on the grass, as these are toxic to dogs. Leaving them with suitable and safe chew toys can also give them an alternative to keep themselves entertained.

This is likely the most common reason people think their dog eats grass, but it’s often considered the least frequent primary reason in veterinary studies.

Dogs are not necessarily trying to vomit when they start eating grass; rather, they may eat the grass because they are already feeling unwell. If your dog does vomit immediately after eating grass, it often means the stomach was already irritated and the indigestible texture of the grass simply helped to bring on the vomiting process. The tough, sharp blades of grass may tickle the throat or stomach lining.

If your dog frequently vomits after eating grass, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as there is usually an underlying health issue causing the gastric upset, such as:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Acid reflux
• Dietary intolerance
• Blockage of the digestive tract
  
  

If you are concerned that your dog may be unwell or may have eaten grass that has been sprayed with chemicals, you should always consult your vet immediately. Our blog, ‘Signs of Toxicity in Dogs,’ can help you identify if your dog is displaying any worrying signs.

We all know the amazing, hard work that organisations and charities do to help support those in need of an Assistance Dog - but how is that a pup goes from a little bundle of energy to a life changing new family member?
It's the hard work of people like Georgia who help get them there! 

Placing Assistance Dogs with clients holds a special place in Georgia’s heart. After years spent guiding puppies, volunteers, and clients through the life-changing journey of Assistance Dog training, she’s seen just how powerful these partnerships become. “It’s not just about providing support – it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and emotional connection,” she shares. “The bond that forms between a person and their Assistance Dog is powerful; it can create new possibilities, increase community connection, and bring a sense of companionship that can’t be replicated. Being part of that journey – watching lives transform through trust, teamwork, and love – is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”  

Georgia has been part of the Assistance Dog world since 2020 and has spent almost four years in ADA’s operations team, working across puppy development, training, and instructing. Based in Queensland, she works closely with a dedicated network of volunteers who open their homes – and their hearts – to the puppies and dogs in training. 
“My role is really about supporting dogs and humans through every stage of development,” Georgia explains. That includes everything from educating volunteers, conducting training sessions, and running assessments, to supporting clients across Australia with their working Assistance Dogs.
A “typical week” for Georgia simply doesn’t exist – and that’s part of what she loves. Her days are filled with managing dogs of all ages and developmental levels, checking in with volunteers and clients, scheduling follow-ups and assessments, providing training sessions, distributing supplies, documenting progress, onboarding volunteers, and sometimes racing around in her work van, fondly known as “the party bus”, collecting dogs for group outings and socialisation. It’s busy, hands-on, and constantly evolving. “Every week requires flexibility,” she says, “but it also brings a new opportunity to support growth – whether it’s a puppy nailing a new skill or a client building confidence with their matched dog.” 

One of Georgia’s favourite parts of the job is witnessing the full training journey, from Puppy Education through Advanced Training and into placement. Many of the dogs she works with, she’s known since the day they left the nest. “Watching them grow from playful pups into confident, reliable partners is one of the most beautiful transformations,” she says. Early development focuses on foundational skills, exposures, and building curiosity. Advanced Training introduces specialised tasks, tailored to support individuals with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Each dog moves at their own pace, and instructors like Georgia constantly assess their strengths and potential roles. 
The matching process is incredibly thoughtful. Instructors look beyond task capability, considering personality, lifestyle, home environment, handling style, and energy levels. “When we finally place a dog with their new teammate, everything comes together,” Georgia says. “We support them through the early days of bonding, connection, and learning how to work together. It’s a moment of immense pride and I never get tired of it.” ​

Georgia works as a part of a huge, dedicated team, who help to improve and change the lives of the people who gain one of their dogs into their family.

To find out more or to help support the incredible work of what Assistance Dogs Australia do, visit their website here.

Assistance Dogs Australia. Information regarding accredited trainers and assistance dog training programs in Australia was sourced from the official website of Assistance Dogs Australia, available at:  ​https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/instructor-georgia-connecting-to-people-through-dogs/ 

​The Maltese is a small, adorable lap dog that loves to cuddle and be with its human as much as possible. With the popularity of cross-breeding these days, many people don't know much about the purebred Maltese.

The Maltese is an ancient breed believed to have originated in the central Mediterranean region, with its development heavily associated with the island of Malta, which is how it got its name. The breed was well established in Malta long before it was formally recognized by kennel clubs.

The Maltese was seen as a symbol of high status in society and was owned by the wealthy and royalty. They were kept purely as pets and companion dogs and were often carried around in women’s sleeves, found sitting on their owner’s laps, and sleeping in their beds with them. This aristocratic companion role has been consistent throughout history.

