Cats are generally not as social as dogs. In fact, cats naturally hunt alone and often prefer solitude. But, each breed is different and each cat is an individual. Many cats actually love company and have temperaments suited to living with other cats, children and even dogs.   Just like dogs, cats too need to undergo socialisation at a young age with people and ideally with other cats and domestic animals so that they do not feel stressed or fearful when in their company. Socialisation should include gentle petting and handling of kittens and this will also make grooming and health checks much easier.   As with all animals, cats will display aggression if they feel threatened, are in pain or unwell, are jealous or guarded about their food and territory, and will sometimes exhibit dominant behaviour. The more socialisation they have had, the greater the variety of people and animals they have mixed with and the more situations they have experienced, then the less chance your cat will react aggressively or feel stressed.   The majority of cats, no matter the breed, can live happily with other dogs or children if they have had time to become accustomed. Often a cat and dog raised together become good friends and have no problems living in the same home.   Spaying or neutering your cat will also reduce some aggressive and unwanted behaviour, particularly in male cats, and it will also make them calmer.   Each cat will have its own unique personality however there are also some breeds with characteristics that will make them more compatible to sharing a home. If bringing a cat into a home with an existing cat, dog or lively children, then cats with the following temperaments will do better than others.    Cats with the following temperaments will be better suited to living with other cats: Not territorial Sociable and friendly Easy-going Adaptable With dogs: Not territorial Sociable and friendly Easy-going Adaptable Playful Active Robust Intelligent and curious Tolerance for loud noises and sudden movements Amiable Breeds that are generally known for the above temperaments include: Japanese Bobtail, Ragamuffin, Bombay, Chartreux, Burmese, Ocicat, American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Turkish Angora and Sphynx.   With children: Not territorial Docile  - enjoys being handled and pet Sociable and friendly Calm and patient Adaptable Playful Active Robust Intelligent and curious Tolerance for loud noises and sudden movements Loving and affectionate Gentle and good-natured Attention seeking Loyal – easily bonding with all members of the family Attentiveness Enjoys companionship Breeds that are generally known for the above temperaments include: Bombay, Ragamuffin, American Curl, Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, Chartreux, Burmese, Ocicat, American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, Sphynx and American Curl.   Other breeds known to be sociable, calm, intelligent and playful include: Burmese, Ragdoll, Birman, Cymric, Manx, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Singapura, Russian Blue, Oriental, Siamese, Tonkinese, Australian Mist, Burmilla, Moggie   Feature image credit

