Question: I have a one-year-old cat who will eat anything, even pumpkin skin. We have got her on a strict diet of low calorie biscuits from my vet, but nothing fills her up. She is hungry 24 hours a day and will devour anything she can find. She has been tested for diabetes and thyroid […]

We have found that our small dog is much better when travelling if she has a light meal three to four hours before we leave and then a gingernut biscuit once in the car. The ginger in a biscuit is obviously enough to settle a wee dog’s tummy. Lesley Burns

When to plant your roses Now — spring to early summer. Because most roses bloom most magnificently in spring, so you can see them in bloom to choose which one you want to buy. Winter is the time to buy bare root roses, ones that have been dug out of the ground when they are […]

Shade Roses won’t bloom in dense shade. Check they haven’t been overgrown by a tree or shrub. Roses grown against the house wall may be shaded by the eaves as they grow taller. Prune them lower or cut away vegetation around them. Starvation If the flowers are small or lose their petals after a day […]

Question: I have a four-year-old German Shepherd and every time she hears someone bouncing a ball she freaks out; she tries to find places to hide just to get away from the noise. Why is this? Vanessa Thornton Answer: Your poor little pooch obviously has a bit of a ball (or general noise) phobia. Maybe […]

By Lucy Hine There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your dog running in the opposite direction when they’re called. Not having the “come here” command under wraps is not only frustrating but dangerous too. A dog who has been taught to come on command makes walking easier and more enjoyable and gives you the confidence […]

Question: My dog Elly-May is a miniature poodle and has lived with us ever since she was a puppy. Whenever we take her to see other dogs she snaps at them when they come close to her. She is five years old now and I was wondering is there any way we can get her […]

Chuckie, our shih tzu/border collie cross (yes, it is possible) has many anxiety problems and had a couple of biting incidents. After contacting a behaviouralist, Chuckie was placed on anxiety medication, which continued for approximately 10 months. It helped a lot, together with some heavy retraining, but we decided that it was time to come […]

By Lucy Hine A quick learner, eager to please, gentle and non-aggressive ? the Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and a great family pet. The Labrador is a well-adjusted and adaptable dog that can just as easily be the devoted companion of an elderly person as a children’s […]

Question: How do I stop my cockatiel from biting me or anyone that comes near him? He is eight months old and beautiful. Mary Nelson Answer: Biting birds are certainly not unusual. They usually do it if they feel a little frightened or out of control. They also do it for play reasons, so it […]

Question: My cat has been losing hair from her stomach and thighs. The hair loss started 16 months ago when my son was born and is steadily getting worse. I assume she is stressed. How do I calm her and stop her over-grooming? Suzanne Casson Answer: I think you are right on the money thinking […]

Question: My male tabby is constantly fighting with his sister (also a tabby). I got them at the same time and they’ve never had a problem until about six months ago when I moved house. They are both 18 months old. The vet has tried hormone injections but it made no difference. He also attacks […]

Frost-free climates Plants for beauty: Seeds or seedlings of ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, carnations, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dichondra, echinops, erigeron, gaillardia, gazania, gloxinia, gourds, hymenosporum, impatiens, nasturtiums, phlox, salvia. Very hot and dry gardens: move a shade cloth to cover veggie and flower gardens now to shelter them from the worst of the heat, pull out […]

Question: My husband and I are moving from our house with a backyard into a city apartment soon and want to know whether our small silky terrier cross will be able to be litter trained? Brandie Foote Answer: There are a few ideas that can help your doggy with your downsizing. Litter training is definitely […]

Question: I have had my cat for the past 16 years after finding her abandoned at the local video store. I’ve noticed she is now blind. How will this affect her in her daily life? Could you also tell me what the average lifespan is for cats? Michelle Answer: There are many reasons cats go […]

Question: Cats can learn to walk with one bell so that it doesn’t make any noise. Put two bells on their collar, plus a small mirror to catch light to warn the birds and lizards your cat might be hunting. Answer: Karleigh Fox

Question: My dog barks at everyone (especially other dogs) walking or riding past my car. While I don’t mind it, I am expecting my first child in 13 weeks time and want to still be able to take my dog everywhere with me. But he won’t be able to come if he keeps up this […]

