Table of contents for Issue 73 2018 in Pets

Do you love your pet? Tell us a warm and fuzzy tale about the special bond you share with your best pal for a chance to win a really cool prize. 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!…

It’s something we’re all too aware of as humans, but how often have you thought about protecting your pet from skin cancer? As Pet Insurance Australia says, it’s something we need to be more aware of, particularly living in this beautiful sunburnt country in today’s climate. “Skin cancer can be a problem with some pets and being prepared early is key to preventing your pet from being a victim,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “We need to give our pets’ skin the same consideration we do our own.” In 2016, there were approximately 1500 claims Australia-wide for skin cancer in dogs. Cats also suffer the effects of skin cancer but statistics indicate not as much as dogs. “This is also just a snapshot of those pets that actually…

Rats are fun-loving, mischievous and intelligent. Mice are cute, enjoyable to watch and easy to care for. So which makes a better pet? With whiskers twitching and tails swishing, we did some super sleuthing to find out! HUMAN INTERACTION Some people think mice are just smaller versions of rats, but they are very different. Both mice and rats come in a range of patterns, colours and coat types. Rats and mice are social animals that enjoy human company. They’re naturally nocturnal but will usually adjust their snooze time so they’re awake when you are. Wendy Carbery, secretary of the Australian Rat Fanciers Society, says rats are a bit like small pooches. “Rats are like little pocket-sized dogs. They’re very affectionate,” she says. “If they could, they’d be with you 24/7,…

Chocolate might be a mainstay of Easter, and your pet may well be one of your great loves, but never the two should meet. Why? Chocolate contains two stimulants that are dangerous to pets — caffeine and theobromine — both of which veterinarian Dr Felicia Tam says stimulate your pet’s central nervous system and heart muscle, as well as increase urine output. “The combined side effects of chocolate toxicity or poisoning can be very dangerous and can cause death or seizures. Dehydration is also a very real risk due to the vomiting, diarrhoea and increased urination it can cause,” she explains. Dr Felicia says because different chocolate products contain different amounts of caffeine and theobromine, different types of chocolate are more dangerous than others. “The size, shape, breed, health and…

There’s no doubt about it: your dog is good for your ego. He’s your number-one fan and he’s not shy about showing it. But as cute as it is to have your puppy jump all over you — and your guests — when you walk in the door, it’s not what you want in the long term. And it’s a behaviour that you need to nip in the bud from the get go. Melanie Griffiths, pet expert at Mad Paws, Australia’s largest pet-sharing network, says dogs jumping up to greet you is a common problem for most dog owners. “It may be cute to you but, if ignored, your dog will exhibit the same jumping behaviour when she excitedly greets a child, elderly person or someone nervous around dogs.” Melanie…

Shannon Morrison, a 36-year-old copywriter from Melbourne, has a vested interest in walking his dogs every day — they wreak havoc if he doesn’t! His spritely Beagles will scratch the back door, dig up the yard and make escape attempts if they don’t get their daily dose. “They need at least a 5km walk a day otherwise they go crazy,” he says. Aside from needing to preserve his home, Shannon believes providing regular exercise is mandatory for anyone who owns a dog. “Imagine if you were stuck in your house all day long and you never went anywhere and no one ever visited you. It would be the most boring life,” he says. “So just get them out of the house. It’s like their whole world is opened up. They’re…

WRITE TO DR KATE Does your puppy pee in all the wrong places? Does your kitty scratch the new couches? If you have a question about your pet’s behaviour, write to our resident animal behaviourist, Dr Kate Mornement from Pets Behaving Badly (petsbehavingbadly.com.au). Send your question to Naughty or nice/PETS, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or email your question to pets@universalmagazines.com.au with the subject heading “Naughty or nice”. Stay tuned, as your question may be answered by Dr Kate and published in the magazine. DIGGITY DOG! Q: Dear PETS, my dog Ryder digs and digs and digs. Holes in the vegie garden. Holes in the grass. Even under the fence! Do you have any advice on how we can stop this behaviour? Clara, via email A: Hi Clara,…

Thought to be a combination of the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Weimaraner and Manchester Terrier, the Dobermann was founded in the 1860s by Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector who wanted a dog to protect him on his rounds. This protective streak led the breed to be used as a police dog during the 19th century and later as a war dog in WWII, where they were known as “devil dogs”, working alongside the US Marines to flush out the enemy. Today, the Dobermann is the US Marine’s proud mascot. Traditionally, the Dobermann has a gentle nature but will be as tough and protective as you want it to be. A true companion animal, this breed fits well into family life, serving as a great playmate for children, with the…

