Pet Bucket Blog

There seems to be some type of stigma attached when mentioning the words ‘special needs’ which can relate to an entire spectrum of things being those somewhat minor to those more intensive. However it is time to break this cycle and see the good in being special and accepting a special somebody into our lives. Adopting a furry friend is always a big decision regardless of the pet. However you shouldn't overlook an older or a special needs pet as they can give you just as much love as any other animal. Most people always come out with the excuse of 'I don't want a pet with health problems,' or 'I want a puppy, I want them for as long as possible, an older or sick pet will only be around for a short time,' or even 'It's too expensive to take on a sick pet.'  And of course, these are all things to consider, however older animals can make amazing pets. Firstly they are usually already toilet trained which saves you from the time consuming task of having to teach them. They are also out of their 'puppy' stage which means that they are much more relaxed and are happy to be companion animals to you. They particularly make great pets for seniors as they provide the much needed companionship that the elderly need. In terms of special needs pets, the term can mean many things and can range from the minimal end of the spectrum to pets that need much more care. However, consider a deaf dog or cat-they are still a dog or cat who will love you, play with you and be your best friend, they just need a little more patience. You will need to learn signs or prompts for your pet so you can communicate commands. Remember, no one is perfect, so don't be afraid of the term ‘special needs’ when adopting an animal- unless it's a financial aspect that you would be unable to take on. But if it's just having to give a pill or learning a new way of doing things is all it takes, it is definitely worth considering one of these beautiful animals. Feature Image Credit

So you've caught a cold and you're worried about spreading the illness to your pet. Stress less because you can't actually pass on your cold BUT that doesn't mean that your pet can't pass on any infections to you. Certain illnesses can be spread from pet to pet owner but don't get out your hazmat gear just yet, as not all are transferable and some are more common than others. There are many ways illnesses can be transmitted, depending on what the ailment is. Roundworm can be caught from infected dogs or cats by touching faeces found in soil, and is caught due to improper handwashing after contact.  The hookworm parasite can also be ingested in a similar way although it's more commonly contracted when larvae in infected dirt penetrate your bare skin. So remember to wash your hands well when gardening or when handling pet faeces. This is particularly important for pregnant women as they can contract toxoplasmosis which can lead to birth defects. This is usually caught by handling kitty litter of an infected animal and by also handling raw meat without washing your hands. As a general rule of thumb pregnant women should avoid cleaning their kitty litter and should ask a family member to take over this task. So how do you avoid getting any other ailments from your pets? Make sure your pet is in good health. Regularly take your pet for check-ups and ensure they are wormed. Take extra precautions such as avoiding kisses on the lips as we're all well aware where those lips have been before. If your pet has any skin conditions, treat them as soon as possible and try to avoid touching and petting them, if you do happen to touch them. Importantly, maintain the utmost amount of hygeine by washing hands frequently with anti-bacterial hand wash.

Some say you're not a pet owner if the majority of your clothing isn't covered in fur. While that doesn't sound too appealling, it can ring some truth. Animals shed fur to get rid of old, damaged or excess fur and of course as they transition from the warmer months to cooler months or vice versa.  However they can also shed fur if they have skin irritations or if their diet is lacking certain vitamins. Here are five tips on how to manage all that fur.   Brushing: This is the key to staying on top of fur getting matted as well as clumps being left around the house. Depending on your dog's or cat's breed, you may need to brush your pet daily or a few times a week. Feeding: A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat, so opt for grain-free protein rich pet food to enrich their diet. After a few weeks you should notice their coat is shinier, healthier and sheds a bit less. Some pet food brands even sell specific food to improve your pets coat, so opt for these. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum: Yes it can be a pain but ultimately this will keep the fur from building up. Opt for a good quality vacuum- there are plenty on the market that are made for homes with pets. They are extra heavy-duty and can handle all the fur your home has hidden away. Bathtime: Remember, washing your dog's fur is good for them and can reduce shedding. Don't forget to only use pet shampoo as human shampoo can be too harsh on their skin and cause dryness and skin irritations which may in turn cause more shedding. A gentle oatmeat shampoo can help their coat become healthier. After bathing, give your pooch a good brush. Depending on their breed they may need to be bathed weekly to monthly. Check-ups: If none of these tips work then consider talking to your vet about the causes of excessive fur shedding. If the shedding is leaving bald patches this is definitely something a vet should see and treat. They will be able to give you the appropriate medical treatment if needed. Remember shedding is normal but if it becomes a cause for concern seek veterinary treatment. Oh, and always buy a lint roller when at the grocery store. Always. Feature Image Credit  

