Keeping your pet’s flea free while still allowing them to get wet is easy this summer; with Bayer’s range of waterproof products.
Advantage, Advantix and Advocate allow you to treat your pets against summer nasties, including fleas, ticks, heartworm, gastrointestinal worms and mites, without you having to worry that the treatment will wash off if they get wet or go for a swim.
When
choosing dog food for your pet dog, make sure you read the list of ingredients
and make sure that the food you plan to give your dog has the necessary
nutrients he needs to thrive. Keep in mind that buying the cheapest or the
first dog food you see on the shelf may cause your pet to become malnourished.
Rather, feed him good food full of nutrients for a high quality life.
Fat Content
Dogs
need fat since it is the main source of energy for him. It also is needed for healthy eyes, skin,
brain and coat. Some healthy fats are
lamb fat, chicken fat, herring and sunflower oil.
Carbohydrates
Dogs
also need carbohydrates because it is also a major source of energy in his
body. It is this energy that fuels their
muscles and brain. Usually commercial
dog food contains as much as thirty to sixty per cent carbohydrates there is a
needed minimum proportion needed for the commercial dog food extrusion
process. Grains cannot be digested as
easily by dogs. They must be simmered or
cooked well for better digestion. Some
good carbohydrates are whole grain bread, barley, potatoes rice and corn.
Vitamins
Dogs
need an external source for vitamins and minerals except vitamin C, since dogs
cannot make their own vitamins except this.
Your dog need magnesium, calcium and iron which are readily found in
fish, bread, milk, fruits and vegetables and grains. Even if your dog's commercial dog food claims
to be complete in its vitamins and minerals, it may be cancelled out by the
heating process in making this commercial food.
It is best to consult with a holistic veterinarian for advice on whether
to supplement your dog's diet with vitamins and minerals.
Fatty Acids
They
also need fatty acids which are divided into essential and non-essential fatty
acids. Non-essential fatty acid are
synthesized inside the dog's body that meet his own requirements.There is
only one essential fatty acid is needed by dogs and it is linoleic acid. Linoleic acid clots blood after a wound, help
them reproduce normally and regulates the bloods' flow to the different organs
and tissues in his body, maintain his skin and coat and boosts his immune
system. Non-essential fatty acid is
synthesized inside the dog's body that meet his own requirements.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
The moment you yell “Marco Polo” your pet dog may
just decide to jump into the pool. This is why there are a few important tips
for safety you need to put into effect as some breeds of dog are able to swim
naturally while others are not able to.
Not all dogs love water, but for their own safety they should definitely
be exposed to it. With some safety devices and training, you can protect your
dog this summer and ease your mind in the process.
Baby
Steps
You can gradually introduce your pooch to the lake
or the pool by snugly holding him and walking slowly into the waters. A little
bit at a time, let him get wet and let him swim a little eventually. Make this
experience something positive with a lot of praise and encouragement.
The
Right Techniques
The proper techniques for swimming will be something
to teach your dog. Instinctively, all dogs paddle when they are under water.
Swimmers who are not experienced however will have the tendency to rely on
their front paws and do hardly anything with their rear paws. The result of
this is loads of splashing and a swim technique that is almost vertical. It is
very easy for a dog to become exhausted doing this. With the right training,
many swimmers who are vertical can learn to use their hind paws to even out
their swimming style to something that is safer. You need to watch your dog
safely and if you start seeing signs of fatigue or over-stimulation, you can
then call them to shore. Also, take note that advanced dog swimmers that lower
their lower back is a sign of fatigue as well.
Depth
Perception
A pool with steps should be marked with potted
plants as dogs tend to have poor perception of depth in a swimming pool. If
there are no steps, provide a ramp with a non-slip surface to server as an
exit. Spend enough time to help him exit at the ramp if he is by himself in the
pool. It is a good idea to keep safety devices for floatation not too far away,
in case of emergency.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing; where the best presents for pets and pet owners alike are the gifts of love, good health and good will.
This Christmas, as a way of saying thank you to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge and to show our support for the wonderful work it does in ensuring all rescued animals are adopted into a loving home, VetShopAustralia is calling out to all animal lovers to 'help feed those in need.'