Question: I have a two-year-old British Bulldog cross Red Heeler who watches TV 24/7. She just sits in front of the TV and watches — she even has favourite ads. Is it normal for a dog to watch TV? Rebekah Answer: The colour and movement of TV is very eye-catching to dogs and cats. To […]

Question I can never find a pair of jeans that really flatter my figure. I am not overweight, but in many jeans, my bottom looks too big. To compensate, I wear long, flowy tops to hide my bottom. I have lots of pretty, shorter tops that I love and I want to wear them with […]

Hanging baskets are a cheat’s way to get early flowers. Baskets heat up faster than soil in the ground and you can hang them over nice hot paving, beside brick walls or on warm patios too. In fact you can REALLY cheat and buy your flowers already blooming – just bung them in the basket […]

Chokoes are a no-fail veg. Starve them, forget them, and they’ll still give you an autumn filled with so much fruit you’ll be pestering the neighbors to take some and looking up recipes for choko chutney, choko pie, choko and ginger jam (which isn’t bad, actually). My favourite way of eating chokoes depends on growing […]

Question: I am looking after my parents’ Maltese terrier for the next three months. Last night was the first night I had him and when it was time to put him into his basket he cried continuously. What can I do so this does not occur and my neighbours don’t complain? I know it will […]

Question: My dog is sneezing a great deal and has a very sniffly nose. Is it cold or hay fever, and what can I do to ease his misery? He is approximately nine-years-old. Elizabeth Answer: It could be either, and he probably needs to be seen by a vet if he is off-colour at all. […]

Question: To avoid bacteria infections in dogs’ paws during rainy days, dry them off when they come back indoors. Answer: Julie Schofield

Question: We seem to have a never-ending flea problem and it’s costing an arm and a leg! Is there anything we can do in one big bang that will help bring the problem under control? Peta Salmon Answer: Fleas can be very difficult to eradicate, as you have found out. I’m sure you have used […]

Mooch around your garden before breakfast and see where it’s coldest, where frost has gathered, or where there seems to be a sunny, sheltered patch. Most gardens have these “microclimates” – cold spots where bulbs may thrive, warm spots where heat-lovers will thrive. Warm yourself up with some heavy work in the garden – dig […]

Frost-free climates Plants for beauty: any ornamental shrub in the nursery; seeds or seedlings of alyssum, Californian poppy, calendula, cleome, coleus, gerbera, helichrysum, honesty, impatiens, kangaroo paw, marigold, pansy, petunias, phlox, salvia, sunflower, Swan River daisy, torenia, zinnia. Temperate Plants for beauty: Bare-rooted or potted roses and other deciduous shrubs; seeds of alyssum, calendula, heartsease, […]

Which variety? Grow at least two varieties, or three, for better pollination, and choose Hass as one of those, as it ripens much later than the others so you’ll get fruit for longer. Avocadoes are VERY easy to grow from seed – but you MAY need two varieties to cross-pollinate each other or you won’t […]

Wondering how to grow kiwi fruit in Australia? Look no further.

Mulberries can be delicious, if they’re perfectly ripe and from a good tree. They will also stain clothes, fingers and paving, but that’s no excuse for not growing them – just bung them down the backyard where the kids can climb the tree and eat the fruit – just make sure they’re wearing old clothes […]

Which variety? Eureka lemons give year round fruit – a thick skinned, tough cold and heat resistant lemon. Most other lemons give most of their fruit in winter. Lisbon has the most beautiful flavour and aroma. How to grow Lemons need sun, frost protection and dislike wind, relatively rich soils and a reasonably constant supply […]

Which variety Usually only Nelly Kelly is a available – a good, vigorous passionfruit. Avoid seedlings, as they don’t grow as strongly as grafted ones. Banana passionfruit are best for cooler areas, with long yellow fruit, not as sweet as the black ones. In tropical areas try Granadillas too. How to grow My favourite passionfruit […]

Question What is quince? Answer Quinces are in season at the moment so now’s the time to make the most of this unbelievably delicious fruit. Some people draw breath at the long cooking times but if ever “good things come to he who waits” had credence, it’s with the quince. Take one hard, yellow-green, nondescript, […]

