Pet Bucket Blog

It's an unfortunate part of owning a pet: knowing when it's time to say goodbye. Pets sadly do not live as long as us so we stand to lose a number of our companions over the course of our own life. When your pet is coming to the end of their life, due to old age and/or chronic and terminal health conditions, it's up to us to make the incredibly tough decision to euthanise them. Knowing when that right time is can be an incredibly difficult and painful decision to make - especially since your pet can't tell you exactly how they are feeling or what their wishes are. What is euthanasia? Euthanasia is where an animal is deliberately killed. The procedure is usually performed by a veterinarian and for the reason of humanely relieving that animal of their suffering. Sometimes animals are also euthanised for other reasons like aggression, behavioural problems or population control, but they have to be extreme cases. Medication that is very similar to general anaesthesia is normally administered and it only takes a couple of seconds to a minute for a pet to pass away by entering a deep sleep and then dying. It is completely pain free and without suffering. Your vet can provide you with many options on how you'd like your pet's euthanisa to come about. You can arrange for it to be performed at home, or done in the car outside the vet practice, which is particularly helpful for large breeds. On the day, you are generally given as much time as you need and are often given plenty of privacy. You can also choose to be with your pet and even hold them while the procedure takes place. If you choose to remain present while your pet is euthanised, bear in mind that while it can look distressing, it's completely peaceful and pain-free for your pet. Some pet owners prefer to avoid euthanasia altogether, in favour of their pet dying naturally at home. While the notion is coming from a good place - owners think their pet would feel more comfortable dying in familiar surroundings, or dying peacefully in their sleep, unfortunately that is rarely the case. Terminally ill pets, may die during the night, but are rarely asleep, often dying over a period of hours, not minutes. And depending on the pet's condition, can be a painful and restless experience. For that reason, euthanasia is overall the more peaceful option for your pet. How to know when to euthanise your pet Only you and your family will know when it's the right time for your pet to be euthanised. It can be one of the hardest decisions to make, loaded with responsibility and guilt on whether you are either 'giving up' on your pet or even prolonging their suffering because you find it too hard to say goodbye. Generally speaking, if you have started to ask the question or contemplate that the end of your pets life is drawing nearer, then your are somewhat already on your way to making a choice. In saying that, there are some questions you can regularly ask yourself to help you come to a decision. Is your pet still enjoying life? Normally, what does your pet like to do? Do they love chasing a ball around the yard, playing with your children or other family pets or simply spending time curled up next to you? Are they still participating in the activities they once took great enjoyment in? If they no longer have the zest for life, then it may be time to think about what quality of life they are now maintaining. Just because your pet is alive, does not mean they are living. Speak to your vet While it's not your vet's job to tell you exactly what to do, it's good to speak with the vet that has looked after your pet most during its life to perhaps get some advice on your pet's condition, what options there are as well as to share your thoughts. It's also a good idea to seek out a second opinion and to weigh up all treatment options. Again, you know your pet the best and what they are like at home, but speaking to a professional can arm you with all the information you need to make a decision you are comfortable with. Have a family discussion If your pet is part of the family, then it's a wise decision to include them in the process. Chances are everyone will have a different take and perspective on the situation so it's a good way to hear everyone out. Particularly in situations like these, you don't always want to make a choice like this on your own-especially if your pet was taken care of by many people, rather than just yourself. It's important to remember and remind everyone that this decision is for your pet and what is best for them, rather than everyone else. It can be hard and very frightening letting go of a pet, but it's crucial to put your pet first. Your pet is spending more time at hospital than at home Some animals do spend a lot of time at hospital recovering or recuperating from surgery or receiving regular treatment, but are otherwise enjoying and participating in day-to-day life. This point is not directed at those pets. However, if your much-loved four legged friend is suffering from a chronic or terminal illness and are having to spend prolonged amounts of time in hospital - their quality of life is probably no longer very good. Likewise, if your pet is admitted to hospital due to an acute emergency or deterioration, chances are your pet is unfortunately rapidly reaching the end of their life. Keep a pet diary to help reach an objective decision Seeing your pet's quality of life deteriorate is awful to witness, especially when you've shared so many fun, happy and active times together. Many pet owners don't want to make the wrong choice for their pet's need, fearful they may euthanise them too soon, or too late, leaving them to suffer. Keeping a daily diary where you objectively note your pet's behaviour can help paint a picture of your pet's overall quality of life. Keep track of the following aspects of your pet's health:     •    Ability to walk     •    Responsiveness     •    How much are they eating and drinking     •    Frequency and volume of urination and stools     •    Weight     •    Displays of pain     •    Resting respiratory rate     •    Symptoms worsening/improving. Note all of these aspects and if it's easier rate their abilities and symptoms on a scale of 1-5. You can also note whether it was a good or bad day to see whether the bad is outweighing the good. It's never easy trying to decide when to say goodbye to a much loved pet. Remember to remain objective and always keep your pet's needs first. There is no right or wrong way to go about making the choice to euthanise, and it's a choice you should never feel pressured to make. If you have recently lost a pet, or are about to say goodbye to a much loved pet, read our article on how to cope with the loss of a pet.  

