The human body is a complex system that consists of a highly integrated musculoskeletal system that makes all movement possible. When you get up out of your chair after reading this piece, you'll engage your muscles to get your body moving. Tendons and ligaments support movement in your joints, and your skeletal system holds it all together and upright.   Your dog's body is just the same. Dogs have a musculoskeletal system that includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and vital joints that make running, jumping, and playing possible. Older dogs and those suffering from genetic deformities (hip dysplasia) are candidates for hip replacement, but what should you as the owner know about the process?   Spotting hip problems Joint pain has the same impact on the life of a dog as it does on a human. If you notice that your dog whines in discomfort at simple movements, this could be a clear sign of hip problems. Health problems in the hips can lead to stiffness, lameness, poor range of motion, and a lack of interest in exercise in your dog. While it could be a temporary issue causing the pain, the longer these issues are present the more likely it is that something severe is bothering your pooch.   Candidates for hip replacements The presence of hip problems does not mean your dog is automatically eligible for the procedure. In order to be considered a candidate, your dog must reach skeletal maturity first. This means that your dog's skeletal structure must be done growing. This generally occurs by the time your dog reaches nine months. Keep in mind that some larger dog breeds don't reach skeletal maturity until 11 months.   Additionally, your dog must be healthy in general to undergo the procedure. A veterinarian may not perform the procedure if your dog has other joint or bone conditions, as well as nerve disease, as these can impact the effectiveness of the procedure. Dogs with arthritic hips are not generally considered candidates for hip replacement, assuming they have normal function that is pain-free.   Post-op care If your dog undergoes hip replacement surgery, it will spend two days in the care of veterinarians. Dogs are usually taken in as patients on the day of the surgery and held until the following day when a vet is comfortable releasing them. At this point, you become responsible for your dog's care.   Your dog's surgical incision must be kept clean and monitored on a daily basis. You will need to discourage your dog from licking (as much as possible) the incision site. Additionally, you'll be responsible for monitoring the site for redness, swelling, or any discharge. After roughly two weeks, your vet will be able to remove the sutures from your dog.   Throughout its recovery you will need to strictly control your dog's activity levels. In the first two months following surgery your dog should remain on a leash outside. Movement outside should be restricted to bodily functions and a brief walk, no longer than ten minutes in duration. During that same timeframe, your dog should not be running, jumping, or playing inside or outside.   Try to avoid taking your dog through rooms with slipper floors and control its pace when using the stairs. It isn't necessary for you to carry them on the stairs, but you do need to firmly grasp its leash to ensure it takes time on the stairs and establishes solid footing with each step. When you cannot be home with your pet, it should be confined to a small room in the house.   Once your dog has passed the first two months of recovery, you can begin slowly increasing its activity level. Do not rush your dog. Give it time to get back to previous activity levels. A good guideline is to allow your dog four weeks to get back up to speed.   Can hip replacement be avoided? A hip replacement isn't a necessity in dogs with hip issues. There are non-surgical solutions to certain hip problems, such as physical therapy, but only your veterinarian can help identify the proper non-surgical solution for your dog.   If your dog has hip dysplasia, there is no preventative action you can take. Hip dysplasia is an inherited defect that will eventually strike your dog, and there is no product that can prevent it from developing. Hip replacement is a solution to hip dysplasia, but not a preventative tool.   When it comes to other hip problems that can occur as a result of normal aging or wear and tear, you can avoid hip problems with proper diet and exercise. If you help your dog maintain a healthy weight it can help decrease the stress on its joint caused by excess weight. Additionally, a good exercise regimen can help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Feature image credit

