Petsecure Blog

Cat crazy

February 4, 2012 in Cat care, Pet care, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

Dog lovers sometimes give cats a bad name. Passionate dog lovers will accuse cats of being unaffectionate and cold, while extolling the virtues of their cuddly, hand-licking canine pets.

However, talk to a passionate cat lover and they will tell you quite a different story. Marilyn, for example, has a Burmese – Lolly – who demonstrates all the qua lities of that particular breed.

“My Burmese is extremely friendly and loving. She greets me the moment I open the front door and will climb onto me when I flop down of the sofa. My friends say she is more like a dog than a cat it makes me mad, because I find that so condescending! Lolly is fabulous pet in her own right, not by comparison with a dog or any other furry creature.”

Lolly was acquired from a breeder and shortly thereafter Marilyn rescued a little white kitten from an animal refuge. In this case it was an act of kindness that somewhat backfired, as the kitten was frail and sickly and after $2,000 worth of veterinary care, the poor little creature went to cat heaven. “Pet insurance would have helped me,” sighs Marilyn, “but I didn’t even know it existed. This incident certainly made me aware.”

Marilyn has another cat as well – a tabby called Tabitha– who also has a sweet and loving nature.” The two cats get along very well,” says Marilyn. “They are both quite inquisitive and playful if encouraged.

“Burmese in particular can be quite destructive, so I have a scratching post. But Lolly still gets into the furniture at times. I guess that’s one of the compromises you have to make in return for all the good things my cats bring to me. There’s nothing more comforting and peaceful than cuddling up and watching TV with my two pets.”

Marilyn’s cat Lolly demonstrates the typical personality of the Burmese – gregarious and well attuned to humans. They like a lot of attention and are not as independent as other breeds and while they can defend themselves against other cats, they are seldom, if ever, aggressive towards humans. They like being indoors, are good with children and get along fine with dogs.

And let’s not overlook how utterly gorgeous they are!

Tags: Burmese cat, Care for your cat, dogs and cats help economy, Ethics of pet ownership, pet insurance, Taking care of pets

What to do when your pet gets old

January 26, 2012 in Ageing pets, Aging cats, Aging dogs, Cat care, Dog care, Natural remedies for pets, Pet care by admin | No comments

There is much written about our ‘ageing’ population. But what about domestic pets? Your pet is also going to get old, and chances are, sooner that you will!

While we generally talk about a human year being equivalent to seven dog years, a lot depends on the breed. While large dogs will age more quickly than small breeds, it’s fairly safe to say that by the time your dog is seven or eight years old, you can consider it to be at some point in middle age.

As far as cats are concerned, they appear to have a slightly longer life span than dogs, so let’s say a 10 year old would equate to a human in their late 50’s.

What are the signs of ageing in pets?

Many of the symptoms observed in humans apply to dogs and cats. As we get older we tend to slow down and experience some stiffness in getting up, climbing stairs and so on. Many humans also suffer from age-related arthritis and other conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid problems. Dogs in particular can develop hypothyroidism.

Like humans, dogs start to go grey around the face. Cats, on the other hand, don’t show a greying tendency, although here and there you may see a few white hairs sneaking through. They are more likely to show a dulling of their coat, rather than greying.

Again, many humans experience some hearing loss and/or impaired vision, including cataracts, anytime from age 60 onwards. Dogs and cats can also become deaf when grow old, but you’ll notice it more easily in dogs, largely because they are generally more overtly responsive than cats. In cats hearing loss is more gradual and subtle and seems to take longer to develop into a severe deficiency.

What can you do about it?

Stiffness: it’s best to consult your vet and if arthritis is the cause there are many medications available with which to manage the condition

Hypothyroidism: the symptoms are general slowing down, weight gain and deterioration in your dog’s coat due to hair loss. They may even develop bald patches. To obtain an accurate diagnosis your vet will run a test and if positive then will prescribe appropriate medication to balance the hormones.