During December, VetShopAustralia will be donating one bag of pet food to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge; for every 10 bags sold.
Every time you purchase pet food from VetShopAustralia’s online retail store, or from our local Forest Glen wholesale warehouse, you won’t just be feeding your own cats and dogs this Christmas, you’ll also be helping to feed the animals the refuge rescues. By providing good quality food to the animals at the refuge, they can be kept healthy and happy until they find a happy home forever.
If you would like to ‘help feed those in need’ please visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au for your next pet food purchase; this December.
Wishing you, your family, friends and your pets a happy and safe Christmas.
It can be an experience that is both
rewarding and exciting to breed cats when everything goes without a hitch.
Properly caring for the newly born kittens along with their mother will create
a pleasant breeding experience. When important steps are something you
remember, there are going to be very few problems when it comes to both the
mother and her kittens.
A
Place to Live
The first thing you need to do is set up
a spot where your kittens and their mother are able to live. Select a
large-enough box that is able to accommodate the entire family of cats. At the
same time this needs to be cosy enough to provide a level of protection for the
cats. Position this in a warm, quiet space where the cats won’t have much to
worry about like being hassled by other animals and people. Ensure that before
you put towels or sheets in the box, that they are clean. When the ones being
used need to be washed, prepare extra linens in an accessible place to replace
them. On a regular basis, this needs to be done as these tend to become soiled
quickly.
Close
Proximity
In close proximity to where she is, set
up all the items necessary to the mother cat. She needs not to have to go too
far from her kittens when she needs t use the bathroom, drink or eat. Ensure
that her water dish, food dish and litter box are not too far away. As she
nurses her kittens, ensure that quality kitten food is fed to them. She will
become unhealthy and lose weight if extra nutrients are not given to her as she
nurses. It is also good for her physical body to have nutrients extra to pass
along to her developing kittens.
Minimum
Handling
For the first few weeks, kittens should
be handled at a minimum. A mother kitten can get upset by humans incessantly
fondling or picking up her babies. At the same time, it is possible for germs
to be passed along from the mother to the babies by doing this.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
VetshopAustralia.com.au, the world-renowned on-line retailer of pet supplies, announced this week they would bring back the popular Surfing Dogs Spectacular for the third year running at the 2014 Cricks Noosa Festival of Surfing.
An instant hit when it was introduced at the 2012 Noosa Festival, the Surfing Dogs Spectacular has become one of the festival’s most popular events, attracting thousands of non-surfers to Noosa’s Main Beach and being seen around the world on social media.
Festival director Phil Jarratt said he was thrilled that VetshopAustralia.com.au had come back on board with a bigger two-day program of events for dog lovers and surfers who love dogs.
“To be honest, when VetshopAustralia.com.au came to us with this idea, we didn’t know what to think. But it didn’t take us long to realise that the Surfing Dogs have an irresistible and universal appeal. Everyone loves to see dogs having fun on the beach, but our surfing dogs have delight written all over them every wave they catch.”
VetshopAustralia.com.au’s Director and head Veterinarian, Dr Mark Perissinotto, said the award-winning on-line retailer had found a great fit with the Noosa Festival, with coverage of the Surfing Dogs taking their brand around the world.
VetshopAustralia.com.au’s Surfing Dog Spectacular will begin with two free public workshops on Saturday, 8 March, both hosted by world champion waterman and dog trainer Chris De Aboitiz.
On Saturday morning at 9am at Noosa Spit, Chris will hold a beginners workshop, inviting the general public to bring their four legged companions along for a crash course in surfing, plus general tips on dog water safety and obedience. On Saturday afternoon at the PJ Burns Festival Village, Chris will hold a Master Class for intermediate surfing dogs and owners.
In the lead-up to the Festival’s traditional Hawaiian opening ceremony at sunset on Sunday 9th March, the VetshopAustralia.com.au Surfing Dog Spectacular will feature Chris and the best of Australia’s surfing dogs in an exhibition contest that is guaranteed to delight the capacity crowd.
In keeping with beach regulations, all participating dogs will be kept strictly in the control of their owners throughout the event and will be on leads when on the sand.
