You leave your dog for the day peacefully curled up asleep on their bed. When you return, it is as if it has snowed – white stuffing coats your lounge room and ripped fabric is spread all over the floor, only a scrap of your dog’s tattered bed left in one piece. What possesses dogs to destroy their beds when they are often their favourite things in the house?   Generally speaking, dogs will chew their beds simply because they wish to chew. As one of the most accessible items to them, a dog’s bed falls prey to determined puppy jaws simply because it is the item they are around the most often.   Chewing is a natural canine behaviour. In puppies, chewing helps relieve teething pains caused by the growth of incoming teeth. In adult dogs, chewing assists with dental health by aiding plaque removal and helps keep jaws strong. It is also a natural way dogs relieve boredom, anxiety and frustration.   By targeting their bed, a dog may be driven by any one of these motivations. If you have a puppy suffering teething pain, try and provide a tasty owner-approved option that will encourage them to leave their bedding alone. Flavoured dental chews or raw bones are usually a far more attractive option than wads of fabric and stuffing. Adult dogs similarly can usually be tempted away from destroying their bed if provided with alternatives.   If your suspect frustration or boredom to be the cause, exercise and increased play should help to alleviate your dog’s impulse to chew and destroy.   Anxiety is another major reason why dogs will take to chewing their bedding when their owners are away. If your dog only chews destructively in your absence, separation anxiety is the likely cause. Counterconditioning is known to be effective is resolving such problems. By giving your dog a treat or favourite toy before leaving for a short time can help create positive associations with your absence, rather than the threats and fear they expect. Extending the period you are away and always ensuring your dog has something enjoyable to do in your absence, their anxiety and bed chewing should desist.   

Strange as it may sound, some cats can suddenly start eating kitty litter. It is an oddity to be concerned about as it usually signifies underlying health problems that need to be addressed immediately with veterinary consultation.   Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can spur a cat to instinctively try to correct the problem. Anemia, a lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body, is the most common cause of litter-eating which can be in most cases determined by looking in a cat’s mouth.  Paleness of the gums and tongue may signify your cat is anemic, though keep in mind some cats naturally have darker gums than others, so it is necessary to judge ‘paleness’ on an individual basis.   Anemia, in many cases, is a symptom of a far more serious condition such as cancer or kidney disease, meaning a trip to the vet is a must if you suspect your cat may be anemic. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is another disease which can cause a cat to start chowing on litter. FIP results from a viral infection which attacks white blood cells, leading to inflammation, weight loss, fever, bloating and unusual eating behaviours.   Sometimes litter eating is cause for less concern. Kittens have been known to try eating a little purely as an experiment, just like a child picking something up off the floor and putting it in its mouth. Other litter-eaters can simply be stressed or bored and manifesting unusual behaviors as an expression of this. Even if the cause is innocent curiosity, litter eating is to be strongly discouraged. Clumping litter is usually manufactured from sodium benotite clay which makes it stick together when it comes into contact with urine. If ingested, the clumping process can occur inside the cat’s digestive tract leading to potentially fatal intestinal blockages. It may also absorb minerals such as iron and potassium from the cat’s body, decreasing their health further. Consider switching to a natural litter made from substances such as newspaper, pine, wheat, wood chips or corn. Whilst a cat should likewise be discouraged from eating these litters, they are less likely to cause intestinal blockages and deadly results. Your vet will be able to rule out any serious problems and suggest a course of treatment to address any issues that do emerge as the root cause of your cat’s litter eating. Always ensure your cat is being fed a complete diet rich in nutrients such as iron and potassium, which can help reduce the risk of health issues like anemia.   

