Health Papers at Canadian Shows
How health and eye results are read when a herding breed is entered in Canadian conformation shows, which club documents to keep, and what to check before
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Epilepsy and Seizures in Herding Breeds: What I Tell Every Owner After a First Episode
A vet's frank guide to epilepsy in shepherds and collies — how to tell a true seizure from something else, what idiopathic epilepsy means in practice, and how to make treatment decisions.
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The Annual Wellness Exam: What Your Herding Dog's Vet Should Actually Be Checking
A veterinary guide to annual health checkups for German Shepherds, Border Collies, and other herding breeds — what matters, what gets missed, and how to make the most of your yearly appointment.
Read moreThyroid Disease in Herding Breeds: The Condition That Mimics Everything Else
Hypothyroidism in shepherds and collies is commonly over-diagnosed and simultaneously missed. Dr. Robert Hayes explains why thyroid testing is harder than it looks and how to actually interpret results.
Read moreBloat in Shepherds: Understanding the Risk and What You Can Do About It
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is one of the most feared emergencies in large shepherd breeds. Here's what it is, who's at risk, and what the evidence says about prevention.
Read moreJoint Supplements for Shepherd Dogs: What the Evidence Actually Says
A frank assessment of the evidence behind glucosamine, fish oil, green-lipped mussel, and other joint supplements marketed for herding breeds — what works, what probably doesn't, and what to prioritise.
Read moreParasite Prevention in Working Shepherds: The Practical Reality
Working herding dogs face higher parasite exposure than most pets. Dr. Robert Hayes explains what actually matters, what's overkill, and how to build a protocol that fits real life.
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Puppy Health Checks for Herding Breeds: What to Do in the First Six Months
A veterinarian's guide to the health monitoring that matters most in the first half-year of a shepherd puppy's life — from first examination to foundational testing.
Read moreStress and Anxiety in Herding Breeds: Why These Dogs Worry More
A vet's perspective on why shepherd and collie breeds are more prone to anxiety, what it looks like in practice, and what actually helps versus what wastes your time.
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Eye Conditions in Herding Breeds: A Practical Guide to What Matters
From Collie Eye Anomaly to progressive retinal atrophy, Dr. Robert Hayes explains the eye conditions that affect herding dogs most — and how to navigate testing, diagnosis, and management.
Read moreWeight Management in Working Shepherds: Why Lean Matters More Than You Think
The case for keeping herding dogs genuinely lean — why shepherd owners consistently overestimate ideal weight, what overcondition actually costs, and practical strategies that work.
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The MDR1 Gene: A Practical Guide for Herding Breed Owners
What the MDR1 mutation actually means for your collie or shepherd, which drugs are affected, and how to navigate veterinary care when your dog carries the variant.
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Hip Dysplasia in Herding Breeds: What the Score Actually Means
A frank look at hip dysplasia in working shepherds — what the scoring systems tell you, what they don't, and how to manage a dog that's already been diagnosed.
Read moreExercise-Induced Injuries in Working Shepherds: Prevention and Recovery
How to recognise, treat, and prevent the soft tissue injuries that sideline working herding dogs. A veterinarian's guide to keeping athletic shepherds sound.
Read moreGut Health and Digestive Issues in Herding Breeds: Beyond the Sensitive Stomach
Why shepherd breeds are prone to digestive problems, what the common conditions actually are, and how to manage a herding dog with a troubled gut.
Read moreThe Aging Shepherd: Managing Senior Dog Health Transitions
What actually changes as your herding dog gets older, how to recognise the early signs, and practical strategies for keeping senior shepherds comfortable and active.
Read moreSeasonal Allergies and Skin Conditions in Shepherds
A veterinary perspective on why herding breeds suffer with seasonal allergies, what the itching actually means, and how to manage it without losing your mind.
Read moreDental Health in Herding Breeds: What Most Owners Miss
Why shepherd owners consistently overlook dental disease, what it actually costs their dogs, and the practical steps that make a real difference.
Read moreWhy 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.
Read moreEmergency 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.
Read moreWhen 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.
Read moreThe 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.
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