29th July 2021
Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences a family can go through, and even more so when pets are involved. Here’s what to do to keep stress to a minimum to ensure a smooth transition for your dogs and cats. Moving house: before leaving your old home 1 Microchip! Moving house creates the […]
13th July 2021
Snakebites are common in South Africa and many dogs are bitten because they will attack a snake. Most dogs don’t understand that snakes can be deadly and will either attack a snake or at the very least try to sniff it or poke their nose down its hole. Snakes strike defensively so if you keep your […]
13th July 2021
Raw food diets, whether home made or manufactured, have become increasingly popular among pet owners shying away from store bought kibble and the risk of preservatives. But how safe is it to feed raw food to your pet and if you do, what precautions do you need to take to ensure your pet is getting […]
6th July 2021
CBD as medicine for pets is becoming increasingly popular. While CBD-based products are all the rage, each one claiming more benefits than the other, veterinarians are asking pet owners to tread with caution. As yet there are very limited studies around CBD use in animals (including its side effects) and no regulation as to its […]
5th July 2021
Covid and your pets is in the news again, with many pet owners worried that they may ‘catch’ Covid from their dogs or cats. Our vets would like to put your minds at ease. Firstly, there have been very few cases of Covid transmission involving pets and these have all been from owners to pets, […]
17th June 2021
Cat carriers come in a variety of shapes and materials but one thing is for sure, most cats will try to avoid them. That’s probably because we tend to haul out the carrier only when the cat needs to go to the vet or to the cattery which, for your cat, is a journey they’d […]
13th June 2021
Dog fights must be one of the most frightening things for any dog owner to encounter. Whether it occurs in a doggy park or at your own home, dog owners caught up in the anxiety of the moment seldom know the right course of action to take. Dr Susan of Ebervet Pet Clinic says sometimes […]
2nd June 2021
Noise phobias, especially of storms or fireworks, are common in dogs. These dogs will act out by hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, peeing, pooping, drooling, and destroying things. Some dogs will even take it to the extreme of hurting themselves jumping through windows or biting and scratching at doors. Some dogs become so fearful they do not […]
20th May 2021
Eye contact teaches your dog to focus attention on you and check in with you regularly. When you teach your dog to look you in the eye, you’re making you more interesting than his environment and are therefore more easily able to control his behaviour, especially when leash walking or when other animals are around. […]
29th April 2021
Kitten-proofing your home before welcoming the new baby into your family is essential to prevent potentially fatal accidents. Here’s what to look out for: Kitten-proofing checklist Check for these safety hazards and take the proper steps to make your home safe for your kitten. • Stow away dangling or exposed electrical cords that are tempting […]
5th April 2021
Hamsters are adorable to look at and take up very little space. However, like all animals they do have particular needs to stay healthy and happy. Here’s a guide to the basics: Hamsters as pets: what you need to know If you are thinking about getting a hamster for your child, it would be best […]
1st April 2021
Small furries are those little pets like hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. They’re particularly popular as pets among people who don’t have the space needed for a dog or cat, and they are relatively easy to care for. Small furries have essential needs Like all pets, small furries have particular needs to live healthily and […]
30th March 2021
Cherry eye may sound like something cheerful but is in fact an eye condition that can harm a dog’s long-term sight. Certain breeds are at higher risk. Cherry eye is the common name for the prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Most animals, including dogs, have a tear gland within their third eye lids – […]
16th March 2021
Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid rolls inward. This results in the hair on the surface of the eyelid rubbing against the cornea. When this happens the dog experiences pain, possible corneal ulcers, perforations, or pigment developing on the cornea which can interfere with vision. Entropion signs and symptoms You’ll […]
11th March 2021
Epilepsy in dogs causes seizures or fits. Typically these seizures occur when the dog is resting. There is often a behaviour change a few hours before the seizure, followed by the seizure and a period of recovery for a few hours afterwards where the pet appears dull or exhausted. Epilepsy in dogs: what it looks […]
8th March 2021
Distemper (known as ‘hondesiekte’ in Afrikaans) is a viral disease that is completely vaccine-preventable. By making sure your puppy is up to date with all their vaccinations and thereafter their annual vaccinations, he/she will be protected against the distemper virus. This disease is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected animals or objects, through […]
6th March 2021
