Information Library > Information for Pet Owners > Living With Pets

Australian dog experts defend the 'pit bull'

What do Australia dog experts have to say about pit bulls and pit bull type dogs? And how can we keep the community safe from dangerous dogs?   Read more...

Discounted pet desexing!

Have you been meaning to get your pet desexed but just haven’t gotten around to it? Take advantage of the National Desexing Network’s offers for August and book your pet in for discounted desexing today!   Read more...

Cold comfort for hot dogs

Hot days can be dangerous for man’s best friend. “People think because they’re a dog they can cope in the elements, but they’ve been bred for hundreds of years to be human companions so a lot of them don’t have the coping mechanisms to deal with the heat."   Read more...

Pets twice as common as kids in housholds

Ms Andrewartha, who lives in Crestmead, is part of a growing trend of animal lovers who treat their pets as children. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, pets are twice as common as children in Australian households, with 63 per cent of homes having a pet, compared with 33 per cent with children.   Read more...

The pit bull is the usual suspect

Outlawing 'dangerous breeds' is a surefire vote-getter for politicians, but it’s the council dog catchers who have to enforce the laws, and therein lies the rub. Confronting enraged dogs every day can be a thankless job; proving which particular enraged dog is a prohibited breed is not much easier. In Victoria last year, two-thirds of death sentences imposed by councils were overturned on appeal by a review panel of canine experts. Little wonder that councils have shown a marked lack of enthusiasm for enforcing the laws.   Read more...

Pets improve wellbeing of older people

People living in retirement communities can benefit significantly - both socially and mentally - from spending time with pets, according to recent studies. One study looked at residents in 37 nursing homes and found that those who had access to pets were happier than those who didn’t.   Read more...

(US) Calgary dog attacks fall to lowest level in 25 years

A ttacks by aggressive dogs are at the lowest level they've been in 25 years despite a steady population growth and the absence of breed-specific legislation brought in to tackle canine issues in other jurisdictions. Despite the low numbers, Calgary's top bylaw officer plans to delve deeper into the causes of dog attacks to try to bring the incidents even lower.    Read more...

Puppy love: More pets partake in even formal weddings

Pet-loving couples are increasingly including their dogs in the wedding parties of some very formal weddings — decking them out in silk and satin and including them in the receiving line, on the program and in the portraits.   Read more...

Walkies paws for thought

Walking your dog can help you sniff out more friends, a WA study has found.   Read more...

Stop blaming the dog

That “guilty look” has nothing to do with whether your dog actually committed an offense, says Alexandra Horowitz, Assistant Professor from Barnard College in New York. Her study was recently published in the “Canine Behaviour and Cognition” special issue of Behavioural Processes.   Read more...

When it comes to desexing rates for cats, owner income tells the story

A study conducted by Harris Interactive for Alley Cat Allies came up with some interesting data. Not only are the overwhelming majority of owned cats being desexed, the single most influential predictor of whether or not a cat is altered is the income level of his or her owner.   Read more...

Thunderstorm season! Is your dog ready??

Yes, it’s thunderstorm season. Yes, it’s great for your garden. And yes, it sucks for your thunderstorm-phobic dog.    Read more...

Before hitting the dog park, brush up on canine expressions

Spring really begins, for many people, the moment they unlatch the gate at one of the many area dog parks. Seeing winter-weary pets dash giddily into open space to sniff new friends can be exhilarating for all involved. That's if the outing ends with a happily exhausted dog. But sometimes things go horribly wrong, as employees of animal emergency clinics will attest.    Read more...

Renting with pets

Weary pet owners looking for rental properties could be rescued with the launch of a new website.   Read more...

What to do about cats

At this time of year you don't have to look very hard to find a 'Kittens! Free To Good Home' notice. Cat desexing is obviously the answer to less litters, but as cat lovers we need to go even further than just desexing our own cats. We need to take care of the orphan cats in the community who have no real family. We need to keep them from becoming young mums. We need to care for our Community Cats!   Read more...

Hot cars kill dogs - warning from the RSPCA

Dogs die in hot cars is the message from the RSPCA this summer. The temperature in a parked car can quickly rise to over 60º C. Under these conditions a dog locked inside can suffer from heat stress in as little as six minutes, resulting in an agonising death. Even cars parked in the shade on an overcast day can become dangerously hot.   Read more...