The majority of pet dogs will be happy and healthy and, if socialised properly, will have pleasant and trouble-free interactions with children, people, other dogs and animals. However, keep in mind that any dog of any breed - large or small - can bite. As a dog owner, you will be held responsible if your dog attacks a person or another animal, even if you are not there at the time. A dog deemed to be dangerous can be seized and euthanased, so the last thing you want is for your dog to be aggressive. If a biting incident has occurred, there a number of steps you should take to minimise damage and reduce the chance that aggression will continue.   Reasons dogs bite There are various reasons why your usually placid and friendly dog may become aggressive. Some of the most common reasons are: Out of fear or feeling threatened Protection - Dogs are pack animals and will protect any ‘pack member’, which could mean you as well as their offspring or fellow household animals. Being possessive about their territory, food, toys and pack. Suffering from pain or illness If your dog has bitten another dog Remain calm Get your dog under control and separate the animals. To separate the dogs, lift your dog’s hind legs off the ground and manoeuvre them away from the other dog. Give assistance to the owner and injured dog. If you are able to, offer to take the injured dog to a vet and pay in full or contribute to any veterinary costs. Exchange contact information with the other owner. Seek legal advice in case you are asked to pay compensation or damages. If, for any reason, you are unable to control your dog, you should call your local animal control organisation or police. Be aware that you may be fined by your local council or animal control organisation. Dogs that attack when unprovoked may be deemed dangerous and may be seized then euthanased.  Steps you can take to lessen the risk of aggression Spayed or neutered dogs tend to exhibit less aggressive behaviour Exercise and play with your dog regularly to keep them active, healthy and improve their behaviour Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that they have regular veterinary check-ups to identify any medical conditions Ensure your dog has had obedience training When in public, keep your dog leashed, and muzzled if necessary Keep your dog confined to your property Understand the frightened and aggressive body language of your dog so you can take necessary action before the situation escalates Ensure your puppy is socialised with other dogs and gets proper training to discourage biting at an early age Seek professional help from your veterinarian, a dog behaviourist or dog trainer if your dog continues to display aggression    Image credit   Feature image credit

Throughout your dog's life you are going to be struggling to determine its mood. Whether your dog is happy, sad, or mad, it cannot simply walk up to you and tell you as much in clear English. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible to determine if your dog is happy. Your dog will use other signals to let you know if it's feeling cheerful. So what are those signs?   1. Body Language Your dog may not be able to speak a language, but it can use its entire body to send you signals about its mood. From its head to its tail, your dog will use body language to let you know if it is happy, mad, or sad. Typically, a happy dog is easy to spot because it will appear as if its entire body is wiggling with anticipation. This is most likely the look you get each day when you get home from work.   Additionally, the general stance of your dog will reveal a lot about its mood. A dog that stands confidently on all four feet, with its body relaxed and head up, is a happy dog.   2. Behavior When your dog is happy, it will be willing and eager to play with you. As you approach your dog for some play time, the easiest way to determine its happiness is in the stance it takes. If your dog sticks its hind quarters up in the air and lowers its head toward the floor, it is happy and eager to play.   In some cases, your dog may even use its voice in conjunction with this behavior to drive the point home. Short, high-pitched barks, howls, and squeals are another sign that your dog is ready to goof around.   3. How About a Scratch? Every dog owner has either experienced firsthand or seen another dog that goes into a blissful state when receiving a belly rub. If your dog has no issues rolling over on its back to display its belly for a rub, then you have a very happy (and trusting) dog on your hands. Generally speaking, any time your dog initiates physical contact with you it is trying to tell you that it is happy and wants to be around you.   Reward all of these behaviors with some physical contact. When your dog rolls over on its back hoping for a rub, take a few minutes out of your day to give it a scratch. In the process, you ensure your dog remains happy and the sense of trust between owner and dog continues to grow.   4. Quiet Demeanor Last but not least, a quiet dog is often a happy dog. If your dog is quietly and contently lounging around next to you, it is a safe bet that you have a happy dog. The fact that it is so relaxed is a sign that your dog is happy to be in your presence and feels safe when you are around. The more time you devote to the activities and behaviors that create these physical responses in your dog, the more likely you are to have a happy and mentally healthy dog.  

Cardiomyopathy is the most common type of heart disease that appears in cats, but it can develop in a range of different forms and the causes, treatments and prognosis can be quite diverse. Here's what you need to know about heart disease in cats. Types of cardiomyopathy Most cats that are diagnosed with heart disease have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by a thickened heart muscle that no longer holds as much blood. Meanwhile, dilated cardiomyopathy involves a thinned, enlarged heart that contracts poorly. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is diagnosed when the heart is stiffened and fails to fill properly. Sometimes, a vet will diagnose unclassified cardiomyopathy, in which it is clear that heart disease is present but the structures of the heart don't quite match one of the well-defined categories. Why does heart disease develop? If your cat is diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, you may never learn the cause or it may be suspected that the condition is inherited. However, it can develop as a result of other diseases (such as an overactive thyroid or chronically high blood pressure), and in some cases heart disease can be partly reversible if the underlying disease is treated. Heart disease used to be commonly caused by a lack of taurine in a cat's diet, but increased awareness of the nutritional role of taurine has led to almost all forms of cat food providing a sufficient amount. What are the signs of heart disease? You might first learn of your cat's heart disease when your vet picks up a heart murmur or detects an unusual heart rhythm during a routine examination. If these signs are noticed, a scan of the heart may be ordered. In the early stages, heart disease provides few (if any) noticeable symptoms in cats, and your pet may live for many years without any major problems. Once more obvious symptoms develop, heart disease may have caused heart failure. At this stage, you may notice your cat breathing harder or faster, activity levels may be reduced and the appetite may decline. How is heart disease treated? Once heart failure develops, your vet may be able to offer useful medications to slow the progression of the condition and help to improve your pet's quality of life. Although the disease is usually terminal, cats have been known to enjoy many happy years without suffering major symptoms. For example, diuretics may be used to prevent fluid from building up in your pet's lungs or chest, beta blockers can reduce the pressure on the heart, and calcium channel sensitizers can boost blood flow and help your cat's heart to pump more forcefully. Your vet may also provide clot-busting drugs to reduce the likelihood of heart disease complications. If you are the owner of a cat with heart failure, being observant and attentive is the most important thing you can do. Noticing changes in your pet's breathing rate and effort can help you detect when it is time to adjust the dose of medication and can help to ensure that your cat stays comfortable. Feature image credit  