Exercise, play, mental stimulation and socialisation are important for your dog’s wellbeing, health and development. These activities also minimizes boredom, destructive and unwanted behavior such as chewing furniture and barking when alone.   However, our hectic lives make it hard to juggle the demands of work, running a household, raising a family and other time pressures we experience. Allocating time for your dog’s daily exercise can be impossible. And sometimes, life throws you a curve ball in the form of illness, temporary incapacity and immobility or busy periods and you may need a short-term solution.   Dogs are social animals and do not like to be left alone for hours. This is unavoidable as we need to make a living after all. If you live in an apartment, it’s unlikely your dog is exercising at all during the day. Even if you have a backyard, your dog may be exercising but may not be getting the level of socialisation and interaction required.   If you are away for most of the day, know your dog is not getting the exercise or stimulation it needs, have neighbours complaining about barking and whining, are coming home to toilet mess or chewed furniture, or are noticing changes in the behavior of your dog, then It might be time to consider hiring a dog walker.   Choosing a dog walker Hiring a service is never cheap and you should take it seriously as you will be leaving the care of your beloved pet in the hands of another and will also need to trust them in your home.   You should ask potential walkers a range of questions and consider the needs of both you and your dog. Your dog’s age, breed, temperament, health, energy level and exercise preference will influence who is the right dog walker for you.   The best place to start is to seek advice from your vet, local pet store, trainers or friends and family who can recommend a dog walker. Request the walker provide referrals and client testimonials. How long have they been operating and have there been any problems, injuries or dog deaths, client complaints, legal suits? Do they have insurance and what type do they have, when does it expire and what does it cover? Ask about their qualifications, certification, experience or if they are members of any relevant pet associations. This information will indicate their dedication, professionalism and the likelihood they can manage any possible behavioural or health issues. A good dog walker should be knowledgeable about dog training, behavior and even first aid. Outline what you expect and any special needs, health or safety concerns for your dog.  Have the walker meet your dog and all go on a walk together. Observe how your dog responds to them and how they interact and handle your dog. Some dogs love to play with others and will happily run around once at the dog park. Others prefer to be walked. Find out what the walker has planned and whether it suits your dog and what you want. With large companies you may not get the same walker each time. Find out how they arrange their bookings and exactly who will be walking your dog. If you have hired an individual or are using a small company, ask who the back-up person will be in case your walker becomes ill or is unavailable. You should also check the any additional walker's or back-up walker's experience and references. How many dogs do they take at a time and how do they group the dogs - by age, size, breed? How well does your dog socialise with others? Will this be problematic or beneficial for your dog? Will your dog be in a car? For how long? How are dogs restrained in the car?  What training techniques do they use? Will they adhere to your training preference and commands? How do they handle aggresssion or other behavioural issues.  Where will they walk your dog and which park will they go to? How long will they be exercised for, not total time in the walker’s care but actual time exercising? Are they aware of local council rules about leash compliance and cleaning up?  What will happen if it rains or very hot or cold days? Once you have your dog walker Provide treats, lead, collar and back-up lead, collar and ID tag for your dog. Your dog’s identification tag should have your current contact details. Make sure your walker has your contact details and the address and phone number of your vet. You may need to inform your vet that the walker has your permission to seek treatment for your dog in an emergency. Have regular catch-ups to make sure there are no problems and that they, and more importantly your dog, are happy.   Feature image credit

The average cat sleeps 15 hours a day, and that number is even higher for senior cats and kittens. However, if you notice that your cat is sleeping more than normal, it’s possible they are lethargic. Causes of lethargy can range from boredom to a sign of disease, so it’s very important that cat owners know the signs of a larger problem. Below is a list of possible reasons for your cat’s lethargy, and other symptoms you should look out for. Age: Naturally, an older cat is going to be more tired - especially after exercise or play. Unless you notice other symptoms, this is completely normal for a senior cat. Anemia: Pale gums and tongue are signs your cat's diet is lacking is essential nutrients and iron. Arthritis: It makes sense that a cat suffering from severe joint pain would prefer to spend their day in bed. Cancer: Cats are good at hiding disease. Sometimes there are visible lumps, but other times it’s simply a lack of appetite and/or listlessness. Depression: Look for a change in mood/personality especially if there was recently a major change in your cat’s daily routine, such as death of a companion. Kidney Disease: An increase in thirst and urination are signs of decreased kidney function. Obesity: Cats that are overweight tire easily after exercise or play. Typically a change in diet and exercise will help combat this. Lethargy could be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. Most of the health conditions above can be treated with medication or a change in diet. Since cats hide illness well, it’s important that you see your vet as soon as possible if you suspect something is off.   feature image credit

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from travel or motion sickness. It’s likely that you found this out about your dog pretty quickly, assuming that all it took was a few car rides before your pup’s nausea kicked in. Including vomiting, here are some more signs that your dog is suffering from travel sickness:   Pacing Whining Excessive drooling Lethargy Diarrhea The first step in curing your dog’s motion sickness is determining what’s the cause of it. Puppies and younger dogs are prone to travel sickness because parts of their inner ear structure important for balance have yet to fully develop. Although some dogs will grow out of this, others will be conditioned to think that car rides result in nausea. Nerves and stress could also be making your dog sick. Consider this possibility especially if most of your car rides are to the vet. Lastly, it’s also possible your dog is suffering from an ear infection which would result in a predisposition to nausea. If your dog associates car rides with vomiting or trips to the vet, the best thing you can do is condition them to believe otherwise. Start with re-introducing your dog to the car by spending time in it with the engine off. Once your dog is ready, take them for brief rides up the street. Provide your dog with toys and a few treats to teach them that the car isn’t so bad after all. Eventually progress to longer rides, especially to places your dog enjoys such as the park. This overall approach will hopefully condition your dog to once again enjoy the car, and shake them of any negative associations they once had. To prevent motion sickness, it’s also important that you make the car as comfortable as possible for your pooch. To begin with, your dog should be facing forward when you travel, which you can assure with a doggy seat belt. Also keep your car nice and cool, and crack the windows to balance the air pressure in your car with the pressure outside. Other tips for success:  Withhold food prior to travel Play classical music Bring the scent of home with you Reserve certain toys for car rides Provide access to water If your dog is still getting travel sick, it’s best to consult your veterinarian about medications to reduce their symptoms. Antihistamines and anti-nausea medications are frequently prescribed for motion sickness. Your vet may also recommend home remedies that involve natural herbs.   Many dogs suffer from travel sickness, but fortunately there are ways to prevent it. Remember to be patient while trying to recondition your dog, and to always consult your veterinarian if you determine that medication is your only option.     feature image credit