Resolving the Feral Cat Conundrum

At some point, most of us have attempted to feed or comfort a wide-eyed feral cat. If you've ever sighted homeless cats in your neighborhood and wondered what to do, here's some expert advice on the kindest and most effective action you can take to help them.   Read more...

What makes a dog hypoallergenic?

Is there really such a thing as a dog that won't cause allergies? An article from Scientific American magazine examines...   Read more...

Pregnant Paws Program saving the lives of family pets

Families all too often surrender their companion animals to pounds and refuges because they are expecting, or have recently welcomed, a new baby in their home. AWL believes that many of these families may have reconsidered their decision to give up their animals if only they had had access to quality information about keeping both their babies and animals safe in the home.    Read more...

Fido the fat blaster

Forget free fruit in schools and boot camp for children - the new frontier in the battle with the bulge could be the family dog. As experts grapple with Australia's escalating childhood obesity epidemic, new research has found that owning a pet could keep children slim and healthy.   Read more...

Chihuahua lovers lured by movie should think first

Remember, the dogs are playing roles. The real-life personalities of various breeds might not be what you expect. In the case of Chihuahuas, don't think laid-back lap dog just because they're small. Read the breed standard carefully, particularly on temperament.   Read more...

The real price of pets

"Pets are often bought on impulse and, in the excitement, many people overlook the ongoing costs associated," says well-known vet Dr Katrina Warren. "Pets are a big commitment; they may live 10-20 years and there are continual costs associated with their health and wellbeing."   Read more...

Cats and kids: the purrfect match?

Here are 10 tips to consider whether you have a cat and are expecting a new baby, or have kids and are thinking of adopting a new cat:   Read more...

Stolen dog saved by microchip

When Sydney man Kyle McCrae walked into his backyard two and half years ago to discover his beloved puppy Tyson had been stolen, he held little hope he would see his pet again. So the phone call he received yesterday from RSPCA staff in Malaga came as a shocking yet welcome surprise.    Read more...

Chicken rescuer giving battery hens a new life

Chickens are probably the most underestimated farm animals in the world. It's a shame because they make wonderful pets. They're often described as cats and dogs with feathers. In the same way that a dog wags its tail in response to your voice, a chicken will actually answer you back verbally. It's that conversation that people are really warming to.    Read more...

Activate your cat

As responsible, indoor-only cat owners, we must find a way to facilitate exercise for our feline companions, so here are a few activities to try with your own kitties that should help improve your cats physical, as well as mental well-being.    Read more...

Hair of the dog may be good for kids

Young children who live with a dog may get an immune-system boost against asthma and other allergies, researchers say.   Read more...

Dog therapy for baby arrivals

PREGNANT women are increasingly turning to dog behavioural therapists to prepare their pooches and family for the arrival of a baby.   Read more...

Guinea pigs get wet for the Big Wash

Guinea pig losing its hair? read on...   Read more...

Teach Your Dog Good Manners

The latest research from Monash University disproves that old adage "less is more" when it comes to training your dog to be friendly, relaxed and obedient.    Read more...

Help! My dog is scared of thunder!

Did you know that each summer hundreds of dogs end up in animal shelters and vet clinics after having escaped or injured themselves during a thunderstorm? So how can you help your dog overcome their fear?   Read more...

Research study shows dogs can classify complex photos

Animals continue to prove how intelligent they are. A study has shown that dogs can classify complex color photographs and categorize them just like how humans can. The dogs also used touch-screen computers during the study, which eliminated possible human influence.   Read more...

Under one woof: When pet owners merge households, fur can fly

A soap opera peppered with canines, humans, overprotective snarling and isolation. When couples move in together, and both people bring pets into the household, the transition can be very bumpy and it's important to get professional help and not "just let dogs duke it out."    Read more...

Top ten items surgically removed from pets

Our pets are sure curious, and their curiosity can definitely get them into trouble sometimes. Especially when they swallow something they shouldn't have. Here are the top ten most common items surgically removed from pets.   Read more...

A recipe for human-canine disaster: when dogs speak "dog" to infants and young children

When a dog bites a person's face, it's not uncommon for someone to attribute the wounds to the dog's predatory nature. However, these bites rarely represent predatory responses. More often than not, these dogs are playing by dog- rather than human rules, thanks to the animal's relationship with humans.    Read more...

