Pet Bucket Blog

Receiving a diagnosis of liver failure for your furry friend is an extremely distressing event for the entire family. Knowing that your dog is in pain and unable to perform every tasks such as eating, drinking and going outside to the toilet is heart-breaking. Therefore, every owner wants to give the best possible care and treatment to their pet in their time of need. Liver disease is an extremely common disorder in older dogs and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Hepatitis, infection, anemia, inflammation of the pancreas and trauma can all result in liver failure which could prove fatal if left untreated. Fortunately there are many effective treatments available for different types of liver failure, and something as simple as changing your dog's diet can have a major impact on their recovery. Image credit Signs of Liver Disease  Dogs suffering from liver disease will most often appear tired and depressed. They may also start panting, vomiting, drinking excessively, refuse to settle, and you may start to notice their skin and the whites of their eyes turning yellow as the disease progresses. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take him to a veterinarian immediately who will perform a series of diagnostic tests.   Importance of Diet  As the liver is responsible for detoxing the blood and producing the necessary chemicals required for digestion, a healthy diet is critical for dogs affected by liver disease. Many veterinarians and canine nutritionists now believe that the correct diet can make a huge difference and occasionally even reverse the effects of liver disease in certain cases.     Image credit   Natural Diet  One of the best ways to help your beloved pet regain their strength and repair their damaged liver is to feed them a diet packed with fresh, healthy produce. For an emergency detox diet, try different combinations of boiled potatoes, broccoli, green beans and cauliflower. After two to three days, start adding some animal proteins such as boiled eggs, white fish, cottage cheese, chicken breast and tuna. It is important to include plenty of protein in your dog's diet. Try feeding them several small meals a day rather than one large meal.   Prescription Diets  Many dog food manufacturers offer a wide range of prescription diets that are tailor-made for many different medical conditions. You can buy prescription dog food from veterinarians, pet shops, supermarkets or even order it online. Supplements such as milk thistle, zinc, and vitamins K, C, D and E are all great ways to support your dog's health and help them make a speedy recovery.   As well as making changes to your dog's diet, it is advisable to detox your home to ensure that your dog does not come into contact with any harmful chemicals that could make their condition worse. If you use pesticides or weed killer in your garden, make sure to keep your dog well away from any treated areas. Never allow your pet to come into contact with harsh cleaning products used in the home such as bleach or drain cleaner. Above all, try to keep your dog at a healthy weight and make sure they gets plenty of fresh air and exercise to ensure their long-term health.

This is Zoey and Jasper. Zoey is a rescue dog who loves many things but nothing more than Jasper. Jasper is a 10-month old who is not only adorable, but is best friends with Zoey. Jasper's mum, Grace is a professional photographer who has captured these too cute for words images of the pair wearing matching outfits and cheeky faces. Check out their Tumblr to read more about this delightful duo!    Image credit Image credit Image credit

First there was Grumpy Cat, then Lil Bub, and now there's Sir Stuffington, Menswear Dog - and of course, we can't forget Boo! These four-legged personalities are better known by name than many of our world leaders! So when it comes to the highest follower count, the most social media channels, who is top dog (or top cat?) Pet Bucket has broken it all down for you - it's time for the ultimate internet pet showdown!    Embed this infographic on your website - copy and paste the code below:   Infographic provided by Petbucket