You leave your dog for the day peacefully curled up asleep on their bed. When you return, it is as if it has snowed – white stuffing coats your lounge room and ripped fabric is spread all over the floor, only a scrap of your dog’s tattered bed left in one piece. What possesses dogs to destroy their beds when they are often their favourite things in the house?   Generally speaking, dogs will chew their beds simply because they wish to chew. As one of the most accessible items to them, a dog’s bed falls prey to determined puppy jaws simply because it is the item they are around the most often.   Chewing is a natural canine behaviour. In puppies, chewing helps relieve teething pains caused by the growth of incoming teeth. In adult dogs, chewing assists with dental health by aiding plaque removal and helps keep jaws strong. It is also a natural way dogs relieve boredom, anxiety and frustration.   By targeting their bed, a dog may be driven by any one of these motivations. If you have a puppy suffering teething pain, try and provide a tasty owner-approved option that will encourage them to leave their bedding alone. Flavoured dental chews or raw bones are usually a far more attractive option than wads of fabric and stuffing. Adult dogs similarly can usually be tempted away from destroying their bed if provided with alternatives.   If your suspect frustration or boredom to be the cause, exercise and increased play should help to alleviate your dog’s impulse to chew and destroy.   Anxiety is another major reason why dogs will take to chewing their bedding when their owners are away. If your dog only chews destructively in your absence, separation anxiety is the likely cause. Counterconditioning is known to be effective is resolving such problems. By giving your dog a treat or favourite toy before leaving for a short time can help create positive associations with your absence, rather than the threats and fear they expect. Extending the period you are away and always ensuring your dog has something enjoyable to do in your absence, their anxiety and bed chewing should desist.   

Strange as it may sound, some cats can suddenly start eating kitty litter. It is an oddity to be concerned about as it usually signifies underlying health problems that need to be addressed immediately with veterinary consultation.   Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can spur a cat to instinctively try to correct the problem. Anemia, a lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body, is the most common cause of litter-eating which can be in most cases determined by looking in a cat’s mouth.  Paleness of the gums and tongue may signify your cat is anemic, though keep in mind some cats naturally have darker gums than others, so it is necessary to judge ‘paleness’ on an individual basis.   Anemia, in many cases, is a symptom of a far more serious condition such as cancer or kidney disease, meaning a trip to the vet is a must if you suspect your cat may be anemic. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is another disease which can cause a cat to start chowing on litter. FIP results from a viral infection which attacks white blood cells, leading to inflammation, weight loss, fever, bloating and unusual eating behaviours.   Sometimes litter eating is cause for less concern. Kittens have been known to try eating a little purely as an experiment, just like a child picking something up off the floor and putting it in its mouth. Other litter-eaters can simply be stressed or bored and manifesting unusual behaviors as an expression of this. Even if the cause is innocent curiosity, litter eating is to be strongly discouraged. Clumping litter is usually manufactured from sodium benotite clay which makes it stick together when it comes into contact with urine. If ingested, the clumping process can occur inside the cat’s digestive tract leading to potentially fatal intestinal blockages. It may also absorb minerals such as iron and potassium from the cat’s body, decreasing their health further. Consider switching to a natural litter made from substances such as newspaper, pine, wheat, wood chips or corn. Whilst a cat should likewise be discouraged from eating these litters, they are less likely to cause intestinal blockages and deadly results. Your vet will be able to rule out any serious problems and suggest a course of treatment to address any issues that do emerge as the root cause of your cat’s litter eating. Always ensure your cat is being fed a complete diet rich in nutrients such as iron and potassium, which can help reduce the risk of health issues like anemia.   

