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Welcome to the Home From Home Dog Boarding BLOG!

We will keep you regularly updated with the latest news about us as well as interesting articles about all things dog.

Kamela Prevett BVM&S, MRCVS

Kamela graduated from Edinburgh University in 1997. After working at a large practice in Salisbury, Kamela decided that she preferred a closer bond with patients in a smaller practice environment so joined Cobham Veterinary Centre in January 2008. Kamela is our Consultant Vet; our go-to lady for advice if we have any medical situations.

Kamela is also our Contributing Editor on our blog page giving sensible advice and dismissing some popular myths. Please click on the links below to see what Kam is sharing with us.

Canine Vestibular Disease

Canine vestibular disease (CVD) can be peripheral (e.g. an ear infection) or central (a brain defect), but the symptoms are very similar.

Puppy Checklist

This is a rough checklist for a new puppy owner to help ensure you have thought of all the things you may need for the first couple of weeks of puppy ownership.

Pet Passports

Following an agreement between the UK and EU made on May 19th 2025, pet passports are once again going to be valid for travel for pets between the UK and EU.

Diseases of the Lens

The lens is a small circular disc in the middle of the eye used for focusing objects. Two main issues are associated with the lens, cataracts and luxation.

Keyhole Surgery

Keyhole or laparoscopic surgery is a surgical technique relatively new to veterinary surgery. It is minimally invasive involving 2-3 much smaller surgical wounds than the single large incision used in traditional techniques.

Old Age

Smaller dogs tend to reach old age later than larger breeds. Small dogs are considered senior around 10-12 years, medium around 8-10, large breeds around 7-8 and giant breeds as early as 5 years old.

Wobbler's Syndrome

Wobbler’s syndrome or Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is a disease affecting the spinal column of large and giant breeds.

Open heart surgery

Open heart surgery is a relatively new option as a treatment for various heart problems in dogs.

Pregnancy & Breeding

If you have decided to breed from your butch then early signs the mating has been successful include swollen or pinker tests, swollen vulva, small weight gain, some dogs may even suffer vomiting similar to morning sickness in humans.

First season

A dog's first season or heat usually occurs around 6 months old but can be earlier in toy breeds and as late as 18 months in giant breeds.

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is the name for a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, it is mainly seen in brachiocephalic breeds with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel being particularly prone.

Pet Insurance

When welcoming a dog into your home it is your responsibility to cover the cost of healthcare. It is important to make sure you can afford the cost of any treatment they may need throughout their lifetime.

Novice Pet Owner

If you decide to bring a dog into your home, there is no doubt you will be adding a devoted and loyal companion.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare non-fatal neurological disease that causes dogs to suddenly fall asleep or collapse.

Haemoabdomen

Haemoabdomen means there is free fluid in a dog’s abdominal cavity. The most common cause is a ruptured spleen secondary to a tumour.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis in dogs is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Brucellosis Canis.

Aerophagia

It can occur in any breed of dog although old English Sheepdogs and Wheaten Terriers seem to be more commonly affected.

Diseases of the Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are tiny glands which sit within the thyroid glands in a dog’s neck. They are not normally palpable.

Grain Free Diets

Ongoing studies aim to discover more about the relationship between grain free diets (GFD) and cardiac disease.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare muscle disease that is characterised by generalised muscle weakness.

New Drug Regimes

Remembering to administer a daily or twice daily treatment can be bad enough for ourselves let alone for our pets. It is not always easy to hide tablets in treats and sometimes, even the greediest dogs can refuse to take them. With that in mind there is a new group of long-acting drugs that are administered by the vet at the clinic.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common symptom in dogs but has a huge range of causes; some minor and some very serious. Most cases resolve within 24 hours without veterinary attention.

Ear Infections

Ear infections in dogs are incredibly common, most involve the outer ear (also called otitis externa or OE) and are caused by bacteria.

Dog Foot Injuries

Foot injuries and problems are relatively common as dogs race around. Symptoms include lameness, licking or chewing affected paws, hair loss, saliva staining, inflammation, swelling and bleeding. A thorough clinical examination will usually diagnose the problem.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) disease is a very common cause of hindlimb lameness in dogs, especially medium to large breeds.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids roll inwards allowing the surrounding hair to contact the surface of the eye and irritate the cornea.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common symptom in dogs, it is caused by many different factors, some will be self-limiting and not warrant veterinary attention, others being potentially fatal.

Diagnostic tests

Vets have an extensive range of diagnostic tools at their disposal for assisting in diagnosing a condition when it has not been possible to discover what is wrong with a patient from a clinical examination alone.

