Category: Pet Care

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Health Care Advice For Senior Pets

Some of the common health issues in older pets include

  • kidney , liver and cardiovascular disease
  • prostate disease and testicular cancer
  • diabetes
  • arthritis and degenerative joint disease
  • cognitive problems

Be aware of changes in your pet’s behaviour that could indicate underlying age- related disease. Don’t accept old age as the reason for these changes as they could actually be symptoms of treatable underlying problems.

  • Change in appetite
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Excessive thirst and/or urinations
  • Difficulty rising, climbing stairs or getting into the car
  • Loss of housetraining
  • Appearance of lumps or bumps
  • Bad breath, or bleeding gums
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Confusion or disorientation

Regular health checks. Once your pet is senior, take him/her to the vet for a thorough check up twice a year. Pets can suffer from many of the ailments that affect humans such as cancer, diabetes, dental disease, kidney failure and loss of vision. Early detection is the key and many of these conditions can be treated to help your pet maintain its quality of life.

Diet. An older dog needs a balanced diet that is lower in calories, protein and fat but higher in fibre. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet or suggest dietary supplements.

Watch their weight. Because of decreased activity level, many older dogs will gain weight. Being overweight predisposes pets to heart disease and diabetes and also places unnecessary strain on hips and joints.

Exercise. Older dogs still need the mental stimulation provided by daily walks and although they may not have quite the same spring in their step, they still enjoy the sights and smells of the great outdoors. Short but regular walks are one of the keys for keeping your pooch alert and young.

Degenerative Joint Disease, also called osteoarthritis, is one of the most common progressive conditions in dogs. It can occur as a result of hip dysplasia, joint fractures, and cruciate ligament disease.
There are many treatment options to help to slow down the degenerative changes. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories a to help provide pain relief and there are a range of supplements on the market that may help alleviate pain associated with arthritis.

Grooming  – As older dogs have more delicate skin it is important to be gentle when grooming them. Use a soft brush or grooming mit like the Oakwood Grooming Glove

Use grooming time as an opportunity to feel your pet over for lumps or sores.  Make sure you check inside ears and clean them as necessary.

Finally, Be Considerate. Think of your older pooch as you would an elderly person. Their senses may not be as sharp as they once were, so they may be easily startled.Our senior pets are so special and their twilight years are a time to be treasured.

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About Our Premises Flea Spray

Some key facts to know:

Fleas can cause serious health problems from dogs including itching, lesions, allergies, infections and parasite-born diseases.
Oakwood offers a flea solution for the dog and for ongoing environmental control. Here are some key steps you can take to keep fleas under control on your pet and within your home:

Flea infestations of pets and homes are common.
95% of the flea population is in a form of eggs, larvae or pupae stages, which are not visible to the human eye.
95% of flea’s life is spent off the pet and in the environment.

Elimination of existing flea’s on pets.
Ongoing flea control and continued elimination of fleas on the pet.
Prevention of subsequent re-infestation by treating the environment.

How to use:

Clear the environment of pets and persons.

Wear elbow-length PVC gloves and spray 25mL per m2. 500mL of spray will cover 20m2.
Apply the SPRAY directly onto objects or premises to be treated, holding the container at 20cm from the surface to be sprayed: kennels, pet bedding, chairs, carpet, under the furniture.

PRECAUTIONS: Remove or cover fish tanks before use. DO NOT spray directly on humans, pets, plants, exposed food, food preparation areas or food utensils.
DO NOT spray near naked flames, pilot lights or cigarettes.

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Expert Cat & Dog Grooming Tips

FOR DOGS

Ears – The ear canal of a dog is shaped in such a way that it is easy for dirt and debris to build up inside. This is especially a problem for dogs with pendulous ears like Cocker Spaniels because the ear flap hangs down and helps to create a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal, which is the perfect condition for bacteria to thrive. Ears should be checked weekly at grooming and any dirt removed by using cotton wool pad. You can buy ear cleaning products from your vet or pet store. It is important never to stick cotton wool buds in your dog’s ear as you can easily damage the ear drum.