Clipping a cat’s nails is no easy task. Keeping a struggling cat still while trying to get the clippers around the right nail and making sure not to take off too much is challenging to say the least. Inevitably, accidents sometimes happen.    If you cut the quick of a cat’s nail they won’t be happy. The quick contains highly sensitive blood vessels and nerve endings, similar to the pink part of a human fingernail. Bleeding, pain – and possibly a scratch for you – will result from accidently trimming the nail too far.     Try to keep a hold of your cat if you do interfere with the quick. Squeeze the tip of the claw to reduce the flow of blood, being careful to not to apply pressure to the entire paw which will have the opposite effect and increase blood flow.   It is advisable to keep styptic powder or a styptic pencil in your grooming kit as this can be used to quickly contract the blood vessels of an open wound. If you do not have access to styptic products, rubbing the nail with cornstarch or over a dry bar of soap can also help.   Whilst painful, an overcut nail is not a serious injury and should heal relatively quickly. However, your cat’s suspicions of the nail-cutting process are likely to be longer lasting. It may take time and effort to convince them they are unlikely to suffer further pain when they see you coming towards them with the clippers.   To reassure them, we recommend regularly massaging your cat’s paws when they are relaxed and giving them a treat to create positive associations before attempting another clipping session again.   

All animals have unique personalities and accompanying quirks. There are particular habits, some of them very strange indeed, that are quite common in the world of cats and dogs.   Pooch peculiarities Circle work before sleeping Many dogs will turn and walk around and around before lying down to sleep. Although completely appropriate on grass and leaves to wear down a nice sleeping spot, most dogs also perform this ritual when in their plush, soft doggy beds. Some even ‘dig’ their blankets and bedding. This habit is your dog making their bed comfortable, or at least that's what they think they are doing. It’s believed this is an inherited behaviour from wolves and other canine ancestors.   Digging Dogs not only dig to make a comfortable spot to sleep, but also dig to hide food, bones or toys from others, to investigate a scent, to use up excess energy or simply because they enjoy it. Indoor dogs will also dig to hide toys and treats under pillows and furniture. If your dog is making holes all over your backyard, designate an area or provide a sandpit for them to go dig-crazy! Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage them to use this area only for digging.   Bum sniffing Whilst we use our eyes and language to gauge another person’s mood and learn about them, a dog’s strong sense of smell guides them in these matters and they skip the small talk! Dogs have an anal gland that excretes various chemicals and these provide other dogs with loads of important information such as gender, health, diet, mood and friendliness.   Chasing their own tail This habit usually begins when young. Puppies, still becoming aware of themselves, catch sight of their tail in their peripheral vision and the chasing and twirling begins. For many dogs it is a bit of harmless fun – as long as they don’t actually chew or bite their tail - but it can also be a sign obsessive-compulsive behaviour or that there is a dermatitis, flea, tick or worm problem. If you suspect one of these more serious issues is present then consult your veterinarian.   Kooky kitties Acting like a pinball Every now and then, for no discernible reason, cats will run around, perhaps even doing laps of the house, and be jumping and leaping off furniture. Don’t worry, they are just letting off steam and getting some exercise.   Rubbing against you... and everything else Cats have a unique scent and when they rub against things they are leaving this scent to claim ownership (yes, you’re theirs) and mark their territory. Unfortunately, it’s not a sign of affection unless your cat rubs their face against yours, then that is definitely love. This is how cats greet each other so feel privileged.   Rolling around and showing their belly If your cat falls down in front of you and rolls over, it usually means they want to play and get some cuddles from you. It’s also a sign of submission, which means your cat trusts you.   Kneading We’ve all been on the receiving end of a cat repeatedly stepping or kneading our laps. A kneading and gently purring cat is a very happy and secure cat. It is thought that this behaviour starts when kittens are very young and knead their mothers to stimulate the release of milk, and then carries through to adulthood to demonstrate contentment. Box beds You could spare no expense in an attempt to make little kitty happy with luxury bedding and perches, but no doubt you’ll instead find them sleeping in a discarded cereal box or curled up in the smallest, most awkward space in your home. Cats are intelligent animals and know that they are exposed in the open so they feel safer if hidden in a small space.   Feature image source 