Okay, if you're reading this you're probably at your wits end about how to stop this behaviour. You've probably had to farewell your favourite shoes, handbag and even perhaps homewares and furniture. Let's start firstly by telling you it's going to be okay. We can't replace your favourite shoes but we can help you with your pet's destructive behaviour. Firstly, destructive behaviour in animals is not normal but it's also not something your cat is plotting away as he nibbles on his kibble. Destructive behaviour often happens because your pet is bored or understimulated. You might find that this often happens when you are not home or on days when you don't walk your dog. If you are going to be out of the house for the majority of the day leaving your pet home alone, then make sure you get in a long walk before you leave them. If you can, try to throw in some time playing with your pooch too. This is so that they return home tired and leaving any excess nervous energy outdoors where it belongs.  If your pet is still digging, chewing or shredding your belongings then perhaps they are simply bored of being stuck at home alone. Make sure your pet has plenty of interactive toys to play with that can distract him or her from the fact you are not there to play with them. However not all cases are this simple. Some pets need professional intervention from an animal behaviourist who can determine what it is in your pets environment that is causing this behaviour or if there is something else to it. If you feel this is the way you will have to proceed, your vet will be able to refer you to someone they trust.

Trimming your cat's nails is not an easy task and most people take their cats to the vet or a groomer to do it. However if you are prepared to put in the hard yards it is something you can do in the comfort of your own home. It's best to train your cat to get used to you doing this from a young age.  Firstly it is important that you use a pet specific nail/claw clipper rather than those made for human use. They are designed to cut through the thicker claw and won't get blunt after two or three nails. You'll be able to find the right one for your pet at your local pet shop. Make sure your kitty is resting comfortably on your lap or on a flat table where he or she is comfortable. You might consider putting a towel or blanket on the table to give you a bit more stability from slipping.           The correct way to cut the nail is to hold the clippers at a vertical, cutting top to bottom- not across. This is to avoid any splitting or fraying of the nail and is considered generally more comfortable for the cat. Next, hold a paw in one hand and gently press on the toe pad to extend the claw. Carefully place the clipper on the nail avoiding the pink tissue inside the nail. Aim for the sharp tip to prevent bleeding from occuring.  Repeat for the rest of the claws. However, if your cat becomes impatient give him or her a break then return to the task. Some find that clipping while their cat is asleep works best as they aren't going to bite, claw or scratch at you but do what works for you and your cat. Others have suggested putting a light towel on the cat's face to sheild it from seeing you clip its claws. However if you don't find any of these methods work there is no shame in asking a professional for help, after all, that's what they're there for. Feature Image Credit

The story of Christian the lion and his two human companions truly shows how deep and powerful the relationship between an animal and their humans can be. In 1969, John Rendall and Ace Berg raised Christian from a cub as a pet in their apartment. While some might think it's cruel to keep a lion in an apartment, the love for Christian was always paramount, shown by their desire to get him back into the wild. Which they successfully succeeded in doing... Two years after being released, the men returned to Africa to reunite with their big cat. The most astonishing thing was that Christian remembered them! It is a truly touching video and one that all animal lovers can relate to.  

Got a partner that has a habit of waking you up when you're nice and cosy in bed? The do we have a revenge game for you!  This is what you need:  A laser pointer Your beloved pooch or kitty A sleeping victim. You'll need to get up early and quietly. Then get your pet to come into your room, show them the pointer and play with it on the floor so your pet knows what to do - pounce. Then point the laser at your sleeping victim and watch your pet pounce on your victim. Do this until he or she rises then add an obligatory maniacal laugh.     (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));  

Deciphering pet food, labels can be just as confusing as finding the best food for your pet's health and longevity. You should be able to understand pet food labels and be able to compare pet products with confidence if you look for certain cues and pieces of information. Seeing beyond the marketing hype to find the real substance of the nutrition status within the pet food is a skill that will benefit both you and your pet.   Pet food companies use the product display panel to catch the eye with key pieces of information including the pet food company name, the product identity, the product use, and the net weight of the package. The information panel should provide a guaranteed analysis of what’s in the food, an ingredient list, a nutritional adequacy statement, feeding guidelines, and the manufacturer’s contact information. Please note that the percentages given for protein, fat, and fiber are measurements of the food in its current state on the nutritional information provided. However as a result of different pet foods having different levels of moisture, you can only logically compare pet foods on a dry matter basis when dealing with both dry and wet pet food.   Be sure to read through the ingredients list carefully with a discerning eye. Generally, the first five ingredients will make up the majority of the pet food product. Ideally, meat should be one of the first ingredients on a pet food label. In general, a good-quality dog and cat food will have two quality animal protein sources listed in the first few ingredients. Look for a food that also has two different sources of fat in the ingredient list, for adequate energy and to provide all the essential fatty acids necessary for your pet’s well-being and continued growth. Poultry, turkey, or chicken fat are higher in quality than animal tallow, because they have more unsaturated fatty acids and are more digestible.   Apart from protein, sources of linoleic acid, an important omega-6 fatty acid, is included in most vegetable oils such as soybean, lecithin, corn oil, wheat germ oil, sesame seed oil, and linseed oil. Look for these on the label as the right balance of animal fats and plant oils is important for a glossy hair coat and soft, pliable skin. In addition, look for whole grains, vegetables, and other real-food ingredients on the label, including corn, corn meal, whole wheat, barley, rice which all provide essential energy for the pet and appealing texture to the food.   Be sure to always read the feeding instructions with care to ensure that you are feeding your pet adequately. Every pet food label must have recommendations regarding how much to feed pets of different sizes and types. It is believed that these guidelines can usually overestimate the amount of food a typical pet needs to eat every day.   You will find on the packaging the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor where you can enquire for further information. Manufacturers usually try to cover all contingencies, but ultimately you still need to monitor your own pet's needs, preferences and environmental conditions. As usual seek advice and talk to your vet if you're unsure about your pet food or have any questions about the ingredients. Feature image credit  