We take a look at some of the sporting world’s quiet achievers.  Image credit   1. Keep your eye on the ball at all times  Despite some questionable plays around the net, nothing gets past this master tabby of table tennis.   Image credit     2. Point scoring pooch. Petey could teach the Harlem Globetrotters a thing or two, although slam dunking has always been a little out of his reach.    Image credit   3. Was it a hole in one? I couldn’t bear to look Sometimes in life, it’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game, the sportsdoglike character you bring to the competition and, of course, your snazzy fairway fashion.    Image credit   4. Doggie paddle? Puh-lease! She’s the Queen of the pool. Her amazing talent was discovered when she was spotted fearlessly diving into deep water and chasing fish as a mere kitten.    Image credit   5. A winning woof team In the history of Extreme Fetch, there’s been no better pairing. Other competitors don’t come within a sniff of these Labs when they have their prize in their sight.   Image credit   6. Captain Courageous Known as The Siamese Slammer, this super featherweight boxer is renowned for taking down the most formidable of opponents without hesitation.   Image credit   7. The Greatest of them all Is there anything Tillman the Bulldog can’t ride?  Skateboards, snowboards, surfboards and skimboards are no match for this guy – and who would have thought he’d such grace while doing it!   Image credit      

The small Japanese island of Tashirojima has been dubbed ‘Cat Heaven’ by visitors. Home to only one hundred people, cats far outnumber humans in the tiny fishing village.   Image credit   Cats were originally brought to the island to keep the mice population in check as the rodents were predators of the silkworms that were raised to spin silk to make nets. Over time, the population has aged and the silk farms have vanished – however the cats have remained and their numbers have exploded.  The remaining locals, mostly in their seventies, pamper the cats and feed them fish. It is believed, in line with Japanese folklore, the cats bring good luck and prosperity. The fishermen also examine the behaviour of the cats to determine weather and fish patterns, which they believe they are able to predict.    Image credit   For five years photographer Fubirai followed the cats around the village and captured snapshots of their daily lives. His recently published shots have now gone viral.    The island’s cat obsession manifests even in its architecture, with several cat-shaped buildings dotting the island.    The village rose to fame through the efforts of a couple who moved to the island from Sendai. They opened an inn called Hamaya for travellers and launched a blog in 2006 about the island and its inhabitants. A movie was made later that year about one of the cats on the island, Droopy-Eared Jack, with three sequels following which each updated fans on the turns of Jack’s life.     Image credit   Tourism for the island is now booming as visitors flock internationally to see the feline paradise for themselves. Many package tours take tourists to search amongst the many thousands of cats that call the island home in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the famous Jack.     Of course, since it is cat heaven, no dogs are allowed!   

Technology has changed the way we live our lives, so much so, it's now streamlining how we care for our pets. Here are some top pet apps that are perfect for keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe.     Tagg – the Pet Tracker by SnapTracs, Inc.  Tagg is designed to keep track of your pet’s movements, whether they have escaped from their yard or are lounging about the house.    After attaching a lightweight, waterproof Tagg tracker to your dog’s collar, the app can tell you where and what your pet is doing at all times. Perfect for doggy escape artists, the app texts you an alert if your canine companion has left their yard, where they are now, and even gives you driving directions to their location on your iPhone.  The app is also useful for monitoring your pet’s activity levels. Are they running around the backyard all day or curled up in their bed? Charts produced by the app can allow you and your vet to make informed decisions about your pet’s health and exercise regime.    DoggyDatez by Appetite Lab  DoggyDatez is a great app for dogs and dog owners who love their walkies. The app is a location-based mobile platform that lets you ‘mark your territory’ in your normal walking zones. Just like your doggy friend, you can stake your claim on an area and see who else visits your spot.    It is a great way to meet other dog owners that use the app and you never know, you may find great friends to go walking with.  There is even an advanced search option that allows you to narrow down the type of dog and dog owners in your region. You can scan specifically for users and their pets by gender, age, dog gender, dog age and even dog breed.    Image credit   iCam by SKJM   iCam is a great app for pet owners who spend a lot of time out of the house. The app allows you monitor live video and audio webcam feeds from your home when you’re out and about and see exactly what your dog or cat is getting up to.    Users have the option of recording and playing back footage. Wondering if Fido or Kitty is sneaking into the bedroom where they’re not allowed? Set up a webcam and notify the app the room is a no-go zone and it will tell you if it detects any movement within those walls.  It can also be a great app for people wishing to monitor their pet’s stress levels when they’re not around, which is particularly good if your pet suffers from anxiety, have just moved or are travelling.    PetRescue by Crazy Dog Apps Looking for a friend for your dog or cat – or for yourself? Invented by teenager Brandon Cowen, the free PetRescue app makes it easier for you to scan through the thousands of animals living in rescue shelters looking for a home.    The app automatically detects your state and helps you single out what you’re looking for amongst the 6500 lost and abandoned Australian pets looking for new human to call their own.     Pet First Aid – Red Cross   Do you know exactly what to if your dog was bitten on a walk? Or if your cat ate something it shouldn’t and has suddenly begun looking ill? The Pet First Aid app lets you be prepared 24/7 with medical emergency advice at your fingertips.    Loaded with video guides and step-by-step instructions, the app lets you know exactly how to care for your pet in the event of an accident. The app also allows owners to record their pet’s medical information, such as dates of past vaccinations, any medications they are on and known allergies and conditions they may have.       

