Your 2024 Pet Parent Checklist
As the new year approaches, it's a good time to make resolutions and set new goals
Santa’s Pet Parent Quiz: Your pet’s festive foes
Put Your Pet’s festive foes Knowledge to the Test!
Top 10 summer dangers for pets
The last thing anyone wants is a pet emergency during the festive summer season, the time we reserve for celebration, fun and relaxation. While it’s natural to let our guard down as we unwind, it’s critical to remind ourselves this is also a time when our pets are exposed to certain dangers. Here are ten tips to help keep your furry loved ones happy and safe this festive season. 1. Heatstroke As the temperature heats up, exercise your pet during cooler early mornings and evenings. Avoid walking on hot ground to avoid paw burns. If it’s hot for you to touch with your bare hand, it’s too hot for them to walk on. 2. Dehydration Provide clean, cool water for your pets throughout the day. Place multiple water bowls around your home and carry a portable water container when venturing out. 3. Sunburn Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to areas with minimal fur protection, including their nose, ears, ...
Grooming tips for new pet parents
Grooming your pet will help keep them looking and feeling their best. The key is to start early so they become familiar with the process and don’t make a fuss when they get older. Regular grooming helps keep your pet’s coat tangle-free, reduces shedding, and provides an opportunity to give your pet a thorough once-over. During these sessions, you can be on the lookout for any lumps or bumps, skin irritations, or parasite infestations. Here are some basic grooming skills to keep your furry friend in tip-top condition. Brushing Brushing removes dirt, debris and loose hair while spreading natural oils through your pet’s coat. The frequency of brushing depends on your dog’s coat type. Daily brushing is necessary for dog breeds with thick curly coats, such as Poodles, silky coats, such as Maltese and Shih Tzu, double coats, such as Border Collies and long coats, such as Afghan and Wheaten Terriers to prevent matting and reduce ...
Battle of the bugs quiz: know your nasties!
Think you’ve got a handle on fleas and worms? These tiny parasites may be hard to spot, but they’re no joke when it comes to your pet’s wellbeing.
Pet age calculator
Have you ever wondered how old your pet is in human years? You might have heard that one pet year equals seven human years, but it’s not that simple.
Looking after your senior pet
When is a pet classified as being senior or mature? Dogs and cats are considered mature adults once they turn seven years old. However, large breed dogs age more quickly and are considered mature at 5-6 years. What are some of the signs of aging that a pet owner should look out for? Pet owners may notice changes to the pet’s appearance, such as some grey hairs appearing. Pets may also develop hearing loss and reduced vision. Even if a mature pet does not outwardly appear old, certain changes are progressively taking place. These include changes in their organ systems, such as their immune system, digestive system and certain behavioural changes. Behavioural changes include things like changes in their interactions with the family, changes in thinking and becoming confused about where the door is or where their bed is. It can be alterations in their sleeping patterns and toileting accidents when they were previously well ...
Your guide to senior check-ups
With proper health care management, older pets can live their lives to their full potential, which may be well over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to giving them a longer, healthier life can be pretty simple, it’s all about detecting problems early. Half-yearly check-ups and thorough physical examinations are recommended for senior pets. As are lots of pats and cuddles, but you already knew that bit! The importance of senior pet health check-ups Just like humans go to the doctor more regularly as they age, so should senior pets. A senior health check-up is a great way to get a comprehensive health assessment to detect potentially serious diseases and conditions at the earliest stages. Early detection of any disease gives you and your vet more options to either cure the problem, slow the progression or help keep your beloved pet more comfortable in their golden years. The comprehensive senior pet health check-up includes: ...
Dealing with spring allergies
Similar to humans, pets can experience allergies during spring due to warmer weather, blooming flowers, and higher pollen levels. In this article, we'll explore how you can recognise and provide relief for these allergies so your pet can embrace the joys of spring without any discomfort. Spotting allergies Pets with allergies typically display a number of symptoms. Watch out for the following signs: Red, inflamed, and irritated skin Sores on the face, abdomen, back, or thighs Increased scratching or licking Itchy ears Watery eyes Sneezing Swelling in the face, ears and mouth area. What to do if your pet shows signs of an allergy If you notice any signs your pet has an allergy, book an appointment to see your vet. They’ll ask you about your pet’s health history and perform an examination. They may also conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the allergic reaction and recommend treatment. ...
5 tips to toilet train your kitten
Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting time, but it also comes with the important task of toilet training. Fortunately, this process can be straightforward if you follow the right steps and stay patient. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to toilet train your kitten: 1. Choose the perfect litter box It all begins with selecting the right litter box for your furry friend. Start with a smaller one and then transition to a larger box as they grow. Make sure it’s spacious enough for them to comfortably move around, with low sides for easy access. 2. Select the ideal litter Cat litter comes in various materials, from clay to recycled paper and even crystal. Many kittens prefer unscented, fine-textured litter. However, if you can, stick with the same type of litter your breeder used to avoid confusing your kitten. 3. Find the right spot Place the litter box in a quiet and ...
