Pets

Question: I’m writing to you about my four cute mice. I have one that is extremely overweight. She refuses to do any exercise but loves her food. What can I do about it? Amanda, via e-mail. Answer: What you may need to do is supervise her feeding or separate her only at mealtimes, because she […]

Question: My dog, who is usually bright and chirpy, seems to be down in the dumps with a dry nose and runny eyes. Could this be a doggy flu? And can I give her human painkillers? Mary, Richmond, Vic. Answer: Yes, your pooch may have picked up a bug and be under the weather because […]

Nurturing that brilliant display in your garden and coaxing that indoor plant back to life…You may spend hours caring for your plants, and the last thing you want is your pet destroying the fruits of your labour. But it’s equally important to think about the damage your plants can do to your pet. Many outdoor […]

Training a budgerigar isn’t difficult – it just requires patience and a calm manner. At first, only one person should train your budgie. This person should be alone with the budgie to avoid stressing the bird and each training session should last from 10 to 20 minutes. Begin by slowly placing your hand in the […]

Bringing a puppy into your life is exciting, but be prepared to have that adorable wrecking machine let loose in your house. Before bringing your puppy home for the first time, it’s a good idea to puppy-proof your house and garden. Just like a home needs to be baby-proofed before a little bundle of human […]

It’s natural for dogs to bark, just as it is for birds to sing. But if your dog barks all the time it can drive you – and your neighbours – ‘barking’ mad! Having a dog is a bonus for home security, but dogs that bark constantly are not effective watchdogs because everyone just ignores […]

The temperature’s dropping, the leaves are falling, you have an extra blanket on the bed and the winter woollies out of mothballs. The humans in your house may be all set for winter but what about your pets? It’s important that your pet has somewhere warm to sleep in winter, free of draughts and protected […]

Everybody knows that cats purr when they’re content, but what about the other ways they communicate their feline feelings to us? Ever seen your cat rub its cheek on a sofa, a chair, a wall – even you? The cat is marking its territory and connecting to its network by leaving its scent. When you […]

Ever used up a whole roll of film taking photos of your pet, only to end up with a series of furry blurs when you get the photos back? Here’s a few tips for taking the perfect photo of your favourite animal friend. Happy snapping. Try to use a high-speed film and a fast shutter […]

Question: If you add vinegar or lemon juice to the rinse water when you bath your pet, it will wash away strong odours and cut soap film. Answer: Similarly, adding baking soda to the rinse water will make your pet’s coat soft and shiny, as well as free of odours.