dog breeding

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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

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 | 7 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

Why you should rescue a pet from a pet shelter

December 3, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care by admin | No comments

Taken directly from interviews with pets and owners

The pet:

Here I am, confined to place with a whole bunch of animals with whom I have nothing in common and no hope of freedom, unless a compassionate human decides to save me. If no one takes me I may even have to leave this world prematurely. So here is why I think you should take me away from all this:

  • I am healthy and consider myself good-looking. I may not be aristocracy, but I can scrub up pretty well. Brush my hair and put on a nice collar – you’d be surprised how classy I can look.
  •  I eat and sleep well and will not turn my nose up at the occasional treat.
  •  I will give you unconditional love and intelligent companionship.
  •  I’ll play with you, take you for a walk and be sociable with your friends. I love children provided they don’t torture me or let off firecrackers close to me.
  •  I am house trained and will not make any little messes on your carpet.
  •  I have had a medical check-up, been vaccinated, microchipped and all that jazz.
  •  I will wag my tail every time I see you or your family and lick your face if you let me.
  •  Last but not least I am FREE. You don’t have to pay exorbitant fees to breeders.

 The owner:

  •  Growing up, we always had pets in our family. Now I’m leading my own life I really miss having a four-legged friend, but the thought of going through the complexity of decision making is just too much. I don’t have time to research breeds and breeders and in any case I can’t afford high prices. So here’s why I have decided to rescue a pet from a shelter:
  •  I’m lonely and miss having a pet. Animals add a special dimension to our lives.
  •  I hate the thought of all those unwanted and homeless pets craving for a loving owner and shudder at the thought that they may have to be put down if no one takes them.
  •  Taking a pet from a shelter is the socially responsible thing to do.
  •  I want to have a warm, loving companion that will welcome me when I come home, will not criticise or nag me, but will be ever grateful for whatever I do for it.
  •  I don’t want to start from scratch, vaccinating, microchipping, training and so on. I want a pre-owned pet that has been broken in.
  •  If I happen to get a pet that has been ill-treated, it will make me so happy to rehabilitate it with love and attention.
  •  I have observed that celebrities like Angelica Jolie and Brad Pitt have adopted stray children. If I did the same with animals, I would feel like a celebrity.
  •  Last but not least it’s FREE. I won’t have to pay exorbitant fees to breeders.

Tags: breeding cats and dogs, Buying a new dog, dog breeding, dog rescue, Environmentally friendly pets, Ethics of pet ownership, rescue cat, rescue dog, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

A puppy or kitten is NOT the perfect gift

November 26, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Pet care, Pet insurance by admin | 1 comment

As the Christmas season approaches, we are all racking our brains to find the perfect gift for our family and friends, at the right price.  Before you are tempted by the “doggie in the window” at the pet shop remember  that even if you know your friend, mother, sister, niece or nephew would love nothing more than a beautiful fluffy puppy or kitten, it is rarely a good idea to spring this sort of surprise on someone.  Here’s why.

1. Choice. Choosing the right dog for a family is a very important decision.  You need to consider a range of elements to make sure the “fit” is right.  Imagine giving a dog with a coat that sheds to someone with asthma, for example.  Such a choice should only be made after a wide range of breeds have been researched, taking account of the pet’s size, temperament, “running costs”, health issues, grooming, training and exercise needs.  Sadly many people see a “puppy in the window” and make an impulsive decision – meaning many pets are eventually homeless.  The research should be as much as if you were choosing a new home or a new car – a pet is not a disposable item – the idea is that the animal will be in it’s home for at least 10 years, and more often than not, considerably longer.

2. Timing – The best time to introduce a pet into a home  is not when there is maximum of stress and activity.  Introducing a pet to a new home is much better if it can be done in a calm environment where time can be given to raising your pet well.  If you have an older adopted dog, it’s important to help them adjust and thrive in a new environment.

3. Think of the running costs. Imagine telling someone, “I bought you an education”, where in fact you paid for one term’s tuition.  Just as the cost of the dog or cat is not the main cost in raising a pet – in fact the initial cost is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the costs associated with owning a pet in the long run. Check out how much it can cost to raise your pet 

And it’s not just food and vet’s bills.  Maybe a bigger car is needed to transport a big dog, or as was the case with an old friend of mine whose dog developed dysplasia – they had to build a ramp in their home to accommodate their labrador!

Not sure if giving a gift which has an ongoing cost obligation for 10 years or more is really going to mean a Merry Christmas!  Of course you can help by including some pet insurance to help with the inevitable vet’s bills!

