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Save your Pet from Choking

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One hopes they’ll never have to endure the terrifying experience of seeing their furry friend choking. However, if this nightmare does occur, a pet owner needs to be well-equipped to save the life of their fuzzy loved one.

What to do if your Cat is Choking:
If your cat shows signs of choking such as pawing at the mouth, coughing/gagging, laboured breathing or unconsciousness, first try looking in their mouth for a foreign item. If you can’t clearly see an obstruction, wrap your cat in a towel or place them in a transport carrier and rush them to your closest veterinarian.

Adhere to the following steps if your cat is either unconscious and not breathing or they appear to be gasping for air. With your fingers, open their mouth and pull their tongue down and forward. Grasp the object if visible. Failing this, the Heimlich Manoeuvre is effective on cats too:

  1. Place the cat on their side.
  2. Place one of your hands on their back and your other hand on the soft area below the last rib.
  3. Give 5 sharp pushes inward and upwards using your hand that’s on the last rib.
  4. Assess the mouth for an object and, if found, remove it with your index finger.
  5. If the object still cannot be seen, close the mouth and breath a few shallow breaths through the nose.
  6. Continue through steps 1 to 5 until the object causing the obstruction has been removed from the airway.
  7. If they are still unconscious and not breathing by now, establish if there’s a heartbeat by placing your index and middle finger on their chest. If you cannot find a pulse, perform CPR or artificial respiration. Rush your cat to emergency care immediately.

What to do if your Dog is Choking:

  1. Holding the mouth open, look for what is choking them. If you see the obstruction at the back of your dog’s throat, attempt to carefully hook and remove it with your index finger. Be cautious as they will panic if their breathing is restricted and may try to bite you. Be careful not to lodge the object further down the throat and worsening the situation.
  2. If the object is too deeply lodged-:
    For small to medium-sized dogs:
    Lift and hold them with their back against your chest.
    For larger dogs:
    Station your dog in a standing position.
  3. For small to medium-sized dogs:
    By making fists with your hands, press firmly on the soft area directly under their ribcage. Using both hands, rapidly and simultaneously push them inwards and upwards 5 times.
    For larger dogs:
    Standing behind your dog, enfold your arms around their stomach area. Make a fist with one hand and position the other over your fist. Pushing firmly inwards and upwards, apply 5 quick abdominal thrusts.
  4. Open the dog’s mouth and look for the obstruction. With your finger, carefully hook, dislodge and remove the object.
  5. If unsuccessful:
    For small to medium-sized dogs:
    Invert and suspend the dog so their head is pointing downwards.
    For larger dogs:
    With the dog’s front paws remaining on the floor, lift their hind legs as if you were using a wheelbarrow.
  6. Again, open the dog’s mouth and sweep the mouth with your index finger to hook, dislodge and remove the object.
  7. Failing this:
    For small to medium-sized dogs:
    Position your dog in a standing or sitting stance, and give your pet 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the palm of your hands.
    For larger dogs:
    Position your dog in a standing stance and give them 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the palm of your hands. 
  8. Again, open the dog’s mouth and sweep the mouth with your index finger to hook, dislodge and remove the object.
  9. Repeat steps 2 to 8 until the object is removed successfully.
  10. Give your dog 5 breaths if they become unconscious, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts. You may need to perform CPR and/or artificial respiration if required.
  11. It’s imperative that you rush your dog to a vet immediately.

 *For small to medium-sized dogs, the above process can be done in the car on the way to the vet if you have someone to drive you there.

Prevention:
It is best to supervise your pets when spoiling them with unusual treats and remove any potential hazardous pet toys once you have finished playing with them.