In our modern world, many cats live indoors for their entire lives, and while our feline friends are more than happy about this cozy existence from time to time it can cause issues. Like with any animal kept in captivity, boredom can easily stem from the repetitive nature of their environment and daily routine.   Boredom can be expressed in many ways. Some cats seem to sleep excessively whilst others will resort to ‘creating their own fun’ by engaging in destructive behaviour like chewing up your things and scratching your carpet to pieces.   Image credit  If you are concerned your cat is finding his or her life rather dull, there are a few simple things you can do to make their lives more interesting and enriching. 1. Create an Amazing View Windows are like televisions to cats, with activity, bird life and the daily hubbub of life going on outside to peer out at. Check to see if your cat can easily access a viewing point and if that is not the case, try adding a cat pole near a good vantage point or even a ‘cat window box’ which are shelves that attach to regular household windows which allow your cat a fantastic semi-outdoor experience.   Image credit    If your cat can already perch on a window ledge and watch passers by, possibly consider the addition of a bird feeder nearby so your cat can be fascinated by wild birds fluttering around snacking on seed.   A fish tank can also be a fabulous object of interest – though make sure your cat has no way of ever actually getting at the fish! 2. Wonderful Toys   Image credit Many stimulating toys exist on the market that tap into a cat’s natural instincts as predators and keep them alert and active. Traditional toys like little mice and wands with dangling things attached are great but there are also newer products that have been created that interact with cats even when their owners aren’t at home. Companies like Frolicat produce mechanised toys which operate even when you are out or occupied and unable to play. Rotating the toys you have on offer is also a good idea to keep things fresh and exciting for your feline. 3. Cat Furniture   Image credit  Cats don’t just love to play. Toys usually awaken your cat’s inner drive to hunt and stalk but cats are also motivated to do things like jump, climb, scratch and hide. Providing cat poles to scale and paw, tunnels to sneak through and hidey-holes to secret themselves in can help them engage with the beast within. 4. Lots of Love     Image credit  Interaction with you is probably the best way to keep your cat happy about their life. Cuddles and playtime is almost guaranteed to keep cats purring. If you find yourself caught up in the hectic rush of daily life and forgetting to make time for your kitty, scheduling daily blocks of time might be a useful idea – even ten minutes a day can make a difference.   Feature Image Credit 

If your dog is eating grass don’t immediately assume they are feeling unwell. Many owners have watched their dog graze like miniature cows in the backyard – only to then throw up a pile of grass shortly after. Other times they will forage carefully for some time and show no ill affects afterwards at all.   Why do dogs display such a preference for grass when plants otherwise seldom capture their attention? Is it a sign of illness?   The truth is: we don’t know. However wild dogs have been shown to engage in the behavior, suggesting it is entirely natural and not necessarily a signifier for overall poor health. Dogs are after all omnivores, meaning they are adapted to survive on a diet of both meat and plant material.    Image credit   Canine experts suggest grass eating is simply the dogs way of curing stomach aches and pains. By eating grass, the dog may be able to induce vomiting, making him or her feel better afterwards much like humans feeling nauseous can feel improved after throwing up. In cases where the dog does not vomit, ingestion of fibrous vegetation may help clear blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.     Image credit   Certain dogs may simply enjoy the taste and treat it as a tasty snack. If a dog is bored, eating grass may move from snacking to compulsive chewing simply to pass the time. Watch your dog to see if their grass eating increases when you are away from home more frequently than normal or they miss out on walks.   Generally speaking, grass eating is nothing to worry about, though of course it is always best to consult your vet. However, do check that pesticides and other toxic garden treatments are not in use on grass your dog can reach as that may lead to lethal consequences.    Feature Image Credit 