Nails- Many people assume that their dog’s toenails are naturally worn down by day to day activities but this is usually only the case for dogs that do a lot of outdoor activity on hard surfaces. Many indoor dogs have overgrown nails and these can easily break resulting in pain and infection. Overgrown nails are also uncomfortable for dogs to walk on.

Teaching adult dogs to have their nails trimmed can be a little tricky and this is a task that is much easier taught to a puppy.  The key is to teach your puppy (or dog) to associate nail clipping with something positive, such as being rewarded with treats.

Start by rewarding your dog with a treat, just for letting you touch their paws and feet. After a few days of getting your dog used to having their feet touched all over, start touching the nails in return for a treat. Then, touch the clippers to the nail an reward with treats, Once your dog is happily accepting treat and comfortable around the clippers, clip just one nail and give a treat. Clip another nail and give another treat. Just do a couple of nails at a time, until you are confident your pet is relaxed.. Always end with a treat and a game.

There is a blood vessel that grows within the nail called the quick and this can easily be seen in dogs with pink nails. You must trim the nail on the other side of the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. Some pets have black toenails making it hard to see the quick, so just trim the very tip off or consult with your vet or groomer about how far to clip. Cut the nail no closer than 2mm from the quick.

FOR CATS

Ears – check that the ear flap is clean and has no signs of redness soreness. Then, gently fold back the ear and look into the ear canal.  There should be no odour and minimal ear wax. If you see a build up of wax or debris, then best to get a vet check.

Nails- The best way to raise a cat that is comfortable having their claws clipped is to get them used to having their feet handled as a kitten.  Each night, when your kitten is relaxed, gently touch the feet and legs all over and massage the paws. Once they are comfortable with having their feet touched, gentle press the toe pad to extend the nail. You can then clip the end of the claw.

As with dogs, you must avoid cutting the pink part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels run (the quick). Trim only the white tip of the claw and err on the side of caution.

Regular grooming helps keep your pet in tip top condition and this time spent together can also wonderful bonding time for you both.

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Looking After Your Pet in Winter

Take extra care of very young or elderly pets during the winter months.  The cold can be fatal for young puppies or kittens, particularly during the first few days after birth.  Older pets tend to have more sluggish circulatory systems, which means they are more likely to find it harder to keep warm in the cold weather. Older dogs often suffer from arthritis and this is exasperated by the cold.

If your dog or cat is very short-haired, they will benefit from the added warmth of a jacket when they go outside. There are some great ones available but they need to be functional and waterproof- not just fashionable. Be sure to make sure jackets fit snugly but don’t restrict movement.

Make sure they have a warm place to sleep at night, away from any draughts and if your dog is an outdoor dog, be sure that his/her kennel is waterproof. Older animals should sleep on a cushioned bed that is elevated off the ground.

Remember exercise is important in winter too.  It can be very tempting to stay by the fire on winter days, or avoid a walk around the block after a long day in the office but it is important your pet maintains a regular exercise routine throughout winter. This is good for their fitness and will prevent boredom. Dry your dog thoroughly if they have become wet from walking and if it’s muddy outside, regularly check between paws to make sure they haven’t collected balls of mud.

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Ten Tips to Keep Pets Cool This Summer

TIP# 1 – Fresh water daily- Always have fresh water available for your pets. Make sure you use heavy bowls so they can’t be knocked over easy. Consider having two bowls in case one is emptied and ensure they’re in the shade – you don’t like to drink hot water and neither will your pet. ​

TIP# 2 – Shade – Make sure your pet has access to a cool, shady space at all times of the day. Tip: The sun moves throughout the day, so an area that’s shady in the morning might not be shady in the afternoon.

TIP# 3 – Washing and grooming – By washing and grooming your pet thoroughly will help strip out any excess fur to keep them cooler.

