Pet Bucket Blog

A new kitten brings with it the hope they grow into a happy, loving member of your family. It is vital to bond with your new kitten to establish a relationship and to understand your pet’s personality, its likes, dislikes and their place in your home. There are multiple methods you can utilise to bond with your new kitten, creating an ongoing relationship of love to match their cuteness. Bonding activities and methods take time and can include: Simply deciding on a name for your kitten is an important bonding act. Naming your pet allows you to connect better with an animal and the relationship established has a core basis with which the kitten can recognise what is being directed towards it. Establishing routines with your kitten, as cats love routines. Time spent together and experiences shared will create a loving bond and form a strong relationship. These routines could be as simple as inviting your kitten into the bathroom with you in the morning or calling your cat in for a treat and a cuddle at the end of the work day. Be timely with food and at first feed kittens by hand. Spending as much time playing with your kitten as you can spare, seeking to teach and encourage them to jump high, pounce, run, sneak and explore just like their mother would have taught them. Handling kittens on a daily basis is a vital bonding act allowing the kitten to bond with your human scent. The first seven weeks of a kitten's development should include human handling to develop a respectful relationship between pet and human owner. Whether it be neck petting or ear scratching, take a respectful hands on approach with your kitten. Responding to your kitten’s meows. Simply listening and hearing your kitten, and responding in turn when they seek to communication, allows for both owner and kitten to bond. Grooming your kitten. Young kittens love the attention that grooming entails, mimicking the feel of their mothers tongue and the rub of her body against theirs. An owner can simulate these feelings by petting them, brushing them or using a cloth with warm water to establish a pattern of comfort. Getting down to your kitten’s level. The lower you are, the less threatening you will be to a cat, allowing them to approach and greet you without fear. Cuddling with your kitten will establish a closeness and rapport. A shared nap in addition to finding other times to snuggle comfortably, such as simply holding your kitten while watching TV, will also allow you to bond. Every kitten is unique, so a lot of bonding comes from sharing time and experiences with your new kitten. Feature Image Credit

Weight concerns and managing a healthy weight is just as vital for cats as it is for their human counterparts. An overweight cat can end up with as many or more health problems as an overweight human, including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, while being at greater risk for complications from anesthesia and surgery. This is why finding out what the most appropriate weight is for your kitty is incredibly important. It is difficult to summarise the healthy weight for a cat because the ideal range can vary dramatically with the size, sex, age and breed of each cat, so the best way to manage an overweight cat is with the assistance of your vet.  A cat’s ideal weight can be gauged roughly by examining both the breed standard and the body condition/frame size of your cat. Usually the standard for each breed will include an ideal weight range for both males and females. Broadly speaking, the ideal weight of cats are: Domestic cat: 3.5kg to 4.5kg Persian cat: 3.0kg to 5.5kg Siamese cat: 2.0kg to 4.5kg Maine Coon cat: 4.5kg to 11kg In measuring the frame of your cat, you should be able to feel your cats ribs as well as see their waist when you look at your cat from above, as a cat’s waist line should go inwards. In addtion to obvious physical signs, there are multiple behavioral clues to look out for which could indicate your cat is overweight or even obese. These include, your cat often appearing tired and lazy (beyond that of a normal cat), hesitation when jumping, difficulty grooming properly, matted hair on the back or tail area and a reluctance to play games. You may even notice that they are having trouble climbing stairs, jumping from high places or even standing on their hind legs. This may be a symptom of an onset of arthritis which can be managed by reducing your cat's weight. Cat's that are of a healthy weight won't require a special diet, however, a cat that is severely under or overweight should have their caloric needs met with specialised foods and a recommended diet by a vet. Because weight fluctuations can be caused by both disease and diet, it is critical you seek the advice of your veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Remember, it’s okay to treat your pets, but they’re meant to be just that – a treat. Not an everyday food. Feature Image Credit

