Innholdsfortegnelse for April Issue#143 i Dogs Life

Dogs and cats age approximately seven years to our one year and are generally considered senior pets from seven years of age. Because they age so rapidly, their risk of developing disease or illness increases as each year passes and can progress quite fast. Often the signs of ageing in our pets can be subtle, but there are some key signs that show us our beloved companions are reaching their twilight years. Signs of your pet ageing include: • Difficulty rising or walking • Difficulty going to the toilet • Urinating more • Change in appetite • Bad breath/coughing • Sleeping more than usual • Development of lumps and bumps • Changes in behaviour/personality The key to a long and healthy life is early detection of serious health issues. Senior…

There’s no denying that the heat of summer is still lingering in parts of our wide brown land, and with that comes an increase in inclement weather and unruly storms. It was only two years ago that torrential rains and flooding wreaked havoc on the east coast of New South Wales, and many forecasters are concerned that this could happen again. For those of us with dogs, storms can be a particularly trying time. “Many pets can end up with injuries caused by vicious storms,” Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, says. To help try to keep these incidents at an all-time low, DOGSLife recommends: • Ensuring all fencing in your yard is secure and strong • Removing any loose items from the yard prior to a storm •…

Have you noticed your dog gaining weight? Does your pooch seem listless, or very sleepy? Or is its coat looking dull and patchy? If any of these symptoms apply, your dog might be suffering from hypothyroidism or thyroid disease. There are two types of hypothyroidism. The first is acquired hypothyroidism, which can occur from around four years of age. This type is more common in medium to large breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Dobermanns, Great Danes and Boxers. The other type, congenital hypothyroidism, is far less common — dogs are born with it and it can cause dwarfism. So how does a dog end up with acquired hypothyroidism? Dr Matthew Best from Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre says in half the cases, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stops…

There’s nothing quite like the pure bliss of a massage to feel your aches, pains and stress melt away. Dogs also enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage, which incorporates many of the same techniques that are used on humans. Doggy massage is all about improving your dog’s health and wellbeing. It promotes fluid ease of movement, improves muscle tone for better function, facilitates greater strength and endurance, and helps with physical ailments. Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us how they feel and they are adept at hiding pain and discomfort. A massage can help pinpoint problem areas and issues, as your practitioner will assess your dog during a consultation. Megan Ayrault, author of The Dog Lover’s Guide to Massage, says modernday doggy massage has a host of health benefits. It…

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and we all want our pets to be as happy as possible. But do you know what you can do to help your dog be (and stay) in tip-top condition from puppyhood right through to his senior years? Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. The journey to a healthier pet, however, begins with eight simple steps. STEP 1: THE RIGHT DIET The old health campaign slogan that “you are what you eat” applies just as much to our four-legged friends as it does to us. The right diet is essential to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing, helping him stay active, fight off disease and generally tackle whatever life may throw at…

Like people, dogs bring their own baggage to social interactions; their unique personalities and personal histories all influence how they get along with other dogs. But that doesn’t mean they can act inappropriately. The tricky thing is knowing when a dog is acting like a bully, as opposed to just being playful. Dr Eloise Bright from Love That Pet says it comes down to how other dogs are reacting to your pooch. “Dogs should display a range of behaviours when playing with other dogs, including play bows (front-end down, bottom up) and rolling on their side,” she says. “A dog that is possessive over balls or is constantly standing over other dogs and never rolling over or play bowing may be tending towards being a bully. If dogs are trying…

Choosing a bed can feel like a daunting task. With so many different options ranging in price from the very cheap to the downright ridiculous, it can be hard knowing what features to look out for. DOGSLife asks three prominent members of the pet industry their thoughts on what to look for when choosing a bed. OTHER TIPS AND TRICKS Of course, just buying the right bed isn’t enough to guarantee your pet a good night’s sleep. Dr Jo Righetti emphasises that the location of the bed is just as important as the type you purchase. “The bed should be in a quieter spot away from traffic, although many dogs prefer to be within the body of the home, rather than shut away,” she says. “Outdoor beds should be located…

A happy, excited dog is a wonderful sight to behold: bouncing up and down, tail wagging her entire body, unable to sit still and every fibre of her being seemingly bursting with energy and unbridled joy. But sometimes our pets can take their excitement a little too far and work themselves up into a state of hyperactivity. You may simply find yourself in a situation where a hyperactive dog will only cause trouble, so you need to be able to bring your pet back under control as soon as possible. In these situations, it’s vital you know how to calm your crazy dog immediately and with a minimum of fuss. But before you can tame your savage beast, you first need to learn why he gets into such a state…