Question: To avoid bunny boredom, hide some food around his or her quarters. Carrots, parsnips etc, hidden in places where your bunny will find them (with a little effort on their part) will keep them occupied and an interested rabbit is a happy rabbit! Answer: Hayley

Question: We have a nine-year-old female Jack Russell terrier who is terrified of loud noises, especially thunderstorms. How can we let her know it’s okay? Concerned, Wellington NSW. Answer: Noise phobias are a very common problem in dogs. It’s very frightening for them and what they’re experiencing is essentially a panic attack. Often they’ll hurt […]

By Lucy Hine Fleas are a common parasite which most pet owners are no doubt very familiar with. The flea may seem like just a small nuisance, but it is responsible for a lot of skin disorders on dogs and cats. Flea bites make your pet uncomfortable and extremely itchy! Because of their minuscule size, […]

You may not realise it, but your goldfish has a rather exotic past. Perhaps bought as a simple pet or just something to look at, your goldfish was actually the first species of fish prized for its decorative looks. As early as 970 AD, a red coloured goldfish known as the carp was developed in […]

Question: My 11-year-old Maltese has cancer on her inner back leg. It is starting to get quite large — it’s the size of a tennis ball and now is developing blisters. Is there anything we can do to make this less irritating for her? I am really worried. The blisters are starting to burst. The […]

Question: I have two miniature poodles that are one to two kilos over the recommended 10kg weight for their breed. How much food should I be giving them? I like to give them dry and tinned food daily, with raw bones once a week. The suggested amounts on the commercial food packets differ with each […]

Question: I have just adopted a nine-month-old Westie and we also have a two-year-old Maltese female. The Westie has just been desexed but will not stop mounting our female dog. How do I stop this as it’s really upsetting our little bitch? Jenny Answer: The first thing to note here is this is not a […]

Question: What do I do when my dog has skin problems? Answer: To soothe skin allergies in dogs, take some tea tree oil (about a tablespoon), add it to one bucket of warm water and bath the dog with the oil and warm water. Repeat in a week and the results are outstanding. Emily Hobden

Question: I am confused about what’s best to feed my miniature poodle. Which is best: raw meat with vegetables or cooked meat with vegetables? Marinette Schemali Answer: Making a homemade diet for pets isn’t as simple as it sounds. You need to be sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals and enough protein […]

Frost-free climates Plants for beauty: alyssum, Californian poppy, calendula, cleome, coleus, gerbera, helichrysum, honesty, marigold, pansy, petunias, phlox, salvia, sunflower, sweet peas, torenia, zinnia. Temperate Plants for beauty: seeds of alyssum, calendula, English daisy (pictured), heartsease, lunaria; seedlings of evening primrose, gazanias, Iceland poppy, love-lies-bleeding, pansies, polyanthus, primulas, sweet peas, viola. Cold Plants for beauty: […]

Question Which part of the lemon grass do you use or do you use all of it? Answer A tall, clumping, sharp-edged aromatic tropical grass that both smells and tastes of lemon, lemon grass comes by its English name naturally. It arrived in our kitchens by way of Southeast Asia, where it is an essential […]

Question: My puppy likes to suck my thumb, sometimes up to six times a day. Is this normal? She seems to get great satisfaction from it. Should I stop her from doing this? I should tell you I’ve had her since she was a day old. Pauline Foster Answer: It sounds like your little puppy […]

Question An english recipe I have calls for crème fraîche, I do not know what this is and where do I buy it? Answer Crème fraîche, a French variation of sour cream, is a mildly acidic, high fat, slightly nutty tasting thick cream. Before dairy products were first pasteurised, crème fraîche developed naturally when the […]

Question: My dog (my first) turns three soon. What’s the difference between dog and human years? Carolyn Answer: The old saying is that there are about seven dog years to one human year – which means she’d be celebrating her 21st! This is simplistic, but is roughly correct. Dogs grow and change more rapidly than […]

Question: My dog Ted will not go into his kennel. I have bought a wooden one and a plastic one and he doesn’t like either. He has his special pillow/blanket in both, but this doesn’t help as he keeps pulling them out. He has no shelter outside except for these kennels, so when it rains […]

Question: After training dogs and horses for 25 years, it seems to me the most common complaint is dogs pulling against the lead. If you don’t want your dog to pull, then don’t you pull! It’s as easy as that. A dog cannot pull against resistance that isn’t there! Short, firm tugs are a far […]

