Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2015 i Dogs Life

For those of you who follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), you may have noticed we recently grew our little Dogs Life team. A new rescue puppy, Franklin, bounded his way into our lives back in March from Animal Welfare League NSW and has truly stolen our hearts. It had been so long since Rusty was a little pup that I’d almost forgotten what it was like to raise one. Along with sleepless nights and keeping up with his toilet training, we have been making an effort to ensure our little man is kept warm and dry, especially during the cooler months. As he’s a Staffy cross (possibly with a Greyhound), he doesn’t have much natural coat to protect him from the elements, even though he spends…

With Village Vets Australia being picked up for another season by The LifeStyle channel on Foxtel, it is clear the country boys from Berry in NSW are more than just the talk of the town. After meeting on their first day at Sydney University, Dr James Carroll and Dr Anthony Bennett became close friends through their love of animals and making a difference. “We sat together on a bus when we went on a tour of the university farm and we have been mates ever since,” recalls Anthony. Both boys were on and off farms as children, and this influenced their decision to become veterinarians. “We both agree that this is the source of our love for animals, along with all of the family pets of course, and it played…

Do dogs feel the cold? A dog’s ability to tolerate the cold can depend on its coat, body fat stores, activity level and health, says Dr Martine Perkins from Pymble Veterinary Clinic. “The key is being acclimatised to the weather. If a dog is accustomed to warm weather and is suddenly taken to a colder climate and expected to live outside, then it would certainly feel cold and even visibly shiver, just like its owner.” CAN DOGS BE KEPT OUTDOORS IN WINTER? Dr Perkins says dogs should be kept inside during extreme weather conditions or if there is inappropriate shelter outside the house. “Like people, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia,” she says. “Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds are bred for colder climates but no pet should be left…

Winston, a 15-year-old Pug/Brussels Griffon mix, won the lottery when he came home with Sarah Enid Connor and her family. While they knew that Winston had health problems when they rescued him, it’s only been recently that the arthritis in Winston’s spine and back legs has become a significant issue. “He still plays and follows me everywhere,” says Connor. “He even makes it out of a ramped dog door to the backyard.” With its cold temperatures, freezing wind and wet weather, winter only brings more pain for the estimated one in five Australian dogs who, like Winston, suffer from arthritis. So how can you tell if your dog is one of them? WHAT IS ARTHRITIS? Arthritis in dogs, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a painful inflammatory…

Pumpkin the American Staffordshire Terrier was nothing if not well behaved. The friendly five-year-old had graduated from puppy school, completed advanced-level obedience training and was an enthusiastic agility competitor. “The Pump”, as she was affectionately known, was a popular fixture at the off-leash dog beach near the Sunshine Coast home of her owner, photographer Helga Dalla. “We walked religiously every day, sometimes twice a day, and she would have a romp and play with the other dogs on the beach,” Dalla says. But then one day, the unthinkable happened. Without warning, Pumpkin attacked a Poodle, a dog she had encountered many times before, biting it and injuring its elderly owner in the ensuing chaos. “The lady tripped and fell, grabbing her dog and holding it tightly to her chest. Pumpkin…

Most of us have heard about the children’s book character Dr Doolittle, a doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh who has the uncanny ability to speak with animals. The Dr features in a popular fictional series from the 1920s — and who believes it’s anything more than a tale of great imagining? Nobody can understand animals, let alone communicate back to them. Or can they? Animal communicators believe they have the ability to understand how a dog, a cat, or a horse is feeling. They claim to have a connection deep enough, a mind still enough, and telepathy accurate enough to translate what an animal is trying to say. Here, four animal communicators share with us how they work as animal translators. CAROLINE POPE, FROM BEACONSFIELD, VICTORIA After 20 years as an animal…

It wasn’t all that long ago that your only option when you needed to find somewhere for your dog to stay was to book him in at the local boarding kennel. But in many cases, the humble local boarding kennel is a whole lot different to what it used to be. The past decade or so has seen a huge rise in the popularity of luxurious dog hotels, which promise to offer the ultimate home away from home for your pampered pooch. From opulent suites with all the trimmings to interactive play areas, these dog hotels are perfect for dogs that enjoy the finer things in life. “It is extremely important for owners to know that their dogs are going to be both cared for and nurtured while they are…