Responsible parents and dog-savvy children are the way to prevent bites

Dogs were an integral part of the family but as a dog and not a cuddly stuffed toy, she said. It was unfortunately common to hear how dogs had put up with lots of inadvertent mishandling by boisterous children before finally biting - which could have been prevented with the right parental supervision, she said.   Read more...

(ACT) Fireworks survey

Take the ACT government's fireworks survey.   Read more...

Behavioral science turns to dogs for answers

Since the university's "Clever Dog Lab" opened its doors in a ground floor apartment in Vienna's Ninth District in April, the city's dog owners have inundated the place. What may seem like simple amusement for Guinness and her fellow canines is in fact revolutionizing cognitive research.   Read more...

Dog's got the back-to-school blues

Pets can get down when their favorite people spend time away, but some dogs take their unhappiness with separation to extremes.    Read more...

Crates provide refuge for stressed cats

Letting dogs indulge their denning instinct in crates has become commonplace, but felines are not usually offered those molded-plastic refuges, except for being placed in carriers - often under audible protest - for the occasional vet visit. And at least one veterinarian, Myrna Milani, has said she thinks that's too bad.   Read more...

Bunny Business - a free booklet on caring for your bunny

The way we care for cats and dogs has improved dramatically over recent times, but the 'care' given to rabbits has not changed for generations. Why, as a community, are we shocked to look over our neighbours' fence and see a cat or dog confined in a tiny cage, yet we accept this terrible type of housing for rabbits and guinea pigs as perfectly fine?   Read more...

(US) Couple pays $4,000 for leg surgery on pet chicken

This could be the worlds most expensive chicken leg. When Lily the chicken needed surgery, her owners sacrificed to do whatever it took to help their pet. She had gotten her left leg stuck in a barbed wire fence - it took seven operations and a leg amputation to get Lily back to normal.    Read more...

(NZ) Failure to desex pets is criminal says vet

The SPCA is stepping up its campaign to control the thousands of unwanted cats and dogs in Auckland. From today veterinarians throughout Auckland will offer discounted prices for animal desexing in an effort to combat the hundreds of kittens and puppies left with the SPCA each week.   Read more...

Under-the-tongue immunotherapy curbs cat allergy

People who are allergic to cats may not have to get rid of their pets to find relief, if the findings of a new study hold up. Tolerance to cats can be built up in allergic kids by placing increasing doses of standardized cat dander extract under the tongue, according to Spanish researchers.   Read more...

Walk your way to good health

Trevor Shilton, Heart Foundation National Physical Activity Manager, enthusiastically backed the call to encourage dog-walking; "People ring me here at the Heart Foundation and say "Trevor what sort of excercise equipment do you recommend?" My first question is do you have a dog? If they says yes, then my second question is - does it have a leash?"    Read more...

RSPCA WA winter pet care advice

As the winter chill hits Perth this week, the RSPCA is reminding pet owners not to forget their furry and feathered friends. While we can simply flick on the heater or pull on an extra jumper, pets rely on their owners to keep them safe and warm.    Read more...

Dog owners in war against 'absurd' council laws

A radical "dogs rights" group has launched a law-breaking civil disobedience campaign to highlight what it claims is a culture of canine discrimination. Australia has the highest rate of pet ownership in the world but also some of the most restrictive laws about where you can take your dog.   Read more...

(QLD) Greyhounds muzzle-free after law change

Townsville City Council has supported a local Greyhound Adoption Program in their bid to have the local laws eased. Laws will be relaxed to allow some greyhounds to be unmuzzled while on a leash.   Read more...

Anti-hunting bib keeps cats in check

Domestic cats kill an estimated 100 million native Australian animals each year. Now, a study shows that a brightly-coloured 'bib' attached to a cat's collar can reduce hunting effectiveness by 72 per cent.   Read more...

Taking dog for walk benefits both of you

I used to be a gym rat. Really. And then I adopted the third-fastest animal on earth, the 45-mph greyhound, and quit the gym because I thought I would be busy walking my dog. Sure, I knew that greyhounds were notorious couch potatoes, but c'mon, what dog doesn't enjoy a brisk jog? Uh, that dog would be Elvis.   Read more...

