Tag: pet care

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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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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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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!

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Teaching Your Puppy To Enjoy Grooming

As well as being touched, your puppy must learn to enjoy being brushed.  Adult dogs will need to be brushed regularly–it cleans the coat, removes loose hair and stimulates the oil glands of the skin for a shiny and glossy coat.

Brushing allows you to become familiar with all the parts of your dog’s body and you’ll notice early on anything unusual that may require veterinary attention. Your pup will see brushing as just another form of petting and it is important to make this experience enjoyable.

Use a soft bristle brush or similar and gently massage your puppy by brushing in the direction of hair growth. Brushing against the hair pattern may be uncomfortable for your puppy. Begin to brush at the head, and work towards the tail and down the legs.

Make sure you reward your puppy with treats for a job well done and to associate your grooming sessions with pleasant outcomes.

Puppy handling check list

Pick 3 or 4 of these  each day and work on for 1 – 2 minutes until your puppy is mature. Work through the list and then start again. Remember, to give lots of yummy treats for good behaviour – this is the key.

Check list 

  • Touch your puppy’s tail
  • Touch your puppies ears
  • Touch the top of your puppy’s feet
  • Touch around your puppy’s lips
  • Gently hold your puppy’s muzzle
  • Gentle grab your puppy’s collar
  • Lift your puppy’s tail up
  • Lift your puppy’s lips up to look at their teeth
  • Run soft brush from head to tail
  • Run a brush over belly
  • Pick up your puppy’s feet
  • Brush around feet
  • Touch your puppy’s nails
  • Run a brush over your puppy’s back
  • Get your puppy to lay on his side
  • Look in your puppy’s ears

Just a few minutes a day of time focused on touching your puppy all over can make a huge difference to the behaviour of your dog as an adult. I promise you it will be time very well spent and will reward you with a dog that is comfortable being patted and groomed as an adult.

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9 Expert Pet Boredom Busting Tips

Our busier lifestyles mean many pets are spending more time home alone and higher housing densities mean more pets are living in smaller spaces and more frequently indoors.  This can increase both the incidence and impact of problem behaviours, especially destructive behaviour caused by boredom.

Research indicates that whilst many pet owners rarely or never experience problems with their pets, some pets will demonstrate that they are bored and lonely through destructive behaviour.  With younger pets, destructive behaviour can sometimes stem from normal play, so it’s a great idea to have strategies in place to help prevent or manage this issue.  The key to preventing pets becoming bored and destructive is to keep them entertained. For dog owners in particular an enriched environment, plenty of exercise and training are vital.

Tips to help prevent boredom: 

  1. Regular exercise, play and training will help expend energy and keep your pet entertained
  2. Spend as much time as possible with your pet – always allow your pet to be indoors with you when you are home
  3. Provide extra human or animal company by arranging friends or family to visit your pet when you’re not home. Swap play dates with fellow dog owners or take advantage of dog walking or doggy day care services
  4. Leave the television or radio on for your pet when you’re not home so there is low level background noise and a sense of human voices
  5. Enrich your pet’s environment. Have a variety of safe toys for your pet to play with and change them on a regular basis
  6. Hide treats around your yard or house for your pet to find.
  7. Use food dispensing and puzzle toys- these are toys that you can fill with dry kibble (you can use your dog’s daily ration) and your dog has to figure out how to get the food out. This gives them something to do in your absence.
  8. Provide your cat with scratching posts to help protect your furniture. Create climbing opportunities and raised places for cats to sit
  9. Consider getting a second cat or even a cat as company for your dog

Tips to help manage destructive behaviour: 

  1. Pet-proof your home.  If a pet plays havoc with one particular area or room of your home, don’t allow them to access that area when you’re not around
  2. Minimise the risk of damage to anything precious or valuable by storing them in a secure place
  3. Ensure garbage bins and electrical cords and wires can’t be accessed by your dog
  4. Keep bench surfaces clear of anything that could be knocked over and broken by your pet

If problems arise or persist and you’re not sure how to deal with them, seek professional assistance.  And remember, if your dog keeps chewing your shoes it’s probably because you’re leaving your shoes where your dog can find them – don’t leave things lying around!

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Washing Your Puppy For The First Time

Once your puppy is happy going into the bath, then run the water near them while rewarding with treats. Do lots of these sessions and gradually work up to wetting and bathing your pup. The time you spend doing this extra bit of training will save you time for the rest of your dog’s life, as they’ll learn to enjoy bath time.

Here are some tips to help you make puppy bath time a pleasant experience for you and your puppy.

  1. Use a mild shampoo especially formulated for delicate puppy skin and coat. Not all pet shampoos are suitable for young dogs so make sure you select the right product.
  2. It’s a good idea to have everything ready from shampoo to towels to avoid leaving your puppy unattended in the bathtub.
  3. Put a rubber mat in the bottom of your tub. Your dog will feel more secure if he/she isn’t slipping all over the place.
  4. If possible, have a helper assist you. Ask your helper to gently restrain the puppy so as he doesn’t fall or run away, while constantly rewarding them with treats for calm behaviour.   Your helper can distract the puppy, while you get the job done as quickly as possible.
  5. Ideally, use a hand held nozzle with warm water running gently. Massage the shampoo into your puppy’s coat with slow circular motions.
  6. Add toys to the bath to make it fun to get wet. You can use your puppy’s favourite toy that he/she is only allowed to play with when in the tub.
  7. After shampooing, rinse well to avoid shampoo build up, which can leave coats dull and flaky.
  8. Towel- dry your puppy afterwards to avoid getting cold and your floors soaking wet. Then let your puppy shake any excess water off. Hair dryers may be too hot for delicate puppy skin but can be used on a very low setting if required.
  9. Praise, praise, praise your puppy throughout the bath for a job well done.
  10. Play a game at the end of the drying off process- this is a fun way to end the bath time routine and will help keep your puppy warm.

We hope our tips help you with your first bath time!