Diabetes: Both dogs and cats will demonstrate severe weight loss or gain as well as excessive drinking and frequent urination. Cats tend to get urinary tract infections and weakness in the hind legs, while dogs often develop cataracts and may go blind. A blood test is recommended to establish the blood sugar levels.

Hearing and vision: if your pet is hard to wake up or seems to be startled if you approach from behind, it may be getting deaf. Best to have your vet examine the ears to ensure that there is no infection, or foreign object in the ear. Otherwise, not much you can do. Humans have the advantage of being able to use hearing aids. Unfortunately at this stage this is not possible for animals. So be extra careful with traffic and boisterous kids. If you notice that your pet’s vision is impaired, check with your vet in case this is caused by cataracts.

Remember, just like the elderly members of the community, your loyal pet deserves loving care as it grows old. It’s time for us to give back to them what they have given to us over the years. Love and loyalty.

Written by Marcelle Grolman

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Natural remedies for osteoarthritis in dogs, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

Effective dog training – using treats the right way

January 8, 2012 in Dog care, Dog training, Pet care by admin | No comments

The key to effective training is using treats the right way to reward your dog

A well trained dog is a pleasure to be with and as a result tends to be included in more activities and spend more quality time with it’s owner. They are also less likely to end up in animal shelters, and if an owner is forced to surrender a pet, they are much more likely to be adopted. Bottom line the effort of training will reap rewards for both you and your dog.

Reward based training has gained popularity over the years as not only is this method very effective, but most dog owners prefer to reward their pet rather than punish them. Like humans, dogs are more likely to repeat behaviour if there’s something in it for them – ie if it’s rewarding.

Rewards reinforce desired behaviour by creating and reinforcing a positive association with that behaviour. But each dog can be motivated by different things. Whilst the majority of dogs are motivated by food, some may be more motivated by play or by the opportunity to interact with their owner. And of course, what the food is also can make a difference. Some dogs go whacko for schmakos, others can’t go past a liver treat. Those motivated by play may prefer a squeaky toy over a tennis ball, especially if a tennis ball is part of the normal play activity.

So the first step is to find what motivates your dog, and consider whether the time of day can have an impact on the motivator. In other words, if the dog has just eaten he may be less inclined to be motivated by food. Try to work out when your dog would be most driven to earn the treats, and try and work that timing into your routine.

There are 3 types of motivator generally used in rewards based training, ie treats, toys and affection.

Treats are by far the most widely used, as this satisfies a very basic need in dogs But choose a treat that is rewarding to your dog. Try a variety to see which is the favourite. Small pieces of cooked chicken, or liver treats are irresistible to most dogs. Once you know what the favourite is, don’t feed it regularly, keep it special to maintain it’s value.

Dogs love to play, and toys can also play an important part as a motivator. Again find out what turns your dog on. Tug? Fetch? Again only use the motivating toy as part of training, not everyday play.

Many dogs are people pleasers and will do anything for a bit of love. Training these dogs can be convenient as all you need is your voice and hand. But again what do they really love? A scratch behind the ears? A back massage? Whilst you need to keep that type of affection for training sessions doesn’t mean you don’t give your dog affection – just not with that type of affection outside of training sessions.

Timing is everything. When using motivators to reward a desired behaviour it is important that the reward is delivered during or immediately after the behaviour so that the dog can get the association. If you wait too long, the moment is lost and they won’t be able to make a connection. This is where a “bridge” comes in handy. A bridge is simply a noise (eg click of a clicker) or a word (eg good, yes). The bridge is given during the behaviour and bridges the time lag between the behaviour and the delivery of the motivator. Motivators are most effective in training new behaviours when they are certain, quick and strong. Once the dog knows a new command and reliably performs it, food and play reinforcers can gradually be reduced or phased out, but verbal praise should always be used to maintain the desired behaviour.

Tags: Care for your dog, Dog training tips, Ethics of pet ownership, Taking care of pets

Understanding exclusions in pet insurance

January 1, 2012 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance exclusions, Pet insurance rates by admin | 1 comment

Like all insurance, pet insurance is there for the unexpected event. As such things that are predictable or optional may be excluded.

