Pet Bucket Blog

What is it? Canine parvovirus is a seriously nasty dog disease. First described in the 1970s, parvo results in death in 91% of untreated cases. The disease works by attacking and destroying cells in regions such as the stomach and intestines, with usually lethal results for the infected dog.   Who can catch it? Whilst Parvo can affect dogs of any age group, puppies are especially vulnerable to infection between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks of age.   Image credit For unknown reasons, the Doberman and Rottweiler breeds are more susceptible to the disease than others. Whilst other animals can be affected by parvo, it is not transferable to humans.    How is it caught?   Image credit Parvo is highly contagious and extremely resistant to eradication. It is transmitted to dogs through accidental ingestion of the faeces of another infected dog. It can be carried on a dog’s hair and feet, as well as items it has been in contact with such as bedding and crates. It can also catch a ride on the shoes and clothing of human handlers and transfer that way onto other dogs. Often dogs catch it by going for a walk in their local area where an infected dog has been roaming as well.   Symptoms   Image credit The first symptoms of parvo is typically lethargy which is then followed by loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody). Vomiting and diarrhea usually lead to dehydration which can make the dog vulnerable to secondary infections which worsens their condition further. However it is important to note some symptoms may not be present in parvo affected dogs – some puppies have fevers of up to 106°F (41.1°C) and others none at all.   Treatments    Image credit  If you suspect at all a dog may have parvo an immediate trip to the vet is an absolute must. Intravenous fluids to restore water into the dog’s body after dehydration is essential, as is medication to control vomiting and diarrhea.   Blood transfusions and more intensive medical care may be involved in seriously affected animals.   Antibiotics to protect the dog in its vulnerable state from septicemia and secondary bacterial infections are also required, as they are the usual cause of death.   How well the dog recovers is largely dependent on the strain of parvo they have caught and the age and previous health state of the dog – as well as how quickly treatment was sought. Puppies with parvo are not hopeless cases. The majority, under proper veterinary supervision, recover without suffering long-term effects.   Prevention   The best treatment is prevention. Vaccination is the absolute best way to prevent parvo and it's simple to receive at your local vet.   Image credit   If an infected dog has been on the premises, thorough cleaning of the areas it has been to is also essential. Parvo is a tough virus that is undeterred by most household cleaners and can survive without a dog for months and months by itself on surfaces. It is best to use a strong bleach solution to scrub the room and objects, left on for at least twenty minutes before being washed off.     Feature Image Credit 

Dogs love being with their humans and humans love being with their dogs. That means that dogs also ride in cars but there are some very important tips to make sure that your pooch remains safe when road tripping.   1. Restraint, restraint, RESTRAINT! You wouldn’t ever travel without wearing a seat belt, and would never let a child or infant travel unrestrained – it should be the same for your dog. In the case of an accident, your dog could be thrown completely out of the car, even in minor incidents. Unrestrained dogs can easily be injured even as a result of the smallest, slowest of accidents.   An unrestrained and excited dog can jump around, distract and interfere with the driver which is dangerous for everyone.   Another important reason for restraint is that after an accident, a scared dog can wander off and may be disorientated or injured or may obstruct or attack emergency personnel.   There are a number of restraining crates or carriers and harnesses you can choose that attach to seat belts. There are also nets and barriers, booster seats, hammocks and beds but these should only be used in combination with a harness.   Always, ALWAYS have your dog in a suitable restraint. In some places it’s actually the law and you can be fined for not complying.   2. Where to sit The safest place for your dog is in the back seat or the cabin.   3. Identification Your dog should have an identification tag with your address, family names and contact numbers in case of an emergency or if you become separated.    4. Open windows It may be the most joyous of activities for your pooch but letting them ride with their heads out of an open window is very dangerous. They can get debris in their eyes and ears, be injured by flying objects or hit by passing vehicles. Also, an unrestrained dog may jump out of an open window onto the road and into traffic. It’s also best to lock power-window controls so that your dog can’t accidentally open the window themselves.   5.  