Many people say their pets are like their children. This holds true for multimillionaires as well as the everyday man and woman. In grand fashion, some of these animal-loving people have made certain their beloved furbabies remain cared for upon their deaths, leaving some animals with truly astonishing fortunes.    Image credit Gunther IV the German Shepherd – $373 million   Image credit   The German Shepherd Gunther IV was born into riches. He inherited his sizeable bank balance from his father, Gunther III who was the companion of German countess Karlotta Liebenstein. When the Countess died in 1992, she left all her earthly wealth to her beloved canine friend. The princely pup Gunther IV in turn inherited his father’s wealth after his passing – a fortune which only continues to increase.    Gunther’s faithful staff have wisely invested his wealth, causing the initial sum given to him by his father to triple. Amongst Gunther’s recent purchases is a Miami villa owned previously by Madonna, a BMW, and a rare white truffle. His property portfolio also contains residences in the Bahamas, Italy and Germany.  Toby Rimes - $92 million  Another dog with a wealthy father is Toby Rimes, a poodle descended from his namesake who was owned by New York socialite Ella Wendel in the 1930s. She left her estate to her pet and the money has stayed in the poodle’s family over the years, descending from father to son, all of whom have born the same name.    Blackie  – $25 million    When the British multimillionaire Ben Rea passed away in 1988, he bequeathed his entire $25 million fortune to his beloved cat Blackie. Left nothing, Rea’s human family were not best pleased with the prominent antique merchant’s decision. Blackie subsequently entered the Guinness World Book of Records as the wealthiest cat in history. He lived his life in quiet luxury and being a charitable cat, shared his vast inheritance helping felines less fortunate than himself through donations to animal charities.     Tommasino - $15 million   Image credit   In a rags-to-riches story, the black stray cat Tommasino went from life on the streets to the lap of luxury. Tommasino won the heart of 94-year-old Italian lady Maria Assunta, who wished her enormous riches to go to her cat after her death.    However, as Italian law prohibits animals directly inheriting money, she understood that may not be possible and the money instead could go to a “worthy animal charity, if one could be found.” Several charities were considered by Assunta’s lawyers, however in the end it was decided none were appropriate.    Assunta had no living relatives and so the money was given into the hands of Assunta’s trusted nurse Stefania who cares for Tommasino and administers it on his behalf. According to Stefania, who had no clue her employer had so much money, Tommasino is content with the simple pleasures such as a saucer of milk and biscuits.   Trouble - $12 million    Image credit   Known as the ‘Queen of Mean’ in New York circles, Leona Helmsley may not have treated her fellow human beings with much kindness, but she certainly adored her Maltese Terrier Trouble. Handfed elegantly prepared meals presented on silver trays by domestic staff during Helmsley’s lifetime, Trouble received $12 million of her owner’s $4 billion estate.  She, like her owner, is not known for her sweet temper. Former maid Zamfira Sfara sued Helmsley after suffering nerve damage to her hands after being bitten repeatedly by the dog during bath time whilst her owner laughingly cheered her on.    Upon her death, Trouble will join her mistress, with directions being given that she be interred in the Helmsley Mausoleum.  Gigoo - $10 million    Image credit In a list dominated by dogs and cats, Gigoo the chicken deserves special mention. A hen, Gigoo is heir to the fortune of Miles Blackwell, the publishing giant. A widow and fourth generation Oxford bookseller, with a love of animals and a notable sense of humour, he decided to will his entire estate to his clucky friend.     Together these furry and feathered rich kids command a combined fortune of $527 million – somehow we don’t think they’ll ever be short of bones or treats!           

