Mientjie Kleinhans

Finding Flash the rescue dog

We welcomed a new dog into our lives this year. Flash is my fourth dog and my first Terrier. He is funny and full of joy. I want to share his journey of learning, training and experiencing the big wide world. Choosing a dog is a big and exciting decision. It is a long-term commitment

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Q & A: Cats and plants

Why does my cat sit on top of my fern? Many cats see plants as a source of food and fun. Some may even consider plants as a litterbox. This is all normal behaviour for cats, especially indoor cats. Unfortunately, these habits may become annoying to you and kill your plants. Deterring your cats and

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Find the treat game for hamsters

Hamsters are naturally curious creatures and love to forage for food. Combine these two natural behaviours with this game where your hamster has to find hidden treats under cups. It may take a while for your hamster to get the hang of the game. Always supervise your hamster during the game to ensure that he

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Your weekly Crazy Critters fix

Let’s see who made it to this week’s Crazy Critters collection… Remember, your pet can also feature in the weekly online column. All you need to do is to send us a picture of your pet, your pet’s name and your name to animaltalk@panorama.co.za. Remember to include your pet’s name, otherwise we won’t know what

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Q & A: Beneficial herbs

Q: Which herbs are safe to use around my cat? A: Whether you have a garden or even just a sunny balcony, you can grow your own herb garden. Herbs grow easily, are delicious, and certain herbs can also be very good for your cat’s health. Always remember to consult your vet prior to using

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Cybercrime through smart pet feeders

Who would have thought that your pet’s smart feeder could place your private data at risk? Researchers at Kaspersky, a cybersecurity and digital privacy company, have examined several popular smart pet feeders available on online marketplaces and have discovered that some of them have vulnerabilities, allowing cybercriminals to secretly spy on victims, steal data including

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Crazy Critters favourites

This week’s favourite Crazy Critters entries seem to be having a cold morning. Your pet can also feature in the weekly Crazy Critters. All you have to do is send an image with your and your pet’s name to animaltalk@panorama.co.za – as easy as that!

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Wear Your Shades Day is back!

The South African (SA) Guide-Dogs Association announced the launch of their second annual Wear Your Shades Day campaign, taking place on Friday 18 October. This nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness and support for individuals with visual impairments while promoting the importance of eye health. Wear Your Shades Day is more than a fundraising effort

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Q & A: Kennel viruses

Q: What are the chances that my dog will contract kennel cough at a kennel if he has been vaccinated against it? A: Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection seen in dogs of all ages. It is caused by canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus or Bordetella bronchiseptica

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