Dog life jackets? To some people the concept of little life jackets for pets can seem quite funny or even weird but for dog owners it should be something to consider if you frequent beaches, harbors and even rivers. Simply, dog life jackets are a safety mechanism that work just like human life jackets do and the benefits that they provide are numerous and not be underestimated.   Did you know not all dogs are natural swimmers? Yep, it's true, which is just one of the benefits of getting your dog a life jacket when taking them on aquatic adventures.  Any dog accompanying you on a water craft will benefit from a life jacket. Pooches on sail boats, fishing boats, race boats or even canoes should have a life jacket on for the same reason humans wear them. You just never know what could happen while aboard, even if you and your dog are strong swimmers. Like your own life jacket, dog life jackets are simply a safety measure that could save your dog's life. It's important to consider your own dog's preferences and breed as some don't enjoy being anywhere near water or are not naturally confident swimmers. Some breeds that have low body fat such as Greyhounds and Whippets may have a much more difficult time staying afloat - so either avoid involving them in any water activity or if you must, a life jacket should be absolutely essential. Of course, some breeds love to be in the water, such as the Labradors, Retrievers and of course German Shepherds, but even these breeds can have trouble swimming if they are elderly, sick, overweight and out of shape. Fatigue can set in, and no matter how good of a swimmer they are, they could become tired and have trouble staying afloat.  Just like us, dogs too can overexert themselves while exerciseing and in the water it could be quite dangerous. Like their human counterparts, some dogs lead a much more sedentary lifestyle these days, and gasping for breath while in water is not a good way to assess fitness levels. This is when a life jacket is handy -it will not only take a load off your dog, they will be able to stay afloat without becoming overly tired.

Although your dog's ears need to be reguarly cared for and monitored by your vet, it is quite simple to keep them clean and healthy yourself. This is especially important because it's not uncommon for parasites, bacteria or yeast to hide in the inner ear and cause plenty of pain and discomfort. It is also easy for dirt to become trapped in the ear due to the way dog's ears are shaped, trapping debris which can cause allergies and infections. Cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles are particularly vulnerable, due to their adorable floppy ears. To reduce infections or allergies, ear checks should be a regular part of your dog's grooming regime. If you take your dog to a groomer, ask them to pay special attention to their ears. However if you groom your dog yourself and their ears look dirty, clean them using a doggy ear cleaner on a dampened cotton ball. This is delicate enough on their skin so it won't cause any irritations and is very effective at cleaning the ears very well. If your dog has hairy ears and you can see that some hairs have sprouted from the ear canal, you can ask your groomer to tweeze them out or simply cut them down to a length that won't mat or tangle. It isn't recomended that you try tweezing them yourself as it can be uncomfortable for your pet and you wouldn't want him or her to associate that pain with you. If your dog is a frequent swimmer you may have noticed that post-swim their ears are irritated, which could mean some water has gotten into the ear. To prevent this from happening, dry your pooch's ears thoroughly using a cotton cloth. If you don't, it may lead to ear infections which can be painful. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your vet at the earliest convenience: Discharge Smelly ears Redness Swelling Hairloss Itchiness Crusty skin Blood in ears Ear mites Feature Credit Image

Bushfire season means serious business, and it's important for you to have a plan prepared for yourself and your loved ones if you live near bush, grasslands, coastal areas and forests prone to fires. But it's not just your human family you should have a plan of safety for, you should also have one to ensure your pets survive these dangerous times. Plan ahead of time Although it can seem like a tiresome chore, making these preparations can mean the difference between life and death. Plan to both relocate in the event your home becomes in danger and for times where it is still safe to stay if the authorities permit this. Keep bags packed and near the door, in these you should have plenty of food and water for your pets, a lead, food and water bowls and any medications your pet may need. Not all emergency centres allow pets so make sure you have a safe place to take them (perhaps a relative's home) until the disaster is over, but do this well ahead of time. If bushfires are closeby then make sure you are keeping up to date via local radio, the internet or the phone. Do not wait to leave your home until the last minute, this could be fatal for your family and your pets. Prepare for a stressed pet Bushfires are not only scary and stressful for you, your pet may also be fearful, panicked and even in defense mode, this is possibly because they can sense the fear and stress from you, but chances are there will be lots of comotion so this can also distress your animals. Keep as calm as possible and reassure them. If they have accidents around the house, do not scold them, this is not a regular occurance and is just a reaction to their fear and anxiety. ID is key Make sure your pets are collared and are wearing an identification tag just in case for whatever reason you get separated from them. Although microchipping is always reccomended, it is particularly important during times of natural disasters. If you haven't microchipped your pets do so well ahead of time of bushfire season. Keep them cool It's not easy caring for yourself, your family and your pets during these tough times but it is essential for your dog or cats health. Just as you are drinking plenty of water and keeping as cool as possible, do the same for your pets. Make sure they are in a cool area of the house and they have plenty to eat and drink. Using a damp cloth wipe them down to reduce their temperature. Overall bushfires are a very dangerous occurance, listen to the authorities who are working tirelessly to keep you, your neighbours and your homes safe. Feature Image Credit

