Pet care

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Pets also get stressed: watch out for tell-tale signs

August 30, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Natural remedies for pets, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | No comments

We’ve all experienced stress at some time. The reality is, the pressures of modern life impact on our bodies, particularly city life.

 But have you ever thought about how your lifestyle might impact on your pet and how to recognise the signals?

 What makes cats stressed?

Cats are pretty self-sufficient creatures that like to be able to roam around, explore, avoid problem situations and help themselves to food and water. They like privacy and a quiet environment. They do not like change, so moving house, or the arrival of a new pet or a baby can disorientate and depress and stress a cat.

 In today’s domestic situations, cats often have to live in confined spaces in units and are restricted to indoors. Their owners justifiably fear for their safety on busy streets, so are not comfortable with giving them access to outdoor areas and even if they do have a protected area, it is often very limited. Some cats have to share space with other pets.

 Since cats are more reserved than dogs, you have to look carefully signs of stress. Behaviours to look for are:

  • Scratching
  • aggression towards other pets
  • loss of appetite
  • over grooming
  • urinating and soiling
  • listlessness and general withdrawal
  • decreased level of activity.

What makes dogs stressed?

Dogs are more outgoing than cats and in many ways better at communicating stress and unhappiness. They can’t tell you what is causing it, but they can certainly let you know that things are not the way they would like them to be. The easiest one to identify is separation anxiety when a puppy is introduced to a new home and new people. Even a more mature dog may react adversely to a change of environment.

 Puppies are like children. Early experiences will impact on future behavior. Socialisation is very important to dogs. Unlike cats they are not loners and crave companionship and happy interaction with humans and other pets. Scary encounters can result in nervous behavior and aggression. So it is very important that early experience is positive and that a benign environment is maintained.

Dogs in confined spaces will experience similar problems as cats. While cats will exercise themselves given enough space, dogs need more activity. Some dogs will exhibit signs of stress after a spell in a boarding kennel. There are also fear reactions – thunder, lightning, fireworks that can set a dog off. Illness, hospitalisation and ageing can all produce behavioural changes. Most of all, dogs need attention and lots of love, Deny them this and you’ll end up with an unhappy pet.

What to do about pet stress

If your pet exhibits signs of stress you need to remedy it as best you can. Your vet can recommend remedial systems and preparations. If you or a member of your family is suffering stress, you would not hesitate to seek medical help. Your pet is not ‘just a cat, or just a dog’. They are part of your family and deserve the same consideration as the other members of your household. So consult your vet about pet stress.

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

Pets get old too!

July 16, 2012 in Aging cats, Aging dogs, Cat care, Dog care, Pet care by admin | 1 comment

Like humans your pet’s health will change with age.  From around age 7 (or age 5 for bigger breeds), cats and dogs enter their “senior” years.  It may be difficult to detect as they may still be sprightly!

Just as our needs change as we get older, so do the needs of your pet when it comes to feeding and exercise routines.

Tips for keeping your senior pet happy and healthy

  • Provide a nutritious and balanced diet, most importantly to maintain kidney and heart health.  Pet foods for senior cats and dogs should have reduced levels of phosphorous and sodium.
  • To aid digestion, consider feeding several meals a day, rather than one big serving.
  • Maintain regular exercise to keep muscle tone, and keep bones and joints strong.
  • Make sure they have comfortable and warm bedding.  Many older pets suffer from arthritis and muscle stiffness.
  • Control fleas proactively.
  • Brush and groom your pet to help stimulate the skin to produce natural oils.  Senior cats often have difficulty grooming
    themselves.
  • Bladder muscles can weaken too.  Make sure your pet is let outside promptly and frequently to avoid accidents.
  • Make sure there is lots of clean, fresh water.

Diseases are more prevalent in senior pets, and the earlier they are detected the better the chances of successfully managing them.  Ask your vet about scheduling a twice yearly physical examination and lab tests to screen for common diseases.

Look out for symptoms such as those below, and make sure they are attended to as soon as possible:

  • Pain
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Increased drinking or urinating
  • Reluctance to exercise, climb stairs
  • Reduced appetite
  • Coughing, difficulty breathing
  • Hearing loss, poor vision
  • Difficulty chewing, poor digestion
  • Poor coat, brittle nails
  • Confusion or disorientation

Remember prevention is better than cure!

 

 

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Natural remedies for osteoarthritis in dogs, Responsible pet ownership, What to feed your pet

Wild weather and our pets

July 4, 2012 in Ageing pets, Aging cats, Aging dogs, Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | No comments

Extreme weather is here to stay, so say the experts.  Pet owners need to be aware of the immediate and long term risks for their furry friends.  Here’s a few thought starters:

Heavy rains and warm termperatures create breeding grounds for parasites and insects.  Check for flea infestations, ticks and bites from insects.

Wild weather can also cause stress for a lot of pets.  Lightening, thunder can really frighten a lot of pets.  It’s important to make sure they are safe and secure.  They shouldn’t be able to escape, and they also need to be warm and protected from the elements.  Pet’s experience anxiety just like humans.  Anxiety in its turn can cause physical ailments.  So it pays to keep them protected, it’s just another way to avoid an expensive trip to the vet. 

 

 

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

Do your pets want to get married?

July 1, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Dog training, Pet care, Pet photography by admin | No comments

Well are your pets lovers?  Are they  inseparable? Maybe they have even had a litter of puppies or kittens together?    Do you think they would like to promise to have and to hold, love, honour and obey?

Well a Mrs Clark from the United Kingdom offers to join paws in marriage – for just 150 pounds.  But apparently for some pet lovers, that is not enough.  They like to create a day to remember, with chauffeur driven cars, nibblies, and even a professional photographer to mark the occasion.

As well as weddings between different species (cats and dogs), being a modern registrar, Mrs Clark offers same-sex civil ceremonies, but she draws the line at marrying owners to their pets.

Apparently whilst most of those joined in matrimony are dogs, she has wed plenty of cats too, but has most recently joined two rabbits in matrimony.  Their special day was marked with a wedding breakfast of carrots.

A typical pet wedding will start with a champagne breakfast for the human guests, while the bridal party are treated to milk and water.  When the service begins the bride is walked or carried over a bridge to the pagoda in the centre of the garden, where the groom is nervously waiting.

After they are pronounced husband and wife, they have their photos taken for the wedding album, which is then followed by a bowl of treats to celebrate.

All pets receive a certificate at the end of the ceremony, but I don’t think this would have standing in a court of law, for instance, if there was to be an unfortunate divorce. 

What next?

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, dogs and cats help economy, Finding the right partner, Pet photography, Pet weddings, Taking care of pets

What should you feed your pet?

May 18, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Pet care by admin | 6 comments

Some foods are toxic to pets. Just because cats and dogs are domesticated and live in human conditions doesn’t mean their systems can tolerate the same food you eat. Basically both cats and dogs need a simple diet. Both are carnivores and meat is their natural food. They can also eat chicken, some types of fish and cooked vegetables like pumpkin and carrots.

Foods to avoid:

Some food types will not only upset your pet’s digestive system, they can be absolutely fatal, so avoid them completely.

  • Cooked bones and chicken bones
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Milk (forget the myth that cats love milk – it’s bad for them)
  • Cheese
  • Salted meats like ham
  • Onions and garlic – can be fatal
  • Caffeine
  • Avocados
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Tuna – dangerous for cats except special canned tuna for cats
  • Tomato leaves and stems
  • Rhubarb leaves – poisonous
  • Sugary items
  • Nuts and fruit stones and apple cores

Carbohydrates:

While not dangerous to pets, they do not need them. Many pet food products include a lot of carbohydrates, primarily because it bulks them up, but dogs and cats thrive on a high protein diet and don’t need carbs.

Foods to give:

A healthy diet will help your dog remain healthy and happy. They don’t have an acute sense of taste and are quite happy with a few basic foods.

  • Raw meat –human grade meat. Pet mince and processed pet products may contain preservatives
  • Raw bones about twice a week – not small enough for pet to choke on
  • Raw chicken wings and necks
  • Canned sardines, tuna and salmon, but not every day
  • Cooked vegetables but no onions
  • Pasta in limited amounts (see Carbohydrates above).
  • Plentiful water must be always available.