Quick action can save pet's life

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, one out of four or more pets could be saved if just one pet first-aid technique had been used.   Read more...

If you want to know how much a dog loves you, watch its tail

Every dog lover knows how a pooch expresses its feelings. Ears perked up, wriggly body and vigorously wagging tail means "I am sooo happy to see you!" But there is another, newly discovered, feature of dog body language that may surprise attentive pet owners and experts in canine behaviour.   Read more...

Is your cat a tiny tiger or a furry sofa pillow?

Instead of living the challenging life of a hunter, our cats have food delivered to them on a predictable schedule. We rarely do anything to make up for their lack of mental stimulation and consider their natural behaviors, such as scratching and nocturnal play, to be behavior problems.   Read more...

Fake dog testicles help pet owners accept neutering

Some men take particular issue with the neutering process. Werber says he is all for Neuticles if that is the only way to persuade pet owners to get their animals fixed.    Read more...

Let your dog guide you to love

Wood offers a bit of advice to men seeking women who love dogs. "Shelters are full of kind women who volunteer their time. It's paradise for a single man," she said. You can also meet like-minded people at the dog park, doggie day care or simply around your own neighborhood.    Read more...

A dog's life on a chain is no life at all

Dogs are sociable pack animals that need to interact with humans or other dogs. Aside from being cruel, tying a dog to a chain 24 hours a day, day in and day out, poses numerous dangers.    Read more...

Dog washers are great, but owners can try a scrub at home

Washing your dog yourself is a much more enjoyable experience for the person and the dog than sending it to a groomer. The dog is more relaxed. After all, the dog is getting all the attention of his favorite person.   Read more...

Regarding your pet as a person can be dangerous

Fido isn't exactly plotting revenge for too few kibbles in the food bowl or an abbreviated walk. But at their core, dogs are predators and pack animals, and experts say canines' powerful instinctive responses to things as innocent as a hug around the neck can create dangerous situations for human companions, especially unsupervised kids.    Read more...

Taming a rabbit's raging hormones

We have an unspayed female mini lop. We used to have a male neutered dwarf rabbit. About a year ago, the dwarf died. We think the lop is lonely. Our local pet shop tells us we cannot get another rabbit, since they will fight. Can we get another bun?    Read more...

Now it's Prozac for our pets

Animal welfare groups are alarmed at the number of cats and dogs being given Prozac and other mind-altering drugs to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorder and anxiety.   Read more...

Dog owners fitter, study finds

Dog owners are almost 70 per cent more likely than non-dog owners to achieve the recommended daily level of exercise, according to a new study from the University of WA.   Read more...

C-Section disasters... another good reason why pets don't need to breed

When backyard breeders get to teaching "the miracle of life" to their children, they can be truly stupid. About half the time they get lucky and they bring their dogs in before all is lost. The other half are not so lucky. While we can usually save the mother, the pups are often dead or simply not sustainably revivable.    Read more...

Assistance dog is a girl's best friend

"From day one you never growl at the dog," Kate explaines. "At home, if the dog grabs your shoe you'll growl at it, but I don't. I just turn around and say 'thank you very much' to the dog, and the dog will then give it to me."   Read more...

Sad dog park lesson shows need for responsible dog ownership

Our new dog park is a wonderful place for dogs and their owners, but it is not a place where we can let responsible ownership lapse. It becomes especially important in such a setting for owners to be extra vigilant and in control of their pets.   Read more...

Kids fat? Get a dog or cat

Australian children these days are much more likely to be sitting inside playing video games than running around the backyard, which is a shame. Owning a pet is a simple joy and encourages everyone to have a more active lifestyle.   Read more...

Man's best friend is pretty smart

We thought it would be very difficult for dogs to imitate humans, chimps have great difficulty doing so, even with their larger brains. But it turns out [dogs] love to do it. This is not a little thing, because they must pay attention to the person's actions, remember them, and then apply them to their own body.   Read more...

Apartments full of puppy love

In most apartments around Sydney, pets are their owners' dirty little secret - hidden from view and possible banishment by prying neighbours. Not in Jacksons Landing, where 200 dogs proudly call the one apartment block home - one for every four units.   Read more...

(UK) Doting owners get "peternity leave"

You no longer need to be as sick as a dog to take time off work. Companies are allowing employees to work from home or take days off to look after unwell pets. Some have introduced "peternity leave" policies giving staff paid leave to care for ill dogs and cats or to take them to the vets.   Read more...