Things to avoid giving your cat:

  • Rolled up balls of Aluminium foil
  • Corks
  • Balled cellophane
  • String and wool
  • Rubber bands rolled into a ball or loose
  • Toys with ribbons, feathers or plastic eyes
  • Dental floss
  • Toy stuffing
  • Hair ties
  • Food that swells when moist

Things to avoid giving your dog:

  • Tennis balls
  • Sticks
  • Cooked bones, especially chicken and T-bones
  • Gristle
  • Rawhide chews
  • Dental treats
  • Small dog toys
  • Kids toys
  • Plastic wrap
  • Food that swells when moist

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

An essential guide for first time pet owners

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Image: Pixabay

So, you’ve taken the plunge and decided to bring a living, breathing ball of fur into your home. Getting a pet is not an easy decision to make. It’s a major life commitment: an entire being is now dependent on you, and they can cost a small fortune to look after.

But whether you decide on a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or piglet, we know that these creatures can bring joy and companionship when we need it the most. 

We have found some items you will need to prepare you for life as a pet owner:

Food and water bowls

Make sure that your dog or cat has their own place to eat and their own dishes out of which to eat. Keeping these items in one spot in or outside your house will ensure that they know exactly where to look when they are hungry or thirsty. Prices vary depending on what the bowls are made from. If the metal bowls are in your budget, go for that. These last longer and are more hygienic.

A leash

If you’ve opted for a dog as your pet, then be sure to invest in a good leash. Thicker straps are more durable and won’t dig into your hands should your pooch pulls you along as you try to walk him or her. Also, be sure to buy according to the size of your dog. If your cute little puppy is going to be a big German Shepard in no time at all, invest in a leash with an adjustable collar so that that you can use on them as a puppy as well as when they get bigger.

Toys

Cats and dogs both love to play with toys. You can choose from a variety of pet toys so that you can keep both yourself and your pet entertained. Dog owners should know that they will go through A LOT of toys as many pups love to chew through their play things. Be sure to get toys with different textures and sounds.

Scratching post

This one is for the cat owners. It’s a nice-to- have rather than a must-have, but the alternative is your cat scratching at your doors or walls. Scratching helps felines mark their territory as well as remove dirt or the dead outer layer of their paws, so make sure you choose the right scratching post for your furry friend.

A bed

Even pets need a comfortable place to dream about chasing birds or mice. Investing in a good bed at the start means that you can train your pet on where to sleep from early on already. Choosing the right size bed for your pet is also important of course. The more durable the bed is, the better for your pocket and your pet.

ID tag

Dogs and cats tend to wander when they are able to, and inevitably get lost. Be sure to get an ID tag for your pets so that if they go missing, whoever finds them is easily able to reach you as their owner. Get the tag engraved with your name and phone number as soon as possible.

A kennel

If your dog is going to live outside for any amount of time, whether it be during the day or at night, giving them their own home in the form of a kennel is a must. Summer sun can be harsh while winter will bring cold and wet weather, and a good kennel will protect them from the elements.
Choose wisely, in terms of size and durability. 

Couch cover

This one is a must for those who allow their pets on the couch. Not only will a couch cover prevent your couch from being covered in fluff and fur, but it also means your couches won’t get clawed and scratched at. While you’re choosing from any number of couch covers, get a seat cover for your car if you plan on travelling with your pet.

Source: IOL

Fun Games to Play With Your Dog

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Image: Pixabay

 Use a Flirt Pole

A flirt pole (also called a flirt stick) is a long pole with a rope attached to the end. On the end of that rope is a lure that’s used to entice your dog to chase. Flirt poles provide great exercise, and they’re mentally stimulating. They’re a way to let let your dog use their natural prey drive in a non-destructive way. And they’re a great for practicing some basic impulse control such as letting go on command.

When playing remember to let your dog ‘win’ or catch the lure on occasion as a reward. By letting them win you’re making the game more engaging and fun, and that will encourage them to keep playing. If they don’t get that chance to win they can become discouraged and uninterested in the game. You can make your own flirt pole with some pvc pipe, some bungee cord and a dog toy.

Health Concerns: This is a very high impact exercise that can be rough on your dog’s joints. If your dog isn’t very active to begin with start with short sessions and work your way up. If your dog has any joint or mobility issues don’t use a flirt pole. They can can cause further joint damage, so opt to some of these lower impact exercises instead.

Play Tug of War With Your Dog

Tug is by far my dog’s favorite game. It’s fun, it’s engaging, it’s great physical exercise and it’s a good way for dogs to practice good manners. And if you spent a lot of time training with your dog I’ve found it to be one of most motivating rewards around.

When playing tug just remember to follow this basic rule – the game stops if your dog’s teeth touch your skin. Some dogs may struggle with this more than others since tug gets some dogs (puppies) pretty riled up. If you stop when their mouth touches your hand they’ll catch on that ‘the fun game stops when I mouth my person.’

And contrary to popular belief playing tug with your dog will not make him aggressive, nor will letting him win make him dominant. Letting your dog win makes the game more engaging, and it shows your dog that you’re a lot of fun to be around.

Play Frisbee With Your Dog

 A game of frisbee is great exercise, and it’s a lot of fun for dogs that have a natural drive to chase.

If your dog doesn’t know how to catch a frisbee I’d start out by using a soft disc. Traditional plastic frisbees are pretty hard, so if they hit your dog in the face they can discourage them from trying to catch it. Practice by getting your dog excited about the frisbee by tossing it short distances or rolling it on the ground. Encourage them when they start to follow it around and chase. Once your dog is excited to chase it you can increase the distance and start tossing it.

Create Your Own Agility Course

Another fun game for dogs is creating your own agility course. It’s a fun way to teach your dog some new tricks, and it’s a great source of mental stimulation for dogs.

Using an agility course for your dog is a fun way to give them some mental & physical exercise. It’s that added focus of having to perform one thing after the other that’s really exhausting.

And while you can go out and buy plenty of obstacle course items at pet supply stores I prefer making my own. You can use a hula hoop to jump through, some blankets to jump over and some little mini cones to weave through. If you want to step it up a notch you can can make some agility equipment of your own.

Use Kong Stuffing & Food Dispensing Toys

Using a stuffed Kong or some food dispensing toys is one of the easiest games to play with your dog. It’s fun, it encourages them to use some of their natural scavenging ability, and it’s mentally stimulating.

Food dispensing toys are great for giving your dog some more mental stimulation at meal time. You fill it up and they have to knock it around to get the food out. If your dog has never used a food dispensing toy you may have to practice a bit before they get the hang of it. After filling it up encourage them to play with it so they can see that ‘oh look food comes out when I move it around.

Teach Your Dog to Chase Bubbles

One of the easiest games to play with your dog is to teach them to chase bubbles.

If your dog doesn’t know how to chase bubbles start by blowing a couple at a time. Point them out to them and encourage them to chase. Catch some yourself to show you dog that there’s nothing to worry about, and that the whole point of the game is to get them before they touch the ground.

We use bubbles made for kids (they also make flavored bubbles specifically for dogs). They’re non toxic, but can upset their stomach if they ingest too much. And be sure to wipe off your dog’s face afterwards because they can irritate your dog’s eyes.

Play Some Water Games With Your Dog

Going to the local beach can be a lot of fun for dogs, especially those that already love swimming. (don’t forget a doggie life jacket for safety) You can bring along some dog toys and play a game of fetch in the water.

If your dog isn’t a great swimmer, or if you don’t have any beaches nearby you can play some water games in your own backyard. Get a plastic kiddie pool and fill it with water. Many dogs love splashing around and having a nice little pool of their own to keep cool in. Toss in some toys and turn it into a ‘bobbing for apples‘ game.

Some dogs go crazy for the hose. The hose may be intimidating for some dogs. If your dog isn’t into the hose they might prefer playing in a sprinkler that doesn’t let off such a strong stream of water.