While it’s tempting to indulge your pet, it’s not a good idea to feed them scraps from the table. It compromises their diet and upsets balance and quantity, as well as influencing their behaviour.

Tags: Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Food that is good for your dog, Foods that are toxic for dogs, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets, What to feed your pet

Should you put your pet in a kennel? Consider the Pros and Cons

April 25, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | No comments

You’re going on holiday and not to pet friendly accommodation. No grandparents or relatives available to pet sit. The most practical solution seems to be to board your pet in a kennel. But will this be good for him? Let’s weigh up the Pros and Cons.

The Pros

Your cat or dog will be safe in a reputable kennel. They are in a secure environment and can’t escape and go walkabout or meet with an accident. They will be regularly fed quality food. A good kennel will offer grooming and training and encourage socialisation. While the environment may be unfamiliar, it will have a routine that is designed for the pet’s wellbeing. If they are well fed and exercised and have a warm, comfortable place to sleep, they will settle down. The staff are animal lovers and understand that pets need love and attention. While they can’t replace you, they are experienced at building relationships of trust and kindness to which your pet can respond. And just think of the joyful reunion when you come to pick your pet up!

The Cons

One of the issues you have to recognise is that the unfamiliar environment and routine will undoubtedly cause your pet stress. They may refuse to eat at first and become generally disengaged. You have to accept that your pet cannot be as happy in a boarding situation as at home, but it is only for a relatively short while and animals have very little sense of time.

Boarding with other animals exposes them to the possibility of picking up some illness. Kennel cough is the most common, but contrary to popular belief, it is not only animals that have been boarded who contract this respiratory infection. The reason it is known as kennel cough is because it is infectious and with many animals in one place, the odds are greater that an animal that has not been vaccinated could contract it. Before you put your pet in a kennel, ask your vet about vaccination. Prevention is always better than cure.

Most important, however, is the choice of a kennel. If can get a recommendation from your vet, an animal trainer, or someone who has had first-hand experience, that is a good start.

What to look for in a boarding kennel

If you don’t have a recommendation, look for:

  • Certification, Accreditation, Quality Assurance, Awards and so
  • Make an appointment to inspect the kennel personally, ask questions, don’t hold back. Your pet is worth the trouble.
  • Look at the areas where to animals are kept. Are they clean, well ventilated and pleasant? Is there enough room for your pet to move around?
  • Is there an exercise area?
  • Are the staff well presented, friendly and polite? Are the staffing numbers adequate for the number of dogs boarded at one time?

How to prepare for your pet’s stay

  • Take any regular medications with you, along with vaccination records and any other medical information that may be needed.
  • Take any toys or activity items that might be favourites, eg a blanket, cushion, ball or squeaky toy.
  • Let the staff know if your pet has any particular fears or habits, so that they understand him.

Your pet may have some behavioural problems when he first comes home. Don’t be alarmed, keep an eye for health issues, otherwise just give him the good old TLC he is used to and “she’ll be right”!

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

Caring for your pet when you can’t

April 25, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Pet care by admin | 1 comment

If you’re working full time, or going away for a weekend or a longer holiday, your pet will need someone to give it the care and attention it deserves. Don’t despair – there are good services available to solve the problem and they don’t cost an arm and a leg.

It is well accepted that both humans and dogs benefit from regular exercise. And while your health may suffer from not having enough physical activity, it is your responsibility and no- one else’s.

Animals depend on their owners to provide them with the exercise they need. Unless they live on a farm or a large property, city dogs generally have limited space in which to exercise and can easily become the doggy equivalents of couch potatoes. Some will simply become listless and lazy; others will find outlets for their energy by indulging in destructive or anti-social behavior. Don’t blame your dog! He has to let off steam some way and if you don’t give him an outlet for his energy, it’s not his fault.

Provide exercise opportunities and you’ll have a happy dog and a happy owner. So, if you don’t have time to exercise your pet, it is up to you to find someone who will take him walking and romping. He’ll come back bright, happy and thirsty and reward you with a boisterous welcome home, with wagging tail and a healthy appetite.