Toads are a common and for the most part harmless feature of backyards around the world – however a certain number of species are equipped with natural defence systems against predators that can backfire for curious dogs who cross their path. Equipped with poisonous skin of various strengths, a dog who licks or happens to eat a toxic toad may be in serious trouble.   Poisonous Species    Image Credit  In the US, the Colorado River Toad and Giant Toad are the two most likely species to cause illness and death in dogs. In Australia, the introduced Cane Toad is a prevalent and serious problem for pet owners as its range extends across half the continent and lethal results are likely in untreated cases.   Signs of Poisoning   Image Credit There are a number of signs of poisoning that may be apparent in your dog. Excessive drooping, frothy salivation, head shaking, pawing at the mouth and vomiting are common symptoms, with severity varying depending on the type of toad, the amount of toxin the dog was exposed to and the amount of time that passed before they were found by their owners. Other symptoms are cardiac arrhythmias, dyspnea (shortness of breath), cyanosis (blueish discolouration of skin) and seizures.   Treatment   If you suspect your dog has had a nasty encounter with a toad an immediate trip to the vet is essential. Time is one of the most crucial factors which will determine whether or not a dog will survive. An affected dog will likely have their mouth flushed and drugs used to control abnormal heart rhythms. A cool bath may also be used to reduce temperature and painkillers administered to reduce the dog’s suffering whilst it stabilises.     Remember   Image Credit   Whilst toads can be dangerous to dogs it is important not to overreact if you see a toad or frog in your garden as they are an important part of the ecosystem that are often completely harmless to your pet. Your local wildlife authority is the best source of information as to what species are in your area and if any are potentially harmful to your four-legged friend.    Feature Image Credit

A number of skeletal deformities can affect the health of cats. Whilst not common ailments, deformities either genetically inherited or caused through care choices can be a possible issue for your pet.   Osteochondrodysplasia   Image Credit This abnormality effects the growth and development of bone and cartilage where bony growths arise from the surface of long bones, vertebrae and ribs. A genetically acquired problem, breeds such as the Scottish Fold are particularly prone.   The symptoms of osteochondrodysplasia include a larger than normal head, an undershot jaw with shorter nose, crooked teeth due to shorter jaw, abnormal bone shape, poor growth or lack of growth, enlarged joints, bowed forelimbs and spinal deviation to either side of the body.   Cats will seem as if they are arthritic from a young age, movement difficult and painful. Treatment involves the surgical removal of bony growths.     Nutritional Secondary Hyperarathyroidism   Image Credit  Cats fed a diet that is all-meat, high phosphates and low in calcium, can result in nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. The lack of calcium leads to thin and weakened bones which can be reversed by quick supplementation and a new balanced diet – however if deformities have already progressed substantially, the cat’s outlook is bleak.   Hypervitaminosis A   Image Credit Cats on a diet high in Vitamin A (such as those eating vast quantities of liver) can develop bony outgrowths from the vertebrae, elbows and joints of the legs. These deformities, which inhibit normal movement and may cause the cat pain, can also lead to nerve damage.   A quick change in diet when symptoms first develop can put a stop to emerging issues, though skeletal deformities already suffered are likely for life.   Osteosarcoma   Image Credit  Osteosarcoma is a form of bone tumour that affects cats. Usually impacting on the legs, it can also occur on the skull and nasal bones. Sudden limping is the usual symptom and the condition can be diagnosed via biopsy. Osteosarcoma is not as common in cats as it is in dogs and also tends to be less aggressive. Feature image credit  