Homer can thank his human parents’ desire to become more active for his Insta-fame. His human mum Mei Chandra first made the decision to adopt a dog so she would have a reason to exercise. “We were a bunch of lazy couch potatoes. We wanted to bring a dog into our family to help us be more active.” Since Mei and her partner both work full time, the demands of a puppy would have been too difficult for the couple to meet, so they decided to look for an adult dog that needed a loving home. “We wanted to rehome from a breeder because these dogs also deserved a loving home,” Mei explains. She was even keen to take in a retired breeding dog or a pooch that had been…

Before Tracy-Lynne Geysen formed Couper Geysen (with partner Gary Couper), there was no other law firm in Australia practising animal law. Despite being widely practised in America for the past three decades, it’s still an emerging field in Australia. Animal law aims to protect the rights of animals and acts on behalf of human owners in cases of neglect, cruelty, civil and canine custody disputes. For Geysen, her passion for protecting animals and advocating for the promotion of their welfare and rights has become her life’s work. “Animal law is a great area of law to practise in because we act for so many owners who love their animals,” Geysen says. “In the same way that we love practising family law because we have fantastic clients who see us at…

BREED FEATURE: BOXER A wonderful companion and family pet, the Boxer has such a happy nature that you will have no trouble smiling after you welcome it into your home. The origins of this friendly dog can be traced back to Germany, where the Boxer came from an early German Mastiff-type dog called the Bullenbeisser, which means “bull-biter”. According to John Wagner, author of The Boxer (first published in 1939), Bullenbeissers were bred on noble estates in Germany. These dogs made up the hunting packs of elite society and were taken out to hunt wild boar and small bear. After the Napoleonic wars they became known as the butcher’s dog and cattle dealer’s dog. Wagner believes the breed worked its way into the hearts of many German families as a…

How long have you been working with dogs and how did you get started? I’ve been photographing domesticated animals for 10 years (and counting) and taking commissioned work in the last three years. What does your work involve? Inspiration, dedication and a lot of work! You need to identify the right fit for each commission — the location, art direction, all the planning and preparation, then editing, post processing, printing, framing, album designs and delivery — it’s all work I do personally. I think most professional photographers will tell you there’s just as much work behind the scenes as there is during a shoot. The shoot is the fun stuff . “I photographed a couple of dogs once — and they let out a fart. We were stuck in this…

315 The amount of parvovirus cases recorded in Australia in the first three months of 2015, according to the Disease Watchdog (diseasewatchdog.org). This shocking figure includes 170 cases in NSW and 60 cases in Qld. “Of those cases that were treated, unfortunately 53 per cent died or were euthanased. But this doesn’t have to be the case. There’s a simple solution to preventing dogs from contracting the disease,” says Dr Michael O’Donoghue, AVA Queensland Division President. Dr O’Donoghue recommends all puppies from six weeks of age should be vaccinated against parvovirus and other canine diseases. Follow-up vaccinations are also required and your vet can advise on what’s best in your area. Parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread by oral or nasal contact with contaminated faeces, a contaminated environment or…

WINNING LETTER The dog with the big heart Dear Dogs Life, Rhu is a 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel living the good life the best she can. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure when she began coughing frequently. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to provide adequate circulation to meet the body’s needs and is the end result of an enlarged, weakened heart. Currently she takes medication to reduce the fluid build-up in her lungs and help her heart function. If she exercises excessively she may faint. Although her walks to the park have now ceased, she pulls us to the car, which she loves more. At the park, she will bark for her favourite green ball to be thrown. She no longer returns with the ball but…

As the mercury plummets and our usually sunny weather turns grey, most of us like to bunker down for the winter and wait as patiently as we can for spring. When it’s cold, wet and freezing outside, it’s no great surprise so many of us hate winter. But what about our dogs? How do they feel when the frosty weather sets in? Do they love the cool, crisp air, or does the mere thought of winter make them want to pull a doona over their heads and go back to sleep? According to Dr James Crowley, a small-animal veterinarian from Sydney, different breeds have different skills for coping with the winter chill. “Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable…

There are few diagnoses less welcome to a dog owner than hearing their beloved pet has cancer. While cancer comes in all shapes, sizes and types, lymphoma is one of the more common cancers and sadly, it isn’t curable. On the plus side, a growing body of research shows cancer-controlling diets can help slow the progress of the lymphoma and lengthen remission time. One of the biggest concerns for dogs with lymphoma is the development of cancer cachexia. Dr Gregory Ogilvie, a pioneer in canine cancer nutritional research, explains it is a metabolic condition during which the dog experiences weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and impaired immune function. It can change the way the dog’s body metabolises carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, often resulting in increased energy use by the…