Destructive behavior could be result of separation anxiety

"There's definitely a way if you're willing to work at it." Levitan said. "It's not easy. It takes a lot of work with your pet and a professional that can guide you. You really have to be committed and spend a lot of time."   Read more...

Dog dancing allows canines and their owners to shine

But there is a difference between learning the moves and executing them flawlessly in a dance routine. Dogs are forever scheming ways to skip the stunts and go to the part when they relax with a piece of cheese.   Read more...

Something everyone can do to reduce the number of pets in shelters!

Fireworks are a major cause of pets being lost or ending up at the local pound. With the fireworks season upon us, pop a copy of this "how to keep your pets safe" flyer in all the letterboxes in your street - especially neighbours with recently acquired dogs   Read more...

Take your time when introducing cat to new baby

The Marin Humane Society often gets questions about how to manage an existing cat and new baby together. Like dogs and people, cats need time to adjust to change. Here are some steps to help you and your cat through this period of adjustment.   Read more...

Keeping your cat off the streets

Microchips are a form of ID that has grown in popularity in recent years, but they work best as complements to tags, not replacements for them. Remember that most lost pets are found not by shelter staffers but by neighbors and neighbors don't have microchip scanners in their collection of home appliances.    Read more...

Take The Heat Off Pets This Summer

The RSPCA is concerned dogs are still being put at risk by being left in parked vehicles on hot days. "We can't stress enough - dogs die in hot cars!"   Read more...

Dogs may hold secret to long life

Dogs may be the secret to health and happiness because they encouraged their owners to walk them daily whatever their mood or circumstances, British researchers said today.   Read more...

Aussie Drivers Demand Seatbelts for Dogs

Eighty-three per cent of Australian drivers surveyed by Autotrader Magazine believe it should be illegal to carry dogs in a car without a safe restraint. Most respondents felt that laws should be introduced to better protect their furry companions.   Read more...

(UK) National Rabbit Week & how to keep a healthy rabbit

This week is National Rabbit Week in the UK. It is estimated that there are between 1.6 and 2 million pet rabbits in the UK, however at least 80% of them are not being fed correctly. Check out these top tips for keeping your hopper healthy.   Read more...

Don't forget the dog

Dooby can't believe his luck. He was anxious while we were packing this morning, restively circling our bags. Now, after sleeping for three hours in the car, he's zooming up and down the sand, leaping over waves as they wash up on the beach. His wagging tail is a blur. Back home, the closest he gets to the beach is the view from the hill at Bondi.   Read more...

Pig snouts are the bee's knees - at a price

Gourmet treats for pets are fetching higher prices than lobster, fine pate and handmade chocolates, a new survey suggests.   Read more...

Little ball of fur' presents a serious commitment

I want a Christmas gift that requires me to, every time I go out at night to see a movie or hear a band, maybe go to a party, I want to contemplate - at some point in the night - bladders, and how long they can be held.   Read more...

Dear PetRescue - Can I get a breeding dog from you?

Dear PetRescue, I'm looking at breeding my staffy cross but all of the female dogs are desexed that im interested in. Can you alert me when you get any that are not desexed?   Read more...

Greedy dogs beware the grapes of wrath

Dog owners have been warned of a surprising, but deadly, threat to their pets. While grapes, sultanas and raisins make tasty treats for their owners, vets say the snacks could trigger kidney failure in dogs, leading to a slow and painful death.   Read more...

Know dog before you commit

You may want to welcome a dog into your family, but rushing to do so without first learning about the breed could leave you with a pet you do not have the time and energy to maintain. And it could cost the animal its life.   Read more...

The Anti-Cesar Millan

"He has nice dog skills, but from a scientific point of view, what he says is, well ... different," says Dunbar. "Heaven forbid if anyone else tries his methods, because a lot of what he does is not without danger." "Don't try this at home" messages are flashed throughout the show, and in September, the American Humane Association requested that the National Geographic Channel stop the show immediately, citing Millan's training tactics as "inhumane, outdated and improper." Writer Mark Derr, in a recent New York Times editorial, went as far as to call Millan a "charming, one-man wrecking ball directed at 40 years of progress in understanding and shaping dog behavior."   Read more...