VetshopAustralia.com.au will also be offering online customers and festival-goers the chance to win a fantastic family prize package including a Quintrex 420 Busta runabout and stand up paddle board, valued at $10,000.
With built in tools for grooming, your fastidious cat is equipped will enough to tackle her own needs of haircare. On the other hand, when she does get overly dirty now and then, a bath is something you will need to give her. There are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure maximum bathing efficiency and minimal stress.
Timing is Key
When bathing your feline, you will need to time this perfectly. Baths need to be scheduled when your cat is very relaxed. After your cat plays with a toy or with you, she will usually be exhausted and this is the perfect time for a bath.
A Firm Stand
So your cat does not slip around as you bathe her, position a rubber bath mat in the tub or sink. Next, fill up the tub with 3-4 inches of water. Hose your cat with a hand held hose for spraying and do not directly spray into her nose, eyes and ears. If a spray hose is something you do not have, an unbreakable cut or a plastic pitcher works as well.
Remove Loose Hair
The next thing to do would be to remove any loose mats and hair from your cat. Now is also the best time to put some cotton in your cat's ears to prevent water from dripping or splashing in.
Snip and Clip
To protect you, experts at the ASPCA have given the recommendation that trimming the claws of Fluffy is a good idea before you give her a bath.
Lathering
Your pet should gently be massaged with solutions that consist of five parts water and one part shampoo working from tail to head in the hair growth direction. Take care to avoid eyes, ears and face. The shampoo should then be rinsed off thoroughly using a pitcher or spray hose. Ensure that the water you use is neither too hot nor too cold. All residue needs to be removed from your cat, as it can become a dirt magnet or cause your cat's skin to become irritated if it is left on your cat's skin and fur.
Face Cleaning
Wipe the face of your pet carefully using plain water. There is no need to use shampoo in these parts, but if you want, you can use a very diluted shampoo solution.
Drying
Once your cat is bathed, use a large towel to wrap your cat in a warm place away from a draft. You can use a blow dryer at this point if your cat does not really mind the loud noise. Make sure you shower your pet with endless praise at the end of each bath so she will look forward to the next one!
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
Animals that have been trained professionally such
as dogs for guiding the blind are, for human beings, obvious benefits. On the
other hand, domestic pets on average like goldfish, cats and dogs are also able
to provide human beings with many benefits that are therapeutic. Pets can
encourage playfulness, encourage exercise, promote social interaction, reduce
stress and ease loneliness. Plus, they provide their owners with unconditional
affection and love.
Health
and Mood
While most owners of pets are clear about how much
having animals as companions bring joy into their lives, many are not aware of
the mental and physical benefits that come with the pleasures of snuggling up
to furry pals or playing with them. Studies have shown recently that the bonds
between animals and humans have just as much benefits to health and mood.
Reduced
Tension
Studies show that a pet does not have to be a cat or
a dog. Even watching aquarium fish can help in the reduction of pulse rate and
muscle tensions. In addition, persons with pets tend to have lower levels of
cholesterol and triglycerides compared to persons who do not own pets. Levels
of dopamine and serotonin, which relax and calm a person, are elevated in
persons who play with pets. In stressful situations, persons who have pets tend
to have blood pressure levels that are lower than those who do not own a pet.
Lastly, studies also show that owners of pets do not suffer from being
depressed compared to those who don’t own pets.
Fewer
Visits to the Doctor
Owners of pets who are over the age of sixty-five
make thirty per cent less visits to the doctor than those who do not own a pet.
Plus, patients who have had a heart attack and own a pet survive more than
those who do not own a pet.
Need
for Touch
One reason that there are effects that are
therapeutic among pet-owners is that touch is a basic human need that a pet
fulfils. After interacting with pets, even prisoners who are hardened show long
term change in their behaviour after a while.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
VetShopAustralia,
along with the Sunshine Coast Daily, Sunshine Coast Council and CCiQ,
have joined forces this November to give Sunshine Coast locals
incentives to shop locally with the ‘Town Proud’ initiative.
Throughout November*, when you shop in-store at VetShopAustralia’s Forest Glen wholesale warehouse, you have the chance to win $10,000 cash PLUS your rates paid for a year.