We're already at the end of the first month of 2015. Have you been maintaining your new year's resolutions or have you already returned to your old habits? In any case, maybe it's time to turn the attention away from yourself and onto your pets instead by introducing some positive and healthy changes into their routine and make this year their happiest and healthiest yet! Here are our suggestions: Help your pet get more exercise If you're guilty of forfeiting your pet's daily walk when the weather is too hot or too cold, instead replacing it with an extra chew toy or throwing a ball around the yard, try to keep focused on the fact that your pet needs to get in regular exercise, necessary for good health and longetivity. Resolve to commit to daily exercise - rain, hail or shine. Likewise, cats can be enticed into exercising using chase games with string toys or laser pointers. And remember daily exercise for them is daily exercise for you too.   Help your pet eat better and be healthy Rather than indulge your pet with food scraps or unhealthy snacks, take a vested interest in creating healthy treats like frozen green beans, or create healthier alternatives to their everyday kind of pet food. Packaged treats that are high in sugar, salt and fat, as well as human foods and table scraps, so these should be kept to a minimum which will end up benefitting you both. Your pets should resolve to take their monthly heartworm, parasite, flea and tick preventative as prescribed, and keep their vaccinations up to date in the new year. Of course you'll have to be in charge of that! Help your pet learn something new and have fun Training and learning new tricks provides bonding time and mental stimulation for pets and owners. Whether it’s more games, new toys or a weekly brushing, we can all use a little more fun. Seeking to have fun together in the pursuit of new routines and activities is a must for any pet resolution. Help your pet do something different and make new friends For the new year, consider switching things up by finding a different park to visit every now and then, walking on different streets, or bringing them along on a trip to the pet store for treats or normal pick ups. For cats, new toys or a new brushing routine can spice up their day. In 2015, why not resolve for you and your pet to visit the local park and get to know other owners potentially making new friends and new adventures. Help your pet volunteer in the community It is well known that pets are becoming an even larger and more welcome part of many community programs for the aged and ill, so why not help your lovable pet take part in a community program at a local nursing home or hospital that allows animal therapy. You will love your pet endlessly this new year but perhaps it will do the world some good to let someone else love them for a few moments also.   

Lovingly stroking and petting your cat should be a comforting and welcoming act, but now pet owners have been warned that cuddling their feline can cause them further stress and anxiety. New research and studies have revealed that over half the population of cat owners do not know how to cope with an anxious cat and think that petting them is the most viable solution and cure. Cats are suffering from stress and having their anxiety levels exacerbated because owners expect them to behave like dogs, according to animal behaviourists and researchers. Cats who display stress and anxious states are being petted and cuddled, leading to further stress and a tendency to overreact to things. Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats. Cat owners must understand that they are not small furry humans, so what would comfort us as social individuals will not ­necessarily comfort said cats. It is recommended you not overly stroke or cuddle a cat which is showing signs of stress as it can make it worse. Cat owners must understand their feline companions and recognise stress and anxious behaviours. A cat that spends a lot of time hiding -under the furniture, up very high in the room, or on top of closets- often is a sign of stress. This is because the cat is having to get itself into a good, defensive position all the time before it can feel comfortable. Stress and anxiety in cats can also be communicated through poor health. Usually undue stress appears as two effects: the most apparent being skin problems where the cat is either losing some fur or grooming too much in one particular place so that they have a bare patch on their skin or even an ulcer. The second one is the development of a urinary tract infection, which is quite common in cats. Cat owners must seek to understand their pets better so as to recognise the demands placed on them and how that manifests itself in their pet’s physical and mental health. Space and peace is often what anxious cats need rather than a hug or a thorough petting. It is recommended that you always provide your cats with easily accessible places for your cat to hide and let them stay in there for as long as they want to, creating a safe environment until their stress dissipates. Feature image credit