Table of contents for Issue#55 2016 in Pets

Hi PETS readers, Welcome to another issue of PETS. This issue is dedicated to something we feel very passionate about — the rescue and rehoming of animals in need. When it comes time to choosing a pet, rescue is truly a great choice. There are thousands of animals across the country in need of a new home, each of whom could make a fabulous addition to your family. I had the pleasure of meeting one awesome little rescuer a year or so ago. Our friendship started when my husband and I went away overseas, and her, her flatmate and friend came to look after our two dogs. From there, the friendship developed and I discovered she helps rescue and care for pets in need of adoption with Coastal Pet Rescue.…

Is your dog barking without rhyme or reason? Stop this nuisance behaviour with the Anti-Bark Spray collar. Using a specially formulated citronella spray, this collar can stop barking dogs close to 90 per cent of the time. Even better, it’s 100 per cent safe for all dogs, people and the environment and it can be used safely on all healthy canines, even puppies. The Anti-Bark Spray collar kit includes the device, a nylon adjustable collar strap and a 6V alkaline battery, as well as one citronella can. For more information, visit dlc.com.au…

Having a source of clean, fresh water is important for our pets all year-round, not just during those hot summer months. That’s why we’ve fallen in love with the Torus water bowl. As Ann Riad, the general manager at PETstock says, this truly is the “Porsche of water bowels”. Why? Well, the stylish Torus has a hidden reservoir of water (1–2L, depending on the product size) that automatically dispenses, without the use of batteries or power. Not only that, but the water is also carbon-filtered, ensuring it is fresh and clean — perfect for your pet! As well as being well suited for dogs, this product is great for cats, with an oval bowl shape designed to avoid cat’s whiskers touching the sides. For more information, visit petstock.com.au…

HEAR NO EVIL: AUSTRALIAN DEAF DOG RESCUE Roxy’s Heart When we got the call about a deaf Wolfhound x in a regional Queensland pound late last year, we were warned she was in pretty rough shape. At two years old, she was a shocking 10–12kgs underweight, with her ribs and spine clearly visible. There were swellings on her joints and rump due to the bones being in contact with hard ground, and the fur she did have was thin, matted and patchy with a serious skin condition that left her almost bald from the ribs back. Covered in fleas, with bindis in her feet, we could tell from the staining on her coat that she had been so itchy that she had chewed as much of herself as she could…

BABY BUDGIES Q: Dear PETS, I have a pet Budgie named Zoe. Recently, we’ve gotten a male friend for her (Henry) to keep her company. Will they make baby Budgies? Or is this not something we need to consider? Chandelle, via email A: Dear Chandelle, Firstly, it’s probably a good idea to make sure you have a boy and a girl. Girls tend to have a cere (the flesh around the nostrils) that is white through to dark brown and can darken in breeding season, while boys commonly have a clear-to-bright-blue cere. But when they are very young, it may be more confusing as girls have flatter ceres that can appear blue tinged and boys’ ceres look more round and bulging and can be quite pink. If I have confused…

The Pomeranian is a descendant of the Spitz breed, thought to have been developed in the historical Northern European region of Pomerania, near the Baltic Sea. Originally, they were thought to have weighed a good 9–13kg more than the Pomeranians we know and love today, where the breed standard currently sits between 1.8kg and 2.5kg, in accordance with the Australian National Kennel Council. It’s said that Queen Victoria fell in love with a Pomeranian while holidaying in Florence, Italy, in 1888, bringing the breed into popularity. This is a trend that has continued today, with many Australians and New Zealanders enjoying the love of a Pomeranian in their own homes. “They’ve got a lot of things going for them,” breeder Robert Jakovljevic from Pompack Pomeranians says. “Temperament would be the…

We asked Dr Kim Kendall, feline veterinary expert from The Chatswood Cat Palace, for her opinion on owning a Moggie. Genetically, every Moggie has the makeup to be a purebred, where purebreds only have a limited gene pool (which is why they are “true to type” of course). The little domestic cat has spread around the world (for better or for worse) because it is so adaptable — and adoptable! My advice to the 5000 owners that I have homed kittens and cats out to (over a period of 15 years or so) is always to pick the cat or kitten that loves you, snuggles up to you, especially if it purrs. I have found that not every kitten is cuddly with every person, so they really do select you!…

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 and email on June 3, 2016, unless stated otherwise. The entries will be judged by the PETS editorial team and the winner(s) will be selected on June 10, 2016. 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 email your entry to pets@universalmagazines.com.au 5. Prize(s) will be delivered to…

MAY 6-14 AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW The most prestigious event on the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) calendar has arrived. This national show will see more than $100,000 in prize money, saddles and trophies be put on the line for members Australia-wide to compete for. Held in the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, Tamworth, this show attracts a range of both ASHS members and spectators to watch events including National Futurity, National Maturity, the Maiden Campdraft Series and the ABBEY Open Challenge. For more information, visit ashs.com.au MAY 15 RSPCA MILLION PAWS WALK The RSPCA’s biggest annual fundraiser is on again this month with the Million Paws Walk. Each year, thousands of animal lovers and their pets turn out across the nation to join in the walk…

Did you know that often the best way to tire your dog is to exercise his brain? Not that physical exercise is going to do him (or you) any harm! The Tennis Slider puzzle toys are perfect for occupying and challenging your dog’s cognitive skills and enriching his environment. This product is designed as a toy-based puzzle game instead of a treat-based one, which is a nice change, and ideal for those dogs with waistline issues. Why not give the Tennis Slider a go today? It’s perfect for our ball-crazy canine pals, designed to engage your dog’s mind in searching for what he or she wants. For more information, visit stores.ebay.com.au/westcoastpetcare/ or west-coast.com.au/…