NEW SOUTH WALES MARCH 23 – APRIL 3 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW One of the biggest animal events in Australia without question has to be the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Started in 1823, this annual show combines all things animal with a host of other agricultural displays, rides and, of course, show bags. This year, we’re particularly looking forward to the Baby Puppy competition. Yes, that’s right! Every afternoon, you will be treated to cuteness overload as these three- to six-month-old beauties strut their puppy stuff and the Best Baby Puppy of the day is awarded the trophy. Of course, there are all the usual best-in-show categories to look forward to for bigger animals, as well as the Alpaca Promenade. Who could say no to that? For more information, visit…

They don’t always get the best rap, so here are four fun facts about ferrets that might help you change your mind about these cute little critters. 1 Ferrets can bond quite closely with their owners, making them perfect for those looking for a pet who’ll be a fur-ever companion. 2 These cuties can also be quite playful. You’ll have hours of fun watching your ferret as it interacts with you and its toys. 3 A group of ferrets is called a “business”. How cool is that? 4 Ferrets can be trained quite easily and will even learn to use a litter box! It’s recommended you keep all training sessions short, however, as they don’t have the longest attention spans. Sound like your perfect pet? Check with your local state…

Keeping your small animals’ cages clean has never been easier thanks to the lovely folk at Nature’s Miracle®. How easy to use do these effective products sound? Nature’s Miracle Bird Cage Scrubbing Wipes add the convenience of a wipe to a best-selling formula. The quilted texture, with grip technology, easily lifts stuck-on debris while the deodorising formula eliminates odours. When used regularly, Bird Cage Scrubbing Wipes help eliminate pet waste odours for a clean, hygienic cage. Nature’s Miracle Bird Cage Cleaner is designed to naturally clean bird cages. Bioenzymatic odour-locking technology effectively removes tough, caked-on debris and strong, embedded cage odours, and it will not leave behind strong scents that can irritate birds. Nature’s Miracle Cage Cleaner for Small Animals is designed to naturally clean small animal cages. Bio-enzymatic odour-locking…

This is a TLC (Tender Loving Care) guide for GPs (guinea pigs) — the cutest little squeakers you ever did hear. They’re so darn cute with those chunky heads and silky fur coats that of course you want to love and protect these little critters of the cavy world. Nikki White, a guinea pig breeder and president of the Capital Country Cavy Club, is one of the leading authorities on guinea pigs. She’s got a whole family of them herself, and reckons they make the best pets as they’re “not as opinionated as rabbits or contrary like cats”. HOUSING Nikki suggests an indoor cage that has a plastic base and a wire top as the best kind of house for your guinea pig. “Indoors is best because you have better…

1. REMOVING THAT STUBBORN CAT HAIR Cat hair can be seemingly impossible to get off the couch, sticking to the fabric like glue. But if you use a couch slip or other form of couch cover, Dr Alex has a handy trick to get rid of the bothersome hair: “Put the couch slip in the dryer before you put it in the washing machine. The heat from the dryer gets rid of the cat fur, allowing the washing machine to clean the slip in the most effective way possible.”The LG TWINWash is perfect for this with its Mini Washer feature, which allows consumers to wash small items such as pillow and couch slips. 2. PUT A TOWEL IN THEIR FAVOURITE PLACE Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and, like…

We have a very special place in our hearts for our pets. If you were to ask any owner if their pet loves them, the answer would surely be a resounding “YES”. Pet owners don’t really need proof that this love exists because it’s an unmistakable feeling — it’s something we just know. But over the last decade, science has given unparalleled insight into the physiology and psychology of companion animals such as dogs and cats. The results overwhelmingly support the long-held belief of mutual love between species. Not everyone has an MRI machine or a laboratory set up at home, so without all this scientific equipment, how can we tell if our pets love us? Luckily, there are a few easy ways. IT’S ALL ABOUT BODY LANGUAGE While dogs…

Shelties, which also go by the breed names Silky or Shetland, are easy to identify — they’ve got long, flowing, soft, silky hair. They’ve got equally soft natures and, although they can be shy in the early days, they grow to become affectionate with their loved ones. Their soft natures and glamorous looks are just two of the reasons Carly and Cherie McCormack from Moonshine Cavy Stud choose to breed Shelties. Cherie says they had already bred several other long-haired breeds —Peruvians, Alpacas, Texels and Merinos — and decided to add Shelties to their lot. “We only have long-haired breeds, which we show regularly. What drew us to the longhairs is their glamorous looks when in full coat and their sweet cuddly natures,” she says. “Shelties, like other longhairs, have…