It seems uncanny the amount dogs seem to understand when we chat to them around the house. The words ‘walkies,’ ‘treat’ or ‘dinner’ is usually met with much tail wagging and spinning about. And that is not to mention commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘beg’ and of course their own name.   But can dogs really understand what we are talking about? Or is something else at play?   It’s not a fantasy that dogs associate words with actions, incoming food or a trip to the park. Dogs can develop a very large vocabulary by animal standards of human words – estimates place the average dog’s understanding at 165 words which can go higher if they are properly trained. Border Collie, Chaser is up to 1000 words and fellow border collie Rico is master of over 360.    Image Credit  What's more, they have both been proven to be able to engage in a process known as ‘fast-mapping’ once thought unique to humans. The dogs were given a toy box, filled with toys known to them except for one. When asked for a ‘rope’ or ‘ball’ they happily retrieved the items they knew those words meant. When given a new word that was foreign to them, they concluded it must mean the item they had never seen – a revolutionary display of canine intelligence.   However, the canine understanding of words is not quite as involved as our own comprehensions. For example, whilst a dog may understand the word ‘walk,’ it, to their doggie brain, simply means going to the local park they always go, or other experiences of outings they have stored in their memory. The idea that ‘walk’ or ‘walking’ refers to the actual movement of walking even when they do so around the house is beyond their understanding. Words with concrete meanings that relate to actions the dog particularly enjoys or has received a memorable scolding for are the most likely to be retained in their memory and understood.   Image Credit Tone and body language play a big part in how dogs relate to and understand their owners, as the majority of canine conversation is non-verbal. If told in a friendly, happy voice “You are a horrid creature” many dogs will be thrilled and take it as great praise. So - whilst dogs are clever, their powers of understanding do have their limits. For example, some owners, upon arriving home from a day of work, have found their shoe collection demolished on the floor by their energetic friend. Holding up a shoe and shouting ‘shoe – no!’ their pet appears thoroughly sorry and seems to ‘know what he did’. However this may not be true.   Image Credit The dog is more likely to be picking up on the word ‘No!’ (which they remember from past acts of mischief leads to a time outside and no pats for a while), the owner’s aggressive body posture and unhappy tone when showing submissive behaviour rather than comprehending the word ‘shoe’ or making the connection between their current problem and the actions of hours past. Even if the shoe is shown to them, dog memory has been shown to be very specific, with an object outside of its initial environment and position seeming like something else entirely.   So yes, we can talk to our dogs, but their understanding and the way they understand language is different to our own capacities which for their sake needs to be held in the forefront of our minds.    Feature Image Credit  

Some cats, when cuddled up on their owner’s lap, have a habit of taking a hold of part of their clothes in their mouth and sucking. It can be baffling behaviour for people who have not had a cat prone to it before – what on earth are they up to?   Why 'Sucking'?   Whilst it may seem peculiar, sucking cats are just continuing a natural kitten impulse into adulthood. Kittens suck on their mothers for milk, often kneading her body at the same time with their paws. Adult cats are simply treating their owner’s as ‘Mothers’, sucking their clothes and pawing as they would have as babies.   Image Credit   Though they don’t receive milk for their efforts, sucking clothing, like a child sucking its thumb, can be a comforting and relaxing thing to do for cats. Cats that have been weaned too early or orphaned are especially likely to engage in the behaviour, their reduced ‘childhood’ creating an infantile adult.   Sometimes sucking is simply an expression of relaxation, but it can also be a response to anxiety or boredom. If your cat seeks you out to suck, it may be a sign they have been fretting about something and sucking is their way of lowering their stress levels.    Image credit  Can I stop it?   If your cat only sucks occasionally and they seem otherwise happy with their life and only seem to do so out of affection, it may be best to just leave things be.   If it is a compulsive habit however, there are some actions you can take to help minimise your cat’s habit.   1. Get Up and Walk Away  If your cat starts sucking, simply place them gently on the ground and leave the room. This is a simple way of showing them their behaviour is not appreciated. Make sure you act as soon as the sucking occurs so your cat can make the association that sucking leads to the end of your petting session.   2. Distraction Distraction with toys or play can be another way to help break the compulsion. If your cat is prone to suck out of boredom, increased stimulation could take away the root issue - and their really is no cat that won’t benefit from increased environmental enrichment.   3. Kitty Chew Toys    Image Credit If your cat finds oral behaviours relaxing and you only want them to stop using you as their own personal sucking station think about buying them some cat chew toys. There are dental health cat toys that help clean your cat’s teeth and your kitty can suck and gnaw on them until their heart’s content. 4. Remove Stress If you are worried your cat is anxious, try discovering what in their environment might be causing them issues. Is it another cat in the house or neighbourhood? When the family dog barks? A change in the daily routine? If you can’t change what is upsetting your cat try adding more hidey-holes and cat poles to your home so your cat has lots of places to ‘escape’ their worries.    Image Credit Another possible solution is getting a feline pheromone diffuser. It has been shown to have positive effects of nervous cats and help reduce a wide variety of problem behaviours.    Feature Image Credit  

