Table of contents for Issue 74 2018 in Pets

Hi PETS readers, As a magazine editor, you’re not supposed to have favourites — but, without fail, the puppy issue gets me every time! I just love this year’s version dedicated to those furry, sweet and sometimes very cheeky little pups that have the ability to melt our hearts. This issue, we have some great puppy-themed features inside, including the A to Z of Puppy Care. It’s perfect for those looking for a complete guide to caring for your new pup and includes how to socialise your animal and choose the right dog for you. Of course, we don’t leave out our other animal friends and have great articles on choosing your vet, travelling with dogs and cats, and working out how intelligent your cat is — she could be…

When we think of fleas, we think of summer — but while these pesky parasites do increase during the warmer months, did you know fleas can actually be present year-round? Failure to protect your pet during autumn and winter can result in a near-uncontrollable outbreak of fleas later in the year, and no one wants that — certainly not your furry friend! FLEAS AND FELINES We hear a lot about fleas affecting our dogs, but did you know they can be just as troublesome for our cats? Fleas are more than just a nuisance. They can cause health problems, including: Allergies Itching Skin infections They can even transmit diseases to other pets and people. PROTECT YOUR PET Protecting your pet isn’t just about treating him for fleas — although, as…

To a playful puppy, life is one big happy adventure filled with sights, sounds and smells that are new and exciting. Welcoming a new puppy into your family is a big responsibility. There’s lots you need to do to keep him safe and teach him about the world we live in. A poorly socialised pup can grow up to be a nervous dog that might become frightened in unfamiliar situations. For example, a grown-up dog might act aggressively towards men who wear glasses, pull on lead to slink away from traffic lights, or refuse to climb stairs, all because they weren’t introduced to these things as puppies. From men with walking sticks to boys wearing baseball caps, police sirens to babies in prams, there are so many things that could…

Cats like to please … themselves. Because of this basic fact of cat nature, it can be really hard to truly measure their intelligence. If you’re trying to train your cat to do something, you’d better be sure your cat sees the point of the exercise or your efforts are likely to be in vain. Dr Kate Adams, owner of Bondi Vets (drkateadams.com or on Insta @drkateadams), says one of the problems in measuring feline intelligence as opposed to canine intelligence is compliance. “There would probably be more research on cat intelligence if they did what they were told. It’s no secret that when it comes to research and cats, cats are not the ideal research candidates, meaning we are still far from having the same level of understanding about…

Let’s face it, no family holiday is complete without your four-legged fur-kid. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend away or a long and lazy road trip, it’s so much more fun with your dog or cat by your side. However, taking your cat or dog with you on holiday isn’t as simple as just loading them into the car and setting off. You’ll need to do some forward planning and preparation to ensure that your howl-iday runs as smoothly and safely as possible. WHAT TO PACK Do you struggle to remember to pack everything you need for yourself on holiday, let alone everything your pet needs? Dr Jo Paul from creatureclinic.com offers a few tips on what you need to pack into your suitcase for your furry friend. “Ensure your…

MOVING HOME Q: Dear Dr Kate, I have a Tabby cat and an American Staffy and I’m moving house in just over a month. How would you recommend I introduce my pets to their new home? Christine A: Hi Christine, great question! Moving house can be very exciting for us but not so much for our pets. Although some pets cope quite well with the transition, others can be fearful and anxious. Our pets become very attached to our homes as this is essentially their territory. Sights, sounds and the routine are familiar to them. When we move house, all this changes and can sometimes cause stress, anxiety and fear. You can help make this transition a little easier for your cat and dog by introducing them to their new…

With a strong passion for life, the Border Collie is highly intelligent and loves having a job to do, whether it’s herding on the farm or obedience training in the family home. Originally from the United Kingdom, the Border Collie takes its name from the border country between Scotland and England, where it was developed. It was originally known as the Working Collie in the early 1900s and has also been called the Old-Fashioned Collie, Farm Collie and the English Collie. It’s been suggested that the Border Collie can be traced back to early 1570, but more conclusive reports show the breed emerged in 1893 thanks to some successful cross-breeding that may have included the Bearded Collie, the Harlequin Collie and even the Setter. It is thought that Pointer or…

Most people picture a Thoroughbred horse, sleek tail flying in the wind, jockey perched high in the saddle, racing at breakneck speed around a track. But not all Thoroughbred horses are bred to be racehorses; some are raised to become pets. Some Thoroughbred racehorses also become pets after they retire from their racing career. The first Thoroughbred came to Australia with European settlers in 1788, almost 250 years ago. Now, 50 per cent of Thoroughbred horses are bred in the Hunter Valley region of NSW. BIG IS BEAUTIFUL Claire Todd from Allandale Park Thoroughbreds has bred Grand National champions and is a second-generation Thoroughbred breeder. She says Thoroughbreds are one of the larger horse breeds. “They’re bigger than a pony and usually bigger than an Arab, but smaller than Warmblood…