When she was working in advertising in California in the ‘80s, Gurney sought medical advice for her cat that was soiling inside the house, and what her traditional vet suggested shocked her. “He gave me the names of three animal communicators! I looked one of them up and she said the cat was reacting to the tension between me and my husband. The communicator said my cat was trying to ground and balance the territory.” Carol knew she was right. She dumped the husband, kept the cat and the accidents stopped. Keen to learn more about animal communication, she attended some workshops, but after two years she hadn’t developed the gift — until she came to own a horse called Tallanny. “I would sit in his corral, and it just…

Mungo & Maud Petite Amande Dog Shampoo provides a silky sheen using the highest-quality ingredients. Containing French blackcurrant, Tunisian neroli, mimosa and violet leaf on a base of sweet vanilla bourbon — with a little almond — your pooch will smell sweet like heaven. All ingredients have been carefully chosen and the shampoo contains no parabens. Even you can use it! Your dog will also want to get muddy just so you can dry him with the gorgeous natural dog towel at bath time. Your dog will delight in the sumptuous cotton, check fabric and bone detailing. The towel is machine washable. mungoandmaud.com Underwater Dogs Underwater Dogs is an all-Australian start-up company offering professionally formulated, soap-free and pH-balanced hair care products for your dog. Containing naturally soothing, conditioning and revitalising…

What tips do you have for other Pugs that aspire to be an awesome model? Always sleep close to 20 hours per day, because everyone knows Pugs need their beauty sleep. Keep exercise to a minimum — five minutes per day is enough. And don’t forget your wrinkle exercise — it’s your best asset. Do you have any bad habits? I do love to pass some potent wind while facing my mum’s face… What does a typical day look like for you? 5am: Morning run with dad 7am: Munch on some raw bones 8am: Play with toys 9am: Time to while away the day — sleep, snore, fart 5pm: Evening run with mum 6pm: Dinner 8pm: Sleep, snore, fart…

VitaPet has some great advice on how to treat your dog this chilly season. 1. Happiness: Dogs love snacks and treats and they make a great reward for good behaviour. 2. Bonding: Snacks and treats can help reinforce the bond between you and your dog. 3. Behaviour: Dogs need to chew and chewing can provide stimulation and help relieve anxiety. 4. Teeth: Chewing keeps dogs’ jaws strong, teeth clean, gums healthier and breath fresher. Dogs that chew on healthy snacks such as dried jerky have less plaque and tartar build-up. 5. H ealth: Real meat treats are healthier than artificial treats and less calorie-laden. 6. Bone myth: Contrary to popular belief, bones are not the best treat. They can splinter and cause stomach problems. Dogs can chew down hard and…

Reducing your dog’s “pawprint” Inspired by the dog of ENJO founder, Barb de Corti, the new limited-edition Heidi Howls range, especially for dogs, will ensure your puppy will not only be clean as a whistle, but your family will be healthier too! This must-have pet range pack, which includes the pet towel, travel bowl and face towel, is focused on keeping your furry friends clean and healthy with no nasties. They’re all available for a limited time only so make sure to pick up a pack. ENJO’s entire range of planet-friendly products is available at enjo.com.au Teach your dog to swim! K9 Swim runs various programs throughout the year such as Puppy Splash, Learn to Swim classes, Senior Nights for our aged dogs and their Weight Loss program that was…

Dogs Life has has five Easy Walk Harnesses to give away. There are five sizes available so please specify which size you would like for your dog. PETSAFE EASY WALK HARNESS The Easy Walk Harness from PetSafe Australia (petsafe.net) is designed to gently discourage dogs from pulling while walking on the lead. Unlike traditional collars, the Easy Walk Harness does not cause coughing, gagging or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone. Its unique front-chest lead attachment stops pulling by steering your dog to the side and redirecting his attention towards the owner. Dogs Life has six Underwater Dogs Gift Boxes to give away. There are three adult and three puppy versions available so please specify which one you would like for your dog. UNDERWATER DOGS Underwater…

Note: Use only the yarn specified. Other yarns are likely to produce different results. Quantities are approximate as they can vary between knitters. Check the ball bands to ensure all yarn of the same colour is from the same dye lot. ● 1 pair each 3.25mm (UK 10) and 4mm (UK 8) knitting needles, a set of 3.25mm double-pointed knitting needles and a 3.25mm circular knitting needle or size needed to give correct tension. ● 2 stitch-holders. ● 1 button. ● wool needle for sewing seams. TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 4mm needles. To work a tension square, using 4mm needles, cast on 33 sts. Work 44 rows stocking st. Cast off loosely. Check your tension carefully. If less sts to 10cm use…

