Table of contents for Issue#60 2016 in Pets

SEND US YOUR SNAPS! Do you want your photo to appear here on our “My Pet” pages? Email a clear, sharp photo (1MB or larger) of your pet along with your name, mailing address, contact number and a few words about why you love your pet to pets@universalmagazines.com. au or send hard-copy photos to My Pet/PETS magazine, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670. Remember to make copies as the photos cannot be returned. Happy snapping!…

1. RESCUE We were overwhelmed by just how many of you own rescue pets! What a fabulous and caring bunch of readers we have. Congratulations on helping to save many pets’ lives and introducing these furry friends into your family. 2. BORDER COLLIE It’s no surprise this family favourite earned a spot in this PETS top five. 3. KING CHARLES CAVALIER SPANIEL We love Cavvies, and you do too! It turns out that many of our PETS readers have given their hearts to this breed. 4. LABRADOR RETRIEVER One of the best family dogs on the planet is the Lab, and we’re glad to see you agree! This gorgeous canine sure got a lot of mentions in this issue’s top five. 5. JACK RUSSELL TERRIER Who can resist the charm…

NATURE'S MIRACLE JUST FOR CATS PET BLOCK SPRAY There’s nothing more irresistible to a cat than your new leather lounge! Keep your feline away from certain parts of the house with Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Pet Block Spray. This specially formulated spray is designed to keep your cat away from off-limits areas of your home and yard such as beds, furniture, rugs and outdoor trees or shrubbery. The long-lasting concentrated formula contains natural repellant scents of cinnamon and lemongrass oil that are inherently disliked by cats, encouraging them to stay away from the treated area. For more information, visit natures-miracle.com natures-miracle.com. PETS has 15 bottles of Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Pet Block Spray (236ml) to give away. PETS MAGAZINE Can’t get enough animal information? Get every issue of PETS…

Fresh spring flowers and leafy plants bring beauty and colour the garden and your home. But unfortunately, not all flowers and plants are safe for cats to be around — and some can even prove to be deadly to them if they are chewed or ingested. The toxins in plants can affect cats in varying degrees. For example, if your cat nibbles on a geranium it can cause itchiness and mild dermatitis; drinking the water in a vase full of chrysanthemums may cause tummy upsets; and other plants like the peace lily can cause kidney failure and eventual death. Unfortunately, kittens may be most at risk. They have boundless energy and love to get up to mischief and nibble things they shouldn’t, and unlike adult cats, they don’t have a…

Bailey is a one-and-a-half-year-old male Bichon Frise that presented to his regular vet and was then referred to the Animal Emergency Centre as his owners noted he was becoming increasingly lethargic. He had been off-colour and not eating for a few days prior. On examination, Bailey was noted to have pale gums, difficulty breathing and a sore abdomen. He was in cardiovascular shock. Blood tests showed that Bailey was not able to clot his blood properly. Vets at the AEC suspected he was bleeding internally and was getting more and more anaemic. There are a number of things that can stop normal clotting of blood — rat bait toxicity is one of the most common. Bailey lives on a property near to which rat bait was laid about a week…

TURTLE POWER? Q: Dear Dr Jo, I really want a turtle but Mum and Dad are not sure. I already have two cats, but they are the family’s pets and I really want my own. What are the responsibilities of having a turtle, and what things does a turtle need? From Amelia, via email A: Hi Amelia, a turtle can be a wonderful pet, but to be a really good owner it can take a lot of time and money to get set up properly. Turtles can live a long time, some up to even 50 years, though captive turtles’ lifespans are generally much less. They need a tank deep enough to swim in and go underwater, and they also need a dry ‘dock’ where they can get out of…

UNDER $20 Billie presents the Essential Life Guide series of 2017 diaries for each of the astrological star signs. Each diary encompasses the necessary day-to-day moods, feelings and expert predictions to take each girl on her journey in 2017 through daily horoscopes. Each girl has her own characteristics, story and identity based on her star sign that you can relate to each and every day! Relationship and compatibility focused, Billie and her squad, and T.K Swift and Jinx, will be your daily source of inspiration and dose of reality for the year ahead. Join Billie and her #squad: Aria, Aqua, Capri, Candi, Gem, Lee, Liberty, Pia, Tae, Sage, Scarlett and Violet in your journey for 2017! Great. Gift. Ideas. TO SEE THE ENTIRE 2017 RANGE OF OVER 100 PRODUCTS VISIT…

