We normally associate allergies with springtime, when there are plenty of pollen and grass seeds in the air and a variety of creepy critters come out of ‘hiding’, causing allergies for some of us. But we often forget how dry the air can be in some parts of South Africa in winter and that our
Allergies in colder temperatures Read More »
It can be daunting for a pet owner to clip their dog’s nails for the first time. But once you’ve mastered the steps, you and your dog will become accustomed to the routine and it should get easier each time. Some dogs need their nails clipped every one to two weeks, while others only need
5 steps to easy nail clipping Read More »
Darkness falls Dear Patches, Some nights I get so confused that I don’t know my tail from my snout. We will be sitting, watching TV, minding our business, with our cats playing with a stuffed mouse or something, when it all goes dark. Pitch black darkness falls upon us. But it’s not bedtime yet, oh
Ask Patches: Darkness falls and House invasion Read More »
Q: How will physiotherapy help my dog heal after surgery? A: Occasionally, surgery is the only option for dogs suffering from musculoskeletal problems. It can be a stressful experience for both the client and the patient, and often involves weeks of special care and activity restriction. Just like human physiotherapists who assist people after surgery,
Q & A: Post-operative treatment Read More »
Prof Karolina Westlund said: “Play seems frivolous and not serious. It really isn’t. It may be the emotion that you should take the most seriously.” Social species (like dogs) have seven primal emotional systems in the brain; these systems ‘light up’ when the animal is experiencing certain emotions. Let’s talk about the Play system. This
The power of play, and the science behind it! Read More »
Crazy cat Dear Patches, I think our cat has lost her marbles and has gone totally crazy. Tinkerbell will play with her marbles on the kitchen floor, and then I’m not allowed to play with her. But when one of her marbles rolls underneath the fridge, she calls me to help her. She will then
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As a responsible pet parent, it is extremely important to continuously teach your dog new things. This will not only stimulate his mind, but also prepare you and him for a variety of scenarios. If you want your training sessions to be successful, it is also important to make use of positive reinforcement and reward-based
Why positive reinforcement training is beneficial Read More »
Q: My old dog suffers from hip dysplasia, and mornings are really tough for him. Are there any exercises we can do with him that will help him? A: This is a painful condition which causes an instability in the hip joints, and often results in arthritis later on in the dog’s life. Most dogs
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Here is something to keep your cat entertained and moving at the same time. Research shows that in addition to helping to prevent weight gain, physical exercise increases muscle tone and strengthens and improves joint flexibility, digestion and circulation in cats. On the emotional side, a mentally stimulated cat is less likely to develop depression
Let’s face it, cats are nothing like dogs. They’re not people pleasers and they will only do something if and when they feel like doing it. In most cases, they will do something if there is something in it for them and it suits their mood at that moment. This means that teaching kitty something
Teach your cat to play fetch Read More »
Q: What should I do if I pick up a baby bird in the park? A: If at all possible, place the baby back in his nest. If the bird is already a fledgling (can fly a bit) and the area is safe, leave him where you found him. The adults are most likely around,
Q & A: Rescuing baby bird Read More »
Related to guinea pigs, chinchillas are rodents who proudly sport the softest and densest fur of all the world’s animals. They hail from South America, where they have lived in the Andes mountain range since antiquity.
5 Things you should do for your chinchilla Read More »
