Pet Friendly Easter for Pets – Avoid Chocolate

While we humans may be all getting excited about Easter and the abundance of sweets and chocolate, please remember that chocolate is toxic and sometimes even fatal to our pets if ingested.

Reduce the risk and try to avoid leaving chocolate laying around in a place where your pet can reach it. The Easter Egg hunt is great for the adults and kids, however if you must have an Easter Egg hunt when pets are around, please remember to count all the eggs you put out in the hunt and make sure that number of eggs are again collected. A better option is to give instructions to find different things and then when found reward the adults and kids with their eggs and chocolate, that way the chocolate never has to be on the ground or in reach of your pet.

Dogs are most commonly affected by chocolate toxicity as they are very good little hunters and great at seeking out anything tasty, even if it is wrapped up, plastic wrappings are no match for the acute sense of smell of your pooch. It is important to remember that other pets too, are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate.

What makes Chocolate Toxic to Pets

Chocolate contains Theobromine, a caffeine derivative that cannot be metabolized by our pets. Humans can break down this substance and excrete it much more effectively than our pets.

If your pet eats chocolate you need to seek veterinary attention immediately, and they will usually be able to help, however for your hip pocket as well as your pets well being, it is not a good idea to do this, especially over Easter.

What to watch out for if you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate.

Symptoms from any amount of chocolate ingestion usually occur within hours 

• Firstly hyperactivity
• then tremors
• then maybe racing heartbeat
• then vomiting, diarrhoea
• then possibly seizures
• and in the worst case scenario, finally death

Yes, some chocolate is more toxic than others, generally the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is. The more cocoa the more toxic, so cooking chocolate is approximately seven times more toxic than milk chocolate.

Here is a bit of a guide to a what may be a fatal amount of chocolate for a 10kg dog, so do the sums on your dog.

• 70gms cooking chocolate
• 200 gms of sweet or dark chocolate
• 600gms of  milk chocolate

With all this in mind, be careful and have a safe and happy Easter. If you are travelling, please remember to care for your pet too, and drive safely and enjoy the rest.

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Luxury Pet Friendly Accommodations

Before embarking on an Australian fun trip, it is highly advisable to go through a list of luxury pet friendly accommodations that can enhance the overall fun value of your entertainment. Your need for pet friendly places to stay directly depends on your budget. You may come across a strikingly handsome leisure deal during an off season, as compared to holiday season. However, when it comes to Australia and its wide climatic variations, you will find it jam packed with tourists all round the year.

So, if you are in a mood to make this weekend a fun filled sporty activity on Queensland or a joyous recreation in Tasmania, worry not as Australian luxury pet friendly hotels will take care of yours and your pet’s mood. The following list of luxury pet friendly services are found all across Australian hotels, resorts and dog friendly holiday parks:

• A warm welcome with a welcome drink for you and a welcome snack for your pet
• A flexible pet size entry regulation for example for dogs, an under 11 kgs to above 34 kgs rule is followed by many luxury pet friendly hotels
• Personal hygiene kit for pets accompanied by pet body wash, nail cutter, comb and shampoo is served with an additional pet towel
• Personal pet care services include spa and body wash treatments for your pets, shall you wish to relax and give your pet an extra pampering.
• Freedom to roam around with your pet, including exclusive pet running areas where you’re dog or cat can enjoy the company of other pets and mingle with fellow mates
• Customizable boarding kennels for your pets peaceful sleep
• Baby sitting for your pet, while you enjoy the freedom to roam around with an added assurance that you have your faithful dog or loving cat with you all the time
• Playful games are provided by all sorts of pet friendly accommodations right around Australia so that your pet can play and keep up the normal workout routine with an instructor or your children.

The above is only a bird’s view over what Australian luxury pet friendly places have to offer you in general. The rules may vary slightly, but on a general level, all of them go an extra mile to take really good care of your pet and render you a memorable holiday.

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This story is a sad one, however it has a very happy ending, and this is the reason why we need to support dog shelters and adopt dogs where we can offer them a dog loving home. If you have an Australian story, please send them through to us so we can share.

