Pets

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 […]