For example, pregnancy, as well as elective treatments such as de-sexing, micro-chipping and cosmetic surgery are generally not covered by standard insurance, although small amounts may be recoverable when you opt for Wellness (or Routine) Care with your policy.

Most policies will not cover pre-existing conditions, including those that develop during the waiting period (for example the waiting period for cruciate conditions is 6 months with Petsecure, but this can be waived if your vet can certify that no cruciate conditions exist when you join). Also, pets must be fully vaccinated, and generally any condition that can be avoided through vaccination is not covered (for example Kennel Cough).

With Petsecure hereditary and congenital conditions are covered providing there is no sign of them before the cover commenced, but this may not be the case with all pet insurance policies. With some policies tick paralysis is not covered at all. With Petsecure there is a maximum benefit payable of $500 for tick paralysis under the Accident and Illness cover option.

With Petsecure the premiums are based on the age and breed of the pet, and you can choose whether you want to have a 75% or 85% benefit payment, with no extra excess to be paid when you claim. Some policies may have a higher benefit payment, but then also have an excess that is paid for each claim.

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Pet Insurance is to leave it too late. Many of us don’t think about insurance until our pet is already sick, but as most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions it means the pet cannot covered for this ailment. It’s no different to any other insurance – you couldn’t get insurance to cover an incident in a car that has already happened, and it’s no different with pet insurance.

Whilst pet insurance for some may seem like a luxury it’s important to consider the bigger picture. With premiums averaging around $600 per year you would spend around $6,000 – $8,000 over the lifetime of the pet – and vet treatment for just one injury and on-going care for an illness can easily come to that, and more. In fact, according to Hollard Insurance the highest claim received for treatment of fractures was $13,500 in 2007.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of exclusions, but just gives an idea of what to look out for when choosing your pet insurance. Whichever policy you choose, you should be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement so that you fully understand the terms and conditions and the exclusions before you make your decision.

This is not advice, and does not take account of your individual circumstances. Please read the product disclosure statement about the product you are considering before making any decision to purchase pet insurance.

Tags: Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover

Natural remedies can help your dog with osteoarthritis

December 30, 2011 in Dog care, Dog cover, Natural remedies for pets, Pet care, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

As with us humans, osteoarthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting dogs as they age, and also as with humans, natural therapies can help with management of this condition.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which involves the slow erosion of joint cartilage causing the bones to rub together, which as you can imagine would be very painful and debilitating for your pet. Osteoarthritis can be genetic (eg hip dysplasia), part of the ageing process, or the result of an injury. Fortunately there are a few treatments which can help including anti inflammatories, nutrition and dietary supplements and an exercise regime. Natural therapies can be an alternative for those of us who want to manage paid without the use of chemically based drugs. Just like humans, remedies include acupuncture, chiro, massage, stretching and special exercises.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points that release energy. Whilst it doesn’t sound very pleasant, in fact it can be very relaxing and many dogs fall asleep whilst being treated! Acupuncture is based on energy flowing through meridians and the needles affect the flow of energy. The results can be a reduction in pain and inflammation, increased mobility, and generally improvement in wellbeing and quality of life. One the advantages of acupuncture is that there are no side effects to worry about which means the dog can undergo treatment for many years without concern.

Trigger point therapy

Trigger points are spots in muscles that form after injury or misuse. Trigger point therapy releases the trigger point to help with the pain. The first step with trigger point therapy is to deactivate the trigger point with acupuncture and then stimulate the painful point itself. Then a strong massage to stretch out the point for a good minute. Whilst it can be uncomfortable for your pet, it does help to improve mobility.

