23rd July 2020
Mandela Day 2020 was the fourth mass sterilisation outreach clinic hosted by EberVet Community Veterinary Care but this year it went far beyond our expectations. When we set our target for the day, we hoped to sterilise 67 dogs and cats from Nomzamo/Lwandle but, thanks to the enthusiasm of our vets and their support […]
1st July 2020
Cataracts in pets occur for several reasons, the most common one being hereditary. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, French Poodles and Boston Terriers are at higher risk. Cataracts: what are they? The function of the lens in the eye is to focus and refract light. It is made of tissue fibres that with age […]
1st July 2020
My dog ate rat poison. What should I do? If you suspect that your dog got hold of rat poison, do not wait to get it to the vet. Go immediately. Even if it was just a tiny bit, or even if you’re not entirely sure whether your pet ingested it, please still take your […]
30th June 2020
Microchipping is a quick and easy, painless and relatively cheap procedure yet there are still pet owners who neglect to have it done, or are reluctant to do it. Here’s a story that should convince you of its benefits. Microchipping: how it saved this cat’s life Ten months ago, Alet Willers had her prized Maine […]
30th June 2020
Itchy ears are a common complaint in dogs. Certain breeds like Spaniels with their long ears and Labradors that like to swim, are more at risk. Itchy ears: symptoms to look out for • Repeated, vigorous scratching of the ear • Discharge • Bad smell from the ears Itchy ears: diagnosis and treatment It’s absolutely […]
26th June 2020
Country Animal Clinic reopens on Saturday, June 27 after a week’s closure due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19. Here is a statement from senior veterinarian, Dr Ingrid de Wet: “We have been following the guidelines for essential workers exposed to a COVID-positive person and our staff have been given the all-clear to […]
24th June 2020
My dog’s ear is swollen, red and soft to the touch. What’s causing this? An othaematoma is the fancy name for a collection of blood in between the two layers of cartilage in the ear. It can usually be seen and felt as a soft to firm swelling of the ear. Dogs with upright ears […]
24th June 2020
Heart conditions in dogs are not unusual but the one most often seen, particularly in Great Danes Boxers or Cocker Spaniels is known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The heart becomes enlarged so the heart muscle becomes weaker causing the heart not to be able to pump blood effectively around the body. The exact reason for the enlargement […]
24th June 2020
Heart conditions in cats can be difficult for cat owners to spot because cats are so good at hiding symptoms. However, there are a few telltale signs which should alert you, and the earlier you get your cat to the vet the more successful the treatment. Heart conditions in cats are not uncommon but the […]
23rd June 2020
“Dear clients and friends During this trying time we’d like to assure our clients that we take both your health and the health of our staff very seriously. When of our staff members felt ill on Saturday afternoon, she was immediately isolated at home. Last night we received the news that she had tested positive […]
17th June 2020
Overweight pets are increasingly common the world over, and in South Africa. Why? Because most pet owners show their love for their pets by overfeeding or handing out treats. So much so that obesity in dogs and cats has become the number one health problem experienced by pets. Unfortunately, few pet owners are consciously aware […]
12th June 2020
My pet has diarrhoea. Should I see my vet? Vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms and are not diseases in themselves, but are symptoms of underlying disease. It is important to look at the pet and the other symptoms in order to make a diagnosis and choose the correct treatment. My pet has diarrhoea: what […]
1st June 2020
Mandela Day 2020 will be remembered for many different reasons with Covid-19 top of mind for most people. For animal lovers, it’s our chance to really make a difference. A difference that truly counts. Each year EberVet Community Veterinary Care partners with an animal welfare organisation somewhere in the Western Cape or Karoo to sterilise […]
26th May 2020
Your dog’s heart may become diseased as he gets older. Of the 10% of dogs who suffer from heart ailments, 80% are diagnosed with mitral valve disease. This article is intended to help pet parents whose pets have been diagnosed with mitral valve disease so that you understand everything you need to know about this […]
25th May 2020