You may have heard of heartworm, but what is it and how do dogs get it? Heartworm is a parasitic worm that is transferred from one dog to the next by mosquito bites. And, according to Dr Ian Murdoch from Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital, dogs don’t transfer it to each other. “Dogs don’t catch it from each other by meeting at the park or coughing on each other,” he says. “One mosquito bite is enough to transfer the infection. Therefore, dogs are not safe just because the owner keeps them away from other dogs.” Heartworm, although a worm, is different to those that are intestinal. This particular worm travels through the bloodstream to the heart and pulmonary arteries. It can physically obstruct the flow of blood through the right side…

1 HIDE AND SEEK If you haven’t tried this yet, you really need to. This game can provide hours of fun for you and your pet. First, find a good hiding place away from your dog’s view. Once you are settled, call out your dog’s name. You’ll be surprised how quickly they find you! Once they’ve come to you, give them a pat or a treat and start all over again. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN SUGGESTIONS FOR INDOOR GAMES? Email us at dogslife@universalmagazines.com. au and let us know. 2 TREAT HUNT This game is great for those dogs that are food-oriented. Grab a handful of your dog’s favourite treats (make sure they are small) and hide them all over the house/a specific room. Make sure your dog is in…

PET CHECK-IN You’ve booked your holiday and paid for it, and you can’t wait to escape to your dream destination for a relaxing getaway. There’s just one problem: where is your dog going to stay while you’re away? Knowing that your pet will be well looked after when you’re on holiday is an essential requirement for dog lovers, but finding a reputable and reliable boarding kennel isn’t always easy. That’s where a new Australian business called Pet Check-in can help. This organisation has searched and screened boarding facilities Australia-wide to find and list only the top, most reputable pet boarding facilities for dogs and cats. Pet owners can easily search petcheck-in.com.au 24/7 for pet boarding facilities on location, availability, rating or price. “I am no stranger to the angst and…

It’s hard to imagine what our lives would be like without our canine companions. They provide us with unconditional love, constant companionship and unwavering commitment. They don’t judge us when we’ve had a bad day, they make the best listeners and their loyalty is second to none. It’s for these reasons (and many more!) that man’s best friend deserves to be celebrated. After its inaugural success last year, the award-winning Dog Lovers Show will bound back to the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries in Sydney on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August, giving dog devotees the opportunity to cuddle, learn and connect with hundreds of pooches at this family-friendly event. According to Dog Lovers Show founder and CEO, Jason Humphris, the upcoming Sydney Dog Lovers Show will be…

BREED FEATURE: PEKINGESE The Pekingese’s leonine looks, dignified manner and loyalty have made it a favourite companion of emperors and kings. For centuries, Pekingese were worshipped in the temples of China. It was a custom for the emperor to select four Pekingese as “bodyguards”. These four dogs would precede the emperor on occasions of state, announcing his arrival with sharp piercing barks, while the other dogs daintily held the hem of his royal robe in their mouths. Theft of or injury to a Pekingese was a crime punishable by death. The origins of the Pekingese are steeped in Chinese legend. One story tells of a lion that fell in love with a marmoset. In order for him to be wedded to his lady love, the lion begged Ah Chu, the…

IT’S OUR SENIORS AND MUTTS SPECIAL! ● What is a mutt? Find out! ● Oodles of fun: decipher different cross breeds ● Learn the benefits of owning an older pet PLUS! ● Doggy eyesight: does it change as they get older? ● How to help your other animals cope after loss ● Tips to keep your senior pet comfortable in their twilight years AND MEET EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL BREEDS … ● Cocker Spaniel ● Rhodesian Ridgeback ●Scottish Terrier ON SALE AUGUST 20, DON’T MISS IT!…

KIDS OR DOGS. Who’s scarier? Dogs are creatures of habit. To survive, they need to be able to predict their environment and control it within their group as best they can. Unfortunately, children, particularly those of toddler age, can be both unpredictable and uncontrollable. Therefore, to a dog, a child can be very scary. Think from a dog’s perspective. Imagine being confronted by a small human stranger who runs up to you, throws their hands in front and touches you everywhere without being asked, who squeals without reason and whose movements are as predictable as the Melbourne weather. Imagine, you are attached to someone who is not listening to you and has complet. To hear more on Laura and Chester, visit our community blog online now! dogslife.com.au/dog-bloggers…