The Maltese is a small breed of dog that typically reaches a height of 18–23 cm at the shoulder and weighs under 3–4 kg.
Pure white is considered the only acceptable colour standard in most major kennel clubs (like the AKC and FCI), although different standards around the world may allow very light cream or tan markings in parts of the coat.

Grooming is a daily requirement for the Maltese, especially if they are kept in a full, long coat. Gentle brushing is required daily as their coat is very soft and prone to tangling. Pay extra attention behind their ears, under their "armpits," and on their belly to avoid matting and to remove any debris they may pick up when out and about.

Their eyes should be wiped clean, gently with a warm cloth or an appropriate cleanser, daily to avoid the famous tear staining around the eyes. Their ears also require weekly checking and cleaning, and should have hair plucked out as needed by a groomer or vet to prevent infections.
Regular professional grooming and coat clipping can help to keep their coat easier to maintain. A full-coated Maltese will also require the hair from the top of their head kept out of their eyes, often secured in a topknot or a similar style.
​
They are a breed that sheds very little and can be a good fit for allergy sufferers.

A happy, playful, and loving dog, the Maltese is a great companion. They enjoy a daily walk to get out and explore and are generally a very friendly dog if well-socialized. They love to play, and with a short walk, plenty of cuddles, and play time, they are perfectly suitable for apartment living and can manage well with just a small yard.

They are a very loyal breed that is intelligent and easy to train with consistent and calm leadership. They are brave for their size and will happily alert their family to any strange noises or intruders. They can be picky eaters, especially if offered too much human food, which can cause them to reject their regular dog food.

They can suffer from "Small Dog Syndrome" if they are allowed to be treated too much like a baby and not a dog, which can be very confusing for them. A dog that begins to think it is a human in charge can develop behavioural issues that can make them unsafe around small children and other animals, so calm leadership from the beginning is essential.

The Maltese is very happy to sit on your lap and follow you around the house all day long and is an ideal fit for many different homes, from busy families to laid-back, calm, and relaxed homes with only one or two humans.

The Maltese is considered a generally healthy breed of dog. Depending on their coat length and the places where their fur parts, they can be prone to sunburn, and dog-safe sunscreen should be applied as needed.
Their coat can hold water and dampness, so they should be checked after being outside in wet weather to ensure that they are completely dry, which helps to avoid hot spots. The breed can be prone to dental, eye, and respiratory issues, so health checks of breeding parents are essential.
​
A healthy Maltese can live on average between 12–15 years, although some live as long as 18 years!

All throughout the year, people love to celebrate with fireworks, but as New Year’s Eve approaches, we all know it’s impossible to avoid them. Unfortunately, for many of our pets, especially dogs and horses, fireworks can be absolutely terrifying and anxiety inducing. 💥🐾
The best thing you can do as a pet owner is to be aware and prepared.
Here are some helpful tips to make the night a little easier for your furry (or hooved) friends.

🏠 Stay Home if You Can
If you know there are going to be fireworks, try your best to stay home with your pet. Earlier in the day, take your dog for a nice long walk and burn off as much energy as possible. Then feed them a few hours before the fireworks begin.
A well-fed and tired dog is far more likely to stay calm and relaxed during the night. 

🎶 Keep Calm and Carry On
If your dog begins to fret, avoid over-soothing or fussing over them. This can accidentally reinforce their fear, as they may think there’s something to worry about.
Instead, stay calm, confident, and upbeat! Create a safe and comfortable hiding place indoors, ideally in a familiar room they are already comfortable in, and help distract them with toys, treats, or even some gentle background music. 
Encourage calm behaviour with praise and affection when they’re relaxed. Surround them with their favourite toys, and provide chewable treats or bones to keep them occupied.  Chewing for dogs actually releases hormones that are considered 'happy hormones' like serotonin, dopamine and endorphins and is an activity that a dog needs to concentrate on. So something they can focus on and chew on can benefit them in many ways. 
Continue this positive, reassuring energy both during the fireworks and after the noise has stopped, don’t just walk away the moment things quiet down.

🚪 When Bringing Them Inside Isn’t Possible
Sometimes bringing your dog indoors just isn’t an option. In that case, set up a secure and enclosed space such as a garage or shed, and cover any windows to reduce flashes and noise.
⚠️ Never restrain your dog with a choker chain, rope, or lead. Frightened dogs can panic and injure themselves trying to escape.