VICTORIA MAY 4–6 MELBOURNE DOG LOVERS SHOW One of the premiere events on any canine owner’s calendar is the Dog Lovers Show. It’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment, with one fabulous theme: dogs, of course! We can’t wait to see the Common Woof Games coming to the Royal Canin Arena, as some of our sportiest pooches compete to see who will be top dog! There’s also plenty of entertainment to be seen at the Pet Circle Stage, where a host of celebrities and experts, including our very own Dr Katrina Warren, will offer advice and information about your dog’s health and wellbeing. Of course, that’s not forgetting the Black Hawk DockDogs, a team of unforgettable pooches who will fly through the air and splash in the pool, all…

Hi PETS , my name is Mia and I am 10 years old. In the holidays, I would go to my dad’s work and his employee would bring in Oscar, a three-year-old Brussels Griffon. Oscar was playful, energetic and very cute. He loved chasing us around the table until we collapsed, when he would cover our faces in slimy licks. Oscar was bouncy and happy and loved everyone. One day, though, he got sick and stopped breathing. The vets didn’t know why. Even though he wasn’t really my pup, I was very sad because he was such a lively little puppy that I loved very much. It made everyone really sad and the office wasn’t much fun without him. Dad’s employee recently got another dog, a French…

The Dr Zoo Shake it Off Shammy is the perfect tool to have handy to clean and dry your dog. It holds more water than a regular cotton towel and is more resistant to ripping and tearing. It’s so easy to use and only needs to be wrung out to dry. As you know, the drawback with cotton towels at the pool, beach or after a bath is that they get very heavy when wet (and cold) and take a long time to dry. So make the change! Cut drying time in half and keep your pet’s fur healthy and knot-free. For more information, visit drzoo.com.au…

Every cat and dog is unique and each breed has specific requirements, especially when it comes to their nutrition. Dachshunds are well known for their short legs, long spine and energy. They benefit from nutrition that supports their body type and playful nature. ROYAL CANIN®’s Dachshund diet has been developed with glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints, and includes an adapted protein content to support their muscle tone. Labradors tend to eat their meals very quickly. They can also have big appetites, making them prone to excess weight gain. ROYAL CANIN® Labrador specific kibble is donut-shaped, which helps these dogs chew more and slow down as they eat. The diet also has an adapted calorie content, to help maintain an ideal body weight. Cats also have specific nutritional…

Did you know there are more than 130 different dog breeds? Not to mention the many gorgeous cross breeds, too. That’s a whole lot of love to go around! From big, bouncy dogs to petite, handbag-sized pooches, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some happy hounds are super-energetic, while others are content to snooze on the couch. Some need lots of grooming to keep their coats in tip-top condition, and a few have no fur at all. So which breed will make the perfect pet for you? Picking your new canine buddy is easier if you look at individual personality traits, size and care needs. The Australian National Kennel Council divides dogs into seven groups: toys, terriers, gun dogs, hounds, working dogs, utility and non-sporting. If you’re looking for…

While some pooches and cats enjoy full-time “parents”, it’s a pretty rare thing and most will spend at least a day or two on their own through the working week. The good news is cats and dogs generally handle time alone just fine, depending on their breed and upbringing, and the quality of your interactions outside these hours. A big part of how successfully they handle it, however, is what you leave behind and how you reinforce positive behaviour (your pet being relaxed when you leave, happy to see you when you return, and your house and goods intact!). Here’s how to make their alone time stress-free, for both you and your pets. Puppies Ideally, puppies should never be left more than four hours a day, and this needs to…

The smiling Staffy is a wonderful dog that has earned a reputation as one of the most loyal, doting canine companions any family could wish for. With a big heart, a big personality, and a smile so large you’d think it could swallow you up, this happy-go-lucky breed will repay a good, caring family tenfold in love and affection. With a history dating back to the bloody dog sport rings of the 1800s, the Staffy’s nature was unfairly tainted when, in those days, it was bred for dog fighting and bear-baiting to provide entertainment for blood-thirsty audiences. However, it was often said that as soon as the dogs left the fighting ring, their aggression would disappear and they would become calm and gentle — even watching over babies in the…

If you’ve ever seen the movie Babe , you’ll know the film’s most memorable character (besides the gorgeous talking pig, of course!) is a charismatic duck named Ferdinand. The plucky but anxious duck, who even poses as a rooster to avoid being eaten, is cute, adorable and loves getting up to mischief. After watching Ferdinand in action, you’d be well within your rights to start wondering what it might be like to keep a duck as a pet. Ferdinand is an Indian Runner, a breed of duck that Michael Holmes from the Victorian Waterfowl Association nominates as an ideal pet for people who have not kept ducks before. As a former president of the association and current committee member, Michael knows that if it walks like a…