Play Find the Treats With Your Dog

Find the treats, like all nose work games, are mentally stimulating and a fun way to let our dogs hone in on their natural sniffing abilities.

To play find the treats you’ll want to start by putting some treats on the ground while your dog is in the stay position. Give your dog their release command and encourage them to ‘find the treats.’ Point to them and help them along if they’re struggling. Encourage them along the way by praising them each time they find one.

Once your dog understands what ‘find the treats’ means you can slowly start to increase the difficulty of where you’re hiding them. And once you’ve practiced enough in one room you can move onto hiding treats throughout the house.

Use a Digging Box

Some dogs love digging, and having a dedicated digging box for them is a way to encourage them to dig in one approved area – one that doesn’t include your landscaped garden. You can make your own digging box with some wood and sand from your local hardware store. If you have a lot of cats in the neighborhood you might want to build a top to keep it from becoming a litter box.

Some dogs will be thrilled to have a place to dig to their heart’s content. If your dog doesn’t dig right away you can make it game by burying some of your dogs favorite toys in the box to encouraging your dog to dig them out.

Play a Game of Hide & Seek

Hide and seek lets your dog use some of their natural scent tracking abilities in a fun and stimulating way.

To play hide and seek have you dog stay while you go find a hiding spot. Once situated call your dog and praise them when they find you. If your dog doesn’t have a good ‘stay’ you can enlist the help of someone else to distract your dog as you hide.


Source: puppyleaks.com

SuzelleDIY’s best pet hacks for all the pet lovers out there

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South Africa’s favorite DIY star, SuzelleDIY recently uploaded a brand new web episode for all the pet lovers out there.

SuzelleDIY and her best friend Marianne, put together the brand new epsiode for all the pet lovers out there who are looking for new and fun ways to entertain their furry friends. 

In the episode, Suzelle and Marianne make everything from upcycled doggy toys, challenging cat puzzles and DIY pet treats.

“To be honest, I didn’t even really want to make this episode but Marianne forced me into doing it and we landed up having a lot of lolz (with Bakkies [the dog] included) Shame,” says Suzelle. 

Now you can also give your furry friends the treats they deserve this holiday season!

Here are four tips for taking care of your pet over the holiday season, especially if you are planning on going away for a while: 

1. Pete Wedderburn shared his best tips for animal arrangements over the holidays in an article for The Telegraph. He says that the first thing to do is to plan in advance: sort out your plans as early as possible to give yourself the widest range of options and the best value when it comes to pet-friendly accommodation, pet travel specialists, pet sitters, boarding kennels or other holiday-related pet activities. 

2. If you are taking your pet on holiday with you, check your pet insurance details to find out what sort of cover you will have at your destination (are trips overseas included?) 

3. If you’re leaving your pet behind, boarding kennels and catteries are still the traditional form of pet care over holiday periods, and a well run kennel can be a positive, enjoyable experience for a dog or cat. 

4. You can ask a friend or relative to care of your pet. 

Source: The South African

 

How to Handle Dogs That Dig

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Dogs that dig

If your dog is slowly turning your garden into a cratered moonscape then try not to despair because dogs that dig are only doing what comes naturally.

The first step you should take is to try to identify the reason why he is digging. Dogs may dig because of a predatory instinct or they may be digging to bury bones or toys. This is instinctual behaviour designed to hide food from other predators.
Digging may also be part of a nesting instinct, particularly if your dog is pregnant. They will also dig a hole if it is too hot because digging exposes cool earth and provides a small, shaded shelter. If your dog is digging under a fence or next to a gate he may simply be trying to get out of the garden. Some dogs dig to alleviate boredom or just for fun. Others may have a genetic predisposition to dig, Terriers for example, are notorious diggers.

