As social media platforms continue to evolve, especially with the rapid rise in the popularity of TikTok in South Africa, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has become increasingly concerned with the alarming surge in content depicting animal cruelty being shared online. This disturbing trend is not only unprecedented but has also led to a […]
Social media animal cruelty in South Africa Read More »
Q: How do I know if my cat has a hairball? A: Cats with hairballs usually make retching and gagging noises before vomiting up small, cylindrical balls of hair. In most cases, it is normal for cats to expel these hairballs once every week or two, seeing that they naturally groom themselves and hair does
Q & A: Hairball dilemma Read More »
When you first get your puppy, one of the most pressing things all owners want the puppy to learn is not to toilet in the house. We need to remember that puppies have no concept of inside and outside, and will toilet on a surface that feels the most familiar under their feet. So if
Housetraining done right for your puppy Read More »
We love our pets, and we would love it if they could live for as long as we do and grow old with us. But the sad reality is that they don’t. However, some animals live long past their life expectancies to create great memories. Let’s see what the average ages are of some types
Average ages of different pets Read More »
Tipping the scales Dear Patches, Here we go again. It’s the beginning of the year, and Mom is on a ‘let’s-lose-some-weight’ drive to get rid of all those festive season rolls she accumulated. I wish she would keep all that exercise to herself and not try to involve me as well. I’m talking morning and
Ask Patches: Tipping the scales Read More »
Not all of us have space available to keep dogs, but would still like to have a furry companion. Mice might be the answer. Pet mice are quite different than the wild kind that would have many people jump onto the closest chair! Should you get a mouse? Pet mice come in a variety of
Caring for a pet mouse Read More »
Q: My cat loves Pronutro and goes crazy when I have it for breakfast. Is it safe to give him a bit – about a pea-sized amount – in the morning? A: Giving a small treat to your pet is usually not a problem, as long as he is not allergic to any of the
Q & A: Breakfast treat Read More »
Stepping out of your everyday routine and taking the dog for a walk is enjoyable for both the dog and for you. There are beaches and parks in South Africa that allow dogs, so be sure to check for signage that indicates when no dogs are allowed. It is a privilege to enjoy a public
20 safety and etiquette tips for dog walking Read More »
A dog who barks non-stop can be a challenge. His continuous barking could be a sign of a medical issue or as a result of boredom, but it can be very irritating for your neighbours, and very frustrating for you. Things could even escalate if the neighbours start seeking legal advice. Rather take action to
When your dog just won’t stop barking… Read More »
I dig it Dear Patches, Every year, usually during spring, my mom spends some time in the garden. She digs holes in the ground, places plants in the holes and then covers them with soil. It looks like so much fun, and I cannot help myself… I also want to play that game. So, when
Ask Patches – digging holes Read More »
Q: My two cats love chasing daddy long-legs spiders, and then eat them. Are these spiders dangerous and should I discourage them from their hunt? A: Cats are obligatory hunters and will often hunt when they see something move, irrespective of whether or not they are hungry. They may also only perform one part of
If your dog is going on his first holiday with the family, you want to prepare him for the journey long before you actually depart, especially if the travel time will be long. Some dogs might get comfortable in a car more quickly than others, but it is still important to prepare your dog beforehand.
5 steps to prepare for long trips with dogs Read More »
