Innholdsfortegnelse for Nov/Dec 2015 Issue 134 i Dogs Life

WINNING LETTER Dear Dogs Life, I would like to share with you a precious memory of my best boy Dodge who recently crossed over that bridge into fur-baby heaven, taking my heart and running forever. He was born on a warm March night His mother’s yelps gave me a fright My surprise in the morning light Five boys and a girl, oh what a sight. I chose to keep him straight away A gorgeous furball in the hay Blue eyes sparkle bright as day Friends came and took his kin away. A gentle soul, sharp as a tack I knew he always had my back Loyalty and courage he did not lack Chasing life out the back. Twelve years of blissful joy A senior now, no time for toy Tail…

What could be more blissful than taking your dog on long, dreamy walks on deserted beaches, exploring native bushland, or curling up together in front of a blazing fire? South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is a unique holiday destination where wildlife, luxury and dogs can all be combined. Beau, a three-year-old Heeler cross Maremma, and Schnurps, a 10-yearold Terrier cross, recently travelled to Australia’s third largest island for a well deserved break. Both dogs had been working hard at home, playing with children, guarding noisy chickens and digging impressive holes, but it was all becoming a bit, well, boring. Beau and Schnurps needed a change of scenery, and by the look of us, they were not alone! Kangaroo Island is spectacular at any time of the year, but the quieter winter…

Fleas and ticks — they’re two nasty parasites every dog owner has heard plenty about but hopes never to see on their pooch. From the itchiness and hair loss caused by fleas to the frightening symptoms of tick paralysis, it’s clear that protecting our four-legged friends against these nasty little critters is vital. And in April this year, dog owners were given a new weapon in their arsenal to fight fleas and ticks with the launch of Bravecto. This oral chew delivers extended protection for three months against fleas and four months against paralysis ticks, making parasite prevention easier than ever before for dog owners. Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren, brand ambassador for the product, launched the new product with her team of Wonderdogs. “I have seen first-hand the reality of…

Ally Mosher and her partner, Clint, did plenty of research before bringing home their Siberian Husky puppy, Lucky. The couple from Lawson in NSW’s Blue Mountains was prepared for the famously piercing Husky eyes, the infamous escape artist tendencies, fur everywhere — and the potentially stubborn behaviour. It was the breed’s well-documented propensity for pigheadedness that led Mosher to investigate different training methods. “We knew that Huskies can be very willful and stubborn, so we wanted a training method that gave Lucky an incentive to obey,” she explains. “We were interested in positive reinforcement training, just because it sounded logical and seemed like a better way to build trust and a bond with a dog.” Indeed, Lucky took to his private positive reinforcement-based training classes like, er, a Husky to…

If you’re a fan of Network Ten’s popular reality TV series, Bondi Vet, you’re probably familiar with the corridors and rooms of the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH), where filming of animal emergencies takes place. The show follows the animal adventures of veterinarian Dr Chris Brown, as well as the life-threatening cases managed by emergency veterinarian Dr Lisa Chimes and specialist surgeon Dr Andrew Marchevsky. During each segment, nerve-wracking stories unfold slowly, leaving viewers hanging off the edge of their seat until the previously sick animal is reunited with its family. Now imagine having the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the successful show and witness what goes on when the cameras are not rolling! Sydney high school student Tim Brandt won this chance after entering the Future Vet Kids Camp’s…

HANDSOME HAT Dress up your dog for Christmas day with this handsome hat from Sweethoots on Etsy. Pickles the Pug is modelling here, but all hats are custom made so you can order the right size for your furry friend. Just let them know the breed of your dog and face and neck measurements when you order. sweethoots.etsy.com BOW TIE DOG COLLAR Your dog will look dapper in this herringbone dog collar from Silly Buddy at Etsy. It is made by hand from 100 per cent cotton and has a removable bow tie that secures to the collar from two points for an even, sturdy grip. sillybuddy.etsy.com UNDERWATER DOGS Keep your dog good-looking and sweetsmelling with these professionally formulated, soap-free and pH balanced haircare products from Underwater Dogs. This all-Australian…

HAPPY DOGS These happy dogs will put a smile on any face and bring cheer to your child’s room. The print is guaranteed against fading and warping, comes in a range of sizes and is delivered ready-to-hang. wallartprints.com.au PUG ON THE WALL Add some cute to the playroom with this peeking pug wall clock from Habitots. The clock is 25cm in diameter and features a high-impact plexiglass crystal face and a backside hook for easy hanging. habitots.com.au DOGS FROM A TO Z This lovely print shows an illustrated silhouette of a dog breed for each letter of the alphabet and makes a great statement in the nursery. notonthehighstreet.com/wellbreddesign DOUBLE PUG TROUBLE This limited edition Erin Petson print is irresistibly cute. Keep these adorable Pugs out of trouble and put them…

CANINE COWBOYS The North Queensland Cowboys are extending their membership ... to pets! North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein’s three dogs, Kobi, Bobbie May and Sole, were super excited to join the club — and your dogs can too. The Cowboys also teamed up with the Townsville RSPCA to encourage people to adopt pets from the local shelter. Benefits for pet members include a membership certificate with your pet’s name, a collar tag for engraving, a 2015 membership card and much more. To find out how your pets can become official Cowboys supporters, visit membership.cowboys.com.au South Australia proposes compulsory microchipping The South Australian government is proposing changes to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. The most significant proposed change is the introduction of mandatory microchipping for all dogs and cats…

Earlier in 2015, two little dogs made big headlines in Australia and around the world. Pistol and Boo, the Yorkshire Terriers of Hollywood star Johnny Depp, found themselves in a whole lot of hot water when it was found that they had been illegally brought into the country. Against a backdrop of political point scoring, threats were thrown around about 10-year prison sentences, fines in excess of $300,000 and even the potential to have the two pooches put down. While this high-profile quarantine issue certainly filled column inches and news airtime, it also raised a broader question for dog lovers: how can you travel overseas safely and legally with your four-legged friend? IT AIN’T EASY The mere task of taking your dog out of Australia is no easy feat. You’ll…

In March this year, the Australian Veterinary Association brought together more than 100 veterinarians, vet nurses and industry professionals in Queensland to learn the latest techniques in treating cardiorespiratory disease in pets. From diagnosing and treating congestive heart failure in dogs and cats to talks on managing cardio-renal syndrome and dogs with heart murmurs, the conference was a chance for all attendees to update their cardiology skills. However, it also highlighted the fact that just like for us humans, heart disease is a common problem for our canine companions. So what are the most common heart problems affecting our dogs and how can we better look after this all-important organ? To find out, we asked Sydney small animal veterinarian Dr James Crowley a few key questions about matters of the…

One of my favourite childhood books was The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins, about a pet shop dog called Duke who moves away to a farm with his new owner Sammy and discovers what he’s really good at — digging. Whether it’s running, chasing a ball, tracking down a scent or swimming at the beach, ultimately there’s a summer sport to suit every dog and their unique personality. MAKING A SPLASH Trudi Vandewint, president of Central Coast DockDogs, reckons there’s something really magical about watching a dog leap from a platform, fly over the water, and then make a huge splash. “Any dog that is toy driven — from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane — will love DockDogs. The toy drive is what gets them in the water,” says…

Divorce. We all know someone who has gone through it. Or we’ve gone through it ourselves. In this day and age, the breakdown of relationships is sadly a very common aspect of modern day life. But have you ever considered what happens to the beloved pets of a broken home? Do they just go with one party to another residence? Or is there a growing number being surrendered to animal shelters across Australia? Lee and Fiona Amiti from Animal Adoption Agency know first-hand the problems many pet owners face during a relationship break-up. They have seen many families having to give up their pets due to a divorce situation. “At the Animal Adoption Agency, we understand how harrowing it can be for a pet owner or their family to have…

FRENCHY “Frenchy” the French Bull Dog is a playful piece by the talented Sydney artist Erica Smith and exclusive to Penny Farthing Design House. Erica combines a sense of fun and sophistication in this hand drawn work. pennyfarthingdh.com.au MAN VS DOG Featuring the humorous quote “The More I See of Man the More I Love My Dog”, this dog poster is certain to raise a smile wherever it is displayed. The design is placed on a background made to look like brown craft paper and the neutral colours ensure it will suit any room. oflifeandlemons.co.uk LEATHER WEEKENDER BAG The perfect carry-on bag for travelling dog lovers, the Tyler & Tyler Luxury Weekender Bag is made of fine Italian leather, satin-lined and embossed with a Labrador. It has two outer and…

Want to be a Kids Club member? With super-cool member-exclusive competitions and lots more, who wouldn’t want to be part of the Dogs Life Kids Club? Email us at dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au with your contact details to sign up. It’s as simple as that! Hey kids! Are you gearing up for Christmas? I am! I can’t wait for the festivities to begin — and to get my presents! Do you know what you want from Santa this year? Although I’m excited for summer holidays to begin, I’m a bit sad too as this will be my last column for the Dogs Life Kids Club. I’ve had an amazing time helping my owner put these pages together featuring all my favourite tips and tricks to looking after us pups. I’m going to miss…

If you’ve ever headed off on holiday without your dog, you’ll know how horrible it feels to leave them behind. The great news is that the number of pet-friendly hotels and hideaways across Australia is growing, and it is becoming easier to find options catering for the whole family. Here’s just a handful. WESTERN AUSTRALIA An oceanfront escape in Busselton The beautiful seaside city of Busselton is just two-and-a-half hours south of Perth and sits on picturesque Geographe Bay. Busselton is the perfect place to set up your holiday base camp as it’s close to the Margaret River wine region and hundreds of kilometres of pristine coastline and natural wonders. Our Beach Shack is a stunning double-storey home that overlooks the ocean. It has room for up to 10 people…