What can you do?
Once you’ve identified why your dog is digging it becomes simpler to correct. All you will need is a little patience and persistence. If your dog is digging in order to chase wildlife you need to find a way to keep them apart, perhaps you could construct some kind of shield or obstacle so he won’t be able to see the other animals – after all, if he can’t see them, he won’t be as tempted to chase them.
If the wildlife is on his side of the fence, then chances are, he won’t be fast enough to catch it anyway – squirrels and birds are usually far too speedy for the average dog.

Rats and mice will normally show a dog a clean pair of heels too. Take care if you use poison to deal with vermin such as this, as it could affect your dog as well. Additionally, if you use traps to catch vermin, make sure to keep your dog away from them so he doesn’t get harmed.

Expending energy
If your dog simply seems to be trying to get rid of lots of pent up energy you should try giving him more exercise. Take longer or more frequent walks and try to schedule some ‘playtime’ involving games like fetch that will tire out your dog.
Never punish your dog for digging a hole. Even if you bring your dog to the dig site he won’t be able to associate his digging with the punishment. If you catch him in the act, direct him to another activity and reward him for choosing to do this new activity instead.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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Fun and Healthy Playtime Tips for Kittens

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Playing with your cat or kitten is such a fun way to bond with them, and it’s beneficial to their health and development as well. Playtime keeps them physically and mentally active, and ensures they get enough exercise.

Cats are naturally curious and intelligent, and they thrive when we provide them with the proper physical and mental stimulation. It’s especially important to help them engage in their natural predatory behaviours, like hunting and stalking.

Toys and games
Try to provide a variety of toys that mimic the prey cats would naturally hunt. Toy mice and birds are ideal, especially if you can simulate movement. Cats have a strong instinctive desire to stalk and catch prey, so you’ll find you have the most success if you can mimic the actions of something they’re likely to hunt.

Encourage your cat to chase and capture the toys, to satisfy their natural hunting instinct. For example, dangle a small toy mouse, ball or feather at the end of a wand or string, and allow your cat to stalk and chase it for several minutes before pouncing and catching it.

If you’re using a laser pointer rather than a physical toy, give your cat a small treat when they “capture” it, to create a feeling of reward and prevent frustration.

Have a few different toys available and rotate them regularly, so your cat stays engaged and doesn’t become bored.

Cats don’t need expensive toys from a pet shop; if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of fun DIY toys you can make with household objects. Cardboard rolls, boxes, plastic bottles or even crumpled pieces of paper are all great for keeping active kitties entertained.

Solo play
If you have an indoor cat, or a cat that might be home alone for long periods while you’re at work, it’s important to give them a variety of opportunities for solo play. This includes safe toys and enrichment items like cat trees, perches, scratching posts or activity centres.

Toys that make noises with bells or “squeakers” are also good options for cats spending time alone, as the sound acts as an extra stimulus during solo play.

Safety tips

  • Be aware of potential safety hazards when playing with your cat.
  • Avoid using plain pieces of string, yarn, elastic bands, ribbon or streamers when playing with your cat. They can easily be swallowed and cause intestinal problems.
  • Never leave your cat unsupervised around hazardous items like string, yarn or plastic bags.
  • Avoid toys with small loose pieces (like “googly eyes”), or pack them away safely after playtime. Don’t use these toys as solo play options.
  • Don’t use your hands or feet as “toys” during playtime. This will encourage a kitten or cat to bite and scratch, thinking it’s an appropriate form of play. You want your cat to associate your hands with petting and feeding, not hunting and biting!

How often should you play with your cat?
How often you play with your kitten or cat will depend on their age, activity level and personal preferences – some cats enjoy playtime more than others. Ideally, you should enjoy two play sessions a day with your cat, of around 15 to 20 minutes each. Most cats prefer short bursts of activity, with naps in between.