Unearthing ways to deal with your digging dog

When I stepped back outside to continue a rousing game of fetch, all I saw was an increasing pile of dirt with the back end and legs of my border collie at the lip of a crater that could hold an entire plastic lawn chair. My dog had become a digger.   Read more...

8 tips on exercising your cat

Think of your cat and what it does most of the time. Right, and it's not aerobics. But cats need exercise too, if they are to stay healthy and not get obese. So how on earth do you go about doing this?   Read more...

Why Do Dogs Drink From The Toilet?

In two new books, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet" and "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker answers some of the most embarrassing questions about he's been asked about pets.    Read more...

Remembering a dog's life

Adams believes people should replace a dog who has died as soon as possible, even if they feel the new dog could never be as good as the old dog. "I always say that helping a new dog will be a tribute to that (departed) dog," she said.   Read more...

Dog owners unaware of worm risk

One in three Australian dog owners with young children are not aware their children could become infected with common dog worms and get sick, according to a Newspoll study. But you can easily protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following simple preventive measures.   Read more...

Dog owners warned over sugar-free items

Keep those sugarless treats out of Fido's reach. Veterinarians warned on Friday that a commonly used sweetener might cause liver failure in dogs, and perhaps even kill them.   Read more...

False nails are the cat's pyjamas

Maureen Truscott splashed out on her first set of fake fingernails last month, but her cat has donned hot pink claw extensions for years.   Read more...

Multi-cat homes take work

Cats living with other cats creates a whole household of hierarchies, games, arguments, mischief and learning how to interact with each other. It means there is always a cat ready to sit on your lap, but it also means you have challenges to meet in order to keep harmony within your walls.   Read more...

How do you stop a backyard breeder?

You'e probably been in this situation before, someone announces proudly "I'm actually thinking of letting Missy have a litter this year". So how do you convince someone who doesn't know the issues behind this harmless "hobby", that they themselves are going to become part of the problem?   Read more...

Helping your shelter dog become a pet: the adjustment period

Recognizing the adjustment period - and successfully managing it - is a very important part of helping your newly adopted shelter dog to become a welcome family.   Read more...

A four-legged addition to the family

It's as much work as raising a toddler - managing a young dog until it learns appropriate behaviour, "puppy proofing" the house and disciplining in a non-physical way are all parallels to raising a child.   Read more...

Fish aren't thick: scientists

A Sydney scientist who has spent 10 years proving fish are not as dumb as we think. Fish are not the bowl-circling dimwits we imagine and could be as socially able as monkeys and elephants.   Read more...

Dog-friendly businesses cater to furry friends

Good petiquette - doors won’t open without some basic canine courtesy. Here are some guidelines for taking your pooch in public.   Read more...

Spice things up for your cat

If you're looking for something fresh and fun to keep your cats happy, catnip and some other plants might do the trick.   Read more...

Why is the cat not using the #*^&#*$ litterbox?!

Why would a cat refuse to use a perfectly good litter box and prefer to leave smelly waste behind the couch, or on the wall, risking the loss of pampered indoor kittydom to roughing it outdoors, or worse yet being taken to the shelter?   Read more...

What is pyometra and why shoud I desex my bitch?

Pyometra is a common problem in older un-desexed bitches. The risk of a pyometra infection, after hours callouts and emergency surgery are additional reasons why pets need to be desexed.   Read more...

Why spay or neuter (desex) your pet?

Did you know that a spayed or neutered animal will live a longer, healthier life? Did you know that a spayed or neutered animal is better behaved?    Read more...

Babies, pets can bond

First-time parents can be especially nervous. People often are terrified and have unrealistic fears about pets and babies. Family members often put pressure on the new parents to get rid of the cat or dog, especially, perhaps, relatives who have not grown up with dogs.   Read more...

Pups first growl - kid proofing

Living with kids is tough on a dog, even dogs with sweet and wonderful temperaments like my new Collie Finn. What we need to do with all our dogs is to help them to make wonderful associations with kids, and for most dogs that revolves around lots of yummy food, playtime, and all around good times.    Read more...

Where will they go when you're gone?

The shelter takes in at least 100 animals each year after owners die or go into nursing homes. "It's upsetting enough for an animal to have its owner gone and then even more stressful to have to come to a shelter, no matter how nice or great the shelter is".   Read more...

