The picture below is Grouch. I guess he’s called that because of what he was, not what he is. Because what he is now is a house cat.
Caring For Feral & Stray Cats
Cognitive Dysfunction In Old Dogs
The loss of mental function with age is one of the hardest parts of dog ownership. To some extent it’s unavoidable, but there’s also a lot you can do.
The most important thing is knowing when it isn’t likely. I see far too many dogs written off with ‘dementia’ who really have something else entirely. Usually something that can be treated.
Continue reading “Cognitive Dysfunction In Old Dogs”Fear, Stress & Anxiety In Cats
Sadly, the treatment of mental health problems in dogs is taken much more seriously than in cats. An anxious dog will often get help quickly due to destruction or noise issues. An anxious cat, by contrast, tends to suffer in silence. Even worse, when they do show signs they’re often blamed for it. Continue reading “Fear, Stress & Anxiety In Cats”
We Need To Talk: Anxiety Medications In Dogs
No one wants to drug their pets. I get that. But we need to talk about mental health.
Let’s start by throwing out all the weasel words that stop us seeing it for what it is. It isn’t a ‘behaviour problem’ except to us. All these concerns like destruction, whining, howling, barking, biting or escaping. They’re only symptoms of a much greater problem. Continue reading “We Need To Talk: Anxiety Medications In Dogs”
Adelaide Pet Sitters: What Can Go Wrong
In the last 5 years, having someone look after your dog in their own home has become a genuine alternative to using dog boarding kennels. Generally, the change has been a very positive one. However, with new industries always come new challenges.
The dog you see isn’t the only one harmed. In fact, he’s one of a whole string of similar stories I’ve seen and heard recently in Adelaide. Let’s call him ‘X’. Continue reading “Adelaide Pet Sitters: What Can Go Wrong”
Adelaide Dog Sitters, Dog Minding & House Sitting
The dog you see above was harmed by a bad experience at a pet sitter. You can read more about his story here. It’s a useful warning to all dog owners of the dangers of choosing the wrong pet sitter. Continue reading “Adelaide Dog Sitters, Dog Minding & House Sitting”
Is Breeding Bigger Better?
Did you see the animals in this year’s Guinness World Records? That’s two of them above.
The world’s longest living pet cat was a Maine Coon called Ludo, who is a phenomenal 118.3cm long.
The world’s tallest living female dog was a 96.4cm Great Dane.
Why do these cute facts make all vets shudder? Continue reading “Is Breeding Bigger Better?”
Dog Debarking Surgery
Here’s a rare public comment on a dog breeder forum about what I think is one of South Australia’s dirty little secrets.
Stopping Dogs Barking
Here’s some bad news for people with barking problems. Humans may have deliberately selected dogs for their ability to bark. It’s one of the big differences between wolves and dogs. Continue reading “Stopping Dogs Barking”
Should I Get A Second Dog?
Sam and Jesse are these two charming Cavaliers. The decision their owners made is the same one many dog owners face. I went through it three years ago.
However, it isn’t always a good idea… Continue reading “Should I Get A Second Dog?”