If your cat doesn’t feel like playing at first, don’t get discouraged. And if your cat decides to walk away, don’t try to force an interaction. Try different things to engage your cat’s attention and curiosity over time, and you’ll soon start to learn how and when your furry friend prefers to play.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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Search our Cat Toys Directory

Filling Those Stockings

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Filling those stockingsDo you want to add a stocking for your Bully on the Christmas Mantle? Not sure what to fill it with?
There is nothing as rewarding as watching your adopted Bully enjoy their very first Christmas with your family. Especially if they have their very own stocking filled with interesting goodies to enjoy.

We thought it would be a good idea to list some items that you can possibly get (or make) your Bulldog, that are stimulating, fun and will keep them busy for days to come. The most common, and perhaps easiest, to find stocking fillers are items easily bought from your local vet shop, pet shop or even grocery store. These include plush toys, squeaker toys, indestructible balls, store bought dog treats or dental sticks.

You may even want to add a comfy blanket or maybe some rope toys, a new harness, or a Christmas themed outfit. These would be things
most people think of when they consider making a doggy stocking.  But if you know your dogs and what they like, it truly becomes so easy to buy or make them something more unique.

It all comes down to what your dog enjoys. If you have a dog that enjoy mentally stimulating games and toys, then consider treat puzzle toys or a snuffle mat that will force him to use his nose to find his favorite treat. Snuffle mats can easily be made at home if you don’t mind spending a few hours with some old cut off material.

Another popular item for many dogs is an empty plastic bottle. Quick and easy – just remember to remove the cap completely so they don’t chew and swallow it. You can even add a few stones in there if they like noisy toys (this one is to be played with under supervision, of course, and removed once done playing).

Licker mats are also amazing! You can smear anything yummy on there and it will keep them busy for ages.

Other items for bullies to consider is a good nose butter and paw soother to take care of their paw pads. The options are endless – sometimes we just need to think outside the box.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Playing with your cat

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Playing with your cat

Image: Pixabay

Playing with your cat is an important part of maintaining their health and your bond with them. Luckily, they love to play!

Providing opportunities for solo play is particularly important for indoor cats, especially if they spend much of the day alone.

Kittens and adult cats are both stimulated by the same sort of games, though kittens don’t require a great deal of encouragement to get started. Cat play is almost entirely about simulating behaviour associated with hunting.

Cats have a strong instinctive desire to stalk and kill prey so you’ll find you have the most success if you can mimic the actions of something they’re likely to hunt.

The right toys
The first thing you’re going to want to find is a proper toy to play with your cat. If you’re trying to stimulate prey hunting behaviour you don’t want to use your hands. Even if your cat is gentle, they might bite if they become too excited. You want your cat to associate your hands with petting and feeding, not hunting and killing.

Good toys for cats are easy to find and most of the time you don’t even have to buy them. They’re usually just as interested in a piece of paper or a ping-pong ball as a manufactured toy.

Rolled up balls of tin foil, plastic caps from bottles, paper bags or anything that moves easily and makes a bit of noise is a prime candidate to be turned into a cat toy.

Dangers
Be wary of plain pieces of string, elastic bands or anything else your cat might swallow. Some thinner pieces of string, when stretched, can even become sharp. These might make good toys, but you musn’t let your cat play with them unattended.

Sound stimulation
Toys that have bells or ‘squeakers’ are especially good to give your cat if they are likely to be left alone as the noise acts as an extra stimulus.

The important point to remember with all these toys is that you need to alternate them to prevent boredom. Don’t just throw all your cats toys on the floor and leave them. Cats are very smart and will tire of toys quickly.

Instead, put out only one or two toys and change them regularly. This will be far more interesting for your cat.

Games
A fantastic type of toy for you and your cat to play with is the kind that has a ball, mouse or feather at the end of a string. Sometimes the string is also attached to a wand. These toys make it very easy for you to simulate moving prey for your cat.

Try to imitate a small animal sneaking around your furniture. Or swing it through the air like a bird, letting it occasionally land and hop around on the ground. Take your time, let your cat stalk or chase the ‘prey’ for a bit. After five or ten minutes, let your cat pounce on the mouse or snatch the bird out of the air. It’s important that your cat feels like they had a successful hunt.