Be selective Make sure that any harness, crate or carrier you choose has been crash-tested and meets safety standards. Purchase only reputable and trusted brands and look for warranties and good after-sales service.   6. The right fit Just like child car seats and carriers, the right restraint is crucial to your dog’s safety. Ensure you have the correct crate or harness for your dog’s weight and size. The harness should fit your dog tightly enough to be effective but also be comfortable for them to wear.   Image credit  7. Food and water Have some water, a travel bowl and some dry food handy for your dog. This is necessary for long trips, but also advisable for shorter trips as you never know when you might get stuck in traffic. If the weather is warm your dog can get uncomfortable and thirsty very quickly. Food should only be given when the vehicle is stopped.   8. Stop regularly When on long trips, stop every 2-3 hours to let your dog relieve themselves, stretch and move about. Have ample waste bags handy for cleaning up poop.   9. At your destination Always put your dog’s leash on before you let them out of the vehicle.   10. Ramps Consider a ramp for older or less mobile dogs to get in and out of the car. There are many lightweight, folding or telescopic ramps that can be easily carried and stored   11. Absolute no-nos Never have your dog ride in the open bed of a pickup truck or ute even if tied. A sudden stop will throw them about and they will get injured. Don’t leave your dog alone in a car without having windows or sunroof open a few inches for ventilation. In hot weather, never leave your dog in a car, not even for a few minutes. They are far more sensitive to the heat than us and can develop heat exhaustion, suffer organ failure and die in a very short period of time. For more information check out the following Pet Bucket reviews on dog safety and car products: Seat belts Car beds Barriers   Feature image credit

We think of our cats as adorable and cuddly but the truth is that they are natural predators, experts at hunting birds and small animals. Cats have excellent eyesight, hearing and sense of smell and are adept at silently stalking their prey. Unfortunately attacks on wildlife are common and cats have been blamed for the global extinction of up to 33 species.   According to Australian Geographic, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy estimates that each free-ranging cat can hunt between 5-30 animals a night and "cats are the biggest human-linked cause of death for native animals in the US, with a bigger impact than habitat destruction, pesticides, pollution and collisions with cars… free-ranging pet and feral cats in the USA kill perhaps 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals each year, most of which are natives, rather than introduced species such as brown rats.” It is up to us as responsible cat owners to make sure that we protect wildlife, especially native species that are protected or already endangered. There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the number of attacks - Bells and mirrors The simplest way to protect wildlife is to add a bell and mirror to your cat’s collar. The bell will warn wildlife that your cat is approaching and give them a chance to get away. A mirror will also give advance warning by reflecting light. You can also use collars with a sonar beeper that produces high-pitched tones that alerts birds but does not bother us or cats. Neutering Neutering or desexing your cat will make them less likely to roam, fight and hunt. Night-time Cats are mostly nocturnal hunters who can and will travel fair distances when looking for prey. Keep your cat indoors or enclosed during the night and for the hour before dusk and hour after dawn. Enclosures and confinement Even though pet cats are not hunting as their source of food, some cats will still want to hunt more than others. Also, you may live in an area where a lot of wildlife is present. If either is the case, you should consider keeping your cat indoors during the day as well, or having a suitably sized enclosed area outside on a verandah or in the garden. You will need to provide water, litter trays, shelter from the weather, bedding, perches, toys and activities for the cat.   Discipline and training This may have limited success as hunting, stalking and pouncing are instinctual for cats but it will help discourage them. Spray your cat with water or use special scented deterrent sprays when you notice your cat hunting wildlife.   Image credit   Feature image credit      