Flat-faced pets have health challenges because of their unique, short-nosed faces and pop-out eyes, the very attributes that make them so attractive to pet owners. Whether we’re talking Persian cats, Pugs, Pekingese or the currently hugely popular French bulldogs, flat-faced pets can be quite a challenge to care for. Known as brachycephalics, flat-faced or short-nosed […]
6th May 2020
Grooming your pet at home may seem daunting at first but with the right preparation and plenty of love and patience you’ll have your pooch or puss looking pretty again in no time. Grooming your pet: the tools As with anything we do, we do it better when we’re properly prepared so if you’re going […]
6th May 2020
What you feed your pets is not a decision to be made lightly, because what they put into their tummies now will impact their health in the future. The goal is to feed well so they live well. We get that belts are tighter now more than ever and that pet food can take a […]
5th May 2020
Feline Aids, or its proper name Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), is a common cat disease. As with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) it affects the immune system, slowly destroying the cells in the body that fight off infections. Once a cat has picked up the virus, it will have to live with it for the rest of […]
5th May 2020
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when there is a decrease of thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid hormones are very important as they affect almost all functions of metabolism. The cause of hypothyroidism is not usually known, but we do know that most of the time the problem originates in the pituitary gland and that middle-aged […]
5th May 2020
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in cats causes serious disease by compromising the body’s ability to fight off any infection (immunosuppression). FeLV is also responsible for other conditions such as cancer, anaemia and seizures. Feline Leukaemia Virus in cats: how infection occurs The FeLV virus is secreted in saliva, stool, urine and faeces of infected cats. Therefore, […]
30th April 2020
Puppy training may seem like a bit of a luxury, or unnecessary effort to some pet owners, but as trainer Janina Kruger points out what you put in at the beginning pays rewards in the long-term. Dogs that are not trained as puppies tend to exhibit a range of behavioural issues and bad habits. Dogs […]
29th April 2020
Eye problems in pet may go unnoticed, especially in busy and boisterous animals. If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, he or she may have eye problems that necessitate a visit to the vet. Eye problems: symptoms Squinting or holding the eye closed (the eye is sore) More tearing than usual from […]
24th April 2020
Dog bites are usually preventable yet thousands of people are bitten by dogs every year, with children being the most likely victims. Dog bites: what you should know • Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention. • Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with […]
16th April 2020
Finding fun stuff for dogs to do during lockdown is essential. Bored dogs become depressed and destructive so keeping them physically and mentally stimulated will go a long way to saving your furniture, and your sanity. Puppy trainer Janina Kruger, who offers puppy training and dog obedience classes in Hermanus, points out that because our […]
15th April 2020
Tick bite fever causes disease and death in thousands of dogs in South Africa. It poses a serious danger to dogs all year round and should never be ignored. Ticks are carriers of multiple diseases like ehrlichia (tick bite fever) and biliary (tick fever / babesia) . Ehrlichia is caused by a blood parasite called Ehrlichia […]
15th April 2020
Kidney stones in dogs and cats are not commonly encountered but they are important to diagnose as they can have a significant impact on a pet’s life. One of the main functions of the kidney is to filter waste products such as mineral salts and toxins. These products are then excreted in the urine. Under […]
15th April 2020
Winter illnesses in pets are not necessarily season-specific but they do tend to occur with greater frequency during the colder months. Taking steps early on to prevent or contain them can make a big difference to how your pet responds, and to his quality of life. Here’s what to look out for as the months […]
14th April 2020
Distemper in dogs (or hondesiekte) is a very contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory (lungs and nose), gastro-intestinal and nervous system of dogs. It has also been found in lions and wild dogs in South Africa. Distemper: how it spreads Distemper is spread through air-borne viral particles (sneezing or coughing) or direct contact (licking […]