How to deal with sibling rivalry in multi-dog households

At the risk of going down the anthropomorphizing trail a bit, when it comes to dogs it really is amazing how human-like their behavior can be. This can be especially evident when you have more than one dog in the family and the "sibling" rivalry begins.   Read more...

Quick-thinking owner saves his dog

Owners should first try to perform the Heimlich maneuver on dogs. The Heimlich for dogs is very similar to the human method - dog owners can perform the maneuver from behind or from the side.   Read more...

Warning to cat owners: flea treatment can lead to illness, death

As temperatures get warmer, fleas become an increasing problem for pet owners, who often try to save money by buying the less-expensive, over-the-counter flea medications. The problem is that many of these less-expensive brands contain chemicals that can be harmful to cats in inappropriate doses.   Read more...

Cat owners must take responsibility for pets

Your cat can produce its first litter as early as four to 10 months old. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that a pair of breeding cats and their offspring can exponentially produce more than 400,000 cats in seven years - of those, 100,000 will be euthanised.   Read more...

Vet dispels goldfish 3-second memory myth

A conference of vets in Hobart has heard that fish are much smarter than is commonly thought. Studies have found the concept of fish having three second memories is a myth and goldfish memories can last as long as three months.   Read more...

Reading your cat's body language

Cats are sometimes thought of as mysterious creatures whose behavior cannot be explained. However, like all intelligent creatures, cats have very specific body language that pet owners can learn to interpret and use to form a better relationship with their kitties.   Read more...

Urban dog owners take lead in sheepdog trials

City dog owners are starting to replace retired farmers on the sheepdog trial circuit. The experts say they have noticed a big change, with city pet owners more interested in putting their dog and three sheep through an obstacle course, than competing in a traditional dog show.   Read more...

Dog is poster pet for shredder safety

A Socastee resident is spreading a safety message after her dog lost part of his tongue in a paper shredder accident. Sandy Clarke's boxer Cross lost three or four chunks of his tongue in late February when he stuck it into a shredder in her home office.   Read more...

Cat expert sheds light on feline mysteries

Pam Johnson-Bennett spends her days helping people figure out their cats' baffling behavior - in fact, she is a renowned professional in the field of cat psychology. Johnson-Bennett is a certified animal behavior consultant, the author of six books   Read more...

Observe the 10 commandments of care

Losing one of my favorite cats last month has made me reflect on how I care for my animals and if I did everything I could for Mouse while I was lucky enough to have him with me.   Read more...

It's a dog's world, we just live in it

Doghouses, even the classiest ones, may soon be passe. About 70 percent of America's dogs now spend more than half their time indoors in the family home, which increasingly tends to feature dog-friendly walls, floors, upholstery.   Read more...

Neutering is good for cats at any age

Q: I have a 3-year-old cat that was never neutered. Is he too old for this and to be declawed as well?   Read more...

This year, resolve to be the best pet owner you can be

Just as the holidays always bring new pets to homes, the New Year always brings resolutions. That means it's time for some New Year's resolutions for people with new pets.   Read more...

Give a dog a bone this Christmas

Its hard to resist big brown eyes pleading for tidbits off the Christmas table, but the RSPCAs advice is to keep it simple, or risk a sick pet and a hefty vet bill.   Read more...

Christmas safety for pets

Christmas and New Year celebrations are generally cheerful occasions, but some of the decorations and gifts we humans enjoy can be harmful, or even fatal, to our pets.    Read more...

Home alone

Nine-to-five, or the increasingly common seven-to-seven, workday can be a dull time for the average suburban cat or dog. In order to cope with the lack of stimulation, dogs and cats may make their own fun.   Read more...

Kaye Hargreaves writes for PetRescue - Dogs in bed

People frequently ask me where their dog should sleep. I think that a dog that sleeps inside will be less likely to become a nuisance barker at night. The dog will be better able to protect you if you have an intruder. A puppy will bond with you if sleeping nearby. However, you must establish a few ground rules.   Read more...

It can be a dog's life trying to be understood

They have long been our best friends in the animal kingdom, but despite centuries of life together it seems we just don't understand them. Dogs have a host of facial expressions but a survey of 11,000 owners found they were unable correctly to identify around half of them.   Read more...