All animals have unique personalities and accompanying quirks. There are particular habits, some of them very strange indeed, that are quite common in the world of cats and dogs.   Pooch peculiarities Circle work before sleeping Many dogs will turn and walk around and around before lying down to sleep. Although completely appropriate on grass and leaves to wear down a nice sleeping spot, most dogs also perform this ritual when in their plush, soft doggy beds. Some even ‘dig’ their blankets and bedding. This habit is your dog making their bed comfortable, or at least that's what they think they are doing. It’s believed this is an inherited behaviour from wolves and other canine ancestors.   Digging Dogs not only dig to make a comfortable spot to sleep, but also dig to hide food, bones or toys from others, to investigate a scent, to use up excess energy or simply because they enjoy it. Indoor dogs will also dig to hide toys and treats under pillows and furniture. If your dog is making holes all over your backyard, designate an area or provide a sandpit for them to go dig-crazy! Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage them to use this area only for digging.   Bum sniffing Whilst we use our eyes and language to gauge another person’s mood and learn about them, a dog’s strong sense of smell guides them in these matters and they skip the small talk! Dogs have an anal gland that excretes various chemicals and these provide other dogs with loads of important information such as gender, health, diet, mood and friendliness.   Chasing their own tail This habit usually begins when young. Puppies, still becoming aware of themselves, catch sight of their tail in their peripheral vision and the chasing and twirling begins. For many dogs it is a bit of harmless fun – as long as they don’t actually chew or bite their tail - but it can also be a sign obsessive-compulsive behaviour or that there is a dermatitis, flea, tick or worm problem. If you suspect one of these more serious issues is present then consult your veterinarian.   Kooky kitties Acting like a pinball Every now and then, for no discernible reason, cats will run around, perhaps even doing laps of the house, and be jumping and leaping off furniture. Don’t worry, they are just letting off steam and getting some exercise.   Rubbing against you... and everything else Cats have a unique scent and when they rub against things they are leaving this scent to claim ownership (yes, you’re theirs) and mark their territory. Unfortunately, it’s not a sign of affection unless your cat rubs their face against yours, then that is definitely love. This is how cats greet each other so feel privileged.   Rolling around and showing their belly If your cat falls down in front of you and rolls over, it usually means they want to play and get some cuddles from you. It’s also a sign of submission, which means your cat trusts you.   Kneading We’ve all been on the receiving end of a cat repeatedly stepping or kneading our laps. A kneading and gently purring cat is a very happy and secure cat. It is thought that this behaviour starts when kittens are very young and knead their mothers to stimulate the release of milk, and then carries through to adulthood to demonstrate contentment. Box beds You could spare no expense in an attempt to make little kitty happy with luxury bedding and perches, but no doubt you’ll instead find them sleeping in a discarded cereal box or curled up in the smallest, most awkward space in your home. Cats are intelligent animals and know that they are exposed in the open so they feel safer if hidden in a small space.   Feature image source 

Clipping a cat’s nails is no easy task. Keeping a struggling cat still while trying to get the clippers around the right nail and making sure not to take off too much is challenging to say the least. Inevitably, accidents sometimes happen.    If you cut the quick of a cat’s nail they won’t be happy. The quick contains highly sensitive blood vessels and nerve endings, similar to the pink part of a human fingernail. Bleeding, pain – and possibly a scratch for you – will result from accidently trimming the nail too far.     Try to keep a hold of your cat if you do interfere with the quick. Squeeze the tip of the claw to reduce the flow of blood, being careful to not to apply pressure to the entire paw which will have the opposite effect and increase blood flow.   It is advisable to keep styptic powder or a styptic pencil in your grooming kit as this can be used to quickly contract the blood vessels of an open wound. If you do not have access to styptic products, rubbing the nail with cornstarch or over a dry bar of soap can also help.   Whilst painful, an overcut nail is not a serious injury and should heal relatively quickly. However, your cat’s suspicions of the nail-cutting process are likely to be longer lasting. It may take time and effort to convince them they are unlikely to suffer further pain when they see you coming towards them with the clippers.   To reassure them, we recommend regularly massaging your cat’s paws when they are relaxed and giving them a treat to create positive associations before attempting another clipping session again.   

  Bringing home a kitten is an exciting time, full of transition, discovery and plenty of cute moments. Before you know it, they are fast approaching adult hood and a whole new range of changes are required, including their diet. Kitten food is specifically made for kitties up until a year old. It will contain high levels of protein and fat which provides them with plenty of energy which is needed whilst their bodies are growing and developing. Protein also helps your cat's muscles to develop. Kitten food is also full of essential minerals like calcium, potassium and phosphorus for their teeth and bones. At one year of age, your cat enters adulthood and while they may still seem their usual playful, kitten selves, their bodies are starting to now require different things to see them through a happy and healthy adulthood. This is when you will need to begin the transition to adult food. The transition should take place over a week, where you slowly introduce the new food. On the first two days, the ratio should be 75% kitten food and 25% adult food. On the third and fourth days, it should be 50% of each while days five and six the combination will now be 25% kitten food and 75% adult food and then on the seventh day your cat should be eating just adult food. By following this method, you will avoid any stomach and digestive upsets. While your cat is making the switch, keep a close eye on their weight and general overall health to make sure they are receiving the right amount of food. Initially you should give them the amount recommended and if you feel they are being fed too much or too little, adjust portion sizes accordingly. You should always choose a high quality food product as these are better equipped to keep weight under control, deliver all the essential vitamins and minerals, and strengthen the body and immune system. Following this, your kitten will be all set for a strong and healthy adulthood.

