Cooler weather brings a change in human lifestyles: More time is spent indoors, heating is turned on, and winter woollies are worn. Pets also need adjustments to their lifestyles during the cooler weather. All pets deserve a dry, warm, draught-free area; some may even appreciate warm winter woollies. Cats are masters at seeking warmth and will appreciate a cat basket by the heater or a cosy box with warm bedding in the shed or garage. Indoor cats like a window ledge or chair where they can catch the warmth of the winter sun during the day, while outdoor cats will seek out the sunshine on top of a fence or roof. Dogs vary so much in their coat types that the amount of warmth that needs to be provided by the owner varies. The sleek breeds have very little coat to keep them warm, and some, such as Whippets and Greyhounds, have very little fat covering, so they feel the cold severely. These breeds will appreciate a dog coat to keep them snug. A coat will keep some breeds drier if taken for a walk in the rain, but dogs must never be left to wear a wet coat. Many dogs become uncomfortable in a heated house and seek out cooler tiled areas. If the home is heated, ensure the dog is comfortable with the temperature or go to a cooler part of the house if desired. During the winter, the amount of exercise given to the dog may be less than during the summer months due to the reduced daylight hours or the weather; however, for the athletic breeds, it is important to try to fulfil the dogs’ exercise needs. If a dog returns from its walk wet and… Read More »WINTER TIME CARE

In addition to causing potentially irritating bites, mosquitoes can spread diseases to your cat. Along with the warm and humid days of summer comes the mosquito. Although cats seem to be guarded against mosquitoes by their fur, they are vulnerable to bites on their ears and noses. As with humans, a mosquito bite can result in everything from an annoying itch to more serious parasitic diseases. In felines, mosquito bite hypersensitivity and heartworm disease are the primary concerns. Lethargy Coughing Vomiting Breathing difficulty Fainting Sudden death Mosquito bite hypersensitivity. This condition results from the cat’s immune system reaction to a mosquito bite. In cats, this exhibits lesions, scaling or raw ulcers in the area of the bite. Hair loss and pigment changes in the affected area are also typical. Often, the pads of the feet will be thickened, swollen, tender, and red. Swollen lymph nodes and fever may also occur. Severe mosquito bite hypersensitivity is treated with oral or injected corticosteroids. Milder cases often resolve independently if the cat is protected from additional bites. Feline heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is a severe parasitic condition caused by a worm, Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in infected pets’ blood vessels and hearts. The disease is spread from dog to cat by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, the withdrawn blood can contain heartworm offspring. When the mosquito bites a cat, the offspring are passed through. Inside the cat, the heartworm can grow into a parasite up to a foot in length. Cats usually do not have a heavy worm burden (3-5 worms), but even this small number can kill a cat. These symptoms are also associated with other feline diseases, so diagnosis is difficult. A blood test is required to confirm… Read More »Mosquito Bites and Your Cat

Responsible Pet Ownership To maintain healthy human/dog relationships, here are some basic guidelines you should follow: Register your animal at three months of age. Failing to register your dog can result in a $200 fine. Consider de-sexing and micro-chipping your animals Walk your dog on a lead Keep your animal in your yard Don’t allow your animals to upset your neighbours Make sure your animals don’t frighten people or other animals Ensure your animals have regular vet visits. During the 2010/2011 financial year, approximately 502 dogs were impounded, 83% were returned to their owners or re-homed, and 17% were not claimed and were euthanised. Family Pets shouldn’t become statist; register your animal and make sure it wears its tag Micro-chipping Central Highlands Regional Council encourages ALL animal owners to microchip dogs. c. This is the best form of identification, so your animal can be rescued and reunited. There are three circumstances when microchipping an animal is mandatory: If the animal was under 12 weeks of age when the micro-chipping laws were introduced in the local government a, rea, i.e. 1 July 2009 If the animal is being sold or given away If the dog is declared regulated, the dog Benefits of micro-chipping Microchips provide a permanent form of identification for the life of your pet. Unlike a collar and tag, a microchip can not be lost. Microchips here cover your pet from anywhere in Australia 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Simple and easy to perform—one quick injection beneath the skin by your vet (just like a vaccination) Inexpensive once-off minimal cost protects your pet for life. What do you get for your registration fee? An animal care progrIdentificationion of your dog The reuniting of lost or injured… Read More »Pet Registration in Central Highlands

Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid Certain food substances are potentially hazardous to your cat when feeding your cat. Many pet owners aren’t aware that certain human foods are toxic to animals, even though humans can consume them. Cats are susceptible to some substances, which can cause severe adverse health reactions. As a cat owner, it is essential to be familiar with all of the potentially hazardous ingredients that can cause health problems in a cat since it is your responsibility as a pet owner to look out for your cat’s overall well-being. Though many different ingredients may cause medical symptoms in a cat, it is an essential part of pet care to be familiar with them. Here are some of the most common. CHOCOLATE Most pet owners are familiar with chocolate being bad for dogs, but it is also relatively harmful for cats, although its effects on each cat vary in intensity. Chocolate can cause health symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, loss of fluids (due to chocolate being a diuretic), and gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting). In more severe cases, it can cause damage to the nervous system. These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a caffeine overdose in humans. The active ingredient in chocolate that is harmful to cats is methylxanthine, called theobromine. Though consumption of chocolate is not always fatal to a cat, it can still be hazardous to a cat’s health. If you know your cat has ingested chocolate or caffeine-containing substances, seeking veterinary attention is essential. Failure to do so could be hazardous to your cat’s health. GARLIC/ONIONS The fact that garlic and onions contain potentially harmful substances to cats is not very well known among pet owners. Onions are slightly… Read More »Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid