It is a personal preference whether you allow your dog on the bed or not. But think about reinforcement for a second – sleeping on the bed is comfortable, it smells like his people, he’s close to his people, perhaps he gets cuddles on the bed too. Sleeping in his own bed simply does not […]
Teaching dog to sleep in his own bed Read More »
Medical doctors are quick to point out that obesity in humans is unhealthy and serious. They follow their narrative with a myriad of diseases, conditions and added risks for those carrying excess weight. The risks are real. The diseases can be deadly. Whether we heed the advice or not, is up to us… While many
The risks of obesity in pets Read More »
Holiday nightmare Dear Patches, What’s more interesting than finding travel bags on the bed? Getting inside and scrambling, kneading and unpacking the neatly folded clothing inside. I make sure that the softer fabrics are in one corner, knead the T-shirts into one heap and create a soft pillow for my kitty head. When Mom comes
Ask Patches: holiday nightmare and muddy games Read More »
Not much is as comforting as getting into bed at the end of the day or even taking a nap during the day. Most dogs share the same sentiment and love curling up in their beds for a relaxing snooze. But are you aware that the same comforting bed and bedding can cause your dog
What’s hiding in your dog’s bed? Read More »
Q: Our four-year-old Dachshund, Alice, has started to poo in the lounge in the middle of the night. She goes out into the garden before bedtime, so we can’t understand this new behaviour. Help please! We don’t discipline her as, when it is discovered, it is hours after the act. A: I am glad to
Q & A: New behaviour Read More »
Humans and four-legged friends are invited to strut their stuff at the seventh Paws on the Promenade – a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition. The dog walk will take place on Sunday, 13 April, at 08:30am. Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometer
Over 350 paws to walk the Sea Point promenade Read More »
Q: When we go on walks in the park, my dog refuses to drink water from a bottle, even if I pour it into a small bowl. Is there anything I can do about it? A: I would not be too concerned about this, as long as your dog is drinking adequately at home and
Q & A: Staying hydrated Read More »
Your dog is a picture of pure, unadulterated joy when, ball in mouth, he runs back to you as fast as his legs will carry him. Playing fetch is a huge favourite among many dogs and their owners, but does this fun game come with risks? Keeping an injury-free balance Quite a bit of research
6 ways to play fetch safely Read More »
Let’s face it: all dogs are smart, and they all have a way to manipulate us to an extent and crawl into our hearts. Some dogs are just a little smarter than others. This is a tongue-in-cheek quiz to find out where your dog features on the ‘smart-o-metre’. Work through the questions and choose an
Quiz: how smart is your dog? Read More »
More and more people view their pets as part of the family, which is a really good thing. That’s where our pets belong, and that’s how they should be treated. But aren’t some people or companies crossing the line between pets being animals and humanising their food and even clothing? In this article, we look
Humanisation of pets – good or bad? Read More »
New neighbour Dear Patches, Almost a year ago, a friendly couple moved in next door to us in our complex. They are such marvellous people. It wasn’t long before I jumped over the wall that separates us and introduced myself. They quickly invited me in, and it wasn’t long before they offered me treats and
Ask Patches: New neighbour and ball frenzy Read More »
Q: If my dog is used to dry food, how can I switch him to a combination of dry and raw food, while still keeping his weight under control? A: Unfortunately, it is very difficult to regulate caloric and nutrient intake when feeding raw food alone, or even a combination of raw food and commercial
Q & A: Switching food Read More »