Christmas is a joyous time of year filled with happiness and great mirth, and should be fun for all the family- pets included. While Christmas is surrounded with joy and cheer, it can in fact inadvertently have a profound negative effect on our pets. Many Christmas left overs and food items are toxic and can cause serious illness to our pets, so it is important to take caution when choosing which treats to give to your pets over the holiday season.   Cooked bones and cured meat can play havoc with intestines. Inflammation of the pancreas can be a result of feeding your pet rich meats, stuffing and crackle. Cooked bones can splinter and perforate the oesophagus, stomach or intestines, causing blockages along the digestive tract.   Rich foods that are high in fat cause the pancreas, an organ near the stomach which produces digestive enzymes, to go into overdrive. The result is pancreatitis, the swelling of the dog's pancreas which can have long-term consequences. Fatty foods or table scraps such as turkey skin or pan drippings, gravy, bacon or sausages should be avoided.   Onions, avocados, chocolate, nuts and grapes in particular are on the no-go list. All of these foods can be responsible for damage to the heart and lungs, gastric irritation and anaemia. They can cause a range of symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe stomach pain and even collapse.   Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle twitching, increased urination and excessive panting. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can’t be metabolised by animals as well as humans, accumulating to become toxic or even fatal.   Onions can cause a form of anaemia and should never be fed to pets, with garlic causing similar cause gastric irritation. Avocados may cause heart damage while the ingestion of raisins, sultanas and grapes may cause kidney failure,   Xylitol is a more lethal agent for pets than chocolate so avoid sharing store-bought desserts or anything else artificially sweetened with xylitol. This artificial sweetener can cause acute and life threatening low blood sugar as well as liver failure in pets. Any sweet treats or leftovers containing alcohol are quite toxic to animals as their sensitivity to alcohol is above that of humans.   While our pets are much-loved members of our families, it is important to resist that urge to give them scraps or even a Christmas dinner served into their bowl. Feature Image Credit  

If you've had kids, been a kid or even just been around kids you'll know about the life-changing moment when that child becomes a teenager. Their mood and behaviour changes as do their interests. Unsuprisingly, animals go through similar changes, although they won't slam the door in your face when you don't let them go to the mall when they want. These changes start when your kitty is between 13 and 20 months old. Cats that were quiet, cuddley and shy may transform into playful, rambunctious and may even be a little bit of a scratcher, while other high-energy cats may begin to mature and slowly calm down into lap cats. With this transition come some behavioural changes that you will have to manage. Your cat is maturing into adulthood and wants to make his or her mark, which could mean they become a little more aggressive or more amourous...  If your adolescent is displaying signs of aggression, it could mean your cat develops biting or scratching habit towards humans, which might be a bit of a risk to your family, specially if you have children in the house. This can be controlled with consistency. Use a clean spritzer bottle to spray your kitty with water whenever he or she bites or scratches. This will irritatate them so much that they will stop. During this time be warned that if you have an outdoor cat, to be prepared for your cat to come home with a few scratches and battle scars. He or she may be starting fights with other cats in the neighbourhood, and this will be much harder to manage and stop. However as your kitty comes into adulthood they are sure to calm down. Treat any wounds carefully and if the injuries are serious take your cat to the vet. Be warned that during your cat's adolescence, your furniture may be about to recieve some injuries of their own. Cats increase their levels of scratching furniture to leave scent marks so that it is identified as his or her property. The spray bottle technique also works wonders for this. However if your cat is possessive he or she may also be marking territory by urinating. This is a much tougher problem to deal with as the smell of cat urine is hard to get rid of. If there are particular places your cat has been eyeing off, spray it with vinegar as the smell will deter your cat from urinating there. Adolescence is also the time your kitten reaches sexual maturity, signifying it is time for your cat to produce his or her own little kittens. However it is advisable to spay your kitty as backyard breeding can be quite hard on your cat. It is easy to be able to tell if your female cat is in heat as she will be screaming and rolling around. This usually lasts a week! If they are not spayed, try and keep her indoors at this time so she doesn't fall pregnant. So that both you and your cat survive their adolescence, try to get them to engage in puzzle toys, daily play time and as many engaging activities as possible to give his or her time to burn extra energy. It will also give him or her the opportunity to hunt, stalk and chase-all instinctual behaviours he or she should learn to control. Feature Image Credit

