Tips for first time pet boarding

When you’re boarding your dog at a kennel or your cat at a cattery for the first time, it can be a daunting experience for you and your furry friend. However, with careful planning, this process can be smooth and worry-free. Here are some tips to help you and your pet prepare for their stay. Research and choose a reputable boarding facility The first step in boarding your pet is researching and selecting a reputable boarding facility. Look for a well-regarded and clean place, staffed with experienced professionals who genuinely care about animals. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or your vet can be your guiding light when making this important decision. Speaking of which, remember to contact your vet, as they might offer boarding services themselves. Plan well in advance Book your pet's stay at the boarding facility before the last minute. These places tend to fill up quickly, especially during holidays. Booking well ...

By |2023-11-28T11:48:07+11:00November 28, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Tips for first time pet boarding

Tips to keep your pets happy and safe this festive season

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to forget that our pets can also get stressed and anxious. Family gatherings, home decorating and cooking delicious treats can also pose risks to our furry friends. Here are some tips to ensure your pets stay safe and happy during this festive season. Having the family over A crowded house and unfamiliar guests can cause stress to both cats and dogs. Ensure your pets have a safe, quiet space where they can retreat from guests and loud noises. If your pet tends to be anxious, try staggering guest arrivals to avoid overwhelming them. It’s also best to talk with any kids (and the occasional adult) about pets needing their own space and not feeding them scraps. Sharing Christmas leftovers While including our pets in family occasions is nice, be careful not to feed your dog Christmas leftovers. Cooked and uncooked meat can lead to canine pancreatitis, and cooked bones ...

By |2023-11-28T14:20:49+11:00November 21, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Tips to keep your pets happy and safe this festive season

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, ...

By |2023-11-28T14:43:22+11:00November 11, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Top 10 summer dangers for pets

Can dogs get sunburned?

Much like humans, dogs can experience the discomfort of sunburn, which not only causes pain but also increases the risk of skin cancer. There’s a common misconception that dog’s fur provides ample protection again the sun’s harmful effects. While fur does offer some defence, it’s not a foolproof shield, especially for dogs with short or light-coloured fur. Read on to understand the risks, the signs of sunburn in your dog and what preventive measures can save you a trip to the vet. Are some dogs more prone to sunburn? Absolutely. Dogs with white fur tend to have fair skin, making them more vulnerable to sun damage. Dogs with naturally thin hair, and especially hairless breeds, such as Chinese Crested dogs, face a higher risk for sunburn and skin cancer. All dogs, regardless of the thickness of their coats, have vulnerable areas of the body with little to no fur; their belly, ears, and even nose ...

By |2023-11-29T16:20:56+11:00November 8, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Can dogs get sunburned?

How to keep your pet cool in summer

As the temperature rises, it's important to keep our furry friends cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Like us, our pets can overheat and develop heatstroke in soaring temperatures. To ensure your pets stay healthy and happy, here are some tips to keep them cool during the summer months. Keep your pet hydrated Our pets need plenty of clean, fresh drinking water during the summertime. Set up a large container outdoors in a shady location, and always have a backup water container in case of spills and evaporation. Inside your home, keep multiple water bowls, and when you venture out with your pet, carry a portable water container. Vet tip: Adding ice cubes to the water can help keep it cooler for longer. Plan your walks Don't put an end to your walks during the warmer weather; simply adjust the timing. Opt for early morning walks before the sun is scorching or evening walks ...

By |2023-11-29T16:21:31+11:00November 8, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on How to keep your pet cool in summer

Why is chocolate bad for pets?

Chocolate is a big no-no for our pets. While we enjoy its rich, sweet taste, it contains ingredients our dogs and cats can’t metabolise. If they sneak a bite, it can be harmful and potentially fatal for them. Familiarise yourself with the signs of chocolate poisoning and what to do if you suspect your pet has indulged in this tempting yet harmful treat. The culprits: Theobromine and Caffeine Chocolate contains two ingredients that are toxic to pets: theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine accounts for the majority of chocolate-related pet poisonings. Different types of chocolate have varying theobromine levels. Here's a rough breakdown: Unsweetened cocoa powder: Very high theobromine content Dark chocolate: High theobromine content Milk chocolate: Moderate theobromine content White chocolate: Low theobromine content Why chocolate is so dangerous When pets ingest theobromine and caffeine, it affects their central nervous system, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. The severity of symptoms depends on the type and amount of ...

By |2023-11-29T16:21:59+11:00November 8, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Why is chocolate bad for pets?

Can pets eat mushrooms?

If you’re a mushroom lover, you might wonder if mushrooms are safe to feed your pet. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer, it depends on the type of mushroom. Generally, store-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs and cats. However, wild mushrooms discovered in your garden or during walks can be extremely poisonous to pets. Recognising the signs of mushroom poisoning and knowing what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic mushroom is crucial. Signs of mushroom poisoning The most common signs of mushroom poisoning include: Vomiting Bloody diarrhoea Abdominal pain Constricted pupils Trouble walking Lethargy The severity of symptoms depends on the type and amount of mushroom consumed and the pet’s size. Small pets are more vulnerable, as it takes fewer toxins to affect them. Immediate actions to take 1. Collect a sample If possible, take a sample of the mushroom your pet consumed. This can help ...

By |2023-11-29T16:22:31+11:00November 8, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Can pets eat mushrooms?

Microchipping: keeping your pet safe

Have you ever wondered why pets get microchipped? Microchipping is like a safety net for our furry friends. It’s a safe and permanent way to make sure your cat or dog can find their way home if they ever get lost. How microchipping works A tiny chip is put under the skin of the neck, between your pet's shoulder blades. Don’t worry; they won’t even know it’s there! Suppose your pet is found and taken to a vet or animal shelter. In that case, staff will use a microchip scanner to retrieve the unique identifying code on your pet’s microchip, which is store in the nationwide registry databases. Breeders will typically microchip your puppy or kitten and register your contact details. However, if you’re unsure of your pet’s microchip status, take them to your local vet to be scanned. It only takes a few minutes, and they can check if the microchip details are correct. ...

By |2023-11-29T16:28:18+11:00November 1, 2023|Pet Advice|Comments Off on Microchipping: keeping your pet safe
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