We
have a huge range of over 700 pet-related products to purchase
including international brand name animal health products including Frontline, Revolution and
Advantix. We also have a range of generic brand pet products including
pet brushes, leads, collars, pet foods and shampoos.
PLUS all customers purchasing in-store with us during the month of November will also receive a FREE GIFT valued at up to $29!
Basically,
dog grooming refers to cleaning your dog thoroughly. It has something to do
with using some dog grooming supplies at times but it can also refer to the
process of developing the physical appearance of your dog for any purpose. It
actually involves the overall beauty of your dog which would be comprised of
the combing, brushing, trimming, bathing and other basic routines that has to
be carried out day by day.
Stimulating
the blood flow of your pet is one of the most important benefits of dog
grooming and this is obviously the reason why dogs become healthier with
shinier coats when compared to some other dogs.
Here
are some ways for you to be able to take care of your pet and their needs:
Coat brushing - the
daily brushing of your dog’s hair is necessary to remove the dust and dirt that
has been trapped in the dog’s fur. It enhances not only the natural
distribution of natural air but also the entire coat of your dog. The sorting
of your dog’s tangled hair helps them to be protected from irritations and dirt.
This isn’t for fully grown dogs only,it’s a practice that should be given to
them while they are still puppies.
Nail trimming- this
isn’t just an ordinary grooming routine because it’s an important element of
the health of your pet. The overgrowing of nails will give soreness and pain,
which could affect the way they walk and couldcause them to suffer from
arthritis.
Ear cleaning- this
should become a part of the daily routine because they can easily be infected
when ticks and soil accumulate in their air for a long time. You should watch
for some signs of infection whenever you clean their ears to prevent them from
getting any worse.
Tooth brushing- like
humans, dogs also produce cavities when not given
attention. Using toothpaste for pets for at least twice a week using the right
method should therefore be observed.
Body Bathe- this is
actually the main grooming subject for all. But you need to brush the pet’s
hair lightly before doing this grooming routine. It’s highly recommended to use
water with just the right temperature and a mild shampoo for your pet.
Using
dog supplies for dog grooming is also important if the basics won’t work for
them.
Mark
Perissinotto has been a practicing
veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and
principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders
of Vet Shop
Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland
with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet
supplies Australia.
In this exclusive interview, we talk to "Head of Security" at Redballoon.com, Dexter the Spoodle, who tells us what happens behind the Redballoon office's famous red door, and shares a few tips for aspiring business dogs.
Q: Dexter, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for our readers, we understand you're a busy dog. I'm sure it's been a long hard road to being top dog in the “Happiness Business”. When did you get your "first big break"?
A: June 16, 2009 was the momentous day I started tweeting (@dextersworld). I now have 624 faithful followers clinging onto my every tweet. Twitter has opened up lots of doors for me – now every dog can have his or her say!
Q: Could you please briefly describe your "typical" day at Redballoon.com.au? You started as Head of Security – do you still get to bark at intruders or is it all paperwork and staff management now that RedBalloon has grown to over 60 people?
A: There’s no such thing as a typical day at RedBalloon, but one thing’s for sure – I take my role as Head of Security very seriously. On any given day I could be looking through rubbish bins for leftovers, working as a human vacuum cleaner in the kitchen, barking at the couriers (I’m just trying to make light chat!) or laying in the sunshine beside Naomi’s desk. Must… not… sleep… on… the… job….
Q: RedBalloon has just achieved its “Big Harry Audacious Goal” of 2 million experience vouchers delivered – How did it feel? Is achieving a long term goal really more satisfying than a roll in something smelly while walking in the park?
2 Million experiences and counting
A: Achieving this BIG Hairy Audacious Goal is something I will always look back on with pride. I was there by Naomi’s side when we started RedBalloon way back in 2001, with $25,000 and a second-hand computer. Naomi has taught me everything I know, including how important it is to think big and dream bigger. Although often my dreams are more about steak than stakeholders.
Q: What do you think is likely to be your biggest challenge for RedBalloon in the next 12 months?
A: The humans are really busy in December, doing what they do to make thousands of people’s Christmas dreams come true. It’s a very exciting or a very stressful time, depending on how you look at it. I’ve come up with some tips on how to be a good dog (and how to cope with the heat) in the office at Christmas...
