Tabla de contenidos para Issue 72 2017 en Pets

Pets|Issue 72 2017

From THE editor

Hi PETS readers, Welcome to another issue of PETS! We are sweltering over here at the PETS offices as the heat officially turns up. Yes, summer is here once more, and we are making the most of the extra sunshine when we can with long trips to the beach with our furry friends — although we are having to change our walk times to earlier in the day to escape the intense heat. We’ve also had to slow the pace as Danger, my oldest dog, reaches nine and starts to feel the effects of the weather a little more. On our walks, I make sure to take a drink bottle and collapsible bowl, as well as the usual treats and doggy waste pick-up bags. What about you? How are you…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

MY pet

Elisha adores her kitten, Racoon, because she is very cuddly and cute. Alice’s Shelly loves indulging in a spot of reading — of PETS magazine, of course! Beau is a three-year-old Toy Poodle cross Shih Tzu who loves lying on owner Rene’s lap. Caitlin and Courtney’s Patsy loves to snuggle with them on a cold day. Playful Ezra makes Mali and her sister laugh every day. Sarah’s Lily is loved by her and is loving in return. Izzy’s Luy loves reading PETS magazine almost as much as Izzy does! Alfia’s Kreme (guinea pig) and Brooklyn (budgie) are both very cheeky and fun to be around. Scarlett adores her guinea pig, Nutmeg, because he is really cute when he poses for close-ups. Pearl may look innocent, but Zoe assures us that…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

Talk about the animals

“Playing in the back paddock.” - Asti Miln “We love spending summer at the river and enjoy finding nice spots for photos.” - Karen Cocks “Baylei loves to play in her little pool and I love to throw her water toy for her to keep her cool. She would stay in there and play all day if she could!” - Dana King “We take Shadow to the beach or for a swim in the creek.” - Heidi Chapman JOIN THE CONVERSATION Want to join in the conversation? Visit us at facebook.com/PETSmagazine and let us know what you think.…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!

Dr Zoo Natural Zinc-Free Sun Cream can be used on dogs, cats and horses that are exposed to the sun. This product uses edible oils along with titanium dioxide to provide sun protection. Titanium dioxide is an alternative to zinc, which is toxic for pets when consumed in large quantities. Animals that have light-coloured noses, thin or missing fur or that just like to sunbake upside down exposing their bellies are most in need of sun protection. For more information, visit drzoo.com.au…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

TOO HOT TO HANDLE?

“Let’s face it, the weather is becoming unbearable at times,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) says. “Most of us two-legged varieties enjoy breaks from the blistering heat in air-conditioned retreats throughout the day; our pets, however, are not so lucky.” Pets can certainly suffer in this extreme weather, with the following most likely to be at risk: Older pets Young pets Certain breeds (brachycephalic breeds or those that have short noses such as British Bulldogs) Pets that suffer from conditions such as obesity “Heat stroke is very real and very deadly,” Nadia says. “It can happen suddenly and have devastating results.” To help protect your pet, make sure you always have: Fresh, clean water for your pet. Keep it in the shade, preferably in a plastic or ceramic…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

furry FREEBIES

KONG PRIZE PACK Here at PETS, we love the durable range of paw-some KONG products. Made from all-natural rubber, these toys are designed to stimulate your dog’s mind, making sure he is happy, healthy and satisfied. With a variety of different products suited to different animal sizes and chewing temperaments, KONG has a product to suit your pet. KONG even has a fabulous water range for those summer swimmers! For more information, visit kongcompany.com. PETS has five $50 KONG gift packs to give away. Make sure you specify your dog’s size and chewing temperament in your entry to ensure the perfect prize for your pet! GOURMET DELIGHT MULTIPACKS Does your cat love her meaty meals? Try the all-new Gourmet Delight with beef or chicken mince in gravy multi-packs, available in-store…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

PERFECT PARK POOCHES

You wouldn’t go to a friend’s house and help yourself to the cookie jar, or jump up and down on the furniture, would you? Well, good manners are important for dogs, too. Perfect pooch manners are especially important when a canine is at an off-leash dog park where they’ll get up close with other doggies and humans. At a dog park, your pooch will probably meet lots of cool new canine buddies, burn off excess energy and be wearing a happy doggy grin from the minute he gets there until he crashes out in the car on the way home! Dog parks are a great way for your dog to exercise, make new doggy pals and socialise with humans. But, unfortunately, not all dogs are on their best behaviour in…

