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Yes - your dog does in fact have a 3rd eye lid and did you know, humans used to have one too? A dog's third eye lid is also known as the 'nicitating membrane.' Throughout evolution, the third eye lid in humans has shrunk and today is simply a small feature in the inner corner of our eyes, which helps to drain tears and keep debris away from the eyes. What does my dogs third eye lid do?Like humans today, animals have two eye lids that move vertically, the upper and lower eye lids. These eye lids work to protect the eye lids from any debris, damage, sun light and to maintain moisture on the eye balls. It is responsible for creating up to 50% of a dog's tears so is vital to their eye health. The third eye lid of dogs and other animals such as cats adds even more protection to the eye ball and is not normally visible. Where is the third eye lid on my dog? A dogs third eye lid is located under their lower eye lid and sits in the corner of the eye. When needed, the third eye lid will extend across the dog's eye to protect it from any damage and helps to spread moisture across the eye ball. The third eye lid is opaque in colour and a dog is unable to see through it. It moves horizontally across the eye. The third eye lid also contains lymph nodes so helps to prevent eye infections. Unlike the upper and lower eye lids, the third eye lid does not move voluntarily and moves independantly. It is often triggered by the retraction of the dog's eyeball into it's socket (closing it eyes) Can I see my dogs third eye lid? in normal circumstances, no. In healthy dogs, their third eye lid is often not visible and will not cause any interruptions to your dogs day to day life. For this reason, if the third eye lid is visible, it's a good indication that there may be a health concern for your dog. Some conditions that can affect the third eye lid in dogs includes;
Should you have any concerns about your dogs third eye lid or their eye health, you should always consult your vet for an examination. If a dogs third eye lid is not functioning correctly, it could lead to eye damage, pain or discomfort for your dog.
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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. What causes Bloat?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. Symptoms, Signs & 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 colour), 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 Brochure 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. Ziggy and Roxy, our February 2026 Dogs of the Month. Two Cavoodles who both have Luxating Patella's. What is a Luxating Patella?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. What causes a Luxating Patella?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. What happens when a patella luxates?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. How is a Luxating Patella diagnosed?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.
Treatment for Luxating PatellasGrade 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. 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. 🥗 Eating Grass to Fulfill Nutritional VoidsGrass 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 Just Like Eating GrassSome 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. 🤢 Eating Grass to Induce VomitingThis 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:
 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! 🎆🐾✨ 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!
As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, it's important to remember how much of a change this time of year can be for our dogs - especially if you enjoy decorating your home, both inside and out. The tips below are a great reminder of how to keep your furry friend safe and happy before Santa’s arrival! Toxic Foods to Watch Out For 🍫🍬🍇 While some foods are available year-round, the holiday season often brings an increase in baking, cooking, and gift preparation and creates more opportunities for your dog to accidentally consume something harmful. Common Christmas foods that are toxic to dogs include:
 Presents Under the Christmas Tree 🎁🎄 Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which can lead them straight to food-based gifts under the tree. Even if wrapped tightly, your dog can still sniff them out. This can lead to them not only ingestion toxic foods and destroying someone's gift but also risks them digesting wrapping and packing material which can cause blockages. Consider placing food gifts out of reach of your dogs and away from the Christmas tree to avoid upset all round.  Real Christmas Trees and Pets 🌲🐶 The beautiful smell of a real Christmas Tree is one of the special aspects of Christmas, but they also present hazards for our pets. Two key dangers for dogs include:
 Christmas Decorations and Lights 🎀🎇 Decorating your home is one of the joys of the festive season, but many decorations can be dangerous for pets. Watch out for:
 Festive Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs 🌿🌺 Many beautiful holiday plants are toxic to dogs. Two common examples include:
 The holiday season should be a time of joy for the whole family and this includes our pets. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your home is both festive and safe for your dog. Looking for more tips on pet safety during the holidays? Stay tuned to our blog for more seasonal advice, or speak to your vet about how best to prepare your home. If you believe your dog has ingested anything toxic or anything mentioned in our blog above, you should always seek the advise of your vet as soon as possible! 🐾 What Does It Really Mean to Be a Pack Leader? Being the pack leader doesn’t mean yelling the loudest or running the fastest. It means providing calm, stable leadership that a dog naturally seeks out. Although dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, many of their natural instincts remain hardwired into their DNA. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and in a pack, they look for a calm, confident leader who sets boundaries and guides them through life. Without a clear pack leader at home, your dog may naturally assume that role. However, since they haven't been raised in the wild—or by a calm leader—they often don’t know how to handle that responsibility correctly. This can lead to unwanted behaviours like destruction, disobedience, and even aggression. So, how do you become the calm, confident pack leader your dog needs? 🧠 Think Like a Dog, Not a Human It’s easier than you think! The first step is shifting your mindset. One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is treating their dogs like people. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t love your dog or treat them as part of the family - but it does mean you need to understand that dogs don’t process thoughts and emotions like humans do. For example, if you allow your dog to freely roam the house, jump on and off furniture at will, or ignore your commands, here’s how the situation might look from different perspectives:
Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. Meal times are highly significant to pack animals. In the wild, the pack leader always eats first, and the rest of the pack eats in order of status. 👉 In your home, you should feed your dog after the humans have eaten. This reinforces your role as the leader and helps your dog understand their place in the "pack." 🚶♂️ Walking: Who’s Leading Who? Walks are another major indicator of leadership. How your dog behaves before and during a walk can quickly reveal how they perceive their position in the pack. If your dog bolts out the door ahead of you, pulls on the leash, or walks far in front of you, they see themselves as the leader. To change that:
🏡 Give Your Dog Their Own Space Inside your home, your dog should have a designated area that’s theirs alone, a space away from kids, other pets, or distractions. This acts as a calm, safe zone where your dog can relax and decompress. This space should also be the place where they stay until invited onto the couch, bed, etc. Why?
