Behaviour Notes
Raised hackles tell you arousal, not the whole story about a dog
Raised hackles show arousal, but do not explain a dog’s whole emotional state. Read posture and context together and give the dog room to move away.
LIFE WITH DOGS
Good care starts with paying attention.
Everyday dog care, breed knowledge and thoughtful routines, with a special interest in the Chow Chow.
Read the care notes →Notes for life together
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Everyday Dog Health
Look above the paw: recognising a dog’s carpal pad
The small pad higher on a dog’s front leg is the carpal pad. Learn how to recognise it and describe a change without confusing it with a claw or new growth.
Everyday Dog Health
Two different eye colours in a dog: what the description does and doesn’t tell you
Heterochromia describes different iris colours. Learn how to separate a familiar appearance from a new eye change that needs veterinary attention.
Everyday Dog Health
What a canine antibody titre can tell a veterinarian
Antibody titres can inform some canine vaccination discussions, but their meaning depends on the disease, test and veterinary context.
Everyday dog care
A dog’s ear flap is only the visible part of its hearing system
Learn the difference between a dog’s pinna, ear canal and deeper structures, and describe changes clearly without probing the ear at home.
Dog Care
A dog’s third eyelid: when a visible change needs a vet
A new pink swelling near a dog’s inner eye needs assessment. Learn what to record and why third-eyelid glands matter.