Don’t expect too many pats. I usually roam the office looking for the odd bit of affection. In December, the humans at RedBalloon are usually too busy to even look at me. And I’m not going to stoop to rubbing myself against their legs like a cat.
If you absolutely can’t live without attention, put on a red nose. Humans love a dog dressed up as a reindeer. Don’t ask me why.
Don’t use the Christmas tree as a toilet – even though it looks like a tree and it smells like a tree, it’s still not counted as ‘outside’.
Forget about the Christmas party, you’re probably not invited. Even though you didn’t want to be invited and would have declined the invite anyway and didn’t mind SITTING AT HOME WHILE THEY WERE ALL OUT HAVING FUN
Tweet a lot. It makes you feel better about not being invited to the Christmas party.
Sleep.
Q: Your person, Naomi, seems like a lovely lady, and she’s obviously very passionate about RedBalloon and delivering wonderful experiences to your customers. How do you and Naomi “stay connected” after a hard day at work together?
A: We walk home together and talk through the best and worst bits of our day. Well… Naomi talks and I listen. Then we cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie like Beethoven, the Shaggy Dog, Milo and Otis, 101 Dalmatians, 102 Dalmatians, 103 Dalmatians...
Q: Every successful dog has his “itch”. What’s your itch and how do you scratch it?
A: ALMONDS, ALMONDS, ALMONDS, ALMONDS, ALMONDS! Did someone say almonds? I would do just about anything for an almond… and the RedBallooners know it! They use them on a daily basis to bribe me into doing boring things like sit, stay and stop eating out of the bins.
Q: And finally, do you have any words of advice for the young dogs (and their people) out there who are just starting their careers as working dogs?
A: As Dwight D Eisenhower once said, “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”. One of our values here at RedBalloon is being a little dog with a BIG dog personality! What can you do to make your life extraordinary today? You can read more of Dexter's adventures at https://twitter.com/dextersworld If you know a working pet (or a pet who goes to work!) who has an amazing story to tell, please let us know by emailing petsatwork@vetshoponline.com
When you are the proud owner of a pet
dog, you may feel like you will have to resign yourself to a few ragged sofas
and carpets that had been damaged by your pet. However, this potential damage
can be minimized with a lot of outdoor exercising. Even dogs that are older
will need to get out and enjoy the fresh hair on a regular basis, even if they
won’t need to exercise as much. Most pet dog owners will agree that this is
preferable than taking out their boredom on your favourite couch.
Setting
Boundaries
When it comes to your dog, it is
generally up to you to set boundaries. Firm but gentle rule-making will let
your pet know that it is not okay for him or her to go in the bedrooms or upstairs.
Keep in mind that if your dog can go in all areas of the house, you will need
to keep more areas clean on a daily basis. While your pet is getting used to
the area, you can use makeshift barriers or stair gates to mark areas he or she
is not allowed to be in. Your dog can be housetrained this way.
Which
Floors are Best?
Easy to wash, hard wearing floors are
best for a dog. Flooring that is vinyl, tiled or made of wood work well. For
hallways, the kitchen and other areas your dog frequents, floors with mats that
have rubber backs are recommended. If your dogs are allowed to go into your
other rooms, carpets treated with stain resistant sprays will work well.
Varieties of rugs made of synthetic fibre rather than deep shag or natural wool
types are recommended for homes with a pet dog.
Using
a Pet Safe Cleaner
Not all cleaners are safe for pets. When
you need to clean up messes that your dog had made, ensure that you find a
cleaner made to do this job that is safe for pets. Ammonia-containing cleaners
are not suitable for pets. When your cleaner gets rid of the smell, your dog
will not be able to associate the location with his scent and won’t repeat the
mess in that area.
De-Flea
Your Carpet
In the home, it is important that you
de-flea all the different areas rather than just getting your pet treated for
fleas at the vet and leaving it at that. To get around and in the lower parts
of your carpet and furnishing, you can use a fogger. Remember that it is
important to keep all the members of the family safe from the fumes. For this
reason, it is important that you follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Mark
Perissinotto has been a practicing
veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and
principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders
of Vet Shop
Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland
with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet
supplies Australia.