2nd April 2020
Cats’ peeing in unusual places is a clear sign that something’s wrong because cats are, by nature, fastidious about their toilet. If your cat is suddenly peeing on your bed, in the shower, or somewhere else unusual and had stopped using the litter box, she’s telling you there’s a problem. Cats’ peeing in unusual places: […]
1st April 2020
Cats vomiting is not unusual, but it can also be a sign of disease so cat owners need to know what’s normal and what isn’t. When it occurs more than two times a month, if the frequency is increasing, or if your cat is losing weight, it needs to be investigated. Cats vomiting: possible causes There […]
31st March 2020
Ticks don’t go into lockdown. They ignore the fact that you can’t walk your dog by infecting your garden. Haven’t seen any? You probably won’t. Ticks are masters are tucking themselves into tiny spaces – until your dog comes by. Unfortunately, one of the first habits we’re likely to break during lockdown is regularly applying […]
31st March 2020
Pets in pain are different to humans in pain. While we vocalise our pain, they go to the other extreme, hiding their pain to protect themselves from predators. However, rehabilitation and pain management specialist Dr Janice Huntingford says knowing what to look for can help you identify a pet in pain. Pets in pain: what […]
27th March 2020
Keeping dogs entertained and exercised during lockdown is causing owners significant stress and anxiety. Because you’re not able to walk them outdoors for the next 21 days, you’re going to have to come up with things for them to do to keep their minds and bodies stimulated and moving. Here’s our list of favourites: Keeping […]
24th March 2020
EberVet Training Academy’s Sister Hilda Mills held a two-day training camp in Oudtshoorn in mid-March for 11 animal welfare volunteers who work in three towns in the Karoo. The EberVet Training Academy supports animal welfare organisations by offering on-site training to welfare volunteers working on the frontline. The Oudtshoorn camp was initiated by Vanessa Engelbrecht […]
16th March 2020
COVID-19 is a serious threat to communities across South Africa and the EberVet Petcare Group believes it is our duty to our clients and our employees to institute a responsible plan of action that will minimise risk at our clinics and Vetshops. Therefore, the EberVet Petcare Group – comprising Country Animal Clinic, EberVet Pet Clinic, […]
4th March 2020
Will the Coronavirus affect my pets? This is a question more and more pet owners are asking as the virus spreads across the globe. The World Veterinary Association confirmed that a dog in Hong Kong had tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The dog belonged to a 60-year-old woman who is currently in isolation and being […]
3rd March 2020
Bladder stones in pets is an extremely painful condition which can lead to a life-threatening emergency if not treated urgently. It is often caused by the pet’s diet, or by a urinary tract infection. What are bladder stones? Bladder stones are aggregates or clumps of many small crystals in the bladder that form due to […]
3rd March 2020
My pet is always thirsty. She drinks wherever she finds water, even from the pond and my glass. If dogs or cats are emptying their water bowls quickly or searching for water at places they don’t usually, such as the swimming pool or outside pond, they are most likely experiencing ‘polydipsia’ or excessive thirst. This […]
3rd March 2020
Older dogs, like people, begin to suffer a range of illnesses as they age. Many of these ailments aren’t detected until they are far advanced which means treatment is probably going to cost a lot and success is not guaranteed. That’s why veterinarians the world over encourage owners of older dogs to plan for regular […]
2nd March 2020
Feeding bones to dogs has been depicted as perfectly natural for as long as any of us can remember. Whether dogs are depicted in cartoons, children’s stories or nursery rhymes there is usually a bone in its mouth or at its side. However, what we’ve learned thanks to modern medical science is that feeding a […]
29th February 2020
Pets and cancer is not something we’ve historically associated with veterinary care but the reality is, cancer in pets is increasing. Thanks to modern medicine and excellent nutrition, dogs and cats are living a lot longer, but as they get older their chances of developing cancer grows too. Here’s what your vet would like you […]
27th February 2020
Coronavirus or Covid-19 has dominated global headlines for weeks and as the virus spreads across continents, pet owners are beginning to ask if their pets are at risk. Coronavirus: are my pets at risk? As with any major health crisis, there’s a lot of misinformation doing the rounds but according to the World Health Organisation […]