Leaving behind your little bundle of fur even for a few hours is unpleasant, but for your puppy it can be a devastating experience. After being separated from their mother and siblings, many dogs will worry that their owner has also left them forever every time they are alone- even for a short time. This anxiety will often be displayed through barking, howling, whining, panting, scratching furniture and even urinating in the house. As well as driving your neighbours crazy, this behavior can become extremely expensive over time if your dog decides to take out their frustration on your home and possessions. Dealing with separation anxiety early on is critical to ensure the problem doesn't spiral out of control and become a lifelong habit. Image credit   Exercise  One of the best ways to get your dog to be calm and relaxed whenever you leave the home is also the easiest. Like people, bored dogs will find unhealthy activities to occupy their time, such as scattering the contents of the garbage can all over the house or even biting and licking themselves obsessively. Take your dog for a long walk or run in the park just before you leave the house. Try to challenge them mentally as well as physically by playing games such as fetch, hide and seek and practicing basic training techniques. Once your dog is worn out, they'll be far more likely to sleep soundly during your absence.     Distraction  If your dog is crazy about their food, giving them a toy stuffed with a treat may make them oblivious to the fact that you have even left the house. Try filling a Kong or other sturdy toys with peanut butter or pate and placing it in the freezer overnight. You can also buy specially designed toys that you can fill with treats so your dog has to work to get them out. Some owners find that leaving the TV or radio on when they go out helps to comfort stressed-out pups, or you could even try playing a recording of your voice whenever you leave the house.     Discipline  Letting your dog know that you and your family are the leaders of the pack will allow them to settle into life as a pack member and develop their own self-confidence. By demonstrating that you are in control at all times, will help your dog to become less nervous and more accepting of different situations. Never reward your dog's bad behavior with attention as even a negative reaction from you is better than no reaction at all. Instead, always wait until they are calm and in control before giving them praise and affection. Disregard As you enter and exit your home, avoid overexciting your dog by making a fuss of them and speaking in a high-pitched voice. Instead, simply leave your home without speaking to your dog and then refuse to acknowledge them when you return until they are calm. Many owners find it difficult to ignore their dog when they ask for attention, but doing so will help them to grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult.     