Music can calm and soothe us and lift our mood. Research suggests that music has the same effect on our pets. But the types of music and sounds that appeal to us will not necessarily appeal to our pets. Cats and dogs have much better hearing and wider frequency sensitivities than we do, so what is the best music to play for them?   We’ve all noticed that our pets react to certain sounds and tones - they may appear to be quite happy to listen or may bark, howl or race from the room. Many of us leave a radio, television or music on for our pets when we head out. We believe that it will comfort and reassure them and act as an auditory distraction for dogs with noise phobias or separation anxiety. However, the music could relax them, annoy them or actually have no effect whatsoever.    Animal psychologist Charles Snowdon, studies the connection between animals and music. He realised that animals prefer ‘species-specific music’ and now scientists and researchers are developing musical compositions that use the sounds, pitches, tones and rhythms that form a species’ natural communication structure.   Humans generally like music with tones similar to our own vocal range – anything higher or lower can be irritating to listen to. Music with a rhythm and beat matching our resting heart rate tends to relax us whilst quick rhythms stimulate us. It is the same for our pets but their vocal ranges and heart rates differ greatly from ours.   A cat or dog's sense of hearing is many times more sensitive than ours. They hear frequencies that are too high for us and we have no chance of even detecting. And as for volume, any sound will seem much, much louder to them. Unlike us, cats and dogs seem to prefer simple compositions and melodies.   Whereas the different breeds of cats have a fairly consistent vocal range and heart rate, in dogs these characteristics vary according to breed and size. Large dogs have vocal ranges similar an adult man so may enjoy some of the same music that we do. Psychologist Deborah Wells researched how music influences the moods of dogs. She played them compilations of pop, classical and heavy metal music as well as recordings of human conversation. Heavy music caused the dogs to bark and become quite agitated. Listening to pop music or human conversation appeared to make little difference with the dogs’ behaviour matching periods when no music or recordings were played. Classical music had a calming effect on the dogs.    There are several sources creating music specifically composed for cats and dogs using the pitches, tones and tempos that research has shown appeal to them. You can also create some playlists of your own by choosing different styles of music and recordings of natural sounds and observe how your pet responds. Just remember, cats and dogs prefer simpler music with a slower tempo and keep the volume at a reasonable level. Happy playlisting :)   Image credit Feature image credit  

Eye irritations can be a symptom of a number of serious conditions that require quick medical treatment for the sake of your pet’s continued health. Some signs of irritation are noticeable though others are less so, read on to discover the signs of eye trouble:    Squinting:   Image credit   If you dog or cat is squinting it may be a symptom of a number of different conditions. A mild irritation, caused by an irritant such as a seed blowing into the pet’s eye, may cause a squint with accompanying tear production until it is dislodged.   However squinting may also be caused by something serious such as blastomycosis or cancer. Without veterinary examination it may not be possible to tell what the squinting signifies, so a visit to a professional animal health expert is always the best option.   Discharge:    Image credit  The colour of discharge generally indicates the problem your pet might be suffering. Speaking broadly, clear discharge with no other apparent issues points to a problem with the tearing mechanism. Discharge accompanied by redness suggests conjunctivitis, and is quite common. Infection is betrayed by a thick green or yellow discharge. If your dog or cat is pawing at their face or otherwise indicating their eye is paining them with the appearance of any variety of discharge, inner eye or corneal problems are likely.    Cloudy Eye:   Image Credit    A cloudiness in the eye is often present in older dogs and is simply a sign of the formation of cataracts. However in younger dogs and other cases, it may be a symptom of keratitis, glaucoma, uveitis or corneal edema.   Puffy Eyelids:   Image credit  Puffy eyelids can be an indication of allergies as it is usually caused as a result of water passing out of circulation and into the tissues in response to irritation. Insect bites, new foods or medicines are the most common allergens.   Note, viral infections are also possible causes of eyelid swelling.     Feature Image Credit 