13th February 2020
Exercise may seem like something pets do naturally but the truth is, like us, even dogs and cats can become inactive and lazy if not encouraged to get up and move. Coupled with high calorie snacking, this makes them susceptible to a range of series diseases like diabetes and joint ailments. About half of the pets […]
7th February 2020
Rabbits as pets seem hugely appealing, especially at Easter when shops are inundated with fluffy bunny toys and pictures of cute baby rabbits. However, bunny ownership can be challenging as they have special needs to keep them healthy and happy. Because of this up to 90% of bunnies bought at Easter as pets end up […]
7th February 2020
Buying a puppy from a breeder is no guarantee of long-term health. If you want a particular breed it is essential you follow this advice. Buying a puppy: the research It is always a good idea to research not just the breeder but also the breed of dog you’re after before committing to a new […]
27th January 2020
Pets can’t get sunburn because they have fur, right? Wrong. Pets do suffer from sunburn, especially those with pink skin and short coats or white ears and pink noses. Pets that have recently had a summer cut or have been shaved for surgery are also at higher risk. Hairless breeds like Sphynx and Mexican Hairless […]
27th January 2020
Coronavirus is a virus passed from animals to humans. This transfer of disease between species is called zoonoses. There are more than three dozen we can catch directly through touch and more than four dozen that result from bites. Bacteria and viruses that are deadly to one type of creature can evolve quickly to infect […]
24th January 2020
Veterinarian Dr Pol, star of the hugely popular TV show ‘The Incredible Dr Pol’, has been placed on professional probation for negligence. American veterinarian Jan Pol, 77, who claims to have attended to more than 20 000 animals, was accused of negligence after performing surgery on a dog and when treating a wounded horse. A […]
17th January 2020
The jury’s still out on cannabis oil (CBD) for pets (and humans) in spite of its increasing availability in South Africa and around the world. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulatory body responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, this […]
9th January 2020
Pets endangered by domestic violence are more common than we think. Pets living in homes where domestic violence occurs are at high risk of being injured and abused. According to a recent US study, nearly half all domestic violence victims remain in abusive relationships because they fear what may happen to their pets if they’re left […]
18th December 2019
Tummy trouble is a generic term used to describe a host of gastro-intestinal ailments which can be mild or serious. Symptoms vary from vomiting to diarrhoea and loss of appetite or constipation. What’s causing my pet’s tummy trouble? Acute gastroenteritis This is very common and is characterised by sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. This is usually […]
9th December 2019
Poison is not necessarily labelled ‘danger’ or marked with an ‘x’. In fact, many of the poisons that are most dangerous to pets are common household items like human medication and plants. If your pet starts drooling, frothing, convulsing, vomiting, crying, has difficulty breathing, won’t eat, stumbles or has pale gums, get him or her […]
2nd December 2019
Vaccinations are regrettably controversial. Thousands of parents (now known as anti-vaxxers) are choosing not to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases because of a single (now disproved) study that suggested a link between vaccination and autism. And the same is happening with pet parents. Veterinary clinics are experiencing anti-vaxxers too. We understand that some pet […]
2nd December 2019
My cat is ill but how will the vet know what is wrong? Cats are notoriously good at hiding symptoms of sickness so what can the vet do to find out what’s ailing her? Dr Ingrid explains what a thorough examination entails. My cat is ill: fact-finding Cats can’t tell us what is wrong and […]
28th November 2019
Black Friday is BIG BARGAIN day at all EberVet Vetshops. Today we’re listing all the bargains at our stores so that when you head out tomorrow to grab your special purchase you know exactly what’s available. Please note: not all stores carry the same deals; deals are valid for ONE DAY ONLY and only on […]
25th November 2019