Cats are obligate carnivores; this means they must eat meat because of their ancestral diets. The digestive systems of cats are specifically adapted to eating animal flesh. They have the shortest digestive tract of most mammals. Protein is digestible so cats do not need a long gut to digest plant material. Cats don’t need carbohydrates, yet that is what is used as cheap fillers in most wet and dry cat foods. Gourmet Delight is grain free and perfectly suited to the digestive system of cats. It contains no cheap nasty fillers, just high-quality animal protein as nature intended. For more information, visit gourmetdelight.com.au A Message Brought to you from Gourmet Delight…

“Mognificent” is a great way to describe the cats that are in the majority of our homes. The Moggie — or random-bred, domestic short/long-hair or whatever you call the cat that selected you — is the most interesting breed of cat. Colour and temperament are spread across a huge variety, but early experiences can either strengthen or weaken inherent “purr-sonality”. The Moggie is very adaptable. Each one is born with all the equipment needed in case it might be a stray, and there are several genetically programmed growth phases — physically and mentally. Most people pick a Moggie based on the colours of a cat they knew previously (an aunt’s or their own), but can be persuaded to take on whichever kitten tries hardest to snuggle them. Moggies can get…

JONATHAN UNLEASHED Author: Meg Rosoff Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing RRP: $27.99 Available: Now, from all good bookstores If you’re looking for a novel that will give you a good laugh this Easter, make sure you check out Jonathan Unleashed. Written by award-winning author Meg Rosoff, this is one novel that has gone to the dogs — in the best possible way. Jonathon Unleashed tells the story of Jonathon Trefoil, a New Yorker whose brother one day leaves him with a quite gargantuan task — caring for his two dogs, Sissy and Dante, while he stays in Dubai. Of course, simply walking and feeding them would be fine, but these dogs have other plans for their caretaker. Sissy and Dante conspire to take over the reins and fix Jonathon’s life, so Jonathon…

Another sad but unfortunately common myth we’ve come across here at PETS is that shelter cats — or dogs, for that matter — don’t make good pets. When you adopt a shelter pet, the myth goes, you’re adopting someone else’s problems. The cat you add to your family could have been mistreated or poorly trained and may not know how to settle into your family home with a minimum of fuss. But don’t let this sort of nonsense put you off adopting an animal from a shelter. There’s a huge range of reasons why pets end up in shelters — it’s often through no fault of their own — and any animal put up for adoption has the potential to become a wonderful companion for you…

PETS product picks ANIMALS AUSTRALIA We love our animals, so it probably comes as no surprise that we just adore Animals Australia! This fabulous group provides a voice for those who can’t do so themselves, campaigning to raise awareness and put a stop to animal cruelty. From animal testing to abuse, Animals Australia covers a wide range of issues, and is truly a group to be reckoned with. Show your support today! Visit animalsaustralia.org to find out more. NATURE’S MIRACLE URINE DESTROYER If you have a pup or older dog that doesn’t quite have a handle on toileting correctly, you need Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer. This product is specifically formulated to remove urine-based stains and odours from carpets, hard surfaces, clothing, kennels, carriers and more. Containing enzymes, which immediately break…

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!…

We are just so dang excited about The Secret Life of Pets. This animated movie, brought to you by Illumination Entertainment, asks the question: just what do your pets do when you’re not around? And, in the case of Max and Duke, two very different pets living in downtown Manhattan, the answer is to save all the happily owned pets from falling victim to the evil Snowball’s plans! This movie is set to release in July this year, and we just can’t wait! The trailers alone are truly hilarious. Make sure you keep your eyes on your local cinema timetable (and the PETS Facebook page) to keep on track of the latest info. For more information, visit thesecretlifeofpets.com…

When you bring a rescue pet home, it’s important that you help it feel safe in its new environment. Here are some of our top tips: • Offer it a safe space where it can retreat to. Particularly if you have a large family and it has come from a more isolated space, lots of new people can be overwhelming. Ensure your rescue dog has somewhere to go to escape the chaos. • Establish a routine early on so your dog knows when to expect meal times and walks. This will help it to settle into its new life with ease. Of course, fresh drinking water should be available at all times. • Start playing early. PETS recommends using a quality toy, such as one from the KONG range, and…

CHUM COLLARS Imagine a collar you could create yourself to showcase everything you love about your pet. Well, dream no longer! Chum Collars makes beautiful European charm collars for all our beloved pets. The company’s DIY starter kits enable you to create a ton of different collar combinations with a range of exclusive charms to truly set your best furry friend apart from the pack. All Chum Collar products are designed and shipped from Melbourne. For more information, visit chumcollars.com. PETS has two Chum Collars starter kits to give away. ZIWIPEAK FOR CATS AND DOGS If you’re looking for pet food that’s natural, raw and fully balanced, look no further than ZiwiPeak. Containing meat derived from the cleanest and greenest New Zealand pastures and oceans, these products include nothing artificial,…

Puppy playtime is what puppies do best — they love to rumble, and games can certainly be an effective way to burn off your puppy’s excess energy. How you play with your puppy will have a big impact on how they play as an adult dog. They must learn etiquette with their teeth, self-control and to give up a toy when you ask. Games can be very rewarding for puppies and can also be used as a way to praise your pooch for good behaviour. It is important to choose safe toys for playtime that are made from materials that your puppy can’t easily destroy, and they must be of suitable strength/size for your dog. Some puppies have stronger jaws than others and while soft, stuffed toys might be suited…

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: Low maintenance Moderate maintenance Requires regular attention Lots of work High maintenance…