Tag: pets

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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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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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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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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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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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Online Puppy & Adolescent Dog Training

“The Pet Lovers Puppy Club is great for those who can’t find the time to get to puppy classes or who live in a remote area, but we think it will also be of real benefit as a follow up to puppy classes for owners of adolescent dogs as this is the time when problem behaviours such as separation anxiety, jumping up, chewing and digging can start to emerge,” said Dr Katrina.

Research has shown that consistent training throughout the early and adolescent years improves a dog’s sociability and can reduce problem behaviours. This increases the likelihood of the dog engaging in shared activities with their owner and decreases the risk of the dog being surrendered.

“The program has all the benefits of a class, including weekly socialisation tasks and one-on one advice, but is available anywhere you have internet access,” said Dr Katrina. 

“Being able to access this information online means that puppy owners now have the chance to find a solution to their training problems in real time. And that’s something that has never been available before.”

The course, which runs for four weeks, provides pet owners with the necessary skills to give their puppy the best start in life and raise a social, well-behaved adult dog. It is for puppies of all ages and skill levels and covers the basics as well as fun things to do with your puppy such as trick training.

“It’s a very important resource for pet owners, given that most people invest more time, money and effort into their puppy than in any other period of their dog’s life,” said Kelly Gill.

The unique course offers members video tips, fact sheets and the opportunity to take part in live chats with Dr Katrina. It also provides:

  • Live support, through online chats and forums
  • Trouble shooting information around common problems such as toilet training, chewing, digging and barking 
  • A forum to meet other Puppy Clubbers, swap stories, share puppy photos and take part in competitions and giveaways.

Dr Katrina says that ensuring that owners are educated and puppies are trained also helps reduce the number of dogs surrendered due to behavioural issues. 10% of all Puppy Club subscriptions will be donated to Animal Welfare groups.

Dr Katrina Warren has 20 years’ experience as a loved and trusted media vet, best known for her roles on Harry’s Practice, Talk to the Animals, Beverly Hills Vet and Housecat Housecall. She became a household name for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Kelly Gill is one of Australia’s top dog trainers with over 21 years’ experience as a veterinary nurse, dog trainer and puppy class instructor. Kelly has also worked with dogs and cats for the film and television industry and her dogs hold over 250 obedience and agility titles.

Oakwood is a proud sponsor of the puppy club and we hope that you enjoy your training with Katrina and Kelly! 

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Loosing Your Mind Over Loose Hair?

Regularly brush your pet – Cats and dogs (and rabbits and guinea pigs and rats), long haired or short, will all shed their fur, so it is important to help the process and regularly brush them. The more loose hair you get rid of outside, the less you deal with inside.

Try Oakwood’s Pet Loose Hair Remover to remove your pet’s hair with the rubber brush side. Use the fabric side to get those tricky hairs stuck to furniture, clothing and your carpet. You can order it directly here

Use a damp rubber glove – just gentle go over the area with a slightly damp rubber glove and the pet hair sticks to the glove like glue. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove unwanted pet hair from your furniture.