When is the right time to sterilise my pets is question all new pet owners should be asking themselves. Not if. There is no doubt that sterilisation is essential for your pet’s health and longevity, however, some pets can be sterilised before others. Unfortunately, too many of us rely on social media to guide us […]
3rd March 2021
Why cats love being high up is a mystery to most cat owners but offer a cat a countertop, a shelf or a table to jump onto and you can be sure they’ll do it. Cats love to be up high! But why? Why cats love being high up It’s instinct. Cats make use of […]
1st March 2021
Feline herpes virus (FHV, FHV-1) is one of the most common causes of acute upper respiratory tract infections (Snuffles) in cats. The virus is highly contagious and is easily transmitted between cats. This occurs through direct contact with saliva, eye and nasal secretions. Inhalation of sneeze droplets and sharing of food bowls or litter trays […]
25th February 2021
Household poisons can be useful for a variety of household pests and problems but they can also be deadly to pets. It is important to know what the risks are before introducing them into your home; and to know what to do if your pet accidentally ingests one. Household poisons: our top 5 1. Household […]
18th February 2021
Rescuing a baby bird that has fallen from its nest seems like an obvious thing to do but it may not be the smartest thing, and the baby’s chances of survival are minimal. What we should be doing, says veterinarian Dr Jean Russell, is leaving them where we find them. Here’s why: Rescuing a baby […]
10th February 2021
Bee stings are a common scourge with dogs as they like to chase buzzing, flying insects but bee stings can be deadly. It’s part of a dog’s nature to be curious about insects but unfortunately some dogs can be highly allergic to stings and if your dog shows any of the symptoms below you must […]
8th February 2021
Licking obsessively, and usually in the same spot over and over again, causes what is known as acral lick granuloma. This condition is also known as acral lick dermatitis. ‘Acral’ means belonging to the extremities. It typically forms on the front part of the lower legs in dogs. Cats can also suffer from this condition […]
4th February 2021
Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a single-celled organism (a protozoa) called coccidia. There are four different species that can infect dogs. These microscopic parasites spend part of their life cycle in the lining cells of the intestine. Despite damaging these cells, most infections in dogs are not associated with any detectable clinical […]
5th January 2021
Responsible pet owners generally ensure their pets get to the vet once a year for their annual checkup but in the rush to get there, sometimes we forget those important questions we should be asking or we feel too shy. However, a good vet will welcome your questions as it shows that you are concerned […]
30th December 2020
Cushing’s syndrome happens when your dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone usually helps your dog respond to stress, controls his weight, fights infections, and keeps his blood sugar levels in check but when there is too much, or too little of it, problems occur. Cushing’s, which is also known as hypercortisolism […]
4th December 2020
Why cats attack when stroked lovingly by their owners is a mystery to most feline lovers, especially when the cat has approached you for affection and attention in the first place. But, if you have ever had your cat snuggle up to you on the couch then nip at your hand when you try to […]
24th November 2020
Preparing for the holidays can be an exciting time for families, and especially after the year we’ve just had, but don’t forget your pets. They have specific needs too before we all head off to the beach. It’s a good idea to have your pet microchipped, whether he’s going to kennels, staying at home or […]
4th November 2020
The wonderful pet groomers at Country Pet Spa in Somerset West and Cottage Pet Spa in Gordon’s Bay recently graduated with top honours from the prestigious PawStar Grooming and Training School in Milnerton, Cape Town after six weeks’ intensive learning. Our heartiest congratulations to Monica Swarts, Thandi Christene Steenbok (both of Country Pet Spa) and […]
4th November 2020
Fearful dogs show a range of behaviours – from hiding when there is thunder to attacking other dogs they meet on a walk. Understanding what causes their fear will help you to help them overcome it. Rule number one: never, ever punish a dog that is aggressive or fearful. Working with your dog, not against […]
2nd November 2020
Fostering kittens might sound like the best job in the world but it can be tougher than you think. If you’d like to foster, here are a few important tips to take into consideration before bringing home that bundle of fluff. Kittens raised by their own mother is obviously healthiest for the kitten. In the […]
18th October 2020
Snail bait poisoning (Metaldehyde poisoning) in dogs can lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated urgently. For most of us Spring brings pure joy; warmer weather and new growth everywhere. But, as buds and bulbs spring into action, so do snails and slugs and in an effort to stop these pests from eating […]
16th October 2020
Yeast infections in dogs are quite common and can occur anywhere on the skin, including the ears. A yeast infection happens when there’s an excessive amount of yeast in a certain area but they are usually are caused by an underlying issue; anything that diminishes the normal defences in the skin can make yeast infections […]