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Entertaining your dog can prove to be a cumbersome task, especially when you have a dozen other chores to attend. That is why dog friendly holiday parks have been designed all across Australia to serve varied kinds of entertainment to your loveable pet; dog. 

However, please note that this service does not come free. At a nominal park entry fee, you can jump along with your Russian or Alsatian dog or hire the services of dog walkers, shall the dog friendly holiday park give such a service. The benefits of such a pet friendly park are innumerous but the following comes on top of the list:

Healthy Lifestyle for Your Pet:

Your dog is bored and you might be tempted to switch on TV or music to soothe his senses. But does this electronic entertainment really work? As a matter of fact, studies have shown that animal’s mood swings are very much like humans. Once in an open natural environment, a cranky bored pet will brighten up just as naturally as we would. So, if you are taking your pet to an outside entertainment in form of a dog friendly holiday park than you, my friend, are actually promoting his healthy lifestyle which is way better than pet grooming, manicure or pedicure!

Versatile Pet Park Entertainment:

Modern Australian dog friendly holiday parks have been engineered with modern lifestyle in mind promoting pet friendly cafes, pet friendly restaurants and elite boarding kennels all in one place. You can roam around through their vast landscape and delve into a mouthwatering treat on your way back home, without ever having to worry about thirst or hunger.

Hub of Events of Pets:

Unlike public parks that keep away pets of all kinds, dog friendly holiday parks are open to all sizes and breeds of dogs. You can do a prior booking to minimize all sorts of delays and park unavailability. Also, keeping up its fan following, dog friendly parks have become a center of dog related races, competitions and events, giving your dog an entirely new line of activities to explore.

Pet Park Facilities:

Expect modern life facilities for yourself and your pet in most of the Australian dog friendly holiday parks. From bins to benches and restaurants to Wi-Fi, these dog friendly holiday parks hold an equal appreciation for dogs and their owners.

Visit www.doggo.com.au for a detailed online guide to Australian dog friendly holiday parks.

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Pet Photography

The need to capture life’s wonderful moments establishes how much we fear to lose the moments we have in hand right now. Your pet is like your child. You would grow attached to him overtime and would want to cherish his learning and growing tall phase by taking the right moment at the right time. A cranky pet will fail to generate beautiful pet photography as compared to a soothed, happy and calm one. The following tips might prove helpful in forming a photographic bond between you and your pet:

Make a Connection with your Pet:

Just like children, pets need time in adjusting and familiarizing with the moment. This holds especially true in situations where you have hired a professional photographer to do your pet photography. Your faithful dog or bouncy cat might not feel as much at ease with an alien party as it would with you. As a matter of fact, your pet might even take you for granted and not give due attention with a camera in hand. So, in the very start of pet photography it is about making a connection with the pet, the photographer and the camera (without risk of it breaking). Get down to their eye level and do everything possible to make the pet feel at ease. The more relaxed your pet feels, the more natural your pet photography results will be.

Set Your Photographic Goals:

Know what you want from the photographic session. Do you want it to be up-close and personal or do you want some other goal out of it. For example if you are aiming to capture a sleeping pet than a portrait picture will be the best way to go about it. On the other hand, if you want more dynamic shots than get your pet in the mood. Try to organize pet photography session after his nap time, when he is fully vigilant. However, ensure that your aim do not clash with pet personality. For example you just cannot expect a Siamese cat to be up and about when lazing around is their very character!

Gather Photographic Essentials:

Unlike camera lens or stand, this would include things or people closer to the pet, like his favorite toy or chewing bone. The presence of your pet’s favorite person nearby can work wonders to his overall body language. You might want your children to be around the pet dog to get him in full swing and capture amazing real life moments.

Pet Photography Technical Tips:

A few tried and tested pet photography tips include, aiming for a full scale portrait, avoiding flash whenever possible and doing it outdoors wherever possible. A flash less shot will be best in a moderately lit up outdoors, where the pet silhouette can become easily visible to the camera eye without giving him a red eye. Use dynamic camera mode when the pet is in full action and normal mode when stationery.

In the end, capturing the right moment at the right time is the essence of perfect pet photography that you will learn overtime. 