  Meningitis is a serious condition that affects the central nervous system in dogs just as it is in humans. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranous layers that protect the outside of the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is incredibly painful and without early medical intervention, it can be unfortunately fatal. Symptoms High fever Stiff muscles Muscle spasms Hypersensitivity Stilted gait Depression Lethargic Nausea Rigidity of muscles (neck and limbs) Loss of appetite Vomiting Inability to bend legs Poor coordination Move in uncontrollable circles In severe cases, symptoms may also escalate to: Extreme depression Blindness Progressive paralysis Seizures Confusion Agitation Aggression Causes Generally meningitis is a secondary complication to a disease that has started elsewhere including viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections. Other causes include: Exposure to chemical toxins Infected bite wounds on the head or neck Bacterial migration to the brain from infected sinuses, nasal passages or middle ear infections. Any dog of any breed, age or gender can be affected by meningitis, however newborn pups are particularly at risk. Meningitis is incredibly serious and immediate veterinarian attention will be required to give your dog the best chance of recovery. Feature image credit

  Bloat is when a dog's stomach fills with fluid, air or food. The bloated stomach then puts pressure on other organs, cause difficulty breathing and decreases the blood supply to a dog's vital organs. However bloat is also often commonly referred to another condition, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). It's a life-threatening condition, where the stomach is rotated and twisted and needs immediate veterinary attention. Unfortunately, many dogs die because of this, even with medical intervention. Symptoms of Bloat / GDV Weakness Pale gums Shortness of breath Distended abdomen Attempting to vomit or retching without bringing anything up. Excessive salivation Cold body temperature Rapid heart beat Collapse Causes While there is no exact cause for GDV, bloat is thought to be caused by certain triggers including: overeating or drinking, eating one large meal per day, eating too quickly, a diet of dry-food only, excessive exercise after meals, stress or trauma. Treatment If your dog has bloat, your veterinarian will more than likely take an X-ray of the area and may try to relieve the stomach of gas and fluids by placing a tube to the stomach through the oesophagus. If your dog has GDV, emergency surgery will be required. It's quite high risk, with many complications that could possibly occur during or post surgery. Some vets might even attach a dog's stomach to the side of the abdominal cavity to prevent it happening again. Prevention Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight Feed your dog regular, small meals throughout the day. Avoid strenuous exercise before and after meals Maintain normal water consumption If recommended by your vet, add canned food to your dog's diet. High-risk breeds All breeds of dogs are able to get bloat, however there are some breeds of dogs that are more prone to developing GDV. Dogs with long chests, such as Irish setters, German shepherds, basset hounds and boxers are types of dogs that have a higher predisposition to developing GDV. Some owners actually get a procedure performed called a prophylactic gastropexy surgery, essentially fixing the stomach into place.   If you think your dog has bloat, take them to the vet immediately – any delays can have a fatal outcome, especially if your dog has GDV rather than bloat. Feature image credit                  

  Just like humans, cats also experience the unpleasantness that is vomiting. Fortunately, vomiting doesn't always signify that there is something gravely wrong with your cat and more often than not, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for it. Reasons why your cat may vomit Sudden diet changes If your cat is used to the same diet, any changes that you want to make needs to be done gradually, otherwise it can upset their stomach and cause them to be sick. Food allergies Some cats may vomit if they can't tolerate corn and grains that is commonly found in dry food. Medication Some medications can cause a stomach upset. If that's the case take your cat to the vets to be prescribed something else. Eating too much too quickly Some cats will eat their meals far too quickly and even swallow it without properly chewing it. This can cause stomach bloating and irritation, causing sickness. If this is the case, try feeding your cat regular, light and smaller meals. And always choose the highest quality food possible. Motion sickness Some cats can experience motion sickness. If you need to take your cat on a journey, you should do some short practice runs prior to your genuine, longer journey. You can also avoid feeding them prior to your journey and cover up their carrier with a towel. Hairballs Hairballs are common and vomiting is quite a usual way for a cat to expel them. Eating grass is a common way for cats to help bring up a hairball.   If your cat is vomiting a lot they may be at risk of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include: Panting Thirst Lethargy Dull coat Skin loses elasticity If you think your cat is dehydrated take them to the vet immediately. Frequent vomiting can also sometimes signify a more serious chronic disease such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease. If your cat is vomiting a few times a week, take your cat to the vet so tests can be run. When to take your cat to the vet If vomiting is continuous If there are worms or objects in the vomit If vomiting occurs every few hours for eight hours or more If there is blood present – digested blood resembles dark coffee granules If your cat has been near poisonous substances If your cat appears depressed, lethargic or unwell, especially coupled with other symptoms like weight loss, diarrhoea or constipation. Generally, if your cat vomits once or twice and appears happy and healthy then you have nothing to worry about, but keep a close eye on any accompanying symptoms or anything unusual appearing in your feline's vomit.