Shaped like a blade, a line of hair runs in reverse along the back of this breed. The widest area sits on the shoulders and the point of the ‘blade’ is directed towards the tail. This is the distinctive marking that gives this interesting breed its name, the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Part of the Hound group, this strong and muscular animal is large, with a short tan-coloured coat ideally suited to South Africa, where it was renowned for its hunting skills. With their grand stature and lovely nature, these animals are intensely captivating. As with most breeds, there are some mixed theories about the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s origin. It is thought that when the Dutch, German and Huguenot people immigrated to South Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries, they took with…

WHAT’S YOUR NAME We love products that truly capture our pets’ style, and the collars from What’s Your Name do just that! With a choice of colour and personalised message, these items are on trend and will keep your pet looking good. These guys were the first in the world to offer icons and different fonts on their embroidered collars and now, with their new range, they claim to be the first to offer different types of personalised dog collars like buckle, adjustable and chain dog collars. They also offer double-lined personalised information on collars and harnesses. For more information, visit whatsyourname.com.au ULTIMATES INDULGE When it comes time to feed our cats we want to give them the very best, and that’s why we love Ultimates Indulge. This is the…

FAUNA OR FELINE? A recent international study conducted by Murdoch University PhD researcher Catherine Hall and collaborators has found that we Aussies are the most likely nation to accept restrictions on cat ownership because of the potential threat these beautiful creatures can pose to our wildlife. After analysing cat owners and non-cat owners from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, China and Japan, Catherine found that we show a special preference for our local animals — and given how cute our koalas are, it’s not hard to see why. “Australians are most likely to accept a wildlife-based rationale for restrictions on cat ownership, with 60 per cent of owners agreeing that pet cats killing wildlife is a serious problem,” Catherine says. “Whereas in the UK, we found that only 12…

It doesn’t matter whether you’re canine crazy or a feline fanatic — grooming your pet is critically important. Not only will regular grooming help your pet look, smell and feel great, but it can also prevent a wide range of health problems. Let’s take a look at what you can do to look after all of your dog or cat’s basic grooming needs at home. DOGS The list of benefits that your dog can get out of regular grooming is a long one. “Grooming your dog has many benefits on top of looking and smelling good ” says Amy Smith, a dog trainer who runs Amy’s Puppy Pre School on Sydney’s northern beaches. “When regular grooming is occurring at home, owners are helping to remove dead hair, dandruff, and keep…

These are the five most common plants that are toxic to cats: 1. Lily: These are extremely toxic to cats. Avoid all species of Lily as all parts of them are poisonous to cats. Symptoms can include depression, vomiting, and being unable to urinate. 2. Sago Palm: These grow in tropical-style gardens and are highly poisonous, with most of the toxicity in the seeds. If even just a couple of seeds are eaten, it can lead to seizures, liver failure and death. 3. Oleander: All parts of this pretty flowering plant are toxic to cats. If eaten, a cat may drool, have muscle tremors and difficulty breathing, and could die. 4. Autumn Crocus: This flowering plant is extremely poisonous. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting and shock, and damage to internal…

DUDLEY THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL YORKIE Dudley Dinsdale is no ordinary Yorkshire Terrier. This four-year-old Yorkie lives and breathes rock ‘n roll music, and his hair and outfits are styled to suit. “Dudley is known on social media as the ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Yorkie’, so his hair colours and styles fit his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle ” explains his owner Amanda Jane. “His dad is a music producer and guitarist, and so many of Dudley’s ‘aunts and uncles’ are quite successful musicians. Dudley gets invited to a lot of social events and parties, gallery openings etc and needs to dress accordingly. You will always see Dudley at openings of exhibitions at Sydney’s Blender Gallery of rock photography, where he is often seen dancing on the tables.” Like most true rockers,…

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. 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 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.…

Personality: Everyone who knows or owns a Rhodesian Ridgeback will agree it is a very personable breed. Intelligent, with a playful sense of humour, these dogs love the outdoors but also enjoy quiet time inside. As young pups they are extremely energetic, but as they mature you will find them asleep in their beds more often than not. Beware — their happy disposition means a wagging tail, which can often clear the surface of any low coffee table! Suitability: The Ridgeback needs someone who is able to give it a lot of attention and ample daily exercise. The breed is known to roam if it craves a walk or mental stimulation, otherwise it can take its boredom out on your yard and playfully readjust your plants. Favourite activities: These dogs…