A green future is what we all hope for rather than the mountains of plastic we’re drowning under but in order to reach that goal, we all need to do our bit. At Country Animal Clinic we’re committing to a green future. We want to see our children grow up in a world unpolluted by […]
20th November 2019
Meet Your Pet’s Vet is our series of biographical profiles on the veterinarians at our clinics who love taking care of your pets. We love getting to know the pet parents who come to us, and we hope that by getting to know us too you’ll feel at home and happy to visit our Clinics […]
18th November 2019
How To videos are invaluable to pet owners. If you have a cat or dog that you need help with, a video can be an excellent source of advice. However, thanks to the internet there are thousands of sources of pet information out there but not all can be trusted. It is always best to […]
15th November 2019
Meet Your Pet’s Vet is our series of biographical profiles on the veterinarians at our clinics who love taking care of your pets. We love getting to know the pet parents who come to us, and we hope that by getting to know us too you’ll feel at home and happy to visit our Clinics […]
12th November 2019
Meet Your Pet’s Vet is our series of biographical profiles on the veterinarians at our Clinics who love taking care of your pets. We love getting to know the pet parents who come to us, and we hope that by getting to know us too you’ll feel at home and happy to visit our Clinics […]
12th November 2019
Why do some dogs bark more than others is a question that plagues most dog owners, or neighbours of dog owners. Your dog is fine when you’re at home but the moment you go out, he barks non-stop. You know because your angry neighbour has told you. Or maybe your dog barks when there is […]
5th November 2019
Chemotherapy is something we generally associate with human cancer patients, not pets but when faced with your pet’s cancer diagnosis it is good to know exactly what chemotherapy can do for him or her. If chemotherapy is recommended for your pet, it’s natural that you’ll have questions and concerns. When do we recommend chemotherapy? How […]
28th October 2019
As medical science extends the lifespan of pets, age-related cognitive decline in cats and dogs is on the rise. Clinical signs associated with cognitive dysfunction include disorientation, social interactions, sleep-wake cycle disturbances, house soiling, activity changes (apathy or aimless wandering) and increased anxiety. These are reported in almost half of dogs over the age of 10 […]
17th October 2019
Making friends with the cat carrier will make your cat’s visits to the vet a lot easier for her – and for you. Use this step-by-step guide to help your cat adjust to a cat carrier for her trip to the doctor. Make friends with the cat carrier Step 1: Cat, meet carrier Place the […]
16th October 2019
Ticks are a year-round scourge but are particularly troublesome in summer. They’re extremely dangerous to pets causing deadly diseases like biliary and lyme disease. That’s why vets recommend parasite prevention all year round. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to keep your pet disease-free. However, if you’ve missed a month or two and discover a […]
7th October 2019
Feeding cats isn’t simply throwing food into a bowl twice a day and letting them get on with it. What we feed our cats is very important, but so is how we feed them. How we feed our cats can affect them physically and emotionally. All cats are carnivores (meat eaters), so they have a […]
7th October 2019
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods. It is deadly to dogs. Always check labels, and keep items containing xylitol out of your dog’s reach. If you’ve ever owned a puppy you’ll know that anything that isn’t kept out of his reach will be chewed or eaten. Puppies love to exercise their teeth; […]
2nd October 2019
Feeding your dog from the table might seem like a kindness; a show of love as he looks it you with those big brown eyes and your heart melts. But the high-calorie, high-fat foods we take such pleasure in are some of the worst foods for our pets. Just one generous helping of a fat-laden […]
1st October 2019
Prince Albert Dieresorg/Animal Welfare, a tiny organisation made up of volunteer residents of this small Karoo town, recently completed the EberVet Training Academy’s Animal Welfare Assistant training course. The course, hosted by veteran veterinary nurse Sr Hilda Mills, was held over two days in Prince Albert. Day One was devoted to theory. Participants learned about […]
30th September 2019
How to keep your pet’s weight under control is easier than you may think. However, before tackling your pet’s diet, you’ll need to tackle your own perception of what ‘overweight’ is because it’s a fact that 9 out of 10 of pet owners don’t see their pets as overweight while the reality is that more than […]