Your cat may chew on the toy or carry it off. If you are both still having fun the toy can come alive again, or you can introduce a new one. Anything with a string on it shouldn’t be left out for your cat to chew through and swallow. And remember, it’s important to keep the toys fresh and exciting.

Favourites
Cats can become very attached to small stuffed toys, and every once and a while will bring them outside to play with. Some will meow and howl over a favourite stuffed animal. There is no conclusive explanation why they do this; however, it is all good fun and part of your cat’s play.

How Often?
Two play sessions a day would be fantastic for both you and your cat. You might find having a playtime just before bed (or even adding a third one) will help settle down a cat that usually gets into trouble at night.

If your cat doesn’t feel like playing the first time, don’t get discouraged. Keep trying and you’ll start to work out how and when your cat likes to play.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition 

Squeaky Toys – Why the Craze?

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Squeaky Toys

Image: Pixabay

Squeaky Toys – Why the Craze?

Ever wonder why your dog goes crazy with excitement when they hear that squeak escape their favourite toy?

Well, the answer is quite simple – dogs are hunters, and the squeak itself simulates the cry of prey. That high pitched sound that sometimes irritates our own human ears, and or ripping apart a plush toy releases a happy hormone in your dog’s brain, it is immensely satisfying to them for some dogs. The sound itself triggers an immense and immediate gratifying auditory reward.

We often hear owners say they can’t understand why their dogs destroy their plush beds and toys, that they don’t know how to stop the naughty behavior. But this isn’t naughty behavior at all. It is natural.

Studies have shown that certain sounds like those of a squeaky toy, makes trigger reward centers in the brain release the feel-good chemical, dopamine. Pretty much like a runner’s high, or that great feeling after a hard gym session. Dopamine being released gives your dog instant gratification and encourages them to keep coming back for more.

It stands to reason that dogs enjoy squeaky toys because it’s fun to bite down and get an interesting sound. Dogs engage in behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded, which is why we repeat “fun” things with them.

However, dogs are individuals, and even dogs within the same breed will have preferences due to personality differences.

Some dogs prefer harder toys that feel good to chew on, others prefer toys like balls or something they can fetch when thrown.

No matter the preference, the reason and outcome remain exactly the same – it makes them feel really happy.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA – November 2023 Newsletter

Pet New Years resolutions – part 2

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Pet

Image by The Paw Company

Pet New Years resolutions – part 2

Your pets can be healthier and happier in 2024 with some or all of these pawsome pet new year’s resolutions!

A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.

Re-publication: Originally published 11 January 2023

TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE

You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.

INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME

Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.

SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH

  • Regular appointments are so important for ensuring that your animals enjoy many happy and healthy years. It can help detect any potential problems early. So, consider adding more wellness appointments to your New Year’s resolution list, but do at least one a year.
  • Make sure your necessary vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • Around the age of 8, their wellness and nutritional needs can require fine-tuning every 4 to 6 months.
  • In older animals, it’s very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits at least semi-annually.
  • Through a healthy diet, exercise, enrichment and keeping your home safe and toxin-free, their health can improve drastically.

SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH

‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy and acupressure and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.

Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and for every year in the future.

ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL

What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible to take care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.

Pet

Image: pexels

MICRO-CHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO

If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost.

CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES

Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly.

Other things to toss as shared by Bark & Whiskers:

  • Toss this: Retractable leash | Replace with this: 6-foot flat leash
  • Toss this: Plastic food and water bowl | Replace with this: Stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls
  • Toss this: Old, stinky and ill-fitting collar | Replace with this: New collar
  • Toss this: Dull nail trimmers | Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel)
  • Toss this: Broken or chewed-up toys | Replace with this: Repaired or new nontoxic toys

SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME

Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean as well as maintaining good dental hygiene.

Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet new year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2024!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet?

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

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