TIP# 4 – Summer itches – With seeding grasses, warm temperatures and high UV, skin irritations are far more likely to occur during summer.Make sure you keep hair around ears and paws short to minimize the rick of seeds sticking and burrowing into the skin. Inspect your dog after walking and remove any seeds.Fleas are much more prevalent in the hot months. Wash your pet with a medicated shampoo such as our Oakwood Medicated Flea Shampoo to help sooth-irritated skin and treat fleas. Consult your veterinarian if fleas and itchy problems persist.

TIP# 5 – Sunburn – Dogs and cats can be susceptible to sunburn during the hotter months. This is more likely with animals that have white fur and pink skin on their noses and ears. To prevent sunburn, keep dogs and cats indoors away from harsh sunlight. You can also try applying sunscreen to sensitive pink noses and ear tips.

TIP # 6 – Never leave your dog in a car – Cars can become extremely hot very quickly in summer. Even with the windows down the temperature can rapidly rise to deadly levels within minutes.  Likewise don’t lock your dog in a small or poorly ventilated space such as a garden shed.

TIP# 7 – Walk early or late – Dogs can suffer from heat stroke when exercised during extreme heat. Walk at the coolest times of the day in the early morning and late evening. Keep in mind pavements and roads can become extremely hot and can burn the pads on your dog’s paws. Also, never tie your dog up in the sun, even when you’re just making a quick dash into a shop.

TIP# 8 – Paralysis ticks – in the Southern areas of Australia they are found during the warmer months of the year.  If you live in or are travelling to an area where ticks may be present, here are some tips to help. Check pet fur on a regular basis especially around head, ears and under collars. If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, you should seek veterinary attention. Tick collars can provide protection for up to 3 months. Ensure you oral chew treatment is up to date and there are spot on treatments that both repel and kill ticks when applied every 14days.

TIP# 9 – Swimming pools – Many dogs love to swim and it’s a great way to cool down with your pet, but pools can also be a hazard for pets. Most dogs are able to swim, but not all dogs can find their way out of a pool and can drown. Puppies exhaust themselves very quickly. Don’t leave a dog or puppy unsupervised near water.

TIP# 10 –Scary summer storms – Thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally your pet should be indoors with human company during thunderstorms.  Close curtains and blinds; turn on lights and the stereo or radio for background noise.  If you pet has to remain outside ensure the yard is secure and your pet is identifiable.

Your pet relies on your for care and protection. With a little thought and planning you can ensure their comfort and wellbeing throughout the hot Australian summer.

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Understanding Paralysis Ticks: Symptoms & Removal Guide

Symptoms usually start with staggering gait caused by a weakness in the hind limbs. The paralysis then moves forward affecting the front limbs and throat, causing an inability to bark properly as well as a gurgling choking cough. The toxin will also affect the voice box so the dog may have a different bark or may not be able to bark at all. Because the tick toxin also causes weakness and dilation of the food pipe, affected dogs may retch and regurgitate their food, water or just frothy fluid. If the paralysis becomes too advanced and the muscles involved with breathing too weak, the dog may not be able to breathe sufficiently or at all. Tick paralysis is progressive and potentially fatal. 

Paralysis ticks can be identified by their grey body and their legs around their head. Unlike other adult ticks, paralysis ticks have one pair of brown legs closest to their head, then two pairs of white legs and then one pair of brown legs closest to their body.  

Prevention is essential and you must take precautions if you live in a tick area or are travelling to the East Coast on holidays. Clipping your dog’s coat short during the tick season makes performing tick searches much easier. If your dog lives in or visits an area where paralysis ticks are present, you should search them thoroughly every day. Ticks commonly attach around the head so be sure to check in and around ears and also under collar. Don’t forget to check between toes and under the tail.

If you have found a tick, ideally use a tick remover to detach it from the skin. There are different types available from your vet or pet store and you should follow the instructions provided carefully. If you do not have a proper tick remover, you can use a pair of tweezers to grasp it at the skin level being careful not to squeeze on the tick’s body. Then gently lever it off, rocking back and forward. Do not apply tick treatments, alcohol, mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the tick before removing it.

If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, I recommend that you seek veterinary attention. If your dog is paralysed, seek veterinary attention immediately. Please do not feed or give water prior to visiting the vet.