Question: I have a ten-year-old Maltese terrier. He is constantly licking things. He licks carpet, cement, clothes, blankets — everything. If he sits down next to me he will just start licking my clothes. Why does he do this? Rebecca Muir Answer: There could be a few possible causes for this behaviour so it’s probably […]

Question: I have two Maltese cross border collies who are five months old and they both suffer from travel sickness. They are not afraid of travelling, but if we go around too many corners, they’ll be sick after about 15-20 minutes. I’ve tried not feeding them before travelling but that didn’t work; they just threw […]

Question: Cat training tips Answer: Cats are quick learners. At feeding time, clap your hands or tap the food tin a certain way. Each time the cat hears your sound it will remember it and eventually the sound will be stored in the cat’s memory as meaning food. Watch your cat come running to that […]

Question: What’s the best way to clean up after cats? Answer: If your cat urinates on the carpet, don’t use any cleaning agents. The odour from these products can attract the cat back; it’s like waving a sign saying “wee here”. Use water or soda water instead and blot it up. Anika Currie

Question: My husband and I are planning on starting a family this year but worry our two-year-old Jack Russell cross, Jackie, might get jealous. She adores children but can get jealous when my attention is elsewhere. What can I do to make sure she is okay with a new addition to our family? Lisa Hunter […]

This purrsonality-plus puss is the pet for those who want an intense relationship with a character cat. No shrinking violet, the Siamese both demands and provides extremely stimulating companionship. Extraordinarily intelligent, inquisitive and resourceful, the Siamese usually insists on participating in all facets of your daily activities ? whether it be reading the newspaper with […]

Question: What’s the best way to clean my pet’s ears? Answer: You can easily clean your pet’s ears by wiping them with cotton wool and peroxide. It cleans away the gunk really easily and the peroxide dries quickly so it doesn’t annoy your pet for too long. Tash

Question: We’ve had our budgie for a few years now and he won’t stop screeching. It’s driving us all mad. We tried putting him into another room but it doesn’t help. What can we do? Eve Burrage, Perth, WA. Answer: You need to try and work out what the trigger for his screeching is. Does […]

Many owners believe that dog training is only for those who wish to compete in obedience trials. This is akin to believing that only children who grow up to be doctors and lawyers should attend primary school! Unlike “training” children, we are unable to sit down and explain to a dog why we wish for […]

Question: How do I keep my dog happy while I’m away? Answer: When leaving my dog to go to work, I throw a handful of pellets all around the backyard and also leave a chew for her to find. This keeps her busy for hours trying to find everything and she associates my leaving with […]

Turn those horrible stretches of concrete out the back or front of the house into flowers and greenery with these six tricks to make your balcony flourish.

Question: My Staffy pup has started to lose her puppy teeth and the adult teeth are coming through. My concern is that her lower canines have come through and are not yet positioned correctly as the baby teeth were. Will this change as the adult teeth grow? Will they eventually position themselves correctly as she […]

Question: I have heard that when male dogs are de-sexed they have a lot of bloating around their lower stomach area. Is there any truth in this or is my dog just slightly overweight? Collette Answer: Dear Collette, It is a very common misunderstanding that de-sexing animals makes them fat. What actually happens is that […]

Question: Dear Julie, We have just moved into a flat with our six-month-old male cat Tiger and a new two-year-old male cat, Tally. Apart from the terrible cat litter smells in a flat, they are new to each other and have taken to sleeping all day and running amuck at night. They can’t go outside […]

Question: Dear Julie, My nine-month-old mini foxie trembles a lot, whether it is hot or cold. Is this normal? Annie Nunn Answer: Lots of little dogs will tremble and often it doesn’t have anything to do with temperature. Of course, these tiny tots don’t have a lot of fat to insulate their bodies, so they […]

Question: For a tasty, healthy change, why not try making your dog’s dinner from scratch instead of buying pre-made dog roll. Answer: Combine fresh meat, such as beef mince, with a handful of frozen mixed vegetables and pasta or rice. Add an egg to help maintain the shine on your dog’s coat, along with a […]