How much exercise is enough?

So how much exercise does your dog need? This depends on the age and breed. Small dogs can gain exercise by playing ‘fetch’ and other games around the house. Large dogs need long walks. If you walk your dog on weekends and play during the week, you can probably get away with a dog walking service on alternate weekdays, depending, as we have said, on the breed and age of the dog. Discuss your dog’s needs with your vet or with the dog walking service to determine the level and type of exercise.

Dog walking

Every day in the suburbs you’ll see brisk, healthy people walking one or more dogs. Contrary to what you may think, not all of these are the owners – many are professional dog walkers running a much needed service, providing pets with exercise and companionship and their owners with peace of mind. All this comes at a surprisingly reasonable cost – from $25 to $35 per hour, with reductions for more than one dog. Some offer half hour walks which gives you flexibility in how many times a week you want your dog to have a walk. Most dog walking services are owner operated and the larger ones have trained staff. Many offer obedience training as well.

Dog and cat sitting

When you go on holiday, unless you have a friend or relative who will take your pet in, you have a choice of placing it in a kennel or engaging someone to look after the pet in your home. This is clearly the least disruptive option for your pet and pet sitting services offer not only feeding, grooming, walking and playing, many will water your plants, empty bins, collect mail and generally look after your home. This takes care of a lot of the issues that bother people when they go on holiday.

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

A growing problem – are you killing your pet with kindness?

February 26, 2012 in Ageing pets, Aging dogs, Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | No comments

A few years ago Australia earned the unenviable title of “the world’s fattest nation” with 26% of our adult population considered obese.  Sadly, this problem may also be affecting our dogs with a huge 40% of Aussie dogs now classified as overweight or obese by the Australian Veterinary Association.

This alarming figure could be related to two main factors, a) the sedentary lifestyle we tend to lead – which means not enough exercise (for us or the dog), and b) food – we simply are feeding our dogs too much, and much about feeding is emotional – for example offering treats, a little bit extra or left overs from the family dinner.  More and more we see our pets as members of the family and start feeding them as though they were people!  But of course, they are not people and they have very different nutritional needs to humans.

The serious side of obesity in dogs

Many of the problems caused by obesity are under-estimated by owners.  The obvious problems are the same that we find in humans, for example diabetes.  But heart, respiratory and skin disease can also result and the extra weight obviously puts strain on muscles and joints, which in turn means problems with arthritis and mobility can develop.  Major organs like the pancreas, liver and kidneys can also be affected. 

Is your dog overweight?

You should be able to see a waist line behind the ribs and you should also be able to feel the ribs like corrugated iron, but not see them.  If you can’t feel the ribs, your pooch is carrying excess weight!  But before you start a weight loss plan, it is suggested that you check with your vet to make sure there are no underlying issues such as hormonal problems that can cause weight gain.  Also important to bear in mind that there is no “one size fits all solution”, you need to feed your dog according to it’s life stage, it’s ideal weight and lifestyle.  It’s important to apply some tough love too  – imagine a pellet of food being the equivalent of a piece of steak and feeding extra can make a huge difference, especially with a small dog.  It has also been suggested that splitting the food into portions which are fed over the course of the day can be beneficial as the food will be better absorbed and less likely to turn to fat. As with us humans, exercise is vital, and your dog should get at least 30 minutes every day as a minimum.  Not only will this help with the weight, but also tone muscles, assist with digestion and improve the cardiovascular system.

Remember most dogs don’t have any self control when it comes to food and they rely on us.  Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Spaniels will never say no to food!  Our job as owners is to provide the solution by  being tough with diet and ensuring exercise.   So whilst it may be hard to say no, making the hard decisions is the kindest decision in the long run – and looking after our pet’s health is the least we can do.

Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight also makes sense financially.  A healthy weight means better health and less trips to the vet and fewer expensive vet bills!

Tags: Care for your dog, Cost of vet bills, dog breeding, Ethics of pet ownership, Lifetime cost of pet care, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

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

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