When it comes to the human body, many people are in tune with the messages their bodies are sending them. Issues with constipation or diarrhea can be as simple as a meal that did not agree with the body, or as complicated as cancer or other chronic bowel conditions. Pet owners need to be aware of these same issues in their animals. Cats are not immune to bowel issues, and if left unchecked, a simple problem can become something much bigger.   Bowel Issues in Cat There are three common bowel issues that impact cats. These bowel problems include chronic diarrhea, sporadic vomiting, and malabsorption. Taken together, these three issues are considered inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel disease (IBD). Identifying IBD in cats can be difficult. Some cats may show signs of IBD in a cyclical pattern during which the severity of the symptoms ebb and flow, while others suffer constantly.   IBD in cats All IBD issues in cats are the result of reactions in the gastrointestinal system of the body. The reaction can be the result of interaction with foods, bacteria, or parasites in the local environment. For example, during the summer months your cat could come in contact with parasites or bacteria that's more prevalent during summer, bringing on a case of IBD.   When the reaction to these issues gets out of control a large number of inflammatory cells in the cat's body begin to collect along the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt digestion and absorption of food. It is important to catch IBD in a cat because it cannot be cured. Once IBD appears in a cat, it can only be managed going forward in the future.   The treatment of IBD in cats often consists of a combined approach that uses both immunosuppressive drugs and a change in diet.   Colitis in cats If IBD is left untreated in a cat it can lead to a more serious condition known as colitis. This disease is an inflammation of the colon or large intestine. Much like the various forms of IBD, colitis can be acute or chronic. Colitis can be caused by a number of issues, including IBD that goes unnoticed.   Colitis has a significant impact on the movements of your cat. Cats suffering from this disease often have fresh, red blood their stool. Mucus in the stool, straining during defecation, and a more frequent need for the litter box are all possible signs of colitis. Acute colitis sometimes manifests itself as little more than diarrhea. Chronic colitis can be easier to spot as your cat may struggle with a poor appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. In many cases, once you notice the chronic symptoms in your cat it has already been suffering for some time.   IBD is not the only cause of colitis, so diagnosing and treating colitis requires the expertise and testing of a veterinarian. You'll need confirmation from your vet that your cat is suffering colitis as a result of IBD. Only by definitively identifying colitis as the issue for your cat (and IBD as the root cause) can your vet offer a course of treatment that improves your cat's health.

Does your cat do any of the following? Following you everywhere you go (yes, even to the bathroom). Sulking, meowing or slinking away while you are getting ready to leave the house. Crying or meowing when you have left the house or even when you're out of sight, (like when you're sleeping or taking a shower). Not eating when left home alone. Eliminating at the front door, on your clothing, or bedding. Destructive behaviour. Extremely positive greetings when you return home. If you said yes to one or more of these points - you probably have yourself a velcro kitty. But we're pretty sure you already know that because it's always very obvious! Some cat owners enjoy having a cat as their constant companion and find the dependence charming and very flattering - which is OK if you spend a lot of time at home. However, for owners who perhaps work 9-5 or are away a lot, it can be really difficult to deal with and at least makes you feel guilty. If you have a velcro cat, keep a close eye on their behaviour because your cat could easily develop separation anxiety - which is not pleasant for them to experience and will more than likely require some professional medical assistance. Possible reasons why your cat is stuck to you like velcro A naturally timid and insecure cat may feel a real desire for attention and reassurance from their owner. Boredom Emotional or physical discomfort - if the clingy behaviour has come on suddenly, visit your vet to eliminate any sinister health conditions. Neglegted as a kitten. Naturally more interactive and demanding. Another possible reason may be due to not enough training or assertiveness. While it's lovely to have a cat depend on you and enjoy your company, the cat shouldn't have you trained - it should be the other way around! How to help a velcro cat become less attached If you think the cause is due to separation anxiety or an underlying health condition, visit your vet. If you think it's because you are too lenient, start implementing some basic training or at  least, be more assertive - don't give in to cuddles in the middle of the night (stay strong!) Change your routine: If you hang around while your cat is eating or playing - stop doing it, so they get used to eating and playing on their own. If your cat is bored, check out these handy solutions here. Get another cat. This could work wonders, particularly if your cat is lonely or anxious. At the end of the day if you feel happy and content with your loving and affectionate, velcro kitty then that's great, however if it's becoming a problem not just for yourself but for your cat then there are ways to fix the situation. Feature image credit