4. Dogs and cats deserve to be treated with respect. Many pets given as gifts come from pet shops and are obtained from unethical sources like puppy mills and backyard breeders.  We need to put a stop to this practice, but the first step is to put them out of business by not buying dogs and cats from pet shops.  Then of course there are all the rescue organisations which are filled to the brim with dumped dogs and cats.  Give one of them a home instead.   Truly responsible breeders and good shelter organizations like www.doggierescue.com.au  will not just send any dog to any home; they want to send every dog to the right home, which means screening individual dogs and adopters to ensure the best possible matches.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance, Cost of vet bills, dog breeding, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, Lifetime cost of pet care, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

What dog is best for me?

August 14, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

It seems that lifestyle and convenience work against a few breeds, in particular the Fox Terrier, Jack Russell and the fluffier Pomeranian.  These breeds are dumped and destroyed in record numbers.  They are very cute puppies and people buy them on impulse from pet shops, without understanding their temperament, needs, and the long term responsibility of pet ownership. 

Dogs are beautiful animals who give us unconditional love, but they rely upon us for their wellbeing and indeed their survival for as much as 12 years or more.

So it makes sense, doesn’t it, to consider what breed would fit best with you, your budget, your lifestyle and the home you can offer them – before you go ahead and bring a new puppy into your life. 

Here are some things to think about in advance.

  •  How much time do you have to give your dog daily exercise?

Like humans, all dogs need a leve of exercise.  An overweight dog will not be as healthy as he can be, and as a result this can affect his longevity and his happiness.  Think about how much exercise you can give your pet, but dont be unrealistic – remember you are going to need to keep it up for 12 or more years!

  • How much time do you have to devote to grooming your dog?

Often overlooked – depending on the breed, grooming could mean a daily activity for you and your pet.  It’s important to consider just how much time you have available before you choose your pet.
 

  • How much can you afford to pay for dog food each week / month?

Big dogs eat more!  A new dog is also a financial decision which needs to be planned for.   Remember to include dog food in your budget.

  •  Have you considered the cost of vet expenses?

There’s no Medicare for dogs, and vet expenses can cost a fortune.  No-one would want to have to put their pet down because they couldn’t afford treatment.  That’s why many people choose pet insurance to assist with the vet fees.  But of course it’s important to make sure you can afford the pet insurance in the first place!  The breed of dog also affects the premium you pay. Get a quote now, to see how affordable it can be for you.

  •  Will your pet be around young children or elderly people?

 The’re all different.  Some dogs are child friendly, and others prefer the quiet life!  Very activy dogs can be too boisterous for the elderly.  (Of course getting an older dog – perhaps from the pount – can also solve this problem)Some dogs love to have a run with their owners, others prefer to stroll – what would be best for your family?

  • Does anyone in your family or someone who visits you frequently suffer from allergies?

Some breeds are less liketo to cause allergies than others. It’s all about their hair!

  • Do you have an exercise area for your dog?

Some breeds love to snooze indoors for most of the day (as long as they have a couple of walks), whilst others go mad for the outdoors and love physical exercise.

  •  How much time will your dog be alone each day?

Dogs are essentially pack animals and love company..  If you are going to be leaving your pooch alone for long periods of time, consider whether getting a second dog would be a good idea – so they can keep each other company

  • Are there other pets that your new dog will need to get on with – for example cats, rabbits, birds, etc.

To keep the household on an even keel, you need to think both about how your existing pets will embrace an imposter, and how the new dog will fit into the new environment. 

  •  Are you expecting your dog to protect your property?

In some breeds, the desire to defend property is higher than others consider this if you are looking for a guard dog.

  •  What size of dog do you prefer?

Remember the puppy will grow up!  You need to bear in mind what size it will grow up to when you choose your puppy. 

  •  What sort of coat would you prefer your dog to have?  What sort of shedding would you be able to tolerate?

What would you like to feel when you run your hand along your dog’s back?   Smooth, woolly, long, short?   Are you house proud?  Would a “shedder” drive you nuts?  Consider this before you choose your pet.

  •  How active would you like your dog to be?

Do you like them active, or would a lazy pal suit you better?

Tags: Buying a new dog, dog breeding, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance premium, pet insurance rates, puppy farm

Do we need to breed more dogs and cats?

April 10, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance by admin | 3 comments

Consider this – over 250,000 animals are destroyed each year around Australia.  So how on earth do healthy, full of  life dogs and cats end up in pounds?   Basically, it’s supply and demand.  In an unregulated industry, simply too manydogs and cats are  being bred (for profit), and  many  are not being de-sexed prior to sale.  The industry is out of control, and it’s costing the lives of many dogs and cats, that deserve a lot better.  Find out what your council’s policy is on animals that end up in the pound under their control.  Does your council sell dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that are undesexed?  You may be surprised to know that this is indeed the case for many.  Let’s start naming and shaming!

Tags: breeding cats and dogs, cat breeding, dog breeding, insurance for pets, pet insurance

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