Would you drink from a glass of water that had been sitting outside for a week? Or a cup that hadn’t been washed in a month? Dog bowls need to be kept clean just as much as our bowls, with unwashed bowls becoming a brew of bacteria and other nasties which don’t do your pet’s health any favours.   Image credit In a 2011 study conducted by NSF International, of the homes of 22 families, pet bowls were found to be the fourth dirtiest household item. They were found to contain high levels of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria (which includes Salmonella and E. coli). Eww! So how often should you clean your dog or cat’s water bowl? This depends on where it is kept and how many animals are drinking from it daily. Daily washing for an indoor pet bowl is ideal, especially after you pet has taken a drink after mealtimes.   Image credit If your water bowl is kept outside it should be cleaned more often – twice daily – as there is a much higher chance of contamination from insects and plant debris. Use by multiple animals also means the amount of washing you do should increase proportionally, with a greater amount of saliva bound to find its way into the bowl. Hand washing with a gentle detergent in hot water works well. A mixture of salt and baking soda is also a great solution, as it is kinder to dog or cat’s insides if any residue is left behind. A run through the dishwasher is also highly recommended.   Image Credit Bowl choice is also important when it comes to keeping your dog’s water squeaky clean. Ceramic and plastic bowls are porous, which means they absorb a certain amount of water they contain. This can mean they suck up bacteria and germs as well, and become secret breeding grounds that may affect your dog’s health. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are a better option as their finish prevents absorption.    Feature Image Credit 

Moving overseas requires a lot of organisation and can be an anxious time for pets who don’t quite understand what is happening and why. Tiptop planning is absolutely vital when transporting animals from country to country to make the trip as smooth as possible both for their welfare and your stress levels.   Here are our tips for making sure your journey to your new home is as simple as possible for you and your four-legged family member:   1. Check the rules   Image credit   The first thing you need to do is look up the specific rules the country you are moving to requires of entering pets. Things like quarantine periods vary dramatically between nations, with some requiring over 180 day periods and others none at all. Vaccination requirements also vary so check exactly what your dog or cat needs before showing up at the airport.    Timing is also important. Nations sometimes have a very specific timelines as to what needs to be done and by what point. For example, Japan asks that dogs and cats are microchipped and have their rabies vaccinations and blood tests at specified stages. Save yourself a headache and check early on.   PetRelocation is a fantastic site for helping you get a preliminary idea of what different countries require of travelling pets.     2. Visit the vet    Image credit  It is vital your pet has a clean bill of health before they can be cleared to go on an overseas flight. A trip to your vet is therefore essential. Be sure to get all of your vaccinations and worming up to date as well as any new shots your destination country asks that travelling pet’s possess.    You also need to ask for all the documentation of your dog or cat’s prior vaccinations and medical history they have on file so you can back up your statements as to your pet’s state of health to officials.     3. Find your airline    Image credit  Not all airlines transport pets and those that do require a booking process be followed, so don’t assume you can just show up with your pet and get easily on the plane.   Whenever possible, it is recommended you book a direct, one-way flight to avoid additional stress on stop overs during plane changes and during a time when the weather is mild, as cargo holds are not as well regulated as the cabin.     4. Get a perfect pet crate   Your pet might be inside their crate for some time, so making sure it is the right fit is important. A carrier that is too cramped might make your dog even more uncomfortable on their flight though alternatively one that is too big may create additional charges. A crate should allow your pet to turn around easily and lie down.   Image Credit    Airlines also tend to have specific requirements as to how long and wide a crate should be so be sure the ask before you buy. Sometimes airlines allow rentals of their crates.     Remember   Image credit Travelling can be frightening for animals with many new sights and sounds they encounter. But at the same time, pets are pretty much willing to go to the ends of the earth to be with their humans, so it is worth all the trouble.   Happy travelling!   Feature Image Credit 

Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy, homeopathy and chiropractic services, have become widely popular when it comes to treating human ailments. Now pets are accessing the same treatments through holistic veterinary medicine, which focuses on healing animals through using minimally invasive techniques.   Image credit   The largest holistic vet body, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) is a proponent of using gentle methods that create as little stress in the patient as possible.   The word ‘holistic’ is key to what holistic vets do, focusing on the entire animal rather than specific body sections in need of health. Also considered is the pet’s lifestyle over its entire life, behaviours, dietary history and emotional stresses. Image credit    Prevention is one of the major focuses of holistic vets, with practitioners of massage and chiropractic services providing sessions for many animals when they are in good health in the hope of offsetting problems before they emerge.   Image credit  Many holistic vets specialise in a particular area of alternative treatment, such as botanical medicine or nutraceutricals, which they use alongside more traditional medical health solutions.   An integrative approach, using aspects of pharmatological medicine and Eastern inspired treatments, is often said to have great results for pets.    Feature Image Credit  