🆔 Make Sure They’re Identifiable
Scared dogs often try to run away from the noise — and fireworks can come from all directions, making it even more disorienting. Always ensure your pet is wearing an ID tag with your current phone number included and is microchipped with up-to-date details. This greatly increases the chance of being reunited if they do escape. 

🩺 When to Talk to Your Vet
Some dogs can be desensitised to fireworks over time using gradual sound-training techniques. However, not all dogs respond to this. Others may have a true phobia of loud noises and can become extremely distressed.
If your dog shows severe anxiety, shaking, drooling, trying to escape, or not eating, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend behavioural strategies or safe anxiety-relief medications to help manage your pet’s fear. 

​With a little planning, patience, and understanding, you can help your pets feel safe and secure during firework season. Here’s to a calm and happy New Year for you and your furry family! 🎆🐾✨

The Dachshund, the Sausage Dog, Hotdog or Schnitzel Von Krum – whatever you call them, they are adorable, full of personality and absolutely lovable.

🐾 Origin of the Dachshund

The Dachshund originated in the early 1600s in Germany. The breed was created by crossbreeding several German hunting dogs, including types of Bracke hounds, Pinschers and other scent-tracking breeds. Selective breeding over the years produced the small, long Dachshund we know today.

🎯 Purpose

The Dachshund was developed to be a fierce and fast hunting dog. Their short legs and long bodies allowed them to follow prey into burrows underground. They were primarily used to hunt badgers and rabbits and were also employed to track foxes and even otters.

🐕 Appearance

There are three recognised coat varieties of Dachshund: Shorthaired, Wirehaired and Longhaired. All three varieties come in two sizes, standard and miniature.

The Standard Dachshund can reach up to 27 cm in height and weigh up to 15 kg.

The Miniature Dachshund can reach up to 18 cm in height and weigh up to 5 kg.

Their coats come in a wide range of colours and patterns. These include solid colours such as red, black and chocolate, as well as combinations like black and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue and tan. Acceptable patterns include dapple, brindle and piebald, which may appear over any base colour.

✂️ Coat Care

Longhaired Dachshunds require daily brushing and grooming. Being low to the ground, they easily pick up sticks and dirt that can tangle in their coat. Extra attention should be paid behind the ears, along the belly and under the arms.

Wirehaired Dachshunds should also have their coats checked daily for debris. They can be wiped over with a damp cloth, but they require professional grooming and trimming once or twice a year.

Shorthaired Dachshunds are very low maintenance. They only need cleaning when dirty.
All Dachshunds tend to grow nails quickly, so regular nail trimming is essential to avoid discomfort and difficulty walking.

💛 Temperament

The Dachshund is a perfect example of a big personality in a small package. This brave little dog is full of confidence and character. They require a calm, consistent leader, as they can be strong-willed and may challenge authority if boundaries are not set early.
Rules and routines should be established from the moment a Dachshund joins your family. Without guidance, they may develop poor behaviour or even become snappy. Early socialisation with new people, places and animals is essential to keep them balanced and well-adjusted.

A well-balanced and happy Dachshund is playful, affectionate and energetic. They love spending time with their people and enjoy a decent daily walk, as they have impressive stamina for their size.

🩺 Health
​
Jumping should always be discouraged and care should be taken when picking up a Dachshund to protect their spine. Their body shape makes them prone to intervertebral disc disease, a common back problem in the breed. They may also be predisposed to urinary tract infections, diabetes, mast cell tumours and heart disease.
Dachshunds gain weight easily, which can put strain on their back and legs, so a well-managed diet and regular exercise are crucial.
The expected lifespan of a Dachshund is between 12 and 15 years.

Share your beautiful Dachies with us at our socials below! We love to see your little hotdogs!​
📷​🌭

Christmas time can get a little stressful around the house for us, so imagine what it must be like for our pets! Things are being moved around, bright flashing trees are going up, and lots of visitors are coming and going. It can all be very exciting for our dogs, but also a little intimidating at the same time.
​
Here are some tips to help keep your dog comfortable and ensure everyone enjoys the festive season 🎅🐶

🕒 Stick to Their Routine
Try to keep your dog's routine as regular as possible. If you're planning on having guests over, make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise beforehand. The more energy they burn off, the less they'll have to burn when the guests arrive!

🗑️ Watch That Trash!
When preparing food, remember it smells amazing to your pets! Even once the rubbish is thrown out, make sure it’s secure! Even the sneakiest pets can sniff it out and help themselves.
Something as small as mesh netting around a roast can cause serious problems if ingested, potentially leading to intestinal blockages or even fatal bloat. You can never be too careful!