People spend over $350 million on Halloween costumes and treats for their pets! But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas gifts. With just a couple of weeks until Christmas, buying your cat the perfect gift is probably on your mind, so to make things easier for you, we've compiled a list of the top five cat gifts for 2014. 1. Costumes The best part about this time of year is that there are some seriously adorable Christmas outfits on the market right now for your kitty. From Santa's little helper, reindeer and even adorable gingerbread men outfits, there are so many option available. However not all cats love to wear costumes, so why not try some some cute antlers or even an adorable Santa hat. That's if he or she will let you put them on... 2. Scratching posts or jungle gyms There's going to be alot going on during the Christmas period and chances are your kitty will either recieve LOTS of attention from visitors which can be a little overwhelming or they will be a little bit forgotten with the hustle and bussle of visitors coming and going from your house. A scratching post or jungle gym will give your cat a place to observe the party or a place to play where he or she will feel safe. 3. Collars From personalised collars to colorful reflective ones perfect for evening walks, these are not only great gifts but they are also ones your beloved kitty can wear everyday. The best thing about collars is that there are so many out there to choose from. You will surely find the right one to suit your pawsome pal. 4. Christmas treats Whether you buy some Christmas flavoured treats for your furry friend or make them yourself, your cat will not turn his or her head at these once-a-year-treats. Although not all cats like turkey or ham, some will happily gobble it up. However if you're wanting to buy some Christmas treats from a store, most are available if you ask the sales assistants. These are a great option because they are convenient and safe as they will not contain any ingredients which are prone to upsetting their stomach. If you're making treats yourself, then avoid using chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins as these can be toxic.  5. Toys From mouse toys to laser pointers, there are few toys out there that your kitty will not love. Cats love treat encasing toys so if you gift one of these to your kitty then try popping some Christmas treats inside. Cats also love a challenge, so interactive toys such as motorised varieties can also be fun. However if you're thinking of DIYing your cat a present, there are plenty of tutorials online to make adorable Christmas themed toys which are safe. Remember adding catnip inside the toys are also an extra special treat that they'll love.