DL: Tell us about how Grover came into your life. CG: I moved from Melbourne to Sydney for my partner’s work and decided to take time out from corporate life and volunteer for a charity. I wanted to do something good and give back. I started out walking dogs at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home and loved the organisation; they never place time limits on the animals there. When they offered me a job, I looked at my partner lovingly and said maybe I’d do it for a little while? I’d only been there a few weeks when an animal ranger brought in a dishevelled Border Collie and put him on the floor. The dog promptly collapsed. He was only 11kg and had been completely mistreated. He still had…

STOOL MUNCHER Q: Hi DOGSLife, I have a Blue Heeler named Riley and he’s developed an interesting problem: he’s started to eat his own poo! It’s not an everyday occurrence but, perhaps once a week, I’ll be out in the yard and see him sniffing around his stools, then quickly munch them up when I move closer to clean the mess. Why is he doing this and can the behaviour be harmful to his health? Chris, via email Dr Renee O’Duhring says: Hi Chris, what Riley is doing is called coprophagia — the act of eating stool. Some dogs will eat the stool of other animals such as horses, cattle and rabbits, and this can be quite normal as the stools of herbivorous animals contain many beneficial probiotics and enzymes. When…

Weight gain can be difficult to diagnose in pets and can creep up slowly. After all, we love our fourlegged friends so much and it’s natural to want to spoil them with extra treats and a little snack here and there. However, weight gain can be a cause of many problems in pets. In the last five years, Pet Insurance Australia has seen an almost 600 per cent increase in osteoarthritis and around a 700 per cent increase in cruciate ligament claims, leading the company to wonder if perhaps overindulgence is to blame. “If you have an overweight pet, now is the time to really consider busting off those extra kilograms and speaking to your vet about a realistic weight management program,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. It’s…

The 2016 Holiday Rental Awards by Stayz went off with a bang at the end of last year. A host of properties, from the extremely luxurious to the family-focused, were nominated but there’s one main category that caught our eye — the pet-friendly category, of course. This year’s winner was Wira Hideaway in Queensland’s Noosa, a property that welcomes dogs both inside and out, with the fenced area providing a safe and comfortable space to play. Some of the four-legged guests to the property even engage in a bit of lagoon swimming! Sounds lovely. To check this place out for yourself and take the family plus Fido on a holiday, visit stayz.com.au…

WEATHERBEETA PARKA AND FLEECE DOG COAT Keep your four-legged friends warm, dry and cosy this winter with the range from WeatherBeeta. The WeatherBeeta Parka 1200 Denier coat features a waterproof and breathable superstrong, triple-weave outer with durable nylon lining and a warm 220g of polyfill. It also includes easy-to-use touch-tape closures at the chest and belly to ensure a secure fit. Meanwhile, the super-comfy WeatherBeeta Fleece dog coat is incredibly warm and breathable. It features antipill fleece and easy-to-use touch-tape closures at the chest and belly. Both dog coats are available in a range of colours and sizes. For more information, visit weatherbeeta.com.au PAW BY BLACKMORES HAMPER Pets are living longer and, similar to humans, are more susceptible to lifestyle, environment and age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, digestion problems and…

When pet insurance first came out (and I’m about to show my age here), it was a solid no from my husband and me — there was pretty much one option on the table and a list of exclusions as long as my arm. We were also very much “fly by the seat of our pants” financial types, who, with the benefit of hindsight, had no idea just how many costs crop up with pets (the second dog we got a year later taught us the hard way). Fast-forward to the end of our first pup’s life — he got to 17 — and, thankfully, our approach to finances matured alongside him, and we were grateful to have insurance. With the average cost of annual veterinary bills around the $450…

Of all the decisions facing new dog owners, from finding a vet to picking out a collar, choosing a dog food is probably the most confusing. There are foods for different ages and different breeds, foods with a variety of ingredients and flavours, products endorsed by your favourite TV vet, wet foods and dry foods, and even a battle between home-cooked and commercial diets. The amount of choice available is simply staggering, so how can any firsttime dog owner be expected to make an informed decision on the right food for their dog? To help make it easier to choose the right dog food, we spoke to three vets for their advice on canine nutrition: Dr Eloise Bright from Love that Pet (lovethatpet.com), Dr Karen Flexner from My Vet Animal…

Nobody likes the dentist, right? That eerie silence, those bright lights overhead and that sudden high-pitched whizzing sound of the drill… It pays to look after your teeth with regular brushing and a healthy diet so you can avoid that expensive horror show. The same goes for dogs. With more than 42 permanent teeth, dogs have 10 more teeth than the average human (strangely, 42 is also the answer to “the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything” according to Douglas Adams in his book The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy. Trust our faithful dogs to be the keepers of such power). Once puppies lose their 28 baby teeth, dogs’ adult teeth come in and are generally cavity free because, unlike us humans, their diet isn’t laden with sugar.…