​🎄 Tree-Safe Tips
If your pooch is an indoor dog, be mindful when decorating your tree. If they have a favourite spot near a window or in the living room, try placing the tree elsewhere, or risk it coming down when they go for their usual perch!
To minimise temptation, place decorations higher up the tree and leave the lower branches bare. Those shiny baubles can be very tempting to curious paws and noses!

🌲 Live Trees & Water Hazards
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to regularly change the water at the base and block your dog from accessing it. The water can contain pine tar and other chemicals, which are toxic to dogs. A simple barrier can prevent a lot of trouble!

🎁 Beware the Wrapped Treats
Keep an eye on wrapped gifts under the tree, especially if they contain food! 🎁 Dogs have incredible noses and may not wait until Christmas morning to unwrap something tasty (and possibly dangerous). They’ll eat the packaging and all!

🍷 Mind Your Guests (and Their Drinks)
Let your guests know that Fido is around. Something as simple as a glass of wine left on the floor or a dropped cigarette butt can cause serious internal issues for your dog. Keep an eye on where drinks and other hazards are placed during your celebrations.

With a little bit of caution and plenty of love, you and your furry family members can enjoy a safe and yappy Christmas together! 🐾🎅🎁

Be sure to share your pooches Christmas photos with us - we love to see them! ​

Assistance dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but their job is always the same: to support and assist their person. They often stay by their handler’s side almost all day. There are laws in Australia that protect assistance dogs and it’s important we all understand these laws, so we can respectfully and safely welcome anyone who has an assistance dog with them.

In Australia, trained assistance dogs and their handlers are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). This means that, in general, a qualified assistance dog must be allowed access to public services and public places, including public transport, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, medical clinics, hospitals, and more. 

Refusing someone access to a public place simply because they are with a trained assistance dog is unlawful, unless there is a legitimate exemption.
​
There are a few limited circumstances when access can be restricted: for instance, in areas that require sterility or pose safety risks, such as industrial kitchens or some clinical environments.

Typically, working assistance dogs will wear a harness or vest that identifies them as an assistance dog. The harness may also include the name or logo of the organisation that trained or provided the dog.
​
If needed, you are permitted to ask for identification. Many certified assistance dogs carry an ID card showing they are properly trained. Under the DDA, a trained and suitably behaved animal qualifies as an “assistance animal” and its handler may be asked to provide evidence of that training if required.

When out in public, the handler (owner) of the assistance dog is responsible for the dog’s behaviour and any messes it causes. However, if the dog has an accident or leaves a mess, it may be helpful to offer assistance with clean-up, if the handler is comfortable with this. Always ask first and get clear confirmation before helping.

When an assistance dog is working, it should not be approached or petted. These dogs are concentrating on staying alert and focused to support their handler and to ensure safety. Engaging with the dog (talking to it, making eye contact, attempting to pet it) can distract it or interfere with its work, which may endanger the handler.

It's best to treat the dog as you would a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair. If you would not touch or distract a person’s wheelchair, you should not touch or distract their assistance dog.
​
You are welcome to speak with the handler directly, many people appreciate the interest and enjoy talking about their dogs, but some may prefer discretion or decline a conversation.

To qualify as an assistance dog, a dog must be trained to help a person with a disability, and must meet high standards of hygiene and public behaviour. 

In parts of Australia a formal training and certification process exists. This includes a formal assessment known as a Public Access Test (PAT). The PAT confirms the dog is safe, behaves well, and that the handler can maintain control, even in public environments with distractions.

As part of that process, many accredited organisations require the dog to:

• Be fully trained in basic obedience;
• Be able to perform at least three defined tasks or disability-related functions that help mitigate the handler’s disability;
• Meet hygiene and behaviour standards appropriate for public settings;
• Demonstrate reliable and controlled behaviour in public under the PAT. 
  
  

Once a dog and its handler pass all requirements, they are typically issued a handler ID card (or other official recognition) that confirms their legal status as an assistance dog.

It’s worth noting that while some Australian states and territories have formal registration or accreditation schemes (for instance under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009), this is not universal. In some states, assistance dog accreditation or registration is voluntary or absent.
​
Nevertheless, under federal law (the DDA), a properly trained assistance dog still has public access rights, whether or not the handler has gone through a formal registration process

For more information public access rights and laws surrounding Assistance Dogs, specific to your state - read here!

⚠️⚠️ - Be sure to avoid high protein and sugar free peanut butters for pets as these can contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs! ⚠️⚠️​