Table of contents for Issue#58 2016 in Pets

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Join us on our Facebook page and keep your eyes out for the PETS top five question published every month! CLOSE CONTENDERS Of course, there were a heap of other close contenders to this top-five list. Chickens are a very popular pet, with almost 19 per cent of our respondents saying they owned one, and mice, guinea pigs, reptiles and even some molluscs all scored a mention. *Where bird includes pet birds such as budgerigars, quails, parrots etc, but not more “farmyard”-style animals such as hens and ducks.…

Cats are fantastic and loving pets, but they also make great predators. At the Cat Protection Society of NSW, we believe that one of the best ways to prevent your cat from preying on wildlife is by making sure it is always safely inside with you during the night. Keeping your cat indoors from dusk till dawn is a great way to keep not only wildlife safe, but also your cat, as more cat fights and car accidents happen at night. So when the sun starts to go down, bring your cat inside and you will be protecting wildlife at the same time. For more great feline-friendly information, visit catprotection.org.au…

You’d have to describe many cats as wild and wonderful, as the hunter does lurk beneath every cat’s gleaming coat. There is a lot of controversy about the damage done to wildlife by cats, but in fact, more damage is done by people, cars and pollution. However, since much of our iconic wildlife is also nocturnal, keeping your cat in at night is the least you can do. Many cat-patrolled backyards have no birds — not because the cat has killed them, but because the birds are smart enough not to go where there is a predator. Still, it is not recommended to leave your cat outside without a cat run or enclosure in case it does escape your yard and get into trouble, whether with our local wildlife, another…

When it comes to winter, my two Staffies definitely appreciate all the extra warmth they can get. Many shorthaired breeds enjoy wearing coats during these cooler months, especially at night or on early-morning walks, to help protect them from the winter chill. This was certainly the case when I tested out the new knitwear range from Doggone Gorgeous (DGG) on Danger and Berry. I opened the packaging of the stylish product and I kid you not, Berry came and sat at my feet, ready and eager to be dressed in her new cool-weather clothing. While Danger’s reaction wasn’t quite as extreme, she certainly seems to enjoy the outfit’s comfort and spends less time in front of the heater when she is wearing it. These knitwear products are super stretchy, allowing…

In a world-first research project at Melbourne Zoo, orangutans got hands-on with the Microsoft Xbox Kinect. Did it involve the gang of six red-haired great apes in a Just Dance battle of the moves? Or were the super-strong primates scoring goals as Rinaldo on FIFA 2016? Not yet, but the ground-breaking tech experiment might just evolve into something that exciting. If the trial is successful, within a few years the orangutans could be playing digital games with visitors, which would make for some pretty awesome exchanges and a chance for the orangutans to show off their unique personalities. Microsoft’s research centre, Melbourne University and the zoo initially teamed up to study how highly intelligent orangutans — who share 97 per cent of human DNA…

The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial at the centre of much intrigue. This iconic symbol of our southern state was once widespread, but in recent years has had its population threatened due to a nasty disease that quickly spiralled out of control. When an amateur photographer discovered Devil Facial Tumour Disease back in 1996, the future for this small black and white carnivorous marsupial looked bleak. The cancer attacked the animal, which grows to roughly the size of a small dog, drastically reducing population numbers. In fact, in 2008 the Tasmanian Devil was declared to be endangered, sending it along a path that seems startlingly similar to that of its larger relative, the Tasmanian Tiger. Thankfully, unlike the Tasmanian Tiger tragedy, various groups and individuals have been looking out…

Picture this — beautiful snowflakes falling around, coating the ground in white. You walk through a winter wonderland, your mind and body completely at peace. Then your best four-legged friend bounds into the picture, just as bewildered and enchanted by this miracle of nature as you are. Previously, it was rare for Australians to be able to take their dogs to the snow, due mostly to the fact that a majority of Australian snowfields are in national parkland. However, thanks to Kerry Martin from Akemi Photography, you can now take your dog on a snowy vacation, with Kerry there to capture it on her camera. “Holidaying with your dog in the snow is a magical experience. Dog lovers consider their dogs to be part of the family and are always…

One of the many wonderful things about winter is that it’s officially snuggle season, the time of year when we have the perfect excuse to cuddle up on the sofa in front of the fire with our dogs and cats — there’s nothing quite like it. It’s also a time when you might notice your pet’s appetite increasing as it burns more energy to keep nice and warm, so we need to be sure that our pets (and we) don’t gain those extra kilos. As lovely as it is being warm and snuggly in front of the fire, the cooler days of winter are perfect for heading out and about for some long brisk walks. This is the perfect time for some extra training, so be sure to fill up…

The air still has a definite chill to it, which is why it’s important to make sure your pets are adequately equipped to handle the winter chill. To help keep them warm, why not try some of these methods: • Invest in a coat. Many pet stores have dog and cat coats on offer that will help protect your four-legged friend from the worst of the winter chills. Make sure you measure your pet, or bring it in to ensure you get a product that fits. • Walk later in the day. Avoid the frost of the coolest winter mornings by walking later in the day and trying to enjoy some of that winter sun (we promise it’s there sometimes!) • Keep your pet bedding clean. This may sound more…

There are so many different pet food products out there on the market, so how are we supposed to know when we should be changing our pet’s diet? • Change in age. Dogs need to be fed food specific to their lifecycle. Puppies and seniors require different nutrients and specialised ingredients to regular adult dogs, so make sure you’re feeding your pet accordingly. • Change in activity level. Has your dog become more active? Or perhaps you no longer have time for that second walk and they’re beginning to put on a little weight? Before changing your pet’s diet to a weight-management or active-focused option, have a chat to your vet and make sure that what you’re doing is best for your four-legged friend. It may be that you need…