6 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

GRUMPY CAT

While expression is rarely the best way to judge your cat’s mood — even Grumpy Cat’s infamous sour face is caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism rather than unhappiness — there are plenty of other signs that mean your kitty’s mood may be more nay than yay. Signs of feline unhappiness are in many ways similar to those in humans. An unhappy puss will often voice their displeasure with low-pitched mournful yowls. Conversely, a formerly chatty cat may become unusually quiet when depressed. They may also show it by losing interest in other activities they usually enjoy. Other warning signs include your cat sleeping a lot more, or becoming clingy and insisting on sleeping on you (or switching their preferred napping spots), and becoming more attentive to you in…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

WORKING WITH ANIMALS: VET LIFE

Veterinary science is a highly demanding program, taking up to six years of study depending on the university. Veterinary graduates need to have genuine commitment to the wellbeing of animals and be able to adapt to the changes in their field and advances in technology. They also need to have the skills necessary to be “practice ready”. Last year, The University of Sydney introduced a Clinical Skills Centre (CSC), which provides a stress-free environment for veterinary students to practise core techniques and learn the tricks of the trade by using equipment and life-like animal models. “Confidence in technical ability is a major hurdle that veterinary science students encounter going from the classroom to the clinic. Bridging this gap is a vital step in becoming a practice-ready graduate,” Katrina Walker, co-ordinator…

5 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

NAUGHTY OR NICE

OFF-LEASH TRAINING Q: Hi! I am Isabel. Our family owns two dogs, Tilly and Ollie. Ollie is a Border Collie x Rough Collie but he looks like Lassie. I was wondering how to train him to be an off-leash dog and not run off the boundary after native hens and wallabies etc? I would be really grateful to have this in the next issue of PETS! Isabel A: Hi Isabel, it sounds as though Ollie can be a bit cheeky and doesn’t come back when you call him, especially if he’s busy chasing an animal. Having a dog that comes when called (also called “recall”) is a characteristic most dog owners want in their dog. Unfortunately, it’s a behaviour that can be very difficult to train your dog to obey…

6 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

SMALL DOG, BIG HEART

The West Highland White Terrier was developed in Scotland, initially for its small-game hunting skills. The breed once came in an array of colours, including black, red and cream, until someone accidentally shot a reddish-brown-coloured Westie belonging to Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm while out in the field. It’s said that Colonel Edward then declared on the spot that all Westies would be white from that point forward so as to be easily identified while hunting. Today, this dog is recognisable as much for its striking coat as it is its huge amount of spirit. Despite coming in at just 13–15cm tall, as stated by the Australian National Kennel Council, the Westie is big when it comes to personality, as breeder Peter Jefferson knows all too well. “They don’t have much…

3 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

With a name like Green Tree Snake, you could be forgiven for thinking that this stunning reptile only comes in one colour — green. So you might be surprised to learn that this non-venomous snake actually comes in an impressive array of colours. As Michelle Marks from Reptile Rescue WA explains, the Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) is also known by other names such as the Common Tree Snake or even the Australian Tree Snake. “While any of those names is correct, Common Tree Snake is a more apt name since they are a very common snake and are not restricted to the colour green. They can range from dull shades of olive, grey and black to vibrant colours like yellow, green, and there are even individuals sporting a stunning…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

FIND-A-WORD

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 97…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

CRITTER CALENDAR

NEW SOUTH WALES FUTURE VET KIDS CAMP JANUARY 8-12 & 15-19, WAVERLEY, NSW Are you aged between nine and 16 and do you dream of one day becoming a vet? If so, you need to get down to Sydney’s Waverley these school holidays and enrol in Future Vet Kids Camp, a fantastic training ground for animal healers in the making. Run by television’s Dr Scott Bainbridge, this program is broken into three age groups (9–11, 12–14 and 14–16) and is tailored to suit the ages and abilities of camp participants. Experience hands-on animal interactions, be enthralled by visitor presentations and learn a whole heap about animals in lectures that will give you a real taste of what vet life is like. With a core motto of “responsible pet ownership” (something…

2 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

CLEVER INDI

This is my adorable little Jack Russell named Indi. Indi follows me everywhere and is so cute! Indi sleeps in my bed at night — she is always under the doona and I can never find her when I wake up. One morning, I slept in for school and Indi was already up and about. My mum came in to turn on my light to get me up but Indi beat her to it. She licked my face to get me up. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen! After I got up, she followed me everywhere. It seemed as though she was checking if I was getting ready right. Sometimes, Indi even waits in my bed at night before I come and go to sleep. Now Indi…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

PET INSURANCE: LUXURY OR NECESSITY?