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Pet Care in Summer

Identifying Signs of Heatstroke in Your Pet.

1. Excessive panting and drooling

2. Blueish or bright red tongue or gums

3. Staggering or seizures.

What to do if you think your pet has heatstroke

1. Cool your pet as quickly as possible. Immerse them immediately in cool water (not icy or freezing water, just cool) or use a hose to spray cool water over them (be aware that if the hose has been laying out in the sun, the water that comes out initially may not be that cool). Just a word of warning, be careful not to cool your pet down too far as this may cause hyppthermia.

2. Airflow is essential, make sure you use a fan or something similar to provide as much air flowing over and around your pet as possible.

3. Without delay, seek the urgent attention of your vet, if you are driving, on the way use the car's air conditioning to both cool and generate the air flow.

The Best Solution is Prevention

Here are some preventative tips.

NEVER leave your pet in the car, not even for a minute or a quick errand.

NEVER exercise your pet in the heat of the day, either go early in the morning or wait until the cool of an evening.

On a hot day, wet your pet's coat, especially on a hot humid day, this works like evaporative cooling for them.

Seek shade and fresh water.

All animals are at risk of heatstroke but be extra careful of brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short noses such as Pugs), heavy-coated or overweight animals and pets with heart or respiratory problems

Clip long haired coats during Summer, this will help to keep your pet cooler – Look for a reputable groomer that you have a good gut feeling about and that your pet likes and feel comfortable with. 

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Firstly, and I know we keep saying it, however it keeps happening, NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A VEHICLE UNATTENDED, not even for a minute.  It can be the cause of serious illness and even death.

You Pets Can and Do Get Sunburnt

Most people don't even think about their pets getting sunburned but they certainly can. Areas that are commonly affected are the ears, eyelids and nose, especially pink or white areas. Use a pet approved sunscreen to protect your pet and make an appointment with your vet if you do happen to notice any sunburnt areas as pets can suffer from skin cancer too.

Heat Stroke is Common.

Hot Days, we need to drink more to keep ourselves hydrated, so do our pets. Remember a water bottle for them too when you are out walking or playing in the sun. This is probably one of the most common summer related problems and is potentially deadly. On a hot summer's day our pets cannot change their wardrobe or turn on the air conditioning to keep cool and can become over heated in minutes. Keep this in mind, they are usually smaller, however they are often running around twice as much, so keep the water supply up to them.

Pet Friendly Water Safety

Not all pets can swim so you should always introduce pets to water slowly. One just in case they can not swim and two so you don't scare them off water for life. Never leave your pets unattended around a pool and make sure they can get out if they happened to fall in but remember that pets cannot climb pool ladders so steps are essential. Never let your pet drink pool water. Pets on a boat always require close supervision. Once your pet is used to the water, it is highly likely you are going to see them enjoying the water with other good friends or even with yourself and other family members, Be sure kids are supervised at all times and particularly around an excited pet swimming.

Beware of Creepy Crawlies

Snakes and ticks are out and about at this time of the year sunning themselves too. Make sure you keep an eye on your pet at all times and avoid letting your pet roam in long grass. If you live in a tick area or are going to visit one (typically the eastcoast of Australia), be sure you have paralysis tick prevention under control. Check with your regular pet friendly vet prior to heading off on holidays, the last thing you want is a problem that could have been prevented.

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Pet Friendly New Years Resolutions

The new year offers a fresh start to develop good habits for us all, however don’t forget to focus on the four-legged members of the family too.

Here are some important areas to think about. 

Firstly the Battle of the Bulge

Pets really do depend on you to monitor their nutrition and activity levels, sure they sneak things, especially puppies when we are not looking, however in general we are the ones that supply the food and nutrition value to them and we also are usually in control of when they get out and exercise (which is good for our health too).

Overweight pets face a dramatically increased risk of diseases such as arthritis and diabetes so it's important to follow feeding guidelines. This year, vow to lay off those table scraps and make sure your pet is on a well balanced, highly digestible diet. 

Parasite Prevention.