For pet owners, holidays always present a bit of a problem. What to do with the furry four-legged member of the family?? The common solution is sending the pet off on a holiday of its own, but for cats this trip is usually far less welcome than for the family dog. Cats can return profoundly unhappy and sometimes ill from their stay in the foreign world of a cattery.     Image credit  However, that doesn’t mean you have to put an end to any travel plans or consider the idea of a cattery out of the question. A quality cattery can make a cat holiday pleasant even for the most cantankerous of felines.   Image credit When inspecting a cattery, (an inspection before the day you say goodbye to your cat is an absolute must) there are a few things to look for to make sure it is of suitable quality for your pet: The cages need to be comfortable and stimulating places to stay. They should be insulated correctly so they are neither too hot nor too cold as well as water proofed. The area should also be large enough to exercise in and contain toys, a window to look out of and a pleasant place to sleep. Each cage should be separated by a partition, made of glass or another material, to help prevent disease spread by acting as a ‘sneeze barrier’ between individual cats. Is the cattery approved by your local government authorities? It is important the facility abides by health and safety codes and is not a ‘backyard’ operation. Are staff qualified or suitably experienced? Are they friendly and kind to the cats already staying during your inspection?     Image credit   Once you have decided a cattery is top notch, you should complete a few important actions prior to your cat’s visit. A trip to the vet is essential to ensure your cat has its worming and vaccinations up to date.   It is also necessary you put together an information card with emergency contact details – including those of someone who will not be travelling with you should something happen and your cat needs to be tended to. Any medical conditions or likes and dislikes your cat specifically has should also be noted and brought to the staff’s attention.   If you decide after looking at the catteries in your area that they are not the best choice for your cat, there are other options to ensure your cat is taken care of when you are away.   House care, where a pet minder is employed to feed and play with your kitty in its own home, can be great for shy and nervous cats who don’t tolerate a change in scenery well.  Just remember - with a bit of checking and foresight a happy holiday can be enjoyed by you and your pet.  

Adolescence happens to all of us, your dog included! Adolescence usually occurs in dogs between six and eighteen months and is an exciting but testing time as they transition from a puppy into a fully grown adult dog. It can be a difficult period for everyone in the household, and sadly it's during this age that many people give their dog up for adoption - but don't despair, if you are prepared and strong-willed you can completely survive doggy adolescence and end up with a wonderfully mature and grown up dog. Be prepared, know the signs! Preparation is the best way to combat your dog's adolescence. Start to get to know the signs that commonly present during this period and know how to deal with them. If you can get on top of your dog's adolescence from the beginning you should be able to limit how crazy things can get! Signs of adolescence include:     •    Destructive behaviour: jumping on the couch, excessive digging and barking and trying to escape     •    No longer listening to commands they have been able to carry out previously     •    Pushing boundaries     •    Hyperactivity     •    Adult teeth have come in but still needs to chew on hard toys     •    Puppy coat is falling out to make way for the adult one     •    Just about adult height If you dog hasn't been spayed or neutered this is also the time dogs reach sexual maturity which brings about it's own unique behaviour:     •    Females will have their first heat cycle     •    Males will begin to lift their legs to show interest in females     •    Increased indoor urination     •    Agression You should really consider spaying/neutering your dog between two and six months of age to avoid these hormonal displays, not to mention unwanted preganancies. Tips to help overcome doggy adolescence     •    Give your dog plenty of exercise as it helps with mental stimulation as well as calm and tire out an over-active dog.     •    Find other dog owners with dogs going through adolescence at the same time. Let them run together in a safe and supervised environment so they can run-ragged together!     •    Be firm handed. If your dog is not obeying a command you have given it, go to them immediately.     •    Interactive toys, like a Kong, are good for keeping dogs entertained for hours and uses up lots of mental stimulation.     •    Extra grooming sessions help to keep dogs calm (and looking nice and neat!)     •    If your dog has forgotten simple commands - don't get upset - they really can't help it. Simply, just re-teach the command again and include plenty of positive reinforcement.     •    Include a quick obedience class into your routine to really engrave those simple commands. It's really important to get to know your dog - how much exercise it needs and what it's favourite toys are to help you get a handle on curbing destructive behaviour. Remember, adolescence won't last forever. Embrace the last days of puppyhood! Feature image credit