We all love a Labrador and are incredibly fond of a Jack Russel, but what about the unpopular breeds of dogs in the world. Through no fault of their own, the following breeds are not commonplace among pet owners - some even on the verge of extinction. 1. Chinook   Image credit   The Chinook is an American breed of sled dog. Bred from a mixture of Husky and Mastiff, it is the official dog of New Hampshire. Even so, it's a rare dog, these days mainly kept as a family pet. They are very obedient and affectionate - particularly so with children. 2. Skye Terrier   Image credit   The Skye Terrier hails from Scotland and is actually an endangered breed. The Skye is a hardy little dog with a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming. Traditionally a hunting dog, these days the Skye enjoys life as a house dog - as long as it gets a moderate amount of exercise to stay in shape. 3. Komondor The Komondor is a native of Hungary, known for its long and very distinctive corded coat. Even though it's considered a Hungarian national treasure, this powerful guardian dog is still not very popular. It's a calm and gentle dog, so is a great option for families. It's also fiercely protective and makes a great guard dog - although perhaps not suited to city living. 4. Glen of Imaal Terrier   Image credit   This cutie comes from County Wicklow in Ireland and is considered a dwarf breed. Around since the reign of Elizabeth I, these little dogs are sturdy and very muscular with an expected lifetime of 15 years. They are energetic and less vocal than other terriers, but can be quite stubborn - especially when it comes to training. 5. English and American Foxhound   English Foxhound Image credit The English Foxhound is a scent hound, originally bred to, you guessed it, hunt foxes. They are a very gentle breed that gets on well with pretty much everyone: adults, children and other animals. They might be gentle, but they are incredibly active so wouldn't pair well with a lazy bones owner! American Foxhound Similarly, the American Foxhound is a sweet and social dog, that can be quite shy around strangers. They have lots of energy so would do well in a home with a big yard to run around in and it would be essential to take them to obedience classes to curb their natural instinct to follow scents. 6. Sussex Spaniel   Image credit From Southern England, the Sussex Spaniel is a calm but clownish breed of dog. They are a great family dog that get on well with children which also makes them a wonderful therapy dog. They are really great at retrieving, but can be quite stubborn to train. 7. Harrier   Image credit   The Harrier is a medium sized hound, often confused with a Beagle and are even sometimes referred to as a 'Beagle on steroids.' This short haired dog comes in a variety of colours and has a very sweet and cheerful temperment. They are incredibly active and are fond of exploring, so best to keep them on a lead when out and about. 8. Thai Ridgeback   Image credit   The Thai Ridgeback is an ancient breed of dog that's only starting to get recognition outside of Thailand. Characterised by it's 'ridge' of hair running along its back, it's a very intelligent breed that enjoys relaxing but is prone to sudden bursts of energy. They are a loyal and loving family pet but can be agressive and/or shy when not socialised properly.  9. Norweigian Lundehund   Image credit   A small, Spitz breed of dog, the Norweigian Lundehund can move it's joints just like a human can and actually has six toes! They are a breed that dates back to 1600 when it was originally bred to hunt puffins. They are a playful and loving breed that is perfectly happy to snuggle up for hours. They are very intelligent and can be trained to take part in agility competitions. 10. Canaan Dog   Image credit   The Canaan Dog originates from modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan and is one of the world's oldest breeds of dogs. They have quite a primitive appearance with a harsh, short coat. They are very intelligent and make excellent guard dogs but can become easily bored and not listen to commands if things get too repetitive. 11. Otterhound   Image credit   These shaggy looking pooches come from Britain, although their exact origins are unknown. They are hunting dogs and are very hard workers. They are unique in the way they have a rough, oily double coat and webbed feet. They are very inquisitive so require lots of supervision when outdoors. They are a great family dog, but need high fences - they can jump up to five feet! Despite all this, they are endangered - with only 1000 left in the world. 