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!…

MY DOG DASH Author and illustrator: Nicki Greenberg Publisher: Allen and Unwin RRP: $24.99 Available: Now from all good bookstores My Dog Dash is a kids’ picture book about the hilarious adventures of Dash. The unusual thing about Dash is that he’s not a dog at all but a snail. This is an entertaining read about the power of the imagination and loving your misunderstood pet. The laughs come from the fact that Dash’s owner treats him like a dog and the laugh-out-loud situations this gets them into. The book is beautifully presented in hardcover and has colourful, whimsical images. This is a great read for younger children as it shows the unique way we love our pets, no matter what. ANDERS AND THE VOLCANO Author and illustrator: Gregory Mackay…

Need help getting your pooch used to the idea of visiting a professional groomer? There’s an app for that. Amy launched Sound Proof Puppy Training App in September 2013 to help puppies become comfortable with a wide variety of sounds during their critical developmental stage (8–16 weeks). “Two sounds that are very important for family pets are the sound of clippers and the dryer. Sound Proof Puppy Training has both those sounds and also 27 other sounds, such as thunder, fireworks, construction sounds, babies crying etc” Amy says. The sounds in the app can be paired with something the dog enjoys, such as food, or a game of fetch or tug. The sound becomes the predictor of the food reward, and the volume starts low and slowly builds up over…

ANIMATES ROUND CAT EAR WIPES Keeping your cat’s ears clean can be a challenge, but thanks to Animates Round Cat Ear Wipes, things are about to get easier. Measuring 5cm in diameter, these wipes are the perfect size to clean your cat’s ears and are also easy to hold. The gentle and soothing cleansing formula is designed to remove ear odour and waxy build-up. petbarn.com.au DGG NATURAL THERAPY SUPERSHINE SHAMPOO Keep your dog’s coat looking the absolute best with the Natural Therapy Supershine shampoo, available exclusively at PETstock from Doggone Gorgeous. This cleansing product is bound to give your four-legged friends shiny locks that will have them looking fabulous. Made with natural botanicals, this product is pH-balanced, and soap-, SLES- and paraben-free, making it suitable for almost all dogs. And…

If you’re starting a new exercise regime, it’s important to take things slowly — not only for your pet but also for yourself. “If you’re getting active again after spending a few lazy winter months curled up on the lounge, it’s important to gradually ease back into it, especially in the cooler weather when our muscles are dormant and haven’t been warmed up properly” Anna says. “It’s easy to injure yourself if you don’t stretch and perform some gentle mobility exercises before going out on that run or outdoor bootcamp.” Anna explains that getting fit is not just about going to the gym for the recommended 30 or 60 minutes a day, pushing some weight around and hoping your body changes. “It is about the other 23 hours outside of…

Kittens are adorable and entertaining with their funny antics and boundless energy. Up until about six months of age a kitten is very active as they explore the big wide world. They are experimental with their activities, and this improves their motor skills, helps build muscle, and exercises their developing minds and bodies. While most people understand the importance of training a puppy from the very start, few people realise you can also train a kitten to have some basic house manners. Here are my top tips to set up good habits with your kitten. Don’t use your hands as toys Dangling your fingers in front of your kitten may be a convenient way to attract its attention and initiate play, but it sends a message to your kitty that…

Elegant and refined, the Turkish Angora is a feline that is both beautiful and playful. One of its most standout features is its silky soft coat; this is the perfect breed to snuggle up to for cuddles. The Turkish Angora is a rare type of feline that has only been bred in Australia for a handful of years. As its name suggests, it originated in Turkey but was almost lost as a breed because it was used in breeding programs with Persians. Only a few pure Turkish Angoras remained. “At one point they nearly became extinct until a Turkish zoo began a breeding program, which continues to this day” says Mia. Now the breed is in Europe and America, and is being introduced in Australia. LET’S PLAY! The Turkish Angora…

The Indian Ringneck is becoming an increasingly popular pet bird among Australian bird enthusiasts and it’s not hard to see why. Extremely intelligent and known for its wide range of colour mutations, the Ringneck can make a wonderful companion for owners willing to devote enough love and attention to their pet. Native to India, Indian Ringnecks have been kept as pets for thousands of years. Ringnecks have always been prized for their amazing ability to mimic human language — some birds can learn a vocabulary of up to 200 words — but it was the advent of a range of different colour mutations in the 1920s that saw the popularity of Indian Ringnecks skyrocket. In Australia, Indian Ringnecks are loved for their inquisitive personalities and relatively small size. Their distinctive…