24th September 2019
Dandruff on your dog isn’t something you might feel comfortable with taking to the vet. She’ll think you’re fussing about nothing, that you’re making a big deal about a silly cosmetic issue. Not true. Dandruff-like debris on your dog’s coat could be the sign of a condition that goes beyond simple cosmetics. And if it is […]
20th September 2019
The risk of rabies in South Africa is particularly high. It is endemic in our country. Rabies is the deadliest disease on earth. It’s fatality rate is 99.9%, with more than 95% of deaths occuring in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Dogs, and not farm animals as we like to believe, pose the greatest risk […]
20th September 2019
Pigs as pets may seem like the best idea in the world when you’re confronted with a tiny pink bundle of snout and hooves just a few days old. But pigs are not the easiest animals to handle, says our veterinarian Dr Adri Rossouw, so consider very carefully the implications of pig ownership before adopting […]
18th September 2019
Raw food diets may be all the rage but are they good for our pets? We live in an age of intense nutritional awareness with more of us than ever before trying to make informed choices about what we eat in order to stay healthy and live longer. Given that our pets are family too, […]
10th September 2019
We may look forward to summer with great enthusiasm but for our pets summer can also bring misery. To help them enjoy the season as much as we do here are 5 things every pet owner should consider before the heat sets in: 5 summer essentials Grooming. As soon as the weather warms, winter fur […]
27th August 2019
Ear mites in pets are unpleasant for pet owners (they usually result in smelly ears) and sore and uncomfortable for pets. Unfortunately, not all pets display obvious symptoms so vigilance is necessary to detect and then treat them. Ear mites affect both dogs and cats, though they are more frequent in cats. Ear mites in […]
16th August 2019
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is widespread in South Africa and cats infected with it are predisposed to other illnesses and infections that could kill them. They’re also a danger to other cats. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat: What is Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)? Feline leukaemia is a virus that infects […]
15th August 2019
Deworming pets is generally not done often enough, probably because no pet owner likes to think of their dog or cat having worms. However, the reality is that no matter how much you pamper your pet their chances of carrying worms is highly likely. Pets can harbour several kinds of worms, some of them deadly, […]
13th August 2019
Diabetes in cats (diabetes mellitus) has become an increasingly common condition. It often occurs in cats that are overweight and/or older. As in humans, cats have a pancreas that should produce insulin to regulate the sugar (glucose) in their bodies from their diet. Diabetes in cats occurs when the feline body is not able to […]
12th August 2019
Understanding a senior cat’s needs is essential if we want to prolong their lives comfortably and happily. These top 10 tips will help you do just that. 1. Schedule regular wellness check-ups Develop a close relationship with your cat’s veterinarian while your cat is still healthy. This way they get to know your cat and […]
6th August 2019
Mandela Day 2019 was a mixed bag for the EberVet Group but with one goal in mind: bettering the lives of pets from impoverished homes. Weeks before the day, our EberVet Vetshops started collecting pet food donations which were then either re-bagged into smaller bags for handing out in impoverished areas, or donated directly to […]
9th July 2019
Cat myths abound, possibly because of their innate self-reliance and resilience they’re often misunderstood. Understanding cat behaviour, and a cat’s needs, are essential if your cat is to live a healthy and happy life. Myth #1 Cats don’t need company. Not true. Though some people believe cats are happy being left alone for several days […]
2nd July 2019
Pet ownership remains one of the most important sources of mental, emotional and physical health for the elderly yet it is often overlooked or ignored as a benefit. Few residential homes for the elderly allow pets yet global research shows that pet ownership not only counteracts depression, it also encourages physical activity and stimulates the […]
28th June 2019
Winter hazards are everywhere; from plummeting temperatures to heating appliances that may cause burns. Pet owners need to be vigilant, especially with sudden cold snaps. Our friends at Rogz Pet Insurance have identified the following dangers for pet parents to watch out for: 1 Cold Temperatures. Pets can succumb to frost bite or hypothermia in […]