  Children absolutely love having a family dog around and no doubt are always keen to join you when you take your pal out for its daily walk, but when is it OK for them to go walking unaccompanied with their pooch? Children should at least be twelve years of age before you can even consider allowing them to walk a dog unattended. However age should not be the only factor for you to consider... Is the child and dog mutually respectful? Does the dog follow directions from the child? Has the dog ever shown signs of aggression? Has the dog ever chased cars or other animals? Can the child read the dog's body language? Can the child interpret situations make appropriate decisions? Will your child be physically capable of handling the dog? A 70lb child will struggle to handle a 30lb dog. If you are unsure about any of these, now is probably not the right time to allow your child to walk the dog. In any case, prior to their first solo outing, make sure both child and dog are prepared by following these tips: Before any dog walking commences, why not have your child volunteer at a local shelter to get used to different types of dogs and learn more about how dogs communicate and pinpoint any unfriendly behaviour. Take your child with you when you go for a walk and slowly build up to them taking control of the leash, gradually increasing the distance that they do so. Once they've built up the confidence you can start to hang back a little bit and observe how they do. You should ask your child probing questions about what they would do in challenging situations, such as if another dog approaches. It's important to try and prepare them as best you can so they aren't startled if something unusual should happen. Make sure you always remind them what a big responsibility it is to walk the dog and that they must always pay attention to what is going on around them. Importantly, you should take into consideration your neighborhood and your usual walking route. What are the local dogs like? Are there many strays? If you don't think it's safe enough, then it's probably not a good idea to allow your child to go walking alone. However, the most ideal situation is to go walking as a family and make it an activity everyone gets involved in and enjoys!

  During any celebrations where fireworks are likely to be present, particularly on New Year's Eve and on the Fourth of July, we need to keep a closer eye on our lovable dogs because while we love the flashing lights and sounds, it's quite the nightmare for our four legged friends. In fact, the Fourth of July is when more dogs run away than any other day of the year, showing just how frightening it is for them. It's perfectly natural for dogs to be scared of fireworks, more so than other loud noises. Fireworks are near the ground, more vibrant and feature sudden booms and burning smells. These sort of sounds and signals send triggers to their nervous system causing them to become anxious, so their reaction to run away is merely a survival instinct. Therefore, it's so important that you look after your dog and protect them during this incredibly scary time. How to protect your dog during fireworks: Ensure they are wearing all the proper identification. Have your dog stay at a friend's or family's place – somewhere your dog is familiar with and is away from loud fireworks. If it's the first time your dog will be going there, take them a couple of times in the lead up so they get used to it. Have a travel kennel with lots of comforting items like toys, blankets and treats. In the lead up to your dog experiencing fireworks, start playing recordings of fireworks, gradually increasing the volume. It's recommended you play these recordings before meals, walks, affection and play so positive associations can form. If your dog is particularly anxious, you can try some forms of sedation – speak to your vet about recommendations. Remember, this method will only work if your dog is still calm – if they are already stressed out, sedation is unlikely to work. You can try placing earmuffs on your dog to help drown out the sound – especially those designed to protect dogs near aircraft. Alternatively, drown out the sound of the fireworks by playing music, a white noise machine, put on the TV, or washing machine – anything you think will help distract from the sound of the fireworks. Don't forget dogs pick up on your body language so be sure to appear calm and not react around the fireworks to show your dog there is nothing to get excited about – remember they look to you for cues on behaviour. Place your dog in a comfortable room as far away from the noise as possible and keep it very dark. When the fireworks are about to begin, give your dog an extra special treat, particularly one that provides plenty of distraction. Always, always keep your dog indoors during the fireworks. Feature image credit