Question: All dogs love to be scratched, rubbed and tickled on the lower neck, around their chest area and between their shoulders blades on their backs. This is the only place that dogs are unable to reach to scratch themselves. Answer: You’ll find that after a few minutes of this sort of attention, most dogs […]

Question: Dear Julie, My cute little puppy Bailee is about eight months old. However, when she wakes up in the morning, she seems to have the bones of an eight-year-old dog. Is it normal for her to be stiff or is there a bigger problem? Shannon. Answer: Although many animals need to stretch a bit […]

Question: Dear Julie, My German shorthaired pointer has been very depressed since I had to put her playmate to sleep (due to injury). How can I help her adjust to being by herself? Naomi. Answer: Your poor little pointer is suffering separation anxiety being apart from her poochy partner. The best thing you can do […]

Question: Cats’ teeth and gums are very important; if a cat has an inflamed gum or toothache it will not eat until the pain stops. The best form of food for healthy teeth and gums are chicken wings or chicken wing tips — uncooked. Cooked chicken is a huge no no for cats. The bones […]

Question: Dear Julie, Four months ago I adopted a cat from the RSPCA. They estimated her age at 4.5 years old. I am having issues with her responding to affection. She dislikes being patted, held or encouraged to play. Instead she is reclusive, avoiding human contact where possible. Could you suggest some trust-building techniques? Eve. […]

**My partner and I are considering a beach wedding featuring frangipani flowers. What style of dress and shoes would you recommend? I am 170cm and weigh 65kg. Shar, by email.** Try a more relaxed style gown for a beach wedding, or a very simple strapless dress that is both flattering and elegant. You could add […]

**What colour shoes would look best with a long cream coloured satin formal dress? It has yellow tones and I cannot figure it out. I am 23 and have been told gold, but to me gold is for older people. Help please! Jessica, by email.** A gold strappy number would do the trick, and it’s […]

**You had a fashion question from a young girl who was 5’11” and couldn’t find pants. There is a store called Long Legs Fashions For Tall Women that caters to tall women and you can shop online. The website is www.longlegs.ca. Just thought I would let you know because I am tall too and know […]

**Should you match your shoes to your top colour or your handbag? Nicole, by email.** The old rule was that you match your shoes with your handbag, but nowadays the rules of fashion are not so rigid. For example, if you’re wearing a pink top with jeans you could easily wear a great pink shoe […]

Question: I would like to know if cats can get AIDS? I have a female cat — is there any way she contracted it from other cats? We have some strays hanging around sometimes and while she is inside at night she spends most of her time outside through the day. Nicole, via e-mail. Answer: […]

The Boston Terrier is a very popular breed in the United States, which is fitting since they are one of the few dog breeds that America can claim as their own. This intelligent, handsome little dog has its origins in — you guessed it — Boston, where it was originally developed as a cross between […]

Question: If you have dog hair all over your furniture, buy a roll of contact. Peel off backing paper and stick to lounge, then pull off. It’s heaps more effective than the vacuum. Answer: Joh, via e-mail.

Question: How can we stop our four-year-old female golden retriever from “mounting” people when they come over? We have had her desexed but this has done little to solve the problem. Help! Deb, via e-mail. Answer: Usually mounting behaviour is not sexual but dominant in nature, especially in a desexed female dog. She is trying […]

Question: Hi Dr Julie, It’s my cat’s 10th birthday soon. I remember you mentioning a DVD called “A Walk on the Wild Side”. Can you please tell me where I can buy this as my cat loved the preview we saw and would like to see the full movie. Thanking you in advance! Chelsi, via […]

Question: I have a cat and a dog, and the dog always chases the cat. We’ve heard all these things about the cat “taking a swipe at the dog,” but our cat seems to be too afraid to do anything. My mom wants to give the cat to her friend because she (the cat) is […]

Question: Fill ice cube trays with vegemite dissolved in hot water; let cool, and then freeze. Serve to your dog on hot, sunny days. Our dogs love them! Answer: Francine Webb, via e-mail.

Question: Is there treatment available for arthritis in dogs? I suspect my pug Judy has arthritis — she is often licking her leg and paw. She also finds it hard to get up stairs and walk properly when she has gotten out of bed. Joanne, via e-mail. Answer: Arthritis is a very common problem indeed […]

Question: Freeze your dog’s favorite meat and give it to them for lunch on a hot day. They will love this cold “bone” and the entire thing is edible so they won’t leave any lying around when they’re finished. Answer: Amanda, via e-mail.