Chiropractic adjustment

An animal with sore hips will automatically shift their weight to compensate, which in turn can put stress on their back which results in muscular tension. This can cause back pain and creates difficulty with walking. A simple back massage and stretching exercises at home can help in between adjustment sessions with the chiropractor.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy aims to rehabilitate and improve musculoskeletal disorders through a variety of techniques. Some techniques include using machines, bandaging or strapping to treat swelling and support joints, warmth and ice for pain, swelling or spasm control and hands on massage, manipulation and joint mobilisation. Physiotherapy can be good for looking after joint health and keeping a range of movement, but it is also good to get assistance with joint nutrition. Walking is generally good, but dogs with arthritis may need more frequent shorter walks, rather than long walks. Treadmills offering a range of speed and training modes can also be of assistance. But this needs to be done with a professional as it is important to be gently so that there is not extra strain on the body. Good thing is that come rain or shine, conditions are always right!

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is exercise, treatment or rehabilitation in water, generally heated pools or underwater treadmills, or both. Hydrotherapy builds up muscles without putting strain on painful joints. Swimming is of course also great for general fitness, but if a dog as had cruciate ligament surgery or hind limb problems it does better with walking as it needs to bear some weight. Also bear in mind that dogs can cheat – they use their front legs instead of their hind legs, so you need to watch them to make sure you know what they are up to!

Most pet insurance policies unfortunately do not cover alternative therapies, however with Petsecure wellness care option you can claim $50 per year for one item which includes acupuncture, hydrotherapy and massage.

Ask your vet for a referral or for more information on natural therapies visit www.acupet.com.au or www.naturalvet.com.au or www.sydneyanimalphysiotherapy.com.au or www.allnaturaldog.com.au

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Natural remedies for osteoarthritis in dogs, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

Help your dog with separation anxiety

December 24, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | No comments

Imagine this:

You go back to work and leave your new puppy or that you got for Christmas, or your old faithful four legged friend home alone after an extended period together.

Problem is, each day a feeling a dread hangs over you as you anticipate the destruction that awaits you. Chewing, scratching, barking. It wasn’t supposed to be like this was it? A dog in the family is supposed to be a fun, wonderful experience. But sadly this scenario can happen and can lead to a permanent break in the bond between you and your dog, often resulting in punishment, putting in a shelter or euthanasia.

Why does this happen?

One likely reason for such behaviour is separation related distress (separation anxiety). Symptoms can be barking, whining, howling, pacing, chewing at doors and windows and escape attempts. This can happen when the dog doesn’t have access to family members or his “pack”.

Diagnosis

Don’t assume. The signs can be caused by other medical or behavioural conditions. Speak to your vet, and get as much information as possible. Ideas for getting information could be to set up a webcam – this will help you see whether the dog is distressed or having the time of his life as he chews up the house! If barking is the problem, record it. Is it an “who’s walking past my patch” bark, or distressed whining and crying. Find out how often it happens, and whether there is a pattern – could it be a noise phobia, for example. Age can also be a factor – whilst it can happen with dogs and cats of any breed at any age, it is more common in older pets.

Treatment – the good news

The good news is that once diagnosed separation anxiety can be successfully treated . If severe the best results are achieved with a combination of behaviour modification and medication. The aim is to teach your dog to relax independently. The medication can just take the edge of anxiety. Speak to your vet to see if they can refer you to a behaviourist to assist.

Other things you can do to help, would be:

a) Avoid punishment. Dogs do not experience guilt or spite. Your dog is not getting even or punishing you. That guilty look is trying to appease you. Punishment will only add to anxiety and make the problem worse.

b) Make it feel at home. Leave a TV or radio on during the day. If your dog is outside consider a doggy door allowing access to the house.

c) Keep up the walks. Like people regular exercise definitely can help an anxious dog. However to avoid the association with you arriving home by delaying the exercise by 30 minutes or so.

d) Massage. Anxious dogs are tense and massage can help them relax physically.

Adapted from an article in Dogs NSW

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, dog breeding, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Separation anxiety dogs and cats, Taking care of pets

The Jack Russell Terrier – the choice for you?

December 23, 2011 in Dog care, Jack Russell Terrier, Pet care by admin | No comments

When choosing a dog, it’s important to consider it’s characteristics, and ensure that the lifestyle that works for your dog, also works for you. Remember happy dog means an easy dog!