There is nothing worse as a dog owner than coming home to discover that your four-legged pal has destroyed a lovely piece of furniture. It is inevitable that at some point, every dog owner is going to lose a possession to chewing. Most of the time dogs will go after smaller items to destroy, such as remote controls, a shoe, or a children's toy. Sometimes dogs get ambitious and chew up furniture though.   Unlike the children's toy or remote control, a piece of furniture cannot be replaced so easily or cheaply. Preventing your dog from chewing on furniture and other household items takes knowledge and effort. Learning why your dog is chewing, and discovering a few helpful tips for preventing that behavior, can help avoid costly damage around the home.   Why is your dog chewing? Dogs, especially puppies, are not so different from human babies. When you were a toddler you explored the world with your mouth. Dogs exhibit the same behavior at all ages. Young puppies chew on items around the house because they are teething. Chewing helps facilitate the teething process and offers relief to their sore gums in the process.   Adult dogs chew on furniture and other items for different reasons. One common reason behind chewing behavior in adult dogs is a desire to be playful. Dogs do not have thumbs like we do to make it easy to grasp things. As a result, dogs use their mouths as a hand for grabbing, tossing, and chewing on things as they play. Sometimes that playful chewing gets directed at your furniture instead of toys and other items.   There are other reasons that your dog may start chewing on furniture around the house. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Boredom Separation anxiety Desire for attention   Never taught not to chew on everything  How to prevent chewing Now that you know some of the reasons your dog may be chewing on furniture, it is time to work on preventing that behavior. Most people take the easy route and buy a taste deterrent, such as Apple Bitters. The problem with using taste deterrents is that is does not address the behavior that is driving the chewing. If you want your dog to stop chewing on furniture, it is going to take a little work to address the issues behind the behavior.   For starters, you should be encouraging appropriate chewing behavior in your dog. Experiment with a variety of toys from your local doggie retailer until you find the type of toy that your pooch really enjoys. Some dogs prefer hard, rubber chew toys. Other dogs prefer softer toys made of cloth or rope. If you notice your dog going after the furniture, quickly correct the behavior and offer them a toy.   When your dog switches from the furniture to the toy, offer them praise to reinforce the idea that chewing on toys is good. You can also build an obsession for toys in your dog by offering treats and food inside of toys (such as a Kong). This offers its own positive reinforcement in your dog's mind that toys are good, and furniture is bad.   The best method you have for preventing your dog from chewing furniture is exercise. Give your dog plenty of exercise and the likelihood of it chewing on furniture will significantly decrease. Often times a dog will chew on furniture simply because it is bored and needs an outlet for its energy.   If you are going to be gone all day, start the morning by taking your dog for a brisk walk to help relieve some of that energy for the day. When you get home, you can further control that energy by engaging in some playtime with it. Playing a game of fetch will not only release physical energy, but it gives the dog a chance to expend some mental energy as well. Remember, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Feature image credit

Conjunctivitis is an extremely common problem in cats, and it occurs when inflammation develops in the membrane behind the eyelids as well as on the eyeball's surface. It usually has an infectious cause if the symptoms are pronounced, but over the spring and summer months you may notice your cat's eyes reacting to more environmental allergens. Here's what you need to know about looking after a cat with conjunctivitis. In order to treat conjunctivitis, you first need to learn how to identify it. The most obvious signs are watery discharge and a redness of the eye (though both eyes may be red). Some cats will also squint, holding the irritated eye partially closed. If the conjunctivitis is particularly bad, you might also notice your cat pawing at the eye due to itching. However, if it seems like your cat's eye is painful as opposed to merely itchy, you should consider other eye problems (such as glaucoma). If you suspect that your pet has conjunctivitis, it should never be left untreated, as the disease can eventually cause vision loss for the cat. Mild cases of conjunctivitis typically present with a slightly pink and swollen eye, and allergens or irritants (such as pollen, plants or dust) often cause these eye irritations. If your cat has mild conjunctivitis, you can treat it with an over the counter product that is sold for human use in the first instance. Specifically, you should look for something like artificial tears, but you should make an appointment to see your vet if the eye isn't looking