While Burmese cats have attracted less attention than some other similar breeds (most notably Siamese), those who have owned one will often say that it is hard to transition to any other breed once you have enjoyed the love of a Burmese. Here are some reasons why these cats can make truly wonderful pets. Image credit   1. Your Burmese will love to have conversations with you. These vocal cats have an opinion about everything and enjoy expressing these opinions at every possible opportunity. Burmese cats tend to speak up when they want something (whether it's a toy, a bowl of food or a cuddle), and some are also quite responsive to vocal commands. This is one of the traits that lead some owners to comment that their Burmese is dog-like in some respects.   2. They can also be taught to fetch, especially if you start training them at a young age. They will retrieve toys, and you might also find that they deliver 'presents' when you least expect it. When your Burmese is looking for attention, they might appear at your feet carrying one of your objects in their mouth (such as a comb, a glove or a sock).   Image credit   3. If you're looking for a cat that is good with small children, a Burmese is one of the best choices. They usually have relaxed dispositions and adore affection. Young children are unlikely to find these cats to be aggressive or timid, and older children will love playing games with a Burmese.   4. Burmese cats are visually stunning. Whether you opt for the round-faced American Burmese or prefer the more angular British Burmese, you will have the chance to choose between many beautiful colours. Common colours are brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream. These colors appear at their darkest around the cat's 'points' (i.e. the face, ears, feet and tail).   5. If you want to live in a multi-cat household, you will find it advantageous to have a Burmese in the mix. These cats are friendly, adaptable creatures and will typically enjoy the company of other cats. Indeed, it is worth noting that a single Burmese can become bored and lonely if the owner is out for most of the day and there are no other felines around.   Image credit   6. Burmese cats are highly intelligent. While this means you may need to be more careful about locking important doors, it also means that your cat can enjoy puzzle-based toys and will seem to experience a more sophisticated range of emotions.   7. The average Burmese will live for more than fifteen years. Indeed, it is common to see 18-20 year old Burmese cats. As a bonus, this breed is famous for remaining kitten-like well into old age. Even when your cat qualifies as geriatric, you can still expect to see them play and display curiosity (though they will of course need to sleep more between these sessions).     

As your pet cat advances in years, they will unfortunately become more prone to suffering from a range of different medical problems. However, the good news is that treatments are available for many of the common health problems found in elderly cats. If you want to increase the chances of helping your pet to maintain good health and quality of life well into old age, keep a look out for the symptoms of these major diseases and conditions.    Chronic renal failure Cats are anatomically predisposed to develop kidney disease and renal failure, during which the kidneys gradually become less effective at excreting waste. If your pet's renal health is declining, you might notice that their appetite is decreasing, they're becoming skinnier, they're drinking more, and is urinating more frequently. In some cases, lethargy and reserved behavior is also noted. By the time these symptoms present, most cats will have lost up to 70% of their kidney function, so many vets advise annual screenings for kidney disease. A yearly blood test can give your vet a picture of the cat's kidney health and allow you to plan ahead to slow any decline in function. There are dietary changes and supplements that can help older cats survive with kidney disease for many years.  Feline diabetes   In older age, your cat may lack the appropriate amount of insulin required for energy, or they might become resistant to normal amounts of insulin, leading to diabetes. Diabetic cats typically appear very hungry, thirstier, and more inclined to urinate on a regular basis. As with kidney disease, diabetes can also be detected through routine blood screenings. If you end up with a diabetic pet, you can feed them a special diet and their condition may be improved by regular insulin injections. If diagnosed at an early stage, diabetes is unlikely to have a huge impact on your cat's quality of life or life expectancy.      High blood pressure   Just like humans, cats are more likely to develop a wide range of further health problems if blood pressure levels get too high. In particular, high blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Kidney problems are also linked to chronic blood pressure problems and some cats will lose their vision as tiny blood vessels behind the eyes begin to be damaged by the pressure. As a result, it is always smart to talk to your vet about whether your cat's blood pressure should be tested. There are medications that relax the blood vessels in order to reduce the pressure within them, and there are dietary adjustments that can also help.   Hyperthyroidism   Once a cat is over ten years old, they become more likely to suffer from an excess of certain hormones that regulate metabolic rate. If your cat has hyperthyroidism, they may become very skinny within weeks or months (in spite of eating more enthusiastically than ever), show an increased need for water, and experience a fast heart rate. A straightforward blood test can tell you whether your cat has an overactive thyroid, and there are medications that help to compensate for the condition.    Image credit   Arthritis   Finally, although arthritic cats tend to have fewer treatment options than dogs, there are ways to help your cat if they develop this painful joint problem. If you notice that your cat is limping, displaying fear of jumping or moving, or flinching when touched in a specific area, your vet can examine them for arthritis. If a diagnosis is given, then fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help to boost blood flow and lower overall levels of inflammation, which can reduce pain.