What happens when your dog goes for an operation?

Leaving your dog anywhere is often an upsetting experience but leaving them at the vets for an operation is even more stressful.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to learn more about your dog’s health. Blood is a mixture of cells, fluid, protein and biochemicals.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells, and after skin cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer we see in dogs.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in dogs is very common and is usually caused by dietary indiscretion (eating something that they are not used to).

Skin Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to a wide range of environmental allergens including pollens, grass, moulds, house dust or storage mites and fleas.

Mast Cell Tumours

Mast cell tumours (MCT) are one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in dogs. Mast cells are a type of inflammatory cell that are normally found in the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. MCT often appear swollen and inflamed and can fluctuate in size. The vast majority of MCT occur in the skin because this is the organ that contains the most mast cells normally.

Insulinoma

An Insulinoma is a tumour of the pancreas which results in an excessive production of insulin. It can affect any dog, but large breeds are more prevalent and unfortunately these are invariably malignant tumours.

CDM

CDM (canine degenerative myelopathy) is a non-painful condition that results in a progressive paralysis of the hind limbs. It was previously known as CDRM. It is mainly seen in German Shepherd dogs, but many other breeds can be affected including Boxers, Poodles, Corgis and Retrievers.

Picking a dog to suit you!

Dogs are broadly split into 7 different groups according to similar traits and personalities.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells, and after skin cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer we see in dogs. Lymphoma arises from a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. These cells are involved in fighting infections and travel all over the body, so lymphoma is often widespread.

Bladder Problems

Bladder problems are relatively common in dogs, and despite varying causes, have very similar presenting signs of blood in the urine (haematuria), difficulty or pain when urinating (dysuria), increased frequency of urination (pollakiuria) and leaking urine.

Cough

A dog coughing occasionally is not unusual, especially because they spend a lot of their walks with their noses to the ground! Sniffing is used to explore their environment as their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours, but often means they will breathe in dust and germs.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common problems we see in dogs. It can develop at any age or breed and can be due to wear and tear, traumatic injuries, or conformational anomalies.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs and affects nearly 1% of the canine population. The condition can be inherited (genetic epilepsy), due to structural changes in the brain (structural epilepsy) or due to an unknown cause. Diagnosis of the type and cause of the seizures aids in the determination of a suitable therapeutic regime.

Puppy Socialisation

Puppies are mostly obtained by their new owners around the age of 8 weeks.

Top 10 breeds of puppy dogs bought for Christmas

Why not take a look at the top 10 breeds purchased over the festive period

So, what makes a great Vet?

A good vet should and will almost always be held in the highest regard by both pet owners and animal lovers alike. They provide the beloved animals of the world with essential preventative and emergency care, helping keeping them safe and sound.

Best gifts for Dogs this Christmas

It’s that time of year again and you’ve probably started wondering what to get your four-legged friend for Christmas this year.

Best Dog Food Option - Dry vs Wet

So, you need to decide on the best option for pet food for your dog. Which one do you go for - Wet or Dry?

Fireworks

With autumn upon us, we need to think about that time of year when many dog owners dread-fireworks night. Except in many cases, it’s not only a night but can last a fortnight and be a very stressful period for both dog and owner.

What Makes A Good Puppy & Dog Class?

So, you've decided to get a puppy. What about puppy & dog classes? Are there any advantages in these, let's take a look...

Senior Pets

The age at which canines become senior varies a lot according to breed. An 8 year old Yorkshire Terrier would be considered to be a fairly young dog but an 8 year old Great Dane would certainly fit into the senior category.

TV shows About Dogs

So when the day is nearly over and you and your best friend retire to watch some television, what are the best dog shows out there?

Teeth Care

The gold standard is to brush your dog’s teeth daily, just as we do, but unless you start this as a puppy it can be very difficult to introduce to an older dog.

How to keep your best friends safe this summer

When it comes to the weather, the Great British weather is one of the most unpredictable, one day it's raining, the next it's a heat wave!

Who are DogLost?

DogLost helps reunite dogs with their owners. Started in 2003, after the founder Jayne Hayes lost her Frenchie, it has assisted over 80,000 owners be reunited with their pets. It is the UK's largest lost and found dog service and best of all they are free!

Be safe and keep your dog on a lead during lambing season

Each year reports that thousands of farm animals are either killed or injured by pet dogs. With this in mind, we decided to put together some useful tips, not only for dog owners but also for farmers.

The importance of controlling your dog in public places

Did you know? If your dog is out of control in either a public place, private residence or even in your own home you are breaking the law.