One of life’s simple joys is taking your dog to the local park for a game of fetch. Best of all, it’s up to your pooch to do most of the work, so it’s a great way to tire her out while preserving your own energy. When you first get started, it’s all about the rewards. Dr Eloise Bright from Love That Pet says fetch is best taught at close range. “Give your dog a toy or ball to put in his mouth, then encourage him to swap it for a treat (the ‘give’ command). Then take a step back and encourage your dog to take a couple of steps towards you to ‘give’ the toy in exchange for a treat,” she explains. Next, continue with more steps backwards. “Once…

Anyone familiar with child development (or a consumer of parenting publications) knows that while children are at play, they are learning valuable life skills. This is the same for dogs, according to animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti. And animal behaviourist and author of Things Your Dog Wants You to Know, Laura Vissaritis, says play is a crucial ingredient in developing a bond with your dog and having fun together is mutually beneficial. “When we play, our brain releases happy chemicals and it encourages us to cooperate with our best furry mates. The same goes for dogs,” Laura explains. The behaviourist says play encourages the brain to think, problem-solve and engage, and there is new research indicating dogs learn and remember more from their training session if we play with them…

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is truly one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have. And having adopted all three of my furry friends, I know first-hand the extraordinary sense of satisfaction you feel knowing you’ve given a deserving animal a second chance. But often people are wary of adoption for fear that the animal may be too much “work” or untrainable due to its age and life circumstances. This is why rehabilitation is crucial, both for the animal’s health and mental state, as well as to ensure it’s successfully rehomed and integrated back into society. REHAB: HEALTH “The first thing we do is desex all the animals that come into our care and have them worked over by a vet,” Denise Becus from Denise at PAWS,…

DL: How did your organisation start? CE: Australian Working Dog Rescue International (AWDRI) actually started as a result of another venture not gathering enough support to begin. A group of people were to come together to form an Australian working dog group in conformation. Nearly all who had declared interest did not turn up to the first meeting and, as a result, Di (my wife) and I sat down and decided to take the idea of the Australian working dog show group and apply it to rescue, which we were already involved with in Australia and in the USA via an online forum we had been running for a number of years. Thus the first rescue organisation in Australia that supported our nation’s iconic dogs came to be. DL: Why…

Dig-In Digestive gravy powder Dig-In Digestive gravy powder is an all-natural food-based health supplement, which is simply added to your dog’s dinner. Apply it as a powder to wet food or add it to water to make gravy and enhance the palatability of dry food. It has been scientifically developed to aid with the common symptoms of food allergies, in particular targeting digestive repair, and skin and ear irritations. Best of all, your dog will love the taste of its dinner and “dig in” for more! For more information, visit dig-in.com.au Poodle & Shadow cushion Let your affection for dogs shine loud and proud with the Poodle & Shadow cushion, available now from Country Culture. Made from 100 per cent natural pearl linen and designed and hand-printed in Mangerton, Australia,…

Research confirms the direct and indirect effects of massage to each cell within every system of the body. Massage improves overall health, wellbeing and longevity and is as beneficial to our four-legged friends as it is to us, beginning from the puppy stages of growing right through to our esteemed elderly dogs. Canine myofunctional therapy has been recommended by veterinarians and animal care experts across the world as a powerful healing tool in the treatment and/or aiding in the prevention of many musculoskeletal conditions, including the specialised care required in post-operative procedures. With the Natural College of Traditional Medicine, you can gain an industry-accredited qualification to work with companion animals and help them reach optimal wellness. In this course, you will learn the application of controlled and deliberate techniques to…

It turns out you and your dog aren’t the only ones benefitting from your daily spin around the block. An international study carried out by Dr Hayley Christian from The University of Western Australia has determined that walking the dog can not only increase your chances of you meeting your neighbours but also help you and other people in your area feel safer. More than 1000 dog owners from Perth, Australia, and San Diego, Nashville and Portland in the United States were surveyed in the Pet Connections study. Almost 60 per cent of survey respondents reported feeling safer when walking with their dog and women who walked their dogs were more likely than men to feel safer. “Dog walkers were also more than three times more likely to walk in…

No dog lover likes to see their pet in any sort of pain. Whether it’s the aching joints of arthritis or simply a visit to the vet that requires them to endure some brief discomfort, we feel their pain as if they’re an extension of ourselves. But sometimes this pain isn’t immediately obvious to us. “Dogs are very stoic and can conceal the fact that they are hurt or in pain,” dog trainer Cat Saunders from Melbourne’s The K9 Company says. “Often this may be due to the fact that having fun is more important than resting or healing, and this can lead to increased pain or injury after they’ve ‘had their fun’.” According to Dr Karen Davies from Direct Vet Services in Point Cook, Victoria, some dogs can be…

