Everything you need to know about caring for your dog including owning a new puppy, giving your pet medication, diseases and parasites, maintaining your pet's health and wellness, pet identification, pregnancy and more.
Caring for your puppy - training, feeding, socialisation, healthcare
When they first arrive home your puppy will probably feel a little apprehensive and will be missing the companionship of his/her mother and littermates. To make this transition stress-free, allow him/her to explore their new surroundings without too much interference or noise. Children should be reminded that the new puppy needs lots of love and also rest therefore should not be overhandled. Any other family pets should be introduced to the new arrival slowly and under close supervision.
Caring for your dog - vaccinations, worming, flea, heartworm, feeding
Vaccination
Some canine diseases are very serious and can be fatal even with treatment. To prevent your dog from getting these diseases we recommend regular vaccination. The vaccinations we recommend are highly effective and have a very low rate of side effects.
Desexing - sterilisation and your pet
My pet's going to put on weight, ‘he' is going to miss ‘it', she'll get lazy - so desexing is it for your pet? Deciding whether or not to have your pet de-sexed is a big decision, and from our point a view a very significant surgical procedure that requires a high level of care and skill. For most pets that live a healthy and event free life, desexing will be the most significant surgical procedure they will have. This article provides information on details on why and when you should have your pet desexed, what is involved in the procedure and some of the myths of desexing.
Bringing home your new pet
Bringing a new family member into the home is often a much awaited event for existing members of the family. However, there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure your new pet settles in to the family.
Ears - problems, cleaning and giving drops
Getting to know your pet's ears can help detect and prevent ear problems and infections. Whilst some breeds of pets, particularly breeds of dogs, are prone to ear problems, inflammation (otitis) and infections can occur in others from something as simple as a grass seed.
Feeding your dog
With so many brands and types of dog food available it can be very difficult to know what is best. The nutritional needs of your dog have evolved in the natural or wild environment, so when feeding you must provide everything that would be found in the natural diet.
Feeding your puppy
The feeding requirements of a puppy vary depending on a number of factors including breed type, sex of your dog, age and their activity level.
Feeding a fussy eater
Many pet parents become concerned that their fussy-eater will go hungry or will not receive the proper nutrition necessary to be healthy. There are many reasons why pet's turn their nose at the food bowl, and there is unfortunately no 'trick' to feeding a fussy pet, however here's some tips on how you can encourage your fussy eater to dine.
Feeding treats to a pet with a Prescription Diet
If your dog jumps to the sound of the word 'schmako' or your cat lives for a special treat then it is likely you are one of many pet owners who are tempted to sneak their pet a snack. For most pets, particularly those on specific Prescription Diets this can have dire effects. So why not try your hand at baking home made treats using your pet's prescription product. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
Fleas - solving a flea problem
Fleas are tiny dark brown parasitic insects that infest the coat and skin of pets. They have an amazing skill allowing them to jump up to 150 times their own length. That's like a human jumping over 300 metres. Their remarkable jumping skills allow them to transit easily between hosts and the surrounding environment.
