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Welcome to our Spring Newsletter
The warmer weather will be soon upon us. It is a good time of the year to start getting out and about.
The next article in our series of My Weekends, I have written.
This time of year is perfect for going camping, whether a weekend away or a longer period,
I love the fresh air and adventure of being out-doors.
Do remember the warmer weather does mean our long-haired pets do feel the heat. It is best to have them groomed short for summer so they are more
active and their coats are less knotted with that winter-coat shed.
Shorter hair also means less itching and makes bath time less a chore. Most groomers are very busy at this time of the year so book early.
Thanks to all those owners who responded last time with photos of their beloved pets. Keep an eye out for them in future newsletter editions.
We now have a digital photo frame in the waiting room where the photos have been added, please take a moment to enjoy them next time you are in.
In this edition of our newsletter, I briefly revise, The Golden Years, something to consider as our pets get older and Lisa shares some great news with
the arrival her new foal.
During Spring, cats become more active so if your cat is inappropriately urinating inside the house it may be a feline frustration, all will be explained.
Enjoy your reading.
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Photo of the Month
Maggie & Molly, a Dynamic Duo
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My Weekends Camping by Ian
I have always loved the bush. Growing up I was a boy scout, in those days we slept under canvas and could have a fire.
I loved hiking and getting to places no man had trod before.
These days
I prefer to do things a little easier and with more comfort. So when I can, either with or without my family, I go camping.
South-east Queensland has some great spots, so I would like to share some of my favourites with you.
As a family, I usually need to find destinations that have amenities for my wife and 2 girls. We sometimes can take our dog, Bella,
she loves the different walks and being able to come with the family.
Probably one of our most memorable holidays was at Mon Repos, the turtle rookery near Bundaberg. As the hatchlings emerged from the sands,
the children were able to let the turtles crawl through their legs to the water. My girls loved it.
When I get away by myself, I can be a little more ruggered. Camping with a fire and tent by a creek is perfect for me, one of my favourite spots would be
Paddy's Flat, northern NSW on the Clarence River.
Here are a few of my favourite pictures from my weekends away. As the saying goes, " a photo says a thousand words"; I hope you enjoy them.
Please let me know if you have a great destination, I would love to explore and discover.
Click to view photos
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FELINE FRUSTRATIONS
Cats are very sensitive creatures and can become very easily stressed when their environment or routine is changed.
Cats are normally solitary creatures and whilst they may enjoy a companion they are not social creatures like dogs.
Cats usually have a territory which they patrol, if it's inside it is unlikely they will encounter a threat to their territory however if they
are inside/outside cats they will at some stage.
So what can they do?
Territory marking is usually the first thing that needs to be done and it needs to be thorough as a warning off of the invader.
We get many enquiries about cats urinating inappropriately around the home which cats seem to see as their last domain.
This can be very frustrating to owners because the places the cats urinate are areas we inhabit such as bedrooms and lounges.
Some medical problems with the bladder or other parts of the cats urinary tract can cause inappropriate urination, and sometimes this can be serious.
So usually the first part of an investigation into this is a visit to the vet for a check up, possibly involving a urine sample also.
So what can you do if you are having this problem? If it is because you have introduced a new cat into the home, you may need to provide more than one
litter tray and more than one feeding area.
Usually in this circumstance the urine marking will settle down. In areas that tend to cause aggression like doorways and areas where they are forced to
interact, a product called FELIWAY® can be sprayed to help calm the situation.
Feliway is a "facial pheromone" that cats spread when rubbing against things.
If you have an area that is being urinated in repeatedly you need to clean this well using a product especially for this purpose, ordinary cleaners
will not clean the urine smell properly, and your cat will still be able to smell the urine and repeat offend!
Biozet an enzymatic washing powder can be used cloth type surfaces. Once you have cleaned the area, you can then spray some Feliway® there and this will
normally stop them urinating in the area again.
If your cat feels threatened by another cat outside we will need to use anti-anxiety drugs to calm kitty down.
There are several different drugs available but unfortunately it needs to be done daily with a tablet.
Once we start the medication, usually the cat's behaviour is more relaxed and they eat better so the tablet can be hidden in food.
Hopefully the inappropriate urination stops and life returns to normal.
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG
I would like to announce the arrival of Caballito Park's first foal.
"Phoenix" was born at 4:45am on the 12th August 2011. Measuring at just under 19.5 inches.
"Ruby" is a first time mum and is loving every minute with her new baby.
"Phoenix" will make her debut in the showring at the QLD foal futurities in May next year.
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The Golden Years
The ageing process affects everyone, including our beloved pets. By the age of 7, even the most playful cats and dogs go through significant physical
changes related to age.
For large and giant breed dogs such as Labradors and Great Danes these changes start from the age of 5 to 6 years.
Even if there are no visible signs, research has shown that dogs and cats begin to be affected physically.
There are of course the more obvious signs;
- failing eyesight
- poor hearing
- sleeping more
- difficulty walking
- bed wetting
- unusual lumps
- weight change
- disorientated
- drinking more
So what can be done to help our older pets?
Reduce the food portions, instead of one large meal consider two half meals during the day. As your pet ages, their dietary requirements change considerably. Consider foods with good quality proteins and reduced fat levels. Some range of pet foods such as Eukanuba have a senior blend which offer antioxidants and added fibre to promote better health.
For dogs, exercise regularly. Two 15-minute walks each day help to maintain muscle tone, enhance circulation, promote digestion and prevent weight gain. Remember walks are essential social outings for dogs also.
Have annual vet check-ups. Regular dental care and thorough physical examinations will help identify subtle changes in your pet's health. Early detection and treatment is very important. Any lump should be examined and watched closely for change. Cats often require blood tests to detect kidney disease.
Provide comfortable bedding for larger pets. Maybe consider building ramps for older pets with arthritis if they need access to up-stairs areas.
Try to avoid unnecessary moves or changes in your pet's routine. This is particularly important for older cats and if your pets have poor eyesight.
Everyone grows old. Making our senior pets comfortable is what they deserve. Please give us a call if we can help make your senior pet more comfortable.
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