There are 24 million pets owned in Australia but only 26 per cent of dog owners and 19 per cent of cat owners have pet insurance coverage. A study by Animals Medicine Australia* revealed that one reason people opt out is because they don’t see the value. This is surprising when you consider what it can cost to give your pet vet care if they are injured in an accident or suddenly get ill. Consider this: Petsecure data shows that gastro was one of the most common claims during 2016–2017, with the average claim at $773. That’s not too bad, you may think, but the highest individual claim amount was a whopping $13,840 — now that would certainly put a dent in most people’s finances and could mean considerable hardship!…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

PETS SUMMER PICKS

TIGER WATER TOY BY MAJOR DOG Perfect for water-loving dogs, the Tiger Water Toy will be well loved by your best friend. This robust dog toy is suitable for dogs of every age and size. Featuring a plush interior, this soft toy is perfect for outings at the beach, park or in your own backyard. It’s ideal for canines that love games of fetch and spending time getting their paws wet. The additional handle enables long-distance throws and is handy to carry, simply by sliding your arm through the loop. Shop online at west-coast.com.au TOO COOL COOLING PET MAT Keep your pets cool this summer with the Too Cool Cooling Pet Mat. Too Cool Cooling Pet Mats are the perfect size for any pet, can be used indoors or out…

2 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

PET OWNERSHIP: MIND-BLOWINGLY GOOD

“We’ve known for some time that the human-animal bond plays an important and positive role in the health and wellbeing of the community. Benefits can include companionship, health and social improvements and assistance for people with special needs,” says president of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Dr Paula Parker. “This new research takes our knowledge about the human-animal bond a step further, suggesting that pets can help people who are struggling with a serious mental illness to manage their mental health. Only through more research like this can we come to better understand just how increasingly valuable animals are to an individual’s wellbeing and the community. For those who don’t suffer from mental illness, pet ownership is still good for the mind. How many of your neighbours have you met…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

SUMMER PET CARE A TO Z

ALLERGIES Dogs and cats tend to develop allergies around spring and summertime. These problems can be exacerbated by dry skin or skin irritated by the environment, causing itching, discomfort and a range of other problems for your pet. “Regular summer bathing for your dog with pet-approved shampoo and conditioner is important, especially if they are spending a lot of time outside,” Dr Henry Wong from Vets on Call explains. BURNS You’re probably well aware of how important it is to slip, slop, slap, but did you know that our furry friends can also suffer from the pain of sunburn? “Dogs and cats can get sunburn and can also get sun cancers,” Dr Rachele Lowe from Sydney’s Mosman Vet says. “If your cat or dog has pink ears or a pink…

10 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

DOGGY PADDLE

Ever looked at a seal and thought their face looks a bit like a dog? Those big eyes and whiskers, the barking sound they make … these similarities point to the biological connection dogs have with seals, which are often referred to as the “dogs of the sea”. Dogs and seals are part of the Caniformia family that includes wolves, foxes, raccoons, otters and sea lions. So it’s no surprise most pooches can swim. Water is in a dog’s DNA, which dates back more than 50 million years. Joanne Woolley, who runs Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness on the Mornington Peninsula, says the breeds that take to the pool with the most ease and enthusiasm tend to be retrievers such as Labradors and some of the working dogs, including Australian…

5 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

HOW TO TAME YOUR PARROT

With their clownish personalities, intelligence and ability to mimic sounds and speech, parrots make highly desirable pets. But not all pet parrots are equal. The main difference to consider when purchasing a parrot is whether a hand-raised or parent-raised bird is right for you. Either way, your new pet parrot may need some additional training and handling. Hand-raised vs parent-raised Hand-raised companion parrots are taken from the nest at a very young age, sometimes before they have even hatched, and raised by a human caregiver or professional breeder. Hand-raising baby birds is very labour intensive and involves round-the-clock feeds given by syringe into the crop. Hand-raised birds are typically much less fearful of people because they’ve been exposed to them during critical socialisation and developmental periods. They are therefore more…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

KONG® TIME

Some dogs become anxious when left alone and this can result in behaviours such as excessive barking, pacing, chewing and toileting in the house. This can be very distressing for both the dog and the owner but there are some exercises you can do to help your dog cope and feel more relaxed when you leave the house. PROVIDE SAFE CHEW TOYS Help your dog learn to associate being left alone with something positive, such as receiving a treat-filled KONG every time you leave the house. The act of chewing helps dogs alleviate stress and keeps them occupied. KONG toys are made from durable rubber in a variety of formulas and provide an appropriate way to fulfil chewing instincts. INCREASE EXERCISE A tired dog is more likely to relax and…

2 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

SAY cheese

A massive thanks again to Peter Jefferson for lending us his puppies for this issue’s shoot. For more information on his beautiful dogs, email peterjef@bigpond.net.au…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

A DOG IN LION’S CLOTHING

Few dogs attract the sort of attention the Chow Chow does, and no wonder. With its lion-like appearance, irresistibly cuddly coat and adorable face, the breed truly is a marvel of the canine world. The Chow Chow is a most stately dog, sometimes giving the appearance of an old, wise man. In fact, the breed is known to have originated more than 2000 years ago, possibly in the Arctic Circle, and then made its way to China, Mongolia and Siberia. With its amazingly thick coat, the breed was able to easily handle the freezing climate of the region and was bred to be a strong working dog, hunting and herding for its tribal guardians. The Chow is thought to be the original ancestor of the Samoyed and Keeshond. Sadly, this…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

TERMS AND CONDITIONS...

