Scamps Pet Health People

07/10/2026

20/08/2026

What's the ideal weight for my dog?

The number on the scale isn't the most useful answer. Body condition score (BCS) matters more than weight when it comes to working out what's right for your dog.

Two dogs can weigh exactly the same and have completely different body conditions — one lean and comfortable, the other carrying extra weight that's putting pressure on their joints. BCS works for every dog, whatever their build or conformation.

Here's what we're looking for: you should be able to feel the ribs but not see them, there should be a discernible waist when you look from above, and a visible tuck when you look from the side (see the chart above).

Keeping a lean body condition matters at any age — but if your dog has arthritis, it's one of the most powerful things you can do for them. Getting them lean and keeping them lean can make more difference to their comfort than any medication.

If you're not sure where your dog sits, it's something I check at every visit — happy to chat about it next time I'm out.

15/02/2026

Grass Awns

It’s that time of year when grass awns are plentiful. For dogs that are rural or spend time off lead, these are a potential issue. They can affect any dog; however, those with denser coats and fluffier paws tend to be more at risk.

Grass awns have a sharp point and can pe*****te the skin. They often cause localised inflammation and swelling, frequently requiring minor surgery to locate and remove them. They can also migrate under the skin and, in some cases, be very tricky to track down.

Common places for grass awns to pe*****te include between the digits of the paws, although they can affect other areas of a dog’s body as well.

To avoid problems, it is a good idea to thoroughly check or comb your dog after they have been running in areas with long grass during grass awn season.

24/11/2025

Had a lovely visit to Alfie to give him a cytopoint injection to help manage his allergic skin disease (like eczema in humans). The time that suited his mum coincided with my kids needing to get to sport. Conveniently one kid has a just got her full driver's license. Given it was a fine day and Alfie lives close by, I dusted off the pannier, packed what I needed and hopped on the e-bike. Better than a consult room in my humble opinion.
Alfie’s a very cool, relaxed little dog. Here he is showing us one of the tricks he has up his sleeve.