From a very young age, 10-year-old Katiya Knoester has displayed an immense love for animals. The Sydney schoolgirl loves playing with her pet rabbit Summer and dog Kalais, and goes horseback-riding every opportunity she has. While her friends watch regular kids’ shows, Katiya is often glued to David Attenborough’s documentaries on TV and animal shows like Bondi Vet and Deadly 60. “I’ve always wanted to do something with animals ” Katiya says. “When I was little I wanted to be just like Bindi Irwin, then I said I wanted to work at a zoo, then I changed my mind and wanted to be a vet. But now I think I want to be a marine biologist!” Whatever her job will be some day, Katiya is certain she will be working…

Did you know that between 80 and 85 per cent of all dogs over the age of three have teeth and gum issues that need treatment? We humans know that having a sore tooth is no fun at all — not only is it painful but it also affects other parts of our lives like eating, sleeping and having fun. Our dogs get sore teeth too; the only problem is that they can’t tell us when they are in pain. Periodontal disease can go unchecked for years and it can cause significant pain and discomfort in our canine pals. The good thing is that all of this potential pain can be avoided by some proactive treatment. WHAT IS DOG DENTAL DISEASE? Dog dental disease, known as periodontal disease, is a…

ANGEL’S AFFECTION Q: Dear Kate, recently I got a pet cockatiel named Angel. The only thing is, Angel doesn’t seem to love me. I try to coax her over using treats, but she’s not interested, which means trying to get her to stand on my finger is out of the question. She always backs away to the other side of the cage. Do you have any advice or should I just give it a rest? Michelle, via email A: Hi Michelle, sometimes it can take a little while for pet birds to settle in to their new home and feel comfortable enough to interact with their owner. Don’t forget she’s getting used to a completely new environment, new people and a new routine. Most avoidance behaviour is due to fear.…

Recognised as the oldest British breed, the Mastiff existed in Great Britain approximately 2000 years ago. Its exact origin is unknown but the breed is said to have come from south-west Asia and spread into Tibet, China and Japan. Possessing a powerful and muscular body, the Mastiff was perfect for military work and during Caesar’s time was exported to Rome as a military and fighting dog. These dogs were also used to fight human gladiators and entertain the nobility in dog fights, as well as bringing down bears, bulls, lions and tigers. Gabrielle and Paul Simmonds have owned and showed Mastiffs for around 15 years and are big admirers of this magnificent breed. GREAT FAMILY BREED A loyal, loving and easygoing breed, the Mastiff is best suited to people who…

Need another excuse to eat cake? Mark Monday 15 August in your diary as the sweetest day to fight animal cruelty! The RSPCA’s annual Cupcake Day is the paw-fect opportunity to put your baking (and eating) talents to the test, with proceeds from every cupcake sold supporting animals in need. Rally around your sweetest friends and grab a slice of the action by hosting a Cupcake Day party. Head to rspcacupcakeday.com.au to register and receive a free host kit packed with goodies.…

Winter is here and our pets suddenly seem to be more underfoot than usual. Many dog owners let their furry friends inside during this colder time of year, which can involve near trips over your pet as it follows you from room to room, or having cushions chewed up, furniture legs gnawed on and general mess all over the place! There are many things you can do to minimise your pet’s destructive or annoying habits when indoors. • Take your pet for a longer walk. Many dogs will benefit from a long walk of approximately 45 minutes in the morning to help wear them out. Try a new route to expose your pooch to unfamiliar sights and sounds — these will be more stimulating than the usual path and hopefully…

When it comes to nutrition, we all know that what we eat is fuel for our body — carbohydrates to think and move, protein to build muscle, and fats to condition our skin and keep our heart healthy. Sometimes we might need an extra boost of something — an added dose of X factor to round out a healthy diet. Those vitamins, minerals or herbs might help give us more energy, promote the healing of an injury, or relax the brain for sleep, and the same goes for our pets. RSPCA NSW Sydney Shelter managing veterinarian Dr Christina Zhu lists the main food supplements owners can add to a pet’s diet for health. Glucosamine One of the most common pet supplements is the compound glucosamine. It can promote healthy cartilage…

There’s one very scary scenario that dog owners around Australia experience way too often. Picture this: you’re playing with your pooch in your local dog park when another dog arrives for some off-leash fun. But as soon as the other dog enters the park, your dog is ready for a fight — his hackles go up, he lets out a menacing growl and he looks ready to attack at the slightest provocation. You’re desperate to stop this tense situation escalating any further — but what can you do? Sadly, aggression towards other dogs is a problem far too many Australian dog owners face. Not only does this spell trouble for the other dogs unfortunate enough to find themselves in close proximity to your dog, but it also puts you at…

While low-maintenance, the tiny Hermit crab does require more care than most people are aware of. Here’s your guide to all things Hermit crab care. These little crustaceans, often known as crazy crabs, are those tiny little crustaceans most of us had as a kid. Vanessa Pike-Russell has been keeping Australian Land Hermit crabs as pets since 1994, and runs Vanessa’s Crabitat, a useful online source of info and goodies for your Hermit crab. She says they make great pets for many reasons: they’re relatively low-maintenance in that they require no house-training (or constant scooping up of droppings left throughout your property!), eat very little and don’t take up a lot of space. They also exercise themselves if you provide them with driftwood in their enclosure. Being hypoallergenic creatures, they’re…