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! CHEEKY POPPI My name is Katie and I have a black Labrador called Poppi. Poppi is a sweet dog. She is cute and very cheeky. We got Poppi from a family that couldn’t look after her. She was in…

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!…

Keeping your dog clean is now easier thanks to the lovely folk who offer the Nature’s Miracle range of products. Whether you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner or just want to keep your pet clean between washes, Nature’s Miracle has got you covered! Nature’s Miracle Skin & Coat Supreme Odor Control Shampoo & Conditioner Oatmeal This provides a four-in-one benefit for neutralising odours, deodorising, cleaning the pets’ skin and coat, and conditioning. It has a soap-free formula, which contains oatmeal to soothe and hydrate skin and does not contain dyes or parabens. Natural Whitening This is an ideal shampoo and conditioner if your fur-ball has a white coat. It’s available in jasmine–pear scent and naturally brightens the coat with awapuhi extract. Hypoallergenic This unscented shampoo and conditioner is best…

When we head back to work after school holidays, it’s important to consider our pets’ mental wellbeing. After having family and friends around during holiday time, pets can experience a drastic change that leaves them bored, in particular dogs. “A bored dog can become destructive and a nuisance by escaping and barking,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “It’s advisable for pet owners to take steps to ensure their pets are not bored when their prime source of entertainment — the children — return to school.” Want to help prevent your dog from driving the neighbours barking mad? Here are Pet Insurance Australia’s top tips. Walk your dog before you leave for school/work Enrich their environment Consider boredom-busting toys that stimulate your pet’s mind Provide home-alone toys and remove…

A CRUCIAL TIME Puppyhood is a fun, exciting and joyous time for the whole family. It’s also a critical stage in your pet’s development, as the steps you take now can set up your pooch for a long, happy and healthy life. From the right diet and regular exercise to socialisation, training and plenty of quality time with you, there’s much to consider when raising your furry friend. Read on to find out how to start your pup on the best possible path in life. BRAIN BOOSTERS Many pet owners are well aware of the importance of regular exercise for their pet, but mental stimulation is often overlooked. Katie Catherwood from Heads & Tails Pet Care Services in Melbourne, Victoria, says mental stimulation is just as important — if not…

It’s a sad fact of life that pets age faster than humans. This also means that if you only take your pet to the vet once a year, it’s like a human only visiting their doctor or dentist once every seven years. It’s important you don’t skip that annual visit to the vet, even if your pet seems perfectly well. Dr Matthew Muir, holistic vet at Sydney’s integrative veterinary practice All Natural Vet Care, says you need to consider your pet’s life stage as an annual visit is not always enough. In the USA, the standard vet visit recommendation has been increased to once every six months, as once a year is now felt to be too long between checks. “For peace of mind, six-monthly wellness checks can ensure early…

While some jobs are best left to the professionals (such as clipping, if you’re not confident), many of your pet’s grooming needs can be met at home. Spending time sprucing up your dog or cat is necessary to maintain their appearance and help prevent eye, ear, skin, teeth and nail infections, as well as early detection of skin problems. DOGS A general rule of thumb when it comes to the “how often” you need to wash your dog is when they start to smell, though Janelle says most healthy dogs will benefit from having a bath every two to four weeks and being brushed on a daily or weekly basis, depending on their breed and age. “Some breeds have oily or thick coats — for example, Basset Hounds — and…

The Bengal is a large muscular feline that looks like it should be prowling around the jungle. But this short-haired domestic breed will definitely feel right at home snuggled up on a lap or snoozing on the couch. PLAYFUL CATS Despite its size, the Bengal moves with grace and is quite agile. Breeder Adriana Mahne from Bundu Bengals describes the cat as fun-loving, energetic and intelligent. “They love to play — they’re always up for a game and they have a very outgoing personality,” she says. The Bengal makes a perfect pet for busy active families, but Adriana says it’s important to source a kitten that has been properly socialised. “It’s always best to buy a kitten that has been raised in-home and has been well socialised during the critical…

MEET ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE CAT BREEDERS  Q. What do you love about the Ragdoll? A. I have found this wonderful breed to be beautiful inside and out. Ragdolls possess such a lovely disposition with a real affection for their owners. Q. Who makes the ideal Ragdoll owner? A. Ragdolls are an indoor cat so it needs a family that enjoys having pets inside and as part of the family, big or small. They don’t need too much space so unit living is fine. They also get on well with other pets and busy households and love company. Q. Why should potential pet owners consider getting a Ragdoll from you? A. I have been breeding this special feline for more than 15 years and my passion for this very special…