Question: All dogs love to be scratched, rubbed, etc, on their lower neck, around their chest area, between their two shoulders. This is the only place that they are unable to reach by themselves. You’ll find most will start to doze and will love you forever. Answer: Kellie Taylor, via e-mail.

Question: Hello, We have just purchased a puppy who has just met his new one-year-old sister. They continue to fight and the puppy has become aggressive. How can we stop them fighting and stop the new puppy becoming so aggressive? Thank you, Laura, via e-mail. Answer: This is a very common scenario when puppies first […]

Question: Never, never call your dog and then reprimand him when he comes. He will associate punishment with the command to come to you and will hesitate to obey or refuse completely. Answer: Even if he doesn’t come immediately, reward him with lots of praise when he does come. Eventually, he will learn that this […]

Question: My maremma has a really thick, long coat and I feel so sorry for her in the heat. Is it possible to clip her? I was told it should not be done. Marlene, via e-mail. Answer: I get questions like this all the time from people who have been scared off clipping their pets […]

Question: If you have a dog that loves jumping up and grabbing your clothes off the line (sometimes ruining them), fill some balloons with water and attach them at different lengths to your line. After a few faces full of water your dog will realise that it just isn’t fun anymore. Answer: Carol Matthews, via […]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of pets in this country whose futures aren’t very bright. Thirty-eight percent of dogs and nearly 60 percent of cats that the RSPCA received in 2002-2003 were euthanised because suitable homes could not be found. According to Say No To Animals in Pet Shops Incorporated, an estimated 130,000 dogs and […]

Question: If your dog is off the lead and won’t come back when you call, kneel down, then call. It lowers your dominance to theirs. Answer: Taz, via e-mail.

Question: My two-year-old desexed cat has to move house with us soon. Can you tell me what I can and should do to make this time less traumatic for him/us? I have heard a lot of old wives’ tales about things to do — cut his whiskers, put butter on his feet, etc. Karen, via […]

Question: I have a male Retriever who just loves water so much he tries to fit in his drinking bowl! So I bought a kids’ plastic clam and filled it up with water — cleaning it and replacing the water every day or two. Not only can Merlin drink from it, but he splashes around […]

Question: I have a Galah who was given to me when his previous owners were not able to look after him anymore. He was somehow traumatised in his past and now will only hang onto the side of his cage and pull out all his feathers. Is there a way that I can prevent him […]

Question: My four-year-old female cat has badly broken her front leg (both bones). She has had a splint on for 12 weeks now and vets say leg is starting to mend slowly. What is the success rate for cats with this awful problem? Suzie Morrison, via e-mail. Answer: This really depends on the type of […]

Question: Mix equal parts Dettol and baby oil with a dash of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on dogs during the day to keep flies at bay. Answer: Judi, via e-mail.

Question: Does your dog or cat dislike their food if it’s cold from the fridge? Well, just heat the food in their dish (non-metal) in the microwave for 10 seconds on high and then serve it to them. It works for my fussy dog. Try it! Answer: Laurinda, via e-mail.

Question: I have a one-year-old cat that I love very much but she bites me all the time, and other people. She will be lying next to you and then decide to just bite, and this really hurts. She is also very timid of noises and new people. I have had her since she was […]

Question: Dear Dr Julie, Last week my little golden retriever had his hind leg amputated due to cancer. I was wondering if you had any special tips for an expedited recovery and any advice on possible prosthetic attachments for my dog. Thank you very much, Selina, via e-mail Answer: Oh, your poor little man. The […]

Question: If you have a big dog such as a rottweiler, instead of bathing them in water, just put a generous amount of bicarb soda all over them. Leave for a few minutes and then brush off. Your dog will be shiny and smelling clean! Answer: Jan Forde-Kelly, via e-mail.

What are the fashion classics? I’d like to add them to my wardrobe. Karen, by email. By investing in a good set of fashion “classics” you will find your wardrobe much more versatile and user-friendly. It’s worth your while to spend a bit of time and money finding quality, classic pieces that fit you properly. […]