8th October 2020
Gardening with dogs might seem like an impossible task (don’t they dig up everything?!) but with a bit of foresight, says veterinarian Dr Belinda Roxburgh, you and your dog can enjoy your garden together. Gardening with dogs: the planning phase Exercising your dogs outside of the property, especially off a lead, is always first prize. […]
5th October 2020
Abscesses are nasty swellings that may appear on or inside your pet’s body. These include abscesses on the skin, of the teeth or even on their organs. An abscess is a localised accumulation of pus in response to a bacterial infection. As part of the body’s defence mechanism lots of white blood cells are produced […]
5th October 2020
Constipation in dogs is usually a sign of a more serious disease or ailment so if your dog is struggling to poop, it’s important to see your vet as soon as possible. Picking up poop is a job almost all dog owners know, and almost all dog owners hate. But not having any poop to […]
30th September 2020
Hotspots in dogs are a common summer complaint and they can be frustrating to treat. A hotspot is the common name for a superficial moist dermatitis; anything that causes itchiness and inflammation of the skin or a small wound in the skin creates the environment for bacterial contamination. Even a slightly oozing sore can provide enough […]
21st September 2020
Grass with sharp hygroscopic seeds are common in SA with many grasses producing these so-called ‘awns’ during summer and early winter. Dogs are especially at risk if they have longer coats with a thick undercoat although any animal can be at risk. Several kinds of these barbed grasses flourish in South Africa, posing a significant […]
21st September 2020
Litter box habits are the number one reason cat owners relinquish their feline friends to animal shelters. Soiling outside of the box drives cat owners batty and because they don’t properly understand their cats’ needs, give up on their pets. But with a little effort on the owner’s part, this litter box drama will soon […]
2nd September 2020
Why do pets eat grass? Does it mean they are sick? This is a question vets are often asked because grass eating is common among both cats and dogs. We expect dogs and cats to eat meat only. They’re carnivores, right? Actually, dogs can eat more non meat-based foodstuffs than we expect. They can digest carbohydrates, […]
31st August 2020
Pet vaccinations cover the most serious viral diseases and some bacterial diseases. It is not possible to vaccinate animals against all diseases, thus the most common and/or serious diseases are included in the vaccines. These vaccines are divided into core and non-core vaccines. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has a group of experts, The Vaccination […]
25th August 2020
Cognitive dysfunction in dogs is one of the many challenges they may face as they age. Nicknamed ‘dogzheimers’, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) causes dogs to become confused, disorientated, anxious and even incontinent. It should not be ignored by pet owners simply as a pet’s natural ageing process as it can manifest in anxiety and poor […]
24th August 2020
How to toilet train a new puppy is a question veterinarians are frequently asked. For many new pet owners, those first few weeks after taking a puppy into your home can be frustrating and if you don’t do it right, your puppy’s peeing habits will damage your bond with him. Toilet training your new puppy […]
21st August 2020
Cognitive dysfunction is cats occurs in up to 28 percent of cats between the ages of 11 and 15, and 50 percent of cats over the age of 15, studies show, although it is not as common as in dogs. The exact causes of declining mental function in older cats cannot always be identified but […]
19th August 2020
How to read your cat’s mood is something most cat owners will tell you is impossible. Notoriously elusive and hard to fathom, most cat owners simply accept that they’ll never understand them while continuing to administer to their every whim. How to read your cat’s mood Veterinarian Dr Malmanger, writing for DVM, says cats do […]
10th August 2020
“My dog howls when I leave home.” “He rips up the furniture and digs up the garden when I’m not there.” Sound familiar? Separation anxiety is the likely cause. This is a very real condition which must get the appropriate attention or it will spiral into the kind of uncontrollable behaviour that no dog owner wants […]
5th August 2020
Small breed dogs with heart disease is not uncommon. In fact, heart disease is fairly common among dogs in general but small dogs and big dogs generally suffer different types. There are two main types: valvular heart disease which affects small breeds and dilated cardiomyopathy which affects large breed dogs. These diseases are quite different […]
4th August 2020
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful act of compassion. There are thousands of animals abandoned, surrendered or confiscated from situations of abuse and neglect in our country every year. Covid-19 has only made things worse. Fortunately there are dozens of animal welfare organisations – most of them private, some big and some […]
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. A dog’s nose is an excellent place to start. Because his sense of smell is way more developed than […]
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 […]
Department of Health COVID-19 updates available at www.sacoronavirus.co.za
