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.
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Practical veterinary articles for shepherd and herding dog owners from Dr. Robert Hayes.
Veterinary Articles
Everything here comes from 25 years of treating working dogs in rural Britain. No ivory tower theories - just practical knowledge from the field.
What I Write About
Preventive Care The best treatment is prevention. Most of what I write aims to help you avoid problems before they start.
Emergency Situations What to do when things go wrong, especially when you’re miles from help.
Nutrition and Feeding What actually works, what’s marketing nonsense, and how my thinking has changed over the years.
Health Testing and Breeding Why it matters, what tests to prioritise, and the real cost of cutting corners.
Browse the articles below. If there’s something you’d like me to write about, the contact page is always open.
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.
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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