You can ‘t be too careful when it comes to paralysis ticks. They cause much distress to your dog and treatment is difficult and expensive. Talk to your vet about the best preventative treatment and  be prepared this tick season.

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HELP- My Cat Scratches The Furniture

Provide your cat with a scratching post alternative. If your cat does not have a suitable scratching post to ‘strop’ their claws, they will find an alternative such as your furniture.  I recommend at least two scratching posts in your house, ideally more. Cats tend to scratch when they wake so be sure to provide a scratching post in the area that your cat spends time hanging out in the morning.There are a huge variety of posts on the market and you may need to experiment to see what surface your cat prefers- many cats love sisal posts but some prefer to use carpet, wood or cardboard posts.The scratching post must be stable enough so it won’t rock or tip over and tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out when using it.

Teach your cat to use the scratching post – Cats do not always know what a scratching post is for so it is very important to invest some time into teaching your cat to use the post. Do this by playing games on and around the post. Get your cat to chase a moving object up and down the post – I find a feather attached to a piece of string usually does the job.. Do this several times a day until your cat starts using the post.

Trim your cat’s nails – this will not stop the clawing behaviour but will help reduce the amount of damage done.  Your vet can show you how to trim your cat’s nails as it is important to avoid cutting the blood vessel that runs along the nail. You can easily see this blood vessel in cats with pink nails and can trim on the other side of it.

Throw some slippery fabric on the couch – most cats do not like smooth or slippery surfaces as they are difficult to get a hold on. You can protect your couch by throwing something over it when you leave the house. When purchasing a lounge, carpet or wallpaper, go for a smooth rather than a very textured finish, and choose a tight rather than a loose weave.

Cover or remove other popular items  – cats hate anything sticky so you can put double-sided tape ion areas that they scratch.  Upside down carpet runner is a good deterrent.

With a little bit of time and patience it is possible to train your cat to leave your furniture alone and use those claws on a more appropriate item.

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Advice To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything

dog chews everything at home

There are many causes for chewing problems in dogs, some of the most common include –

Puppies – They’re inquisitive and will dig, eat and chew just about everything they can find including shoes, mats, hoses, brooms, pot plants and garbage. Chewing helps puppies explore their world and can also help to relieve the pain associated with teething. Chewing behaviour usually reduces significantly by 12 months of age. Until your puppy has learned what they can and can’t chew, it’s your responsibility to manage the situation, so your pup doesn’t have the opportunity to chew on things they shouldn’t.

Boredom –Dogs can become bored when they don’t receive adequate mental and physical stimulation and this can result in destructive behaviours like chewing.

Anxiety – If your dog is chewing when they’re left home alone and the chewing is directed towards barriers such as doors, your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety. To stop the chewing you’ll need to address the underlying anxious behaviour. If the problem is severe you may need help from a veterinarian or qualified behavioural trainer.

There are plenty of strategies to help combat problem chewing. Following are some useful tips –

Teach your dog what can and can’t be chewed – Only give your dog toys that are clearly distinguishable from household items. You shouldn’t give your dog shoes and socks to play with as toys and then expect them to be able to distinguish between your shoes and theirs. You also have to take responsibility for your own belongings. If you don’t want your dog to chew something, then don’t leave it lying around.  If your dog has chewed your favourite shoes, it’s probably because they were available – put things away or safely out of reach.

Dog proof your home – Temporarily remove anything that your puppy or dog might chew such as plants, electrical cables and rugs.

Confine your dog – Don’t give your dog the full run of the house unsupervised until they can be trusted not to chew household items. Use a playpen or crate to secure young puppies. Close doors, use baby gates or fence off a section of the garden to keep your pet separate from tempting, chewable items.

Provide safe engaging toys on a rotating basis – Dogs enjoy playing with toys, especially interactive toys that dispense food rewards. Provide plenty of chew toys and change them regularly to maintain your dog’s interest. Don’t give your dog toys which can be easily torn apart or have squeakers in them that may be swallowed.

