Have you also wondered why dogs bark? Some dogs bark more than others, and they bark for various reasons. Causes for a dog to bark can include alerting you to a stranger or threat in the dog’s territory, distress, frustration, irritability, separation distress, anxiety, boredom and insecurity, to name only a few. For the owner,
Nail polish is not safe for any pets. Cats and dogs lick their paws and nails – it is a natural behaviour for them. When your pet licks his paws, even if the polish is dry, he might consume some of the chemicals, which can be toxic. Even the fumes of the wet polish can
Is nail polish on my pet acceptable? Read More »
It is better to have your pets sterilised to avoid unwanted pregnancies, especially if you are not a registered breeder. Intact males roam to find females who have come into season, which then increases their risk of coming into contact with other animals who may carry parasites and/or infectious diseases. Intact males often injure themselves
Why pet sterilisation is best Read More »
There is no handbook with one-size-fits-all information on behaviour training that will work for all dogs, but there are some guidelines that you can follow to raise a well-behaved dog. Here are 10 big things that you should avoid at all times. 1. Punishment during potty-training Don’t punish your new puppy for toileting in the
10 no-nos when you get your new puppy Read More »
Do you also wonder how to show your dog more affection? Besides the traditional ways, try these: Be a responsible pet owner and provide your pets with the best possible care. Pet should be kept clean and parasite free – follow a good deworming and tick and flea regime. Also provide your dog with a
Showing more affection Read More »
There are seven groups or categories of dogs in South Africa into which dogs are placed according to their current function or previous history and heritage. Other characteristics like temperament and the physical appearance of a dog may also dictate into what group a breed is placed. Although dogs have individual temperaments which are also
The 7 dog groups explained Read More »
Are you planning your holiday over the Easter period, or maybe later in the year? Will your dog still be a puppy then? This is what you should keep in mind: Make sure all his inoculations are up to date and that he is being treated with an effective tick and flea control product. If
Planning your next holiday Read More »
Q: When is the best time to start socialising puppies and what are the first steps? A: Socialisation needs to start as soon as you bring your puppy home. Keep in mind that your puppy is constantly having new experiences, and every experience should be positive! Socialisation is not just about exposing your puppy to
Q & A: Socialising puppies Read More »
Teaching your pet something new not only occupies him and keeps him from getting bored, but it also keeps his mind stimulated. You’ll also build on his confidence and strengthen your bond with him. When you teach your pet new cues, he also learns to understand what you want from him and, in return, you
Set training goals for your pets Read More »
Leaving your puppy all by himself when you have to go out is not easy to do, especially if your furball is still very young. As he grows older and wiser, he will learn that it is okay and that you will return – unless your dog suffers from separation anxiety and he cannot cope
How to handle separation anxiety in your puppy Read More »
Q: How do I know if my dog is overweight? A: To determine if a pet is over- or underweight, we do body condition scoring. If you feel your dog’s ribcage, you should be able to feel the ribs with gentle palpation. There should be minimal fat covering the ribs. If you look at your
Q & A: Overweight dog Read More »
Having your puppy vaccinated can prevent him from contracting a potentially fatal illness. During the first few weeks of life, puppies receive antibodies from their mother’s milk. While this is a great start for their growing immune system, the immunity only lasts for a short time. By having your puppy vaccinated, you can prevent life-threatening
Puppy vaccination prevents potential fatal diseases Read More »