It’s a fact: one in four dogs will suffer from itchy, inflamed skin at some point in their life. For vets nationwide, the complaint of canines with itchy skin is very common, with further research stating some vets will see 15–17 dogs per week suffering from allergic skin disease*. Yes, itchy skin is a real problem for many of our four-legged friends and the root of the issue is often not flea allergy dermatitis, as many people think, and instead lies with a far more natural cause. THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM While fleas do cause excess itching and can result in the condition flea allergy dermatitis, the more common reason for dog owners’ complaints is atopic dermatitis. “This disease comes on generally before the dog is three years old…

There was a time in recent history when becoming the alpha in your own familial pack was what a lot of dog owners aspired to. There were television shows about it, websites and YouTube channels devoted to it, and genuine belief that our dogs looked at us as less-hairy canines. But there has been a shift in thought, as is so often the case. Much has been said about pack theory. While it was and continues to be at the root of some forms of dominance training, there has been a severe backlash from trainers who don’t believe that pack theory has anything to do with our 21st-century domestic dogs. To understand why this backlash happened, we need to take a look at the past. PACK IN TIME It’s difficult…

The backyard has been ingrained as a sacred outdoor space in Australian culture. Housing affordability and shrinking households may have made it smaller, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your outdoor area beautiful and functional for the whole family, including your fur kid. Animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti says it’s important to ensure safety, which includes secure fences and balconies. Fences need to be sturdy and high enough for your dog not to jump over, and solid to the ground so that digging underneath won’t lead to an escape act. Dr Jo suggests creating a digging area, possibly using a different substrate from your soil such as sand, where your dog can happily dig without interfering with the rest of your garden. This is especially recommended for owners with…

As a photographer, I’m lucky to be able to combine my two loves: photography and animals. I wake up every day delighted to meet new animals and honoured that people trust me to photograph their beloved furry friends. Discovering photography 10 years ago has presented me with so many incredible opportunities. I get to spend all day in the company of different animals, mostly dogs, and it has given me a means to directly support and endorse animal rescue, conservation and welfare organisations. Without photography, I would have always been searching for my “thing” and a way to give back. My past life as a police officer seems like a thousand years ago and I’m very grateful I’ve found my sea change. Every week, I receive heartfelt emails from people…

Nimble, AWDRI’s “ambassadog”, was one of a litter of eight puppies surrendered to the organisation out of Hervey Bay, Queensland. She was proving to be a bit of a problem puppy with the foster carer she was placed with, so the decision was made to bring her to HQ and train her into an example of what such a little problem rescue dog could become — and it really could not have gone much better. Now four years old, Nimble has appeared on every mainstream TV station across multiple programs, has starred as the main character in a movie ( yet to be released) and chatted on radio. She has won numerous dog sporting events, including dog races and sheep dog trials, and is the current Australian and world-record holder…

Loyal and lovable, the Basset Hound is a constant source of pleasure due to its character and appearance. Most people who meet a Basset need only one soulful look from those droopy eyes to fall in love, and breeder Cheryl Loftus of South Australia says this is what sold her many years ago. “When you see a Basset pup with all that skin and their sad eyes, you can’t help but fall in love,” she says. Cheryl describes the Basset as truly loving and loyal and says her dogs thrive on being with people as well as other animals. CRAZY FOR FOOD The Basset Hound has a reputation for being droopy and dopey. While not entirely untrue, to believe they can be left to sleep the day away is foolish.…

Do you dream of a pooch that requires little grooming, is an alert watchdog and loves spending time in the house? Then the Miniature Pinscher may be the breed for you. “The perfect person for the Miniature Pinscher can be anyone who wants a house dog or a protective, outgoing and spirited little dog,” dog breeder Kylie Friend of Goulburn, New South Wales, says. A well-balanced, well-muscled and compact dog, the Miniature Pinscher, contrary to popular belief, is not a mini version of the Dobermann Pinscher. It is actually the older of the two breeds and was developed in the Rhineland region of Germany more than 350 years ago to kill rats and mice in farm kitchens and stables. The Dobermann and Miniature Pinscher may be related through the German…

Dear dog lover, If you love your dog like we love ours, we know how important it is that you find the best pet producers on the market. That’s why we have the Doggie Lovers Directory, full of the paw-fect products and services to make your dog’s life complete. From training aids to toys and everything in between, we hope you find our advertisers and their products a benefit when it comes to your pet’s health and wellbeing. You can also visit dogslife.com.au for more great companies that, just like you, are all about dogs. Don’t forget to tell them DOGSLife sent you! Until next time, The DOGSLife team dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au…