1. Entry into the competition implies full acceptance of all conditions of entry, including the instructions on how to enter. 2. Entry is open to all residents of Australia and New Zealand. Employees and immediate families of the promoter, associated companies and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter. 3. Entries close with last mail on February 15, 2018, unless stated otherwise. The entries will be judged by the PETS editorial team and the winner(s) will be selected before March 8, 2018. The winners will be notified by mail, email or telephone. 4. Write the competition name on the front of the envelope and send to PETS magazine, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or enter via our website at petsmagazine.com.au 5. Prize(s) will be delivered to winners…

2 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

Paws FOR thought

WRITE TO PETS! Do you have an amazing pet story or a hilarious animal joke to share? How about some feedback on one of our articles? Or did you recently get a new pet? PETS would love to hear from each and every one of you (and your furry buddies). Drop us a line at Paws for thought/PETS, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or email pets@universalmagazines.com.au with “Paws for thought” as the subject heading. Letters, poems, photos, collages and drawings are also welcome. Be as creative as you like! DANCING DOG Hi PETS, I know this is meant to be a few words but I really love my puppy and my Bearded Dragon lizard, George, and I can’t explain how much I love them in a few words.…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

A PAWSOME PRIZE PACK!

TO ENTER: All you have to do is tell us in 400 words or less why your pet is so special and include a few clear, sharp photographs (1MB or larger) of your friend. Please also include your contact number and mailing address. Send your entries to Pet Tales/PETS, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or email your entries to pets@universalmagazines.com.au Please read the terms and conditions on page 97 before entering. Good luck!…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

SUMMER KONG STUFFING

The KONG Classic offers mental stimulation and enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs. KONG all-natural rubber toys are ultra-durable with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dog’s need to play. Be sure to stuff the KONG with tempting yummy treats and, for an added challenge, freeze the food-filled KONG before giving it to your dog. When selecting a KONG for your dog, consider that as young dogs mature, they give you an indication of their developing chewing temperament. This can be gauged by observing the level of destruction and longevity of their toys. Some dogs, regardless of breed and size, can be very gentle on their toys and these toys may last the dog many years. Other dogs may…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

COOL NEW PET TECH

PETS is thrilled to announce that this favourite piece of pet technology has just gotten even cooler with the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect — your connection with your pet just got better! The Microchip Pet Door Connect is the world’s first app-controlled pet door. This allows you to control your pet door remotely, from anywhere at any time! You can also monitor your pet’s activity and habits through the Sure Petcare app, too. Designed for cats and small dogs, the Microchip Pet Door works via a hub device connecting the pet door to the internet and identifies your pet’s existing microchip to allow access to the right pet. The Sure Petcare app enables you to monitor activity and control the door remotely and also features: Notifications of when your…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

roaring REVIEWS BOOKS

PUG (PHILOSOPHICAL UNIVERSAL GUIDANCE) HOW TO BE THE BEST YOU Author/illustrator: Helen James Publisher: Exisle Publishing RRP: $19.99 Available: Now, from all good bookstores Despite first appearances, PUG (Philosophical Universal Guidance) How to be the Best You is not a children’s book. Instead, this is a book for adults full of positive messages that we can learn from animals and the world around us. The messages in this book are varied and strong, with ideas such as “be confident in yourself” and “always choose the right leader to follow” ringing true. I particularly enjoyed the message about perseverance, with the accompanying image of a cat trying to get a plate of cheese from the table. Overall, PUG (Philosophical Universal Guidance) How to be the Best You makes a fabulous gift…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

TRAINING YOUR PURR-BABY

Teaching tricks to a dog is quite common, but did you know our feline friends can have just as much fun learning tricks as their canine companions? Caedmon Foy from The Positive Pet Project, a pet training business in Queensland, confirms that cats can be trained just like any other animal. “All cats can be taught new behaviours, young and old. The key is to find something your cat likes to do. If your cat is old and likes to sleep a lot, then skateboarding isn’t the ideal trick to teach — maybe rolling over is a better idea,” he says. “Teaching your cat tricks is great because it provides mental stimulation and stops them getting bored.” Once you’ve decided which tricks best suit your cat’s purr-sonality, you can get…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