It's Summer here in Australia, NOW is the time. If you have missed a few doses or forgotten what you should be doing? Now is the time for a fresh start for you and your pet and to get up to date. Check this out with your vet, or your local pet shop or even in the supermarket, just read the packaging and get the most efficient way to protect your pet, they really will love you for it, who wants all those bites and itches?

Protect their Teeth

Does your pet have morning breath all the time? An unhealthy mouth equals an unhealthy pet. Lift your pet’s lip to check your pet's teeth and gums at least once a week, and ask your vet  to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly and feeding your pet the appropriate chewing bones. 

Remember a Medical Check-Up

You go to the doctor regularly and you also need to ensure your pet does too. This year, keep up to date with vital vaccinations and help your vet detect any changes or disease early with regular check ups. It will make for a happier, healthier house hold, and like all things it is best to use preventative measures.

 For more information and ideas about keeping your pets happy and healthy, come back and visit our news blog regularly.

Remember, Never Never Never leave your pets in an unattended vehicle.

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Christmas time is approaching fast and now that it is December we need to be mindful of our pets and our Christmas trees.

Here are some Special Christmas Rules for your Dog:

Dogs please note, that the humans in the house, may start to bring big green trees that are normally outside, indoors and they are likely to set them up right in one of your favourite resting places. Not only that they will cover it with all sorts of shiny decorations and bright lights, it is a strange ritual for humans, and they have some strange new rules about trees that you really need to know.

Number 1. Don't Pee on the tree. (You Still have to keep this for the Outdoor Trees.)

Number 2. Don't drink the water in the container that holds the tree.

Number 3. Do not open any packages that they leave lying around to tempt you under the tree, yes, even if they smell nice.

Number 4. This is the most important one, because this could really hurt you. DON'T chew on the cord that runs from the funny hole in the wall to the tree.

Now some Tips for the Humans:

Be Pet Friendly and Look Out for their Safety.

1. Avoid Fatty Foods: Left over ham or crackling and sausages are really not good for your pet and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even pancreatitis (which is very painful and uncomfortable for your pet and can be quite serious.)

2. Avoid giving your pet cooked bones and make sure you remove the Bar-b-que skewers, they can cause some nasty blockages and again be very painful for your pet.

3. Onions, macadamias, grapes and sultanas are all toxic to pets, these are commonly found in foods eaten at Christmas so beware of feeding leftovers, especially the Christmas pudding! 

4. We love chocolate, but DON"T give it to the dog, it is highly toxic and poisonous for dogs, even small amounts, so avoid giving them any.

5. Make sure the ornaments, decorations, lights and the ribbons and wrapping is all out of harms way for the dogs and your cats and kittens, they are all very keen to chew on such thins and they can create great issues if they are swallowed.

6. Oh and avoid toxic flowers, the leaves and flowers from the plants of the lily family are highly toxic to cats, if in doubt just keep all plants and flowers away from your pets or hey, do a search on Google to be sure.

In Case of Emergency, know your local vets hours and contact details, especially over the Christmas and Festive Season.

Follow these tips and enjoy the time leading up to and over Christmas.

Enjoy from the crew at Pet Friendly.

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In your home or if you are in pet friendly rental accommodation and your cat develops this nasty habits, your worst nightmare is about to come true. Yes, if you are a cat owner and your cat backs himself or herself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts their tail, and releases urine – you have a really big problem. This problem is known as spraying, and it is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying (and smelly) problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.

Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem, but rather a problem with the marking of territory. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating, however cats are the most common domestic animal known for it. Pheromones can be liken to fingerprints, as Pheromones are as unique to the animal as fingerprints are to humans, and they are used to identify the cat to other animals.

When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will not solve the problem. If you raise your voice or show anger towards your cat, it can very well result in even more spraying.

Cats that are on heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats on heat, spraying is more or less an invitation to mate. Often cats that spray while on heat will result in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months after the spraying. It is a good idea to keep in mind that cats not only spray whilst they are on heat, some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed.

Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.

The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, there are other options and I suggest you speak to your vet about those that are suitable for your breed. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him/her desexed, however you will need to address this issue immediately.

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to give you advice, and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave stains all over your home that can be very difficult, if not impossible to remove.

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