better within a day. If your cat has a more pronounced case of conjunctivitis involving deep redness, itching and copious discharge, it's prudent to see your vet immediately. Sometimes, conjunctivitis is related to a more serious infection like chlamydophila or to an infestation of eye worms. Your vet can perform tests to confirm any underlying disease. In addition, look out for crusty eyes or for pus around an inflamed eye. If conjunctivitis presents this way, it is almost guaranteed to be a bacterial infection behind your pet's eye troubles. While you can gently clean the eye area with warm water, your cat will also need an antibiotic ointment. You can obtain this treatment from your vet, and it should be used for at least a week (even though most cats appear to be asymptomatic before this time). Your vet may also prescribe up to a three-week course of eye drops if the underlying cause is revealed to be chlamydophila or mycoplasma, as your cat might otherwise become reinfected with conjunctivitis soon after being cured. When conjunctivitis strikes both eyes at once, the cause is more often viral. If it turns out that a viral infection has caused your cat's eye problems then your vet can offer antiviral medications. This option is especially important if your cat has herpesvirus and lives in a multi-cat household, as other animals can become infected. Feature image credit  

As a dog owner, one of the most responsible things you can do for your pet's health is to provide it with plenty of exercise. Dogs are just like people when it comes to their health needs. The human body needs good food to provide it with energy, and exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. Your dog's body has all of those same needs.   It is not uncommon for avid runners to consider buying a dog to become their running companion. However, it is important to realize that not all dogs are suitable running partners. If you are considering getting a new dog as a running buddy, or want to make your current pooch a partner on the trails, you'll need to research a few things first.   Breed matters Exercise is important to any dog, but that doesn't mean that running is the right type of exercise for every dog. Size isn't necessarily a determining factor in identifying which breeds can safely run along with you and which cannot. The most important factor to consider is whether or not your dog is a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds are short-snouted breeds such as boxers, bulldogs, and pugs. All dogs cool down while exercising by panting. Breeds with shorter muzzles have a harder time cooling down and are prone to overheating. Exercise is still important, but running can easily result in overheating in brachycephalic breeds.   On the other hand, there are some breeds that make the perfect running partner. These dogs vary in size from extremely large breeds to medium-sized breeds. Many dogs from working breeds have high energy levels and a physical structure capable of sustaining long runs. Siberian Huskies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Dalmatians, Weimaraners, and Jack Russell Terriers all have high energy levels and make great running partners.   Age matters Your dog's age is a very important factor in determining whether or not it can, and should, run with you. Young puppies less than 18-months-old should not go running. Exercise for these pups should be limited to playtime in the backyard because their bone structures are still growing and have not solidified to a point where it is safe for them to run for long periods of time. As odd as it sounds, you should exercise caution in taking any dog older than 6-years-old out on a long run. Remember, dogs do not age at the same rate as humans. A 6-year-old dog is not a spring chicken anymore. Their joints are starting to age by this point in life and running could result in pain.   Also, certain breeds are prone to genetic joint issues such as hip dysplasia. This can be a very serious condition that is not only painful for your dog, but also limits its mobility. If your dog is over six, consult your veterinarian before taking it on a run with you. It may be possible to continue running with your dog past this age, but you will have to start shortening the distance for them.   Use common sense You wouldn't hop up off the couch one day and decide to run 10K - your body wouldn't be ready for it. Apply that same common sense to your dog's body. Take the time to ease your dog into running, gradually increasing the distances over time as you notice its fitness level increasing. Before you head out for a run with your four-legged buddy, remember to take a look at the weather and consider your route. While you have the luxury of wearing running shoes and clothes to protect you from surfaces, debris, and the elements, your dog does not have that luxury. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating, and bring along water if you are going for long runs or hikes. This is particularly important during the summer months. Feature image credit