Dogs Know How

Q & A: Is that me?

Q: Do dogs eventually recognise themselves in the mirror?  A: Once the initial novelty has worn off, puppies and dogs tend to lose interest in their reflection. A human recognising themselves in a mirror requires self-awareness. This is a learnt behaviour. Babies between 18 and 24 months begin to understand they are looking at themselves.

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Three vet hospital sections and why they are important

In this article, we take a look at radiology and imaging, cardiology and rehabilitation, and physical therapy and what takes place there. Understanding what happens in the different sectors of the hospital makes them a little less scary.   Radiology and imaging Diagnostic imaging encompasses a number of different imaging modalities, including radiography, diagnostic ultrasound,

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Herbs for your pets

Spring is famous for planting new plants in the garden and getting it ready for summer. And while you’re at it, why not plant some herbs for household use, many of which are also good for our pets? Animaltalk spoke to Ruan Bosman, owner of Brakpan Garden and Pet Centre, for some tips on what

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Society for Animals in Distress assisting with the welfare of animals

The love and need of having an animal companion sometimes goes much further than the realisation that financial constraints can be a huge stumbling block. Often, pet owners in the communities don’t realise what their responsibilities towards their pets are, or they simply don’t know how to take proper care of their animals.   Education

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Take your dog on a sniffari

Dogs love to smell and what better way to stimulate their olfactory senses than going on a sniffing safari or ‘sniffari’? Your dog will love you for it. A sniffari is normally done outside on a long walk in a relatively safe area. Here’s how you can start his experience.   In the garden To

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Get your dog camping-ready

Taking your dog with you on a camping trip is so exciting. You will have him with you all the time, and you can build a strong bond with him. And he will be happy because he is with the people he loves. Here are a few things that you need to do before the

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9 tips for easier pet teaching

Teaching our dogs to do something on cue is so rewarding, especially when they get it right. But, before you start, there are a few things that you, as the owner, should know and understand. Don’t expect your dog to immediately understand what you want from him. You need to stay patient and first teach

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What you need to know about rabies

September is rabies month and in preparation for this, we share some information about this dreadful disease. The most common sign of rabies in animals is a change in behaviour. Wild animals can appear tame, and domestic animals can become more aggressive, or wilder. Rabies symptoms in dogs Pica (eating unusual, non-food items) Fever Paralysis

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Tick and flea questions answered

Preventing ticks and fleas from invading your home and taking residence on our pets is a never ending story. In this article experts answer frequently asked questions about these critters. Q: What do ticks and fleas feed on? A: Both ticks and fleas need blood to survive, and both will feed on animals and humans.

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Calming solutions with nasty noises

Anxious behaviours seen in dogs during thunderstorms and fireworks displays are often mislabelled as noise phobia. But if Fido starts acting out of sorts long before the storm hits, it is clear that he is not scared of the noise. Events that we, as humans, perceive as ‘noisy’, are often complex, multisensory phenomena that affect

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