We all want a happy pet. Having a happy pet equals a happy owner and a rewarding pet-owner relationship. I have this with my dog, Macy, and I really want you to experience this as well.
The first step in achieving this goal is by choosing the right pet for your lifestyle. Breed selection is so important. You really need to put time and energy in choosing the right pet, if you want to have a happy one. Who are you? Are you a busy parent? Are you an athlete who is after a running companion? Are you living in an apartment in North Sydney or on an acre in Templestowe? Are you slowing down and looking for a companion to keep you active – just not too active? Getting a pet needs to be a well considered decision. After all, they are going to be a big part of your life!
It involves spending time socialising and training your pet. Those perfect dogs you see at the park or waiting patiently outside cafes (owned by someone else) have had an owner that has put in hours of consistent and positive reinforcement and training. Although the perfect time to start this is the day your new pet arrives home, it is never too late. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
There is so much to talk about. Let’s get started.
Here you’ll find Dr. Kevin’s helpful tips on pet care. You can use this list below to filter the articles!
We love to see senior pets! Dogs and cats age seven times faster than humans, so it is vitally important that your senior pet has an annual or twice annual health check. Health checks in senior pets often identify health problems that owners simply aren’t aware of. For example, we often see untreated dental problems where owners .. Read more...
– Keep them active. Arthritis is extremely common in our ageing pets and with the colder weather their joints can start aching. Regular low impact exercise is extremely important – the last thing we want is for those joints to freeze up. A visit to your trusted vet may be in order to provide some pain relief. For .. Read more...
Kids love pets, and studies show that owning a pet creates plenty of benefits, such as encouraging respect for living things and even improved academic performance when a pet is kept in the classroom. Owning a pet can also foster a sense of responsibility in your children, but only if someone else doesn’t end up doing all the .. Read more...
Rabbits make great pets. They are lovable, inquisitive creatures that are full of personality. Rabbits are a good alternative to cats and dogs but what else should you know when you’re considering a bunny buddy? Rabbits can live outside in a run or as house trained indoor companions that can even sit with you on .. Read more...
The best part of Easter is the sweet treats that fill your house, but not for your pet! Cats and dogs should avoid the types of Easter foods you’ll be snacking on. Every year we warn pet owners on the seriousness of chocolate poisoning. But why is chocolate so bad? Surely a little bit won’t .. Read more...
As veterinarians we can always give medicines to stop that itch, but not all of these medicines are safe to use long term. What we need to do is work together (pet owner and vet) to find out why they are itching. Below are some simple tips and first steps to help reduce that itch: .. Read more...
Dr. Kevin