Exercise and mental stimulation – Plenty of training will help to keep your dog stimulated and plenty of exercise will help to physically tire them.  Well trained dogs are generally more engaged and better behaved. Tired dogs are quieter and less likely to get up to mischief.

Companionship – All dogs benefit from companionship, both animal and human.  Spend as much time as you can with your dog. Maximise the time you spend with your dog when you’re at home by having them in the house with you. If your dog spends a lot of time home alone arrange for a friend or dog walker to visit and/or take the dog for a walk.

You don’t have to put up with your dog chewing your possessions. Once you understand why your dog is chewing, you can then manage them to prevent chewing disasters. With some diligence and planning you can direct your dog’s chewing to appropriate items and away from things you value.

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4 Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Indoors

Games

Most dogs love games and ‘Find the Toy’ will quickly become a favourite. Ask your dog to sit and stay (you might need someone to hold them initially). Make it easy for your dog at first, by allowing them to watch where you ‘hide’ a favourite toy, so they can easily retrieve it when you enthusiastically ask them to “find the toy!”  Repeat these steps until your dog clearly understands the command. You can then gradually make the game more challenging by hiding the toy in different locations around your house.  Remember to start with the toy being partly visible so it’s easy to find and, as your dog becomes more confident, hide the toy in more difficult places, such as behind doors and under cushions.  A squeaky toy will help stimulate your dog’s interest and be sure to make the game exciting by encouraging them to run back to you with the toy when they’ve found it. Alternatively you can play ‘hide and seek’ with your dog by hiding yourself and encouraging the dog to find you.

Trick training

It’s fun having a dog that can do tricks and it can surprisingly easy to achieve. Always use hand signals and rewards and only attempt to teach only one trick at a time. Start off with something simple like ‘shake’ or ‘roll over’.

Toys

Dogs love all sorts of toys, particularly squeaky toys and chew toys. Interactive toys are designed to keep dogs entertained by dispensing food when moved in a particular way. Other simple toys can be filled with a small amount of food or peanut butter, or something the dog considers a tasty treat.  Most dogs are happy to spend hours trying to get every last bit of food out of the toy.  Make sure all toys are safe, especially if your dog is playing with them unsupervised.

Training

Get your dog focused with some indoor training.  Not only will this stimulate your dog and keep them occupied, it will improve the dog’s response to your commands.  Start off with the basic ‘sit’, ‘drop’ and ‘stay’.  Then progress to ‘heeling’ your dog around the house, using food rewards and commands to guide them to walk exactly beside your left leg. Make some tight right hand turns so the dog has to move around quickly to stay alongside you.  Then try some tight left hand turns where the dog will be almost stationary as you move around them. Keep training sessions short and sweet and you’ll be surprised how quickly your dog will respond.

Wintery weather is no excuse to let your dog become inactive. With a little creativity you’ll find that you can still give your dog the daily exercise they need, and it will be fun and rewarding for both of you.

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Travelling With Your Pets!

Prior to departure, check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing an ID tag with a contact number that works where you are staying. This is the quickest way to ensure you will be reunited with your pet, should they get lost.

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations and worming are up to date. If you have an older dog, I recommend a full vet check before you leave. Always assume that your new environment may harbour fleas, so apply a flea preventative before you leave and I recommend that you take your pet’s own clean bedding for them to sleep on.

Pack your pet’s regular food as you can never rely on being able to buy it at your holiday destination and a sudden change of diet can cause tummy upsets.

If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventative treatment prior to departing for your holiday.

When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.

Have regular toilet and water breaks. With cats, it is best to offer them a litter tray inside the car unless they are trained to a lead or harness. Cats are far more likely to bolt off in strange territory. 

When you arrive at your destination keep your pet confined indoors. Many pets get lost on holidays and you can’t be too careful. With dogs, be sure to keep them on a leash for the first couple of days whenever you are outdoors and cats should remain indoors at all times, unless they are used to walking on a lead.

Be sensible and safe and I hope you all have a wonderful summer break!