12. Cesky Terrier   Image credit   From Czechoslovakia, the Cesky Terrier was orginally bred to go hunting in the forests of Bohemia. They are a muscular, hardy little dog with a silky coat. Compared to other terriers they are quiet and make a lovely family pet. 13. Lowchen   Image credit   The Lowchen or Little Lion Dog originates from Germany. It was once the rarest dog in the world. The Lowchen is a friendly, healthy and happy dog and is very intelligent. A quiet breed, they make a great companion, but don't leave them alone for long periods of time. 14. Dandie Dinmont Terrier   Image credit This cute littler terrier with an equally cute name is of Scottish origin. It has short legs and a long body and makes both a great companion and guard dog. They are very docile compared to other terriers but beware, they are quick at digging holes! 15. Stabyhoun   Image credit The Stabyhoun is a Dutch dog. It has a long and sleek coat and had a very lovely temperment. Friendly, intelligent and patient - they are wonderful around children and other pets. They can however be quite stubborn and do require a lot of exercise. 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The fat cat is a common image in pop culture. It tells the tale of a rich society that indulges its pets, and its people, a little too much. When your cat begins to tip the scales, it's time to get serious about diet and nutrition. Obesity is associated with a number of health conditions that can shorten your pet's life. Why cats get fat Cats live a different life to their ancestors. Most cats spend a lot of their lives indoors with limited opportunities for physical exercise. They no longer have to stalk prey for their dinner and many cats are fed on an "at will" basis, with food available to them throughout the day. In addition, some types of cat food may be high in carbohydrates, a food component that cats cannot easily metabolize. The carbohydrates get stored as fat and lead to increasing weight problems. Problems with obesity Unfortunately, obesity becomes a circular problem. Increased weight leads to bigger appetites, which leads to more eating. Increased weight also leads to less exercise, which serves to keep fat cats heavy. Obesity in cats is linked with increased risk of heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. The extra weight puts more pressure on tender joints as cats age, as well as making the heart and vascular system work harder. Diabetes in cats is a growing problem that can cause kidney disease and an early death for your pet. Maintaining a healthy weight will ensure that you will enjoy your cat's company for years to come. Early intervention Managing small weight problems is much easier than getting your cat to lose a large amount of weight. As soon as you notice a bit of chubbiness around your cat's middle, take a proactive approach to weight loss to ensure your pet's continued good health. Find out what's in your cat's regular food and consider changing to a different brand and type. Pay attention to how often the cat eats and how often you dole out treats. Notice your cat's exercise level during the day. Think about how you can make your cat more active. Sometimes, another cat can provide the mental and physical stimulation to keep a cat on the move. As always, talk to your vet about the best ways to control your cat's weight. Your vet can help Regular veterinary visits will allow your vet to monitor your cat's weight over time, which can help alert you to weight problems before they become more difficult to manage. Your vet can also advise you on the best ways to limit foods to ensure that your cat gets the best nutrition while controlling calorie intake. They can also recommend some foods that are low calorie or specific to your cat's particular health needs. Ways to keep your cat slim and trim · Feed your cat at specific times of the day in the amount recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid leaving dry food out for continuous eating. · Choose high-quality cat food that offers 45% protein, 40% fat and only a small amount of carbohydrates to provide the best nutrition for the average cat's needs. · Avoid giving cat treats, which are low in nutrition and high in calories. · Ensure that your cat gets daily exercise with a cat tree, chasing toys and other equipment. Interact with your cat for play on a daily basis. · See the vet regularly for vaccinations and an overall checkup of your cat's health. Feature image credit