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 97…

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 orpets@ email 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! NELLY, THE NEW ADDITION Hi PETS, First of all, welcome back Lauren! I hope your baby is going OK. This is about our new addition to the family ... For Mother’s Day, my mum got a kitten named Nelly.…

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat animal-based protein, as in meat, because of their ancestral diets. Just think about it logically for a minute. When was the last time you saw a cat stalking corn? The digestive system of cats is specifically adapted to eating animal flesh. They have the shortest digestive tract of most mammals and, therefore, find it difficult to digest carbohydrates. Protein and fats are perfectly suited to their digestive tract, and cats derive their energy from the digestion of protein. Cats don’t need carbohydrates, yet that is what is often used as cheap fillers in most wet and dry cat foods that are available on supermarket shelves. Gourmet Delight is grain-free and perfectly suited to the digestive system of cats, with no cheap…

One of our favourite small Aussie animals is the Sugar Glider. This cute little critter can come in between 24cm and 30cm when measured from the nose to the tip of the tail, weighing 115-140g — that’s about the same as eight Freddo Frogs (and we all know how light they are to carry!). Of course, that’s not the only thing we love about this gorgeous creature. As the name suggests, Sugar Gliders can glide by stretching their fore and hind limbs out at right angles to their body with their feet flexed upwards, resulting in a glide that can last 50m or more. But for every 1.82m they glide horizontally, a Sugar Glider will fall approximately 1m. The Sugar Glider is omnivorous, with a diet consisting largely of plant…

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d look at some of the reasons why it’s important for you to have your pets desexed. Although it may sound against the rules of nature, it’s vital you prevent your pets from becoming parents to ensure a better quality of life for all. 1 Hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals get handed in to pounds and rescue groups around Australia each year. 2 Desexed pets can be healthier! Research has proven that desexed female dogs have less incidences of mammary cancer and uterine infections, with desexed male dogs having less chance of prostate problems. 3 Desexing your pet can reduce unwanted behaviour such as some aggression, unwanted marking and the desire to stray or hunt out a suitable mate. So…

Choosing the right pet can be a tricky task. With so many wonderful furry, fluffy, scaly, slimy and feathery creatures available, how can you decide which type of pet will be the best fit for your family? Rabbits are popular with animal lovers, bringing sweet-natured companionship into the lives of everyone who cares for them. There are plenty of paw-some reasons why rabbits make great pets, so let’s take a closer look at five of the best. #1 THEY’RE CUTE OK, we’re sure you knew that already, but it’s a point that’s well worth repeating. From the tiniest little fluff ball to the biggest, most adorable bundle of fur, rabbits are sometimes simply too gorgeous for words. Susie Beard from Cherry Tree Warren in Victoria has been breeding rabbits for…

Whether you’re the proud owner of a new puppy, a canine senior citizen or anything between, there are a few key behaviours every dog should know. While some of these might differ slightly depending on who you talk to, there are three essential skills that can help every dog: sit, drop and stay. But if you want to teach your pet how to park her rump, drop to the ground and stay in the one spot, where do you start? Let’s look at some step-by-step instructions. Getting started Before teaching any of these cues, it’s important to create a marker word for your dog, Jamie Huggett, national dog trainer at PETstock, advises. A marker word is basically used as a signal to let the dog know he has completed a…

Cats love routine and the familiar. Unlike playful pooches who tend to be pretty laid-back about car travel, it’s probably not one of your cat’s all-time favourite things to do. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule — some cats adore cruising in the car while some dogs don’t enjoy it at all. Whether you’re off to the vet, moving house, taking your cat to a cattery while you’re away or taking it on holiday with you, at some point, your cat will need to travel. If she’s reluctant to do so, take heart — there is a lot you can do to make your feline feel more comfortable and relaxed. And you never know — with a little extra care, he might just enjoy the ride! Travelling safely…

Are you looking for a rabbit that ’s ridiculously cute, has a playful and inquisitive nature and is easy to care for? The Netherland Dwarf may just be your perfect pet. With gorgeous good looks and a personality full of character, Netherland Dwarfs are a popular choice for rabbit lovers. Susie Beard from Cherry Tree Warren has been breeding Netherland Dwarfs for 35 years and says these pint-sized cuties are always in demand. “Personally, I like them because they look like a proper rabbit — you know, sitting upright, tiny little ears pricked up in the air, chubby cheeks and a chunky body. And they are so tiny, the smallest breed you can get, so what’s not to love?” she says. One of the most intelligent rabbit breeds, the Netherland…