😌 Calm Energy = Strong Leadership Your dog will not follow your direction if you’re anxious, angry, or frustrated. Dogs are extremely sensitive to human emotions. They pick up on your facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and even subtle changes in your scent caused by stress hormones. If you want your dog to listen, you must lead with calm, confident energy. That’s when they’ll trust and follow your guidance. 💖 Leadership Is Love Being a pack leader isn’t about being stern or harsh—it’s about creating a safe, calm environment where your dog feels secure. When your dog knows you’re in charge, they can relax and stop trying to take control of situations they don’t understand. A calm, confident dog is less likely to develop behavioural problems, anxiety, or stress—and that contributes to a more peaceful, happy home for everyone. ✅ Fact Check Summary:
 We are so lucky to be able to offer Post-Operative Rehabilitation Care for our guests who require it – but what exactly does that mean? Let’s dig into the details of our post-operative accommodation and care! 💛 What is Post-Operative Rehabilitation Care at We Love Dogs? Once your dog has completed their surgery at the vet and is ready to be discharged into your care, this is where We Love Dogs can step in to help. Regardless of the type of surgery your dog has had, we can accommodate them. Most dogs recovering from surgery need to be isolated from other dogs, have restricted movement, attend follow-up specialist appointments, receive medication, and be closely monitored. All of these needs can be challenging to manage at home, especially if you have other dogs or work outside the house. We can take care of all of this (and more!) for your dog. Our loving team of Doggy Doaters will manage all required home-style care right here at the Resort, including transportation to and from any necessary vet or specialist appointments. We work in close communication with your vet, surgeon, or specialist to follow your dog’s ongoing treatment plan. This may include:
🛏️ What is the accommodation like for a dog in Post-Operative Care at We Love Dogs? Our post-operative guests enjoy the comforts of our luxurious 7-star suites, each fitted with heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Every room is customised to suit the individual needs of your dog and their stage of recovery. This ranges from crate confinement (for guests immediately post-ACL or spinal surgery, for example), to limited-movement spaces for dogs nearing the end of their recovery. Guests are taken for short leash walks for toilet breaks throughout the day and night. These walks are gradually increased with vet approval based on recovery progress. Each suite also features a TV for comfort, and mental stimulation is offered through puzzle toys, slow feeder bowls, and interactive food toys. Bedding is low to the ground for easy access, and slip-proof mats are placed on the floor. We also have specially designed rooms with small undercover outdoor courtyards for dogs at the later stages of recovery. These allow for some free movement while still keeping safety a priority. 🚐 Transport and Vet Visits Our K9 Limousine Service is available for all post-operative guests. Your dog can be safely collected from your home at the start of their stay and returned at the end. They’ll travel in their own secure crate and be lifted in and out by our Doggy Doaters—no jumping required! If your dog has follow-up vet visits, specialist appointments, or needs therapies like hydrotherapy, Bowen therapy, or acupuncture, one of our team members can accompany them. We’ll transport your dog, attend the appointment with them, and bring them safely back to the Resort. You're also always welcome to attend any appointments and meet us there so you can be involved in your dog’s recovery process. 🐶 Can I visit my dog during their stay? We understand that being away from your dog is hard—especially when they’ve just had surgery and you’re at home without them. While we absolutely welcome dog owners to visit their pets during recovery, we do assess this on a case-by-case basis. Here’s why: If your dog has stayed with us before, they may associate seeing you with going home. When you visit and then leave without them, it can cause confusion or stress. Stress is the last thing we want to add to a post-operative guest’s day, as it can slow their recovery. Some dogs, however, handle visits just fine and settle back in easily. That’s why we assess each situation individually and always keep an open line of communication with you. If a visit seems beneficial, we’ll gladly welcome you. 💌 Reach Out Anytime If you ever find yourself in a situation where your dog requires surgery and you’re unsure or unable to manage post-operative care at home, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to answer all your questions and would love to welcome you down for a tour of our Resort to see what we offer for our post-operative guests.
What Is Pancreatitis? The pancreas is an organ located in the abdominal cavity of a dog. Its role is to produce digestive enzymes, which help break down food as it passes through the digestive system. When something disrupts this process and overstimulates the pancreas, it can cause inflammation, leading to the painful condition known as pancreatitis. What Causes Pancreatitis? There are three main causes of pancreatitis:
Signs of Pancreatitis Pancreatitis can present in two forms: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term illness). Signs and Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis:
How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed? A vet can often diagnose pancreatitis through a clinical examination. If necessary, further testing, such as an ultrasound of the pancreas, may be conducted to rule out other health conditions. Treatment of Pancreatitis Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the flare-up. In most cases, care involves supportive treatment at home. Your vet will assess your dog’s diet, and if they are on a high-fat food, it will be adjusted. A bland diet is usually recommended during recovery to ease the strain on the pancreas. Medication may also be prescribed, including:
When to See a Vet If you're ever concerned that your dog may be showing signs of pancreatitis, don’t wait. Seek veterinary advice and a full examination promptly to prevent the condition from becoming more serious. |
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