Did you know that people spend over $350 million on Halloween costumes and treats on their pets? And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas gifts for our furry friends. With just a couple of weeks until Christmas, buying your pooch the perfect gift is probably on your mind, so to make things easier for you, we've compiled a list of the top five dog gifts for 2014. 1. Costumes There is literally nothing cuter than your doggie in a cute outfit. The best part about this is that there are some seriously adorable Christmas outfits on the market right now. From Santa's little helper, reindeer and even gingerbread men outfits, there are so many great outfit ideas that we're sure your dog will just love! Your pooch will show their Christmas spirit in the cutest of ways while also staying warm if you happen to live in colder parts of the world. If your dog isn't the costume type, then try on some antlers or even an adorable Santa hat.  2.  Xmas treats Whether you buy some Christmas flavoured treats for your furry friend or make them yourself, your pooch will not turn his or her head up at these once-a-year-treats. If you don't feel like making your own, most pet stores have these at their counters. They are completely safe for dogs as they will not contain any ingredients which are prone to upsetting their stomach. If you're making treats yourself, then avoid using chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins as these can be toxic for dogs.  3. Toys The best toys to buy your pooch, whether it's for a Christmas gift or just because, are ones that are going to last you a long time and that will also provide entertainment while you aren't around. KONG have a variety of toys that fulfil both these prerequisites. Simply pop some treats inside the KONG and allow your pooch to play with the chew toy and work out how to get the treat out. However if you're thinking of DIYing your pooch a present, there are plenty of tutorials online to make lovely Christmas themed toys which are safe and fun! 4. Walkies From the personalised to luxe leather varieties, leads are not only great gifts but they are also useful ones that can last you for years to come. The best thing about leads is that there are so many out there to choose from. With so much choice, you are bound to find the right one for you and your dog. 5. For the pampered pooch... Let's face it, some dogs just like the finer things in life. For those pets, there are some luxe gifts perfect for their Christmas stocking. Fragrances, shampoo, detangling sprays or doggy-safe nail polish are all great ideas. If your pup is a seriously pampered one, you might even consider treating them to a spa day.  Feature Image Credit

It is such a wonderful time of the year. Families come together, ovens are working overtime and the kids are running around the house. It's the time to show gratitude for all you are fortunate to have, and for some this might be their pet. It's for this reason you need to keep an eye on your pet during the holidays, as it is easy to get carried away giving them special treats and scraps of food they might not normally be allowed to have. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet happy and healthy during Thanksgiving. If you are one of the lucky few to be enjoying a beautiful white Thanksgiving, make sure your pet is kept warm and their sleeping quarters are in a cozy spot of the house away from cold drafts. You may consider a heating pad during these chilly days. If you have a fire burning or have the heaters on, ensure your pet does not fall asleep too close so they do not burn. Additionally, just because it's cold outside, it doesn't mean your pet is exempt from exercise. It's important to keep to your pets regular exercise routine, as chances are they'll have been indulging in extra treats, so a good walk, run and play outdoors will do them some good.  At this time of year, we get to indulge in delicious holiday meals and special treats, which may lead to you or your loved ones sharing with your pet. While this sounds like a lovely gesture, it's important to avoid this at all costs. Avoid giving your pets cooked bones, as these can break as your pet eats them and cause havok on his or her digestive systems which may lead to them needing surgery. If you are going to feed your pet bones, make sure they are raw, as these are great for their teeth and they just LOVE them. Avoid feeding them any kind of stuffing, as often stuffing contains, onions, grapes or raisins which can cause discomfort and digestive problems. Onions can destroy your dog or cats red blood cells and too much of it can lead to anemia, while grapes and raisins contain toxins which can cause kidney damage.  Dogs are not the only ones that can't have chocolate- it is just as toxic for cats. Be dilligent and avoid giving them any chocolate treats - make sure you remind your children and any guests too. Keep an eye on any chocolate left around the house, because if there's someone that will find it and eat it, it's your pet. If your dog or cat happens to have a chocolate party on their own, make sure you get them to the vet as soon as possible. Remember to be careful with your garbage. Ensure it is closed properly or you know who will go digging for leftovers, bones and anything that picks their fancy. Not only will this create a terrible mess for you, it could also mean your furry friend  injesting something they shouldn't like plastic wrap, aluminium foil or other materials. These could cause blockages in their digestive systems and that is obviously something you want to avoid. Luckily, it's not all bad news! There are some ways to show your pets some love this Thanksgiving! Why not try out our recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey Medallions. Remember these should not replace meals but are treats for both cats and dogs. Thanksgiving Turkey Medallions What you need 6 oz. turkey meat 1/2 cup of cooked carrots 1/2 cup of cooked rice What to do 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 2. Food process the turkey and carrots until smooth then add the rice. 3. Roll mixture into balls and put on a non-stick cooking sheet. 4. Bake for 15 minutes. Wait until they are cool to serve. Happy Thanksgiving!    Feature Image Credit