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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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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?”
Here’s a rare public comment on a dog breeder forum about what I think is one of South Australia’s dirty little secrets.
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”
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?”
UPDATE 2018
In July, the new laws for dogs and cats come into force. You can read the details by following the link.
Although it will not be universally popular, the move towards universal desexing and microchipping of dogs and cats should produce a clear net benefit to pets and the community.
Regarding the concerns I raised below back in 2016, most have been addressed satisfactorily:
However, I’m yet to be convinced of the benefit of cat owners being asked to register their cats (please try in the comments!) Most owned cats have no harmful effect on communities or councils. There are existing laws on the removal of unidentified stray cats that function perfectly well.
Compulsory microchipping and desexing are an excellent idea for all cats, but the existing databases you already pay for are still necessary, and in my opinion, all that is needed. Why did we create a duplicate register? There’s probably no intent other than to create a neat single database so let’s see how it goes.
Now read on.
In the past week there have been two major advances in the vital fight to reduce the number of dogs and cats euthanased every year. We’ve seen the passage of the Dog And Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill through the South Australian parliament. We’ve also see the first Australian state move to ban greyhound racing.
Both of these will have major effects on dog & cat welfare, and people with animals. Here’s how both changes may affect you. Continue reading “The New Laws For Dogs & Cats”