DogHavenContact

Health hub

Dog Health in South Africa

Dog health advice should help you act sooner, ask better questions, and avoid guesswork. DogHaven health guides focus on prevention, early warning signs, South African disease context, and when a veterinarian is the right next step.

Start here

Vaccination Schedule South Africa

A practical guide to core puppy and adult dog vaccines, rabies timing, boosters, and questions to ask your vet.

Tick Bite Fever Basics

How South African owners can think about tick prevention, warning signs, and when a vet visit should not wait.

When to Phone the Vet

A symptom-led checklist for deciding when to call your vet, book an appointment, or seek emergency care.

Biliary Tick Bite Fever

South African tick-borne illness guidance covering warning signs, vet care, prevention, and urgent symptoms.

Ticks and Fleas

Year-round tick and flea prevention, checks after walks, product safety, and when skin problems need a vet.

Toxic Foods

Common household foods that can be dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, xylitol, grapes, onions, and alcohol.

Toxic Plants

Garden and houseplant risks for South African homes, with practical prevention and vet-call guidance.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

A calm decision guide for symptoms that can wait, symptoms to call about, and signs that need urgent care.

Related DogHaven hubs

Emergency Help

Urgent symptoms and first steps.

Dog Food

Feeding decisions that affect wellbeing.

Dog Costs

Budgeting for prevention and vet care.

Adoption Safety

Health questions before bringing a dog home.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

A practical symptom-led vet decision guide.

Common questions

Can DogHaven diagnose my dog?

No. DogHaven explains general signs, prevention, and preparation. A veterinarian needs to examine your dog to diagnose or treat a medical problem.

Why does South African context matter for dog health?

Local risks such as rabies exposure, ticks, climate, access to emergency care, and vaccination requirements shape practical dog care decisions.

What information should I give a vet when I call?

Share your dog's age, breed or size, symptoms, when they started, vaccination status, medications, possible toxin exposure, and whether your dog is eating, drinking, breathing normally, and passing urine or stool.