PARASITE PROTECTION

Just the mere mention of the words flea and tick is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl, so imagine how frustrating these two tiny parasites are for our pets. While ticks and fleas can be a problem at any time of year, their numbers explode over the warmer months, which is bad news for our best buddies. To ensure that the whole family enjoys their summer, we need to know how fleas and ticks affect our pets and how to get rid of them. THE LOW-DOWN ON FLEAS Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their host whether it’s a cat, dog or even human. Fleas breed in astonishing numbers and the eggs can lay dormant waiting for the warmer months to hatch. Evidence of fleas is generally…

6 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

NO SEAGULLS ALLOWED!

PETS: Where did you come up with the idea for this exhibition? Kevin: Our new canine employee, Bailey Haggarty, assistant director for seagulls, whose job it is to keep our seagull population at bay, has captured the imagination of our visitors. People are intrigued by the thought of a dog living at a museum and climbing on board its ships. Not many people realise that in the 1900s, it was very common to find dogs, cats and other animals living on board vessels. The museum has a wonderful collection of images by prolific Sydney photographer Sam Hood, which showcases these on-board pets and the relationship they have with their fellow seafarers. We thought it would be good to have a bit of fun and let Bailey “curate” some of his…

3 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

ask YOUR vet WITH FUR KIDS DR JO Beckett

FELINE FLEA PROBLEM Q: Dear Dr Jo, this winter I still couldn’t get rid of my two cats, Dewey and Phantom’s, fleas. We’ve been using Frontline Plus for Cats because it protects them from fleas and ticks. Our vet said it may protect them against ticks but it’s not as affective on fleas. The fleas have really taken over Phantom’s fur but there are only a few on Dewey. Dewey gets these really weird bumps on his skin from the fleas and I am very worried about both of them. I was wondering if you could recommend any good products that protect against fleas well? Georgia A: Hi Georgia. Fleas certainly can be a huge problem as their many life stages can be very hardy and, unfortunately, there is more…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

creature FEATURES

LOOKING FOR A NEW PET BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO GET? Whether you’re after something furry, fuzzy, slippery, scaly or slimy, PETS takes the hard work out of choosing your new family member. KIDS AND PETS Most of the critters we feature are family-friendly, though it’s important to remember children should be supervised when playing with any animal, whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, bunny or reptile. Keep an eye out for our “At a glance” boxes where we rate the care and maintenance, grooming and exercise requirements of different breeds and creatures on a scale from one to five:…

1 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

BIG, FRIENDLYY GIANT

Maine Coons are a native American breed, named for the state that first formally recognised them as a breed — Maine — where they were also named the official cat of the state. Now a popular cat across the globe, they’ve gone from being considered a glorified barn cat to a highly regarded pet. In fact, they are considered by many as being similar to dogs in that they are happiest in the thick of family activities. The size and placid nature of these supersized kitties was the draw for Townsville-based Maine Coon breeder Shireen Booyse. She says while she’d never considered becoming a cat breeder, she’d always been an animal lover. “My breeding journey started the day my sister gave me this moggy kitten. He was special and did…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

GO FOR A GOULDIAN

The much-loved Gouldian finch is native to Australia and, with its beautiful plumage and quiet disposition, the breed is sought after all over the world. A NATIONAL TREASURE Did you know the Gouldian finch is classed as nationally endangered? They used to be found in their millions across much of northern Australia, but their numbers have dwindled because more wildfires in the late dry season mean less tree hollows where they nest, along with a dwindling food supply of spinifex for seed. In the wild, you can still find them from Cape York Peninsula in Northern Queensland, across the top end of Australia and in parts of northern coastal Western Australia. But the good news is that you can also purchase your own Gouldian finch to have as a pet…

4 min.

Pets|Issue 72 2017

pets LOVES

RAVERA RAGDOLLS Mother Nature has blessed Ravera Ragdolls with the pitter-patter of tiny paws! The festive season is pending and bringing a kitten into the family can yield such joy. Always consider the responsibilities of pet ownership when making this important decision as a kitten is a lifetime commitment and all family members should be well informed and prepared. If you believe a Ragdoll kitten is for you and your family, please contact the Ravera team by emailing vera@raveraragdolls.com for further details. They also have an informative website, raveraragdolls.com , and social media presence for you to do some research. They are passionate about this special feline and have been breeding for more than 15 years, providing families with that special fur family member. That’s why the PETS team loves…

2 min.