Allergic skin disease is extremely common in companion animal medicine. Dogs can suffer from multiple allergies with one of the most common allergies being Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition seen mainly in dogs, although it can be seen in cats and other domestic pets. It is caused by immunological hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment such as house dust mites, pollens, grasses, fleas and moulds. The exaggerated immune response to these allergens results in chronic irritation and inflammation of the skin, self-traumatisation and hair loss due to severe itchiness, skin thickening, hyperpigmentation and often secondary bacterial/yeast infections. The most commonly affected body parts include the feet, ears, face, trunk and underside. Approximately 10 to 15 per cent of dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis. Most cases…

A habit is defined as something that is repeated over and over, becoming a routine that sometimes cannot be unstuck. I am often called up by people whose dogs have a range of worrying habits, such as obsessive licking, chasing their tail, digging holes or barking at passersby. Finally here, I get to talk about habits in a positive light; habits that actually keep your dog happy and healthy. Getting into a daily routine with your dog is so important in maintaining optimum health. The health of your dog includes both their body and their mind, so there are lots of healthy habits to get into each day with your dog. As a dog owner and behaviourist, I always implement what I preach to people, and that is to get…

We love summer and we’re pretty sure our dogs do too. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to spend these long, lazy days, here are a few suggestions. GOT A PADDLING POOL? Paddling pools are perfect for helping your dog to cool off . They are shallow enough to be safe and the cool water can lower your dog’s body temperature. Dogs don’t cool down the same way humans do, so it’s important to give them a hand — and water is perfect for that. Not all dogs like water, so take your time and let your dog explore safely. If no anxious behaviour is exhibited, you can introduce some water play, but always be aware of the behavioural cues your dog is displaying. CHECK OUT THE LOCAL FARMERS…

OLLY’S BOX Your dog will go bonkers for Olly’s Box, a monthly delivery of goodies for your pooch. A wide variety of toys, treats and chews are available to match your dog’s unique personality and requirements. ollysbox.com.au PERSONALISED ORNAMENTS Let your pooches join the fun this Christmas and give them their very own personalised Christmas stockings. Or tuck a personalised Christmas treat bag under the tree for them. idpet.com.au DOG BAR IN BEECH The sleek, modern design of the Nature Home dog bar, made of premium solid beech wood, means there is no need to hide it away in the corner. The two stainless steel bowls hold one litre each, so they can be used for water and wet or dry food, and they can be easily removed for cleaning.…

PUGGIN’ LOVE Printed on soft suedette and packed with a plump cushion inner, this present will let your loved ones know that, well, you puggin’ love them! artylicious.co.uk CANINE CHRISTMAS CARDS These beautifully illustrated Christmas cards feature your favourite breeds and a gorgeous Christmas message. Each card is printed onto luxurious FSC certified 300gsm paper and supplied with a red envelope. They come as a single card or can be bought in a pack of eight, 16, 32 or 48. Matching swing tags for presents are also available. blankinsidedesign.co.uk CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT Send in a picture of your pooch, and get a custom-painted watercolour portrait. This is the perfect gift for anyone with a beloved furry friend. dimdi.etsy.com I LIKE YOU Let someone know how much you like them with…

Enter online at www.dogslife.com.au or send your photos, mailing address and why you love your dog in 25 words or less, to: Love’em Snapshots/Dogs Life, Locked bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670. Please only send reprinted images as the photos will become the property of Dogs Life Magazine and love’em and cannot be returned. Prizes will be delivered to street addresses only. Please visit www.dogslife.com.au for the terms and conditions. love’em - the healthy way to treat your dog…

BREED FEATURE: AUSTRALIAN KELPIE Many sheepdogs, including English North County Collies, were imported into Australia in the late 1800s. It’s thought the Australian Kelpie we know today was developed from a smooth-coated black and tan Collie. The Kelpie was originally used to herd Merino sheep on large sheep stations in the harsh Australian outback. The dogs had to be hardy and strong with weatherresistant coats, obedient, devoted, loyal and intelligent enough to work unsupervised. The Kelpie fitted the bill and today is just as popular in the show ring as it is in agility and obedience trials or on the farm. In appearance, the Kelpie gives the impression of a great worker, with its muscular condition and a tireless energy. “The Australian Kelpie is the backbone of Australia,” says breed…

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH DOGS AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I have been treating animals since 1999 and then with increasing interest, and training from overseas, I started working at vet practices. I studied for two years to get my Masters degree in Animal Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. This program actually started 2003, so my year group was the first to graduate. I started my own practice, Sydney Animal Physiotherapy, in Leichhardt, in 2007. I studied on dogs and horses, but I am qualified to treat all animals. The most unusual animals I have treated so far include bats, possums, an elderly goat and a guinea pig! WHAT DOES YOUR WORK INVOLVE? Before I begin, I get the animal’s history and diagnosis from their…