Guide to Cat Carrier and Travel Training: by Dr Esmaré van der Walt, EberVet Pet Clinic Cat carrier and travel training can be a test of patience but can also be a bonding experience for you and your feline companion. Taking your cat to the vet is essential for...
Separation anxiety can be both heartbreaking and infuriating; heartbreaking to see a pet so fearful and infuriating because anxiety is often acted out through destructive behaviour, like chewed furniture, torn cushions, urinating in the house and more. But before...
Behaviour changes in senior dogs are usually as a result of age-related diseases. These diseases include arthritis, dental disease, cancer, diabetes, and other endocrine diseases. Additionally, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction, a syndrome that is similar...
Anxiety in dogs is more common than we think. Though there has been a huge upsurge in mental health awareness in humans (especially because of Covid), as vets we see many cases of anxiety and other mental health conditions in dogs that owners haven’t detected. Few...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Are you the right owner for that dog you're smitten with? Adopting a dog is something most of us do at some point in our lives, and usually because we’re beguiled by the cuteness of a puppy. You may adopt a dog as a Christmas or birthday gift for your children, or...
Your cat is urinating or spraying in the house and you don't know why. Firstly, understand that this is a common issue among cat owners. Secondly, accept that there are many reasons why a cat will do this. It is important to isolate the reason before you can take...
Socialising your new puppy from the moment he or she enters your home is essential for his long-term development - and your sanity! A well-socialised dog is a pleasure to have around. But socialising a puppy isn't always easy. The important thing is to treat your new...