25th June 2019
Your pets’ eyes are usually appreciated for way they gently beguile you into sharing a treat. What few pet owners realise is that pets’ eyes are at risk of many of the same eye conditions or diseases that people have: surface scratches (ulcers), pinkeye (conjunctivitis) and increased fluid pressure (glaucoma) to name a few. Most […]
25th June 2019
Animal hoarders hit the news headlines from time to time, usually when an animal welfare organisation raids a home that has multiple pets living in appalling conditions. The pets may be confiscated and sometimes there is court action against the owner. But how exactly is an animal hoarder defined? It’s not necessarily the lady with […]
20th June 2019
My dog is limping but he’s healthy. That’s a refrain that vets hear time and again. What pet owners don’t realise is that limping can be a sign of arthritis but because pets are good at hiding their pain, you may not be aware of it until the disease has progressed. My dog is limping. […]
14th June 2019
Cat snuffles is a common cat ailment usually characterised by sneezing, watery eyes and nose and ulceration of nose and tongue, but the cause could be any one of several viruses. Cat snuffles: what causes it The most important virus associated with cat snuffles is the herpes virus. It causes an infection of the upper […]
29th May 2019
When cats wee on your furniture, bed or in the bath, there’s a very good reason. They’re trying to tell you something. Punishment won’t stop their behaviour; it’ll only make it worse. But understanding why cats wee in inappropriate places can help you change this unpleasant habit. One of the first things to figure out […]
27th May 2019
Cancer in pets isn’t something we readily consider when taking on a new pet. We tend to think of cancer as a ‘human’ disease but like humans, pets are living longer and are at increased risk of cancer. In fact, one in three pets will get cancer. Types of cancer Cancer in pets can occur […]
17th May 2019
Dandruff is not something we generally associate with pets and if you do notice it, perhaps you’ve felt silly bringing it up with your vet. But you should. Dandruff-like debris could be the sign of a condition that goes beyond simple cosmetics. And if it is ordinary dandruff, there are things you can do at […]
15th May 2019
Cat flaps are brilliant for flat dwellers and people who don’t like to leave windows open for security reasons. But not all cats can get the hang of how to use them. American animal behaviourist Dr Sophia Yin has these training tips. Remember, that to train any pet to use a cat flap, patience and […]
14th May 2019
Lumps and bumps on your dog or cat often appear as your pet ages. But because they’re small (at first) and don’t appear to be causing your pet any discomfort, you ignore them. “Oh, it’s just a little wart,” you might say, or “It’s just a funny little fatty thing on his tummy. Really no […]
10th May 2019
Animal welfare is one of the toughest jobs on the planet, demanding endless physical and emotional resources. These must be replenished, says Hannah Shaw, kitten rescuer and animal welfare educator. The welfare worker who neglects their own emotional needs risks burnout, and a burnt out welfare volunteer is of no help to the animals they’re […]
9th May 2019
Winter can be tough on pets, particularly as they age. Just like humans, they suffer arthritis that causes significant pain. But there are things you can do to help ease their discomfort. It’s all about preparation. Here are our 6 winter must-haves for healthy, happy dogs and cats: A warm and comfortable bed. Sore joints […]
6th May 2019
Pregnancy in pets necessitates special care and attention, and additional veterinary visits. Here’s our vet’s guide to how to care for a pregnant pet, and her puppies or kittens. Pregnancy basics DOGS go on heat from the age of 7-9 months for 2-3 weeks. They are fertile in the last week of the heat. Their […]
30th April 2019
First aid is as important for pets in a medical emergency as it is for humans. You’ll need to stabilise your pet before taking it to the vet so setting aside a pets’ first aid kit will greatly improve your responsiveness in the event of an emergency. Check your first aid kit every six months […]
30th April 2019
Adopting a puppy or kitten is a big responsibility, not to be taken lightly. Your pet will likely live for at least 10 years so before taking him or her into your home, consider carefully whether your current lifestyle, and your future lifestyle, can cope. Other important considerations before adopting include: The breed of the […]
