Protect your pet this Guy Fawkes

Chances are your pet will suffer from some degree of anxiety and fear at Guy Fawkes time. This is because sudden loud sharp noises coupled with bright flashes are all reasons for animals to be afraid and seek safety. The fact that it only happens once a year and that Guy Fawkes turns your pets usual controlled environment into a battle ground adds to the confusion and anxiety most pets feel.

It is worth remembering that our pets’ senses are far more sensitive than our own. A dogs hearing is twice, and a cats hearing is three times, more sensitive than ours. So not only are the sounds of fireworks very loud they can also be painful for our pets. There are some great alternatives to drugs that...

Sound extreme? Well just ask those neglected pot plants that have not been watered enough, if they could talk, I am sure they would agree! Now, I may be drawing a long bow when I compare dying pot plants to your faithful pets but water is the single most important nutrient to all living things and there are some very important things to know about the water requirements of cats and dogs.

• Dogs and cats need to consume 60-70ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. This means that for an average 4.5kg cat it needs about 300ml per day. For a 25kg dog, the water requirement is about 1600ml per day. 
• Dogs are naturally more inclined to drink than cats. They will drink enough water to replenish any dehydration within 24hours...

It can be common for cats and dogs to experience an upset stomach, and in most cases, they will recover just fine on their own. However, sometimes an upset stomach is more than just an upset stomach and may be in fact be a stomach sensitivity or even worse, an underlying health concern.

A tummy upset that goes beyond the 24-hour period can cause further health issues, such as dehydration, anemia, and weight loss. If this is the case with your pet - take them to the vet for a thorough examination.

Common symptoms of stomach sensitivities:

Do you have a cat or dog that has one or more of the following symptoms?

• Intermittent loose stools
• Occasional vomiting
• Excessive flatulence
• Picky or fussy with their...

Though you may think nothing of your pet’s extra weight, overweight pet's is an increasing problem. Obesity in animals can cause a variety of health-related issues and may even shorten the lifespan of your beloved pet. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to become informed on the issue and find a healthy way to get your pet’s weight back on track.

How do Pets Become Overweight?

Pets become overweight for a variety of reasons, including consuming too many calories, not enough exercise, feeding too frequently or consuming table scraps!

Treats can also contribute to the problem with many dog and cat owners over treating their pets with multiple treats per day.

Nature vs. Nurture

Most pets are always happy to eat...

We all love our pets and want to make sure they are in the best of health. Heart disease can be scary when it comes to our furry friends, but understanding the warning signs can save their lives.

Signs of heart disease are usually easier to see in dogs and less detectable in cats. Schedule an appointment with your vet especially if they have fainted, have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or noticeable abdominal swelling.

Preventive, proactive care is the best kind of care we can offer our pets, so ensure you take your cat or dog to the vet at least once per year. A regular checkup could spot the early warning signs of heart disease.

Ten signs your pet could have heart disease:

• A persistent cough
• Difficulty...