Cataracts in Dogs – Pet tip 136

The word cataract is probably one you’ve heard before. Perhaps it was in reference to your parents or grandparents, or maybe even from your own doctor. It might surprise you, however, to hear about cataracts from your veterinarian. Most dog …

Tip 60 – Cat wagging its tail

When a dog wags its tail in that familiar broad stroked side to side manner, it means the dog is happy and content. When a cat wags its tail it does not mean the same thing at all. A cat …

Zoonosis in Exotic Pets

You most likely already know that humans can catch diseases from wild animals. You’ve probably also given thought to the diseases that we can get through our interactions with pets. However, if you own, or are thinking about owning, an …

Foster care for cats and dogs – Pet tip 132

For many animal lovers, the idea of fostering a pet can be scary. To take on all of the responsibility, put in all of the work and time and energy and love, just to have to say goodbye—it can be …

Birds as Pets

Getting Ready for a New Bird

Whether your knowledge of birds comes from Woody Woodpecker, Tweety or “Polly wanna cracker?”, they make great companions: Some will cuddle with you, others will play and, of course, many will chat. Just keep …

Tip 66 – Dog training courses – obedience training – socializing your puppy

In general, puppies that have had obedience classes with other puppies have less behavioural problems than those without any training. This is because dogs are natural pack animals and need to learn how to act with other pack members. Within …

Mouthing, Nipping, Biting in Puppies

Why is my puppy nipping and biting? Mouthy biting behaviour in puppies

Although often thought to be a teething behavior, nipping, mouthing and biting in young dogs is generally a form of social play. Teething is more likely to involve …

Cats that Beg for Food – Pet tip 183

Begging behaviour is really common in dogs and normally occurs when dogs hang around humans eating at a table. They stare you down with their sad eyes; they whimper, paw you and perhaps even bark in order to get you …

Umbilical Hernias

You are at your pet’s first visit to the veterinarian, and your vet tells you that your pet has an umbilical hernia. How can that be? Your pet doesn’t look sick; in fact it looks perfectly happy and healthy. This …

Giving Medication to Pets

Your dog is sick – your cat is sick and you have to give your pet medication.

How do you give a pill to a cat or dog?

Pets will tend to resist being handled with force more than actually …