Why I Changed My Mind About Raw Feeding
After 25 years as a veterinarian and an initial skeptic, here's what experience has taught me about raw diets for working dogs.
Shepherd Health Journal - Practical Veterinary Insights
Real-world veterinary wisdom for shepherd and herding dog owners. 25 years of hands-on experience caring for working Border Collies and farm dogs.
Straight Talk About Dog Health
Look, I’ve been a country vet for over two decades now. I’ve seen fads come and go, watched miracle cures turn out to be snake oil, and learned more from the farmers and their dogs than any textbook ever taught me.
This site isn’t about theory. It’s about what actually works when you’re standing in a muddy field at 6am with a limping Collie and a lambing season that won’t wait.
What You’ll Find Here
Practical health advice that doesn’t require a veterinary degree to understand. I translate the science into plain English because that’s what working dog owners need.
Real experiences from a practice that sees over 500 herding dogs every year. Not laboratory conditions - actual farmyard conditions with mud, sheep, and dogs that won’t sit still for an examination.
Honest opinions about treatments, products, and protocols. Some of my views have changed over the years, and I’m not afraid to admit when I got something wrong.
Who This Is For
Mostly, I write for the people I see every day:
- Farmers whose dogs are their livelihood
- Breeders trying to produce healthier puppies
- Pet owners of herding breeds who want to understand their dogs better
- Fellow veterinarians who appreciate a practical perspective
My Promise
I won’t waste your time with waffle. Every article here comes from real cases, real outcomes, and real lessons learned - sometimes the hard way. When I don’t know something, I’ll say so. When the evidence is mixed, I’ll tell you that too.
After 25 years, I’ve learned that the best veterinary advice is honest veterinary advice.
Latest Articles
Emergency First Aid Every Shepherd Owner Should Know
Practical emergency first aid for working dogs when you're miles from the nearest vet. What to do in the critical minutes before professional help arrives.
When Vaccines Go Wrong: Managing Adverse Reactions in Herding Breeds
Practical guidance on recognising and handling vaccine reactions in Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds.
The Real Cost of Skipping Health Clearances
Why cutting corners on health testing before breeding costs far more than the tests themselves. A veterinarian's perspective from 25 years of treating the consequences.
25 Years in the Field
Shepherd Health Journal is written by Dr. Robert Hayes, BVetMed, MRCVS, GPCert(SAM). A country veterinarian in Herefordshire with over two decades treating working Border Collies and farm dogs across rural Britain. No ivory tower theories here - just practical advice that actually works.
About Dr. Hayes