The Jack Russell Terrier is a smart and lively breed, which has evolved from fox hunter to family pet. Their size also makes them a popular choice for a family. The Jack Russell is loved for it’s active and lively personality. It also a highly intelligent dog which is readily trainable. Being an active dog, it can become restless and it is suiting to playing with other dogs. It has plenty of courage, and wont back down from a challenge. If bored they have a tendency to dig and are world class escape artists, so tall and secure fencing is recommended.

The Jack Russell is strong and sinewy, and is supple and flexible, with a coat that is either smooth, broken or rough. In all cases it’s pretty think and weatherproof!

With a long lifespan of 14 to 15 years, there are few health and genetic problems with this breed. They are considered hardy and injuries generally relate to their fearless nature. The Jack Russell is very low maintenance requiring little grooming even with a rough or broken coat. A regular brush is all that is needed.

The Jack Russell is a fantastic choice for a family and is great with children over 3 years of age. The active lifestyle required for this breed is often under-estimated and I suspect that is why they can often end up in pounds, being seen as “a handful”. So choose carefully, this is fantastic breed, but as with all breeds, you get out what you put in!

Article adapted from Dogs NSW December 2011

Tags: breeding cats and dogs, Buying a new dog, Care for your dog, dog breeding, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

The silly season is here again

December 17, 2011 in Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | 1 comment

Every year hundreds of puppies are given as Christmas gifts. Purchased on impulse with no thought to the future of the baby animal in question. Sadly many of these ‘gifts’ are dumped into pounds or RSPCA or resold through the internet and local newspapers in the New Year. Some are lucky others perish in the onslaught of what can becalled…..THESILLYSEASON By Corinne Daw

How many parents, lost for something to give their children as a gift for Christmas will purchase a puppy? Amidst all the excitement on Christmas Day their gift is ‘the best present ever’ or ‘really cool’ or ‘so cuddly and adorable’ but a few short weeks later that cute puppy is now gangly, those little teeth are sharp and little puddles and poos litter your yard.

But not only that—YOU have realized that YOU have a new responsibility, as your children rush off to play with their friends leaving the puppy unfed and with an empty water dish. When your pup cries through the night because it is lonely/ digs holes through boredom/ has not been taught to walk on a lead yet and has started to knock the kids over so they won’t go in the backyard anymore, the gloss has certainly worn off that cute Christmas gift of only a few short weeks ago.

So what is the answer? Never, EVER purchase any animal on impulse. Unless you have researched all aspects of caring for your new family member, for perhaps the next 15 years, a pup as a gift is unfair not only on the puppy but also on the child to be given a responsibility they perhaps are not ready for. Why not instead give your child a book on breeds of dogs / dog training or even a toy doggie.

If you have thought it through and every family member has their heart set on adopting a dog why not adopt a rescue dog? What you see is what you get, and at the same time you…SAVE A DOGGIE’S LIFE!

While many puppies are dumped as unwanted Christmas gifts early in the New Year, it is a sad fact that in the weeks leading up to Christmas there is a huge increase of older dogs being dumped / surrendered into pounds as well. The main reasons being ‘we are sick of this dog and are going to purchase a new puppy when we return from holidays’ or ‘ with the expense of Christmas we cannot afford our dog anymore’ or ‘we are replacing this old dog with a brand new puppy for the kids this Christmas’….

Did you know that if a dog is surrendered to a pound by their owner they are not afforded the 7 day /14 day holding period at the pound and can be euthanized almost immediately?

At DoggieRescue we brace ourselves for the influx of unwanted pets, try to fit a few extra dogs in a shelter already full to overflowing and hold back the tears for the desperate faces still waiting unclaimed at the pounds with simply nowhere to go. Kennel hands and Volunteers happily spend their Christmas working hard to feed all the extra mouths knowing that these precious few lives are safe and will be lovingly cared for. Yes, Christmas is here again….

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, Lifetime cost of pet care, Responsible pet ownership

What are you buying your pet for Christmas?