Litter box problems can cause even the most dedicated cat owner to rethink their pet of choice. Cats are clean and fastidious by nature, so it can be perplexing when they suddenly start urinating and defecating outside of the litter box. There are some obvious things to look out for – like making sure the litter boxes are scooped and cleaned on a regular basis – but there are also some subtler things that could be causing the problem. One of the most important things to do is to rule out any health problems. There are a number of issues that can cause a cat to stop using the litter box, and some of them can be quite serious. Male cats in particular are prone to urinary tract infections that make urination difficult and painful. Male cats can also suffer from blockages – and these blockages can be life-threatening. The first thing cat owners should do is schedule a comprehensive exam for their pets. A veterinary exam may reveal some underlying health issues that are causing the cat to not use the litter box. If that is the case, the cat should resume is previous litter box habits as soon as the underlying health issue is resolved. The location of the litter box can present problems and cause the cat to stop using it. Many cats are reluctant to use the litter box if it is in a high traffic area of the home. Others may be disturbed by scents and odors in the area. Keep in mind that cats have a far better sense of smell than humans do and can detect subtle odors their human caretakers may not notice. Sometimes moving the litter box to a quieter part of the house is all it takes to resolve problems with inappropriate elimination. Try setting up the litter box in a quiet part of the home – away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Be sure to show your cat the new location and give them time to get comfortable with the new surroundings. Some cats will object to a certain type of litter, or to a change in the formulation of the litter. If you have recently changed brands of cat litter, try going back to the old brand for a few weeks to see if that resolves the problem. If you have been using the same brand of litter all along, look for any subtle changes in texture and color that could be putting your cat off. Litter manufacturers often tweak their formulations to make them more cost effective – those changes could be making the litter less attractive to your cat. If the type of litter is the culprit, it can take some time and experimentation to find a better fit. Litter box problems can be difficult to deal with, but it is important to be persistent. Since a number of things can cause cats to suddenly stop using the litter box, the best solution is to work through each of those possibilities one by one. Once you find the source of the problem, you can restore the peace in your home and start enjoying your cat again.

Many dog owners are reasonably worried when their canine companion decides to forgo its meals. Loss of appetite in a dog is not uncommon; however, it is still important to keep an eye on the situation and try to understand the reasons behind the dog’s aversion to food. The following are a few reasons why your dog may be avoiding its meals. 1. The Weather Sometimes the weather can affect a dog’s appetite. Hot weather, in particular, may render a dog less hungry than usual. Loss of appetite in heat is common in humans too. It’s important to make sure the dog is getting plenty of water throughout those hot days so that it doesn’t dehydrate. If your dog doesn’t perk up after a day or two, you might want to consider the possibility of other issues. A visit to the veterinarian might be in order. 2. Illness When a dog doesn’t feel well, it could certainly avoid its food. While one day may not cause much concern, two days or more should alert owners to possible problems, especially if the dog typically enjoys a healthy appetite. Again, make sure the dog has access to water. If the situation does not improve, and the dog appears to be more lethargic than usual, call your vet to determine if an immediate appointment is necessary. Many dogs may be sick without showing many outward signs. Lack of appetite is one sign that may surface when dogs become ill. 3. Vaccinations Many parents often find that children feel unwell after vaccinations and also lose their appetites for about a day. Dogs may behave similarly. Give them access to water and simply allow them to rest. They may not feel much like exercising either. Usually after a day, however, this situation resolves itself. If the dog continues to avoid its food by the second day, you might want to place a call to the vet to be on the safe side. 4. It Wants Something Better If you’ve been spoiling your dog with table scraps, it may snub their nose at their dog bowls in the hope of getting something better like steak or chicken. If the dog is well in all other regards, this is a situation that may work itself out when the dog becomes hungry enough to resort back to its own food. You might encourage your picky eater by moistening its dry dog food with some wet food. If you know your dog is a picky eater and not sick, you shouldn't worry. 5. Nerves If you are traveling with your dog, it is very common for them to experience a bout of nerves. In many such cases, dogs will ignore their food while trying to make heads or tails of what’s going on. While some dogs can eat anywhere and at any time, other dogs get used to their routines and may not feel comfortable eating in a brand new setting. These are some common reasons why dogs will avoid eating. Again, if their lack of appetite persists, you should schedule a check up to make sure that nothing is seriously wrong with them.