  We're often told that we need around 30 minutes a day of exercise to keep us healthy and our weight under control. At the same time, people who engage in strenuous activity are encouraged to have a rest day to allow their bodies to repair. So should it be the same for our dogs? Essentially, dogs need daily exercise. Not only is it beneficial for them physically, but it's good for their mental well being. It's also great for owners, because as many owners would surely attest, a lack of exercise also makes for a bored and potentially destructive dog! How much exercise is required depends on how old your dog is, their health, weight and what breed they are. If you are unsure, speak with your vet about how much exercise and what intensity of exercise is appropriate for your dog. Generally speaking, all dogs should receive one brisk walk a day, better still, two walks a day, for 30 minutes a time. Try and walk as briskly as possible, even if it's not for the entirety of the walk – just ten minutes of your walk at a brisk pace will make a big difference – to your dogs health, their behaviour and it will also wear them out so they sleep soundly! When exercising, your dog will let you know if the level of intensity is too much for them. If they are lagging behind, sitting down or panting, it may be time to give your dog a break and get them plenty of water. If your dog is older and suffers from joint pain or arthritis you can take them swimming as an alternative. Running around the yard is not the same as a brisk walk outdoors, because not only will your dog fail to meet the level of activity they require to remain fit, getting them outdoors is important mentally as the fresh and new surroundings is important to keep them alert and allow them to enjoy socialising with other dogs. Benefits of daily exercise: Helps dogs mentally reboot Stops destructive behaviour Keeps muscles strong and supple Maintains a health weight Releases endorphins Reduces stress Strengthens human-canine bond While most professionals will tell you that your dog should be exercised daily, some owners decide to give their dogs a day off to let their bodies rest and repair – especially working and sporting dogs who are engaging in physical activity for a good few hours a day. However, you'll probably find many dogs have seemingly endless stamina and don't ever really appreciate a day off, much favouring the chance to get outside! Of course there are other dogs, who are quite happy to spend a day relaxing around the house, but just like us, sometimes they need to be encouraged to exercise – for their own good! At the end of the day, you know your dog best and can decide whether they really would benefit from a day off from exercise – just make sure to never to compromise what's really best for them.

With the all knowledge of skin cancer and the dangers of malignant lumps, it's not surprising that any new or unusual growth on your pet’s skin causes concern. However, skin tags are quite common, particularly in older pets, and are generally nothing to worry about.   What are skin tags ? Skin tags are the result of excessive growth of skin cells and will be the same colour as your pet’s skin. Tags can grow anywhere on your pet’s body including eyelids and ears and are usually found in areas where the skin folds. Skin tags are soft, felshy and malleable (unlike warts that are hard) but can be flat, rounded, teardrop or stalk-like in shape. Tags are generally only a few millimetres in length but can grow to the size of a grape. These large tags are more likely to get bumped, pinched or crushed and cause discomfort. Usually once a skin tag is seen, it indicates that others will be present on your pet's body or will develop.   As mentioned, skin tags are very common, and can form in any breed. The exact causes of skin tags are yet to be determined, it is believed that hereditary, environment, infections, immune system weakness and allergies influence their growth.   Whilst skin tags are harmless and non-cancerous (benign), they are commonly mistaken as skin cancer growths and should always be examined by a vet who my need to perform a biopsy to identify if the growth is malignant. Most skin tags won’t need removing unless they are causing your pet discomfort, become irritated or infected. Vet’s can easily perform a removal procedure which is non-invasive and quick involving cauterization or freezing. The skin tags will simply fall off after treatment.   It’s important to regularly check you pet’s skin The sooner you notice any growths or changes, the better the chances of early diagnosis and recovery.   When to see a vet It’s advisable to consult your vet with any growth to determine whether the growth is a harmless skin tag or more serious. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to the successful prevention of tumours and cancers spreading. Schedule a consultation with you vet immediately for any of the following:   Skin tags that bleed or become infected If there is pain and irritation in the affected area Growths that bleed or resemble wounds and do not heal Dark or black growths, pale or pink growths that are not the colour of your pet's skin Any growths around you pet’s mouth or lips as these can interfere with swallowing or even develop into cancer Any growths or tags that change shape, size, colour or appearance   Feature image credit