December 11, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Pet photography by admin | No comments

It’s true. More and more people are buying Chrissie presents for their pets. Just more proof that these days that pets are no longer just companion animals. They are part of the family. “Of course” I hear you say! Christmas is a time that pets can get spoilt more than usual and popular gifts for the Christmas stocking this year could be a photography session for your pet, a treat such as doggie chocs, clothing for dogs has become very popular with designer lines now available and elaborate cat accessories such as water fountains are popular as pet owners look for new ways to pamper their four legged family members. Of course for those where nothing is too good for their pet, there’s always the option of a dog spa and holiday resort. Of course you wouldn’t think of giving them a gift without a special message and card, and with this in mind you can now even buy Christmas cards for your pets, and for pets who are digitally savvy, you could get them an e-card!

It’s great to do these things for your pet, but also spare a thought for those lovely animals that will be spending Christmas in the pound or shelter. Possibly their last Christmas, if no-one chooses to give them a home. How about making a donation to a local shelter to help them give the animals in their care some special love this Christmas?

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Pet gifts, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

A pet photographer’s secrets

December 5, 2011 in Pet photography by admin | No comments

3 top tips:

Get down on the ground and look for different perspectives of your pet.
Try not to use a flash – animals get ‘green eye’ the way humans get ‘red eye’.
Try to get the light reflecting in your pet’s eyes – lack of light results in a flatter, dead-looking picture.

There’s special know-how involved in taking great photos of your pet. We asked Bronwyn of Pet Clix, a professional photographer who specialises in creating great animal photographs how she makes it all happen.

What’s the best setting in which to photograph a pet?

Pet Clix comes to you! I recommend photographing pets where they are happiest, whether in the backyard, the local park or the beach. We love the look of a natural setting – there’s nothing like beautiful lawns or water as a back drop. A bit of wind in the hair never hurts either! Of course some pets are indoors only, and the trick there is to photograph them doing what they love. That could be gazing out a window, lying on your bed or (as one cat did) drinking tea out of a teacup on the kitchen bench!

Do you photograph the pet with its owner or family, or only solo?

I love to photograph the pet’s owners with them if they agree. They are, after all, the most important person in their pet’s life! However, it is totally up to the client whether to be included or not.

How do you get the pet to cooperate?

For Pet Clix the shoot is all about the animal… it’s more about us cooperating with them! I always take the time to get to know the pet and allow them time to get to know me and the camera before we begin. That way the pets are relaxed and happy and we get the best images. Of course, I also have plenty of treats handy!

What’s your background – how did you arrive at your speciality?

I studied photography at University while completing a Communications degree and despite it being my favourite subject, I initially pursued a “sensible” corporate career in marketing and kept photography as a hobby. The proverbial sea-change happened in 2007 when I realised that corporate life wasn’t really my cup of tea. Photography and animals had always been my two favourite things, and with the encouragement of family and friends in 2007 I took the plunge into full-time photography. I wish I’d done it sooner!

What do you get from it in the way of personal pleasure?

I’ve always had an affinity with animals. I believe animals pick up on a person’s energy, and that is why they seem to love me as much as I love them – they know how much I adore them! I have an enormous respect for all types of animals. They are so genuine and open to love… they all have different personalities and are beautiful in their own way. There are three greatest pleasures I get from photographing animals. First is the cuddles and affection from the animals; Second I get immense satisfaction knowing I have provided stand-out images for people who adore their pets, especially if the pet is old or dying. I have had more than a few shoots of this nature, and they never cease to move me. Third, as an advocate of animal rights, I support a lot of animal charities, and I donate 5% of all takings to the Animals Asia Foundation.

Do you only photograph cats and dogs?

I have photographed everything from snakes to donkeys, from mastiffs to kittens, as well as wild animals such as lions and elephants in Africa. I have never met an animal that doesn’t like me, nor one I didn’t love back! I am particularly proud of the trust I am able to establish quickly with all my subjects, especially so with frightened pets or animals who have been abused in the past.

Are you clients happy with the results?

Absolutely! Click this link to read what some of my clients have to say http://www.petclix.com.au/testimonials.html

Tags: Pet photography

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