| Purina South Africa

What is Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs?

2 mins read

Sometimes older dogs might undergo behavioural changes that seem unusual or a little more noticeable than just ‘slowing down’. Until recently, experts had attributed these things to the aging process, about which little can be done. More recently, however, unusual changes in older dogs have been attributed to a disorder called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in dogs Examples of behavioural changes include a ‘confused’ dog that appears disorientated or lost in familiar surroundings, dogs wandering around aimlessly, and perhaps appearing to 'forget' to back out of corners.

Understanding Your Cat's Psychology

6 mins read

Your cat doesn’t just need the right food and exercise for their age and body condition; emotional nourishment and cat care is also one of the most important parts of keeping a happy cat. Your cat’s emotional needs are based on their personality, age and lifestyle. If your cat spends the majority or all of their time indoors, for example, they may rely more heavily on you to provide cat care for their emotional wellbeing. Keeping such an intelligent and emotionally sophisticated pet happy can require a little effort and imagination, especially if your cat isn't using their natural instincts to survive on their own outdoors. A brief history of the cat Today's domestic cats are descended from wild cats who began to take advantage of the abundance of mice around corn stores in early Middle Eastern and North African civilisations, about 4,000 years ago. Today, pet cats are more often born indoors than in the wild, and spend their whole lives being fed and loved as part of our families - a far cry from the solitary hunter lifestyle of their ancestors! There are over 50 breeds of pedigree cats around the world, although by far the most prevalent is the ordinary ‘moggy’ with their wonderful variety of coats and colours.

Top 5 Fun Puppy Sports for a Healthy and Happy Pup

8 mins read

Puppy sports are a great way to strengthen your bond, whilst also building fitness for both you and your dog! So now puppy classes are over and you and your dog have mastered the basic training exercises, it’s time to decide what to do next. Dogs who have been trained using reward-based methods love to continue to learn and do new things. It’s easy to think that your only options are to continue the training classes and focus solely on improving your dog’s obedience. But there are a whole range of puppy activities and sports you could try. So take your time and find something both you and your puppy can really enjoy. Have a go at puppy agility One of the most popular canine sports, both to watch and to compete in, is puppy agility. This is a fun, competitive activity done off-lead that comprises of a range of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, puppy walks, and other pieces of equipment to either jump over, go through or walk along.

The Importance of Regular Vet Check-Ups for Your Dog

6 mins read

Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health it’s important you book an annual appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. This will give your vet the chance to spot any potential dog health problems and, hopefully, nip them in the bud before they become serious. Regular health assessments will also help you keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date, provide an opportunity for you to accurately weigh your dog and help put your mind at ease about any issues. General dog health assessment You already take your four-legged friend to the vet when they’re sick or injured but those appointments tend to focus mainly on one particular issue. ‘Check up’ visits, on the other hand, are more holistic, giving your vet the opportunity to detect subtle changes in your pet's overall physical health. Ideally, your vet should see your dog at least once a year, and more frequently as they get older or if they have special medical needs. These regular visits play a huge part in the 'prevention is better than cure' approach; so don't hold off making the appointment just because your dog seems fit and healthy to you. Your vet will check your dog over, including listening to their heart and lungs, running their hands over their abdomen to check for any unusual signs, checking for skin/coat, eye and ear problems and scanning their microchip to see if it’s all in working order. Making vet visits less stressful Another advantage of these annual check-ups is to get your dog used to visiting the vet surgery when they’re well. If they only visit when they’re hurt or ill they can become nervous about seeing the vet, associating their trips with bad times or stressful experiences. It’s a good idea to pop into the vet practice every so often, even if you don’t have an appointment. The receptionists and vet nurses will always appreciate a cuddle and it will create a positive memory for your furry friend.

The Importance of Regular Vet Check-ups for Cats

5 mins read

Even if you keep a close eye on your cat's health it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for an annual wellness and cat health check-up. Looking after cats is fun but it's also full of responsibilities, including taking your pet to the vet. Sometimes it takes a professional eye to detect subtle changes in your pet’s health, especially as cats are very good at hiding their illnesses. Luckily, your vet will be very good at detective work. General cat health You already take your fluffy friend to the vet when they’re sick or injured but those appointments tend to focus mainly on one particular issue. ‘Check-up’ visits, on the other hand, work on the principle of ‘prevention is better than cure’ and they’re important to keep your cat healthy and prevent certain diseases. Your vet will want to check your cat over thoroughly at least once a year and more frequently as they get older or if they have special medical needs. This appointment will take an all-inclusive approach, making sure your cat is examined from their whiskers to the tip of their tail. Another advantage of these annual check-ups is to get your cat used to visiting the vet surgery when they’re well and this can help them form a bond with your vet. If they only visit when they’re hurt or ill they can become nervous, associating their trips with bad times or stressful experiences. It’s a good idea to pop into the vet practice every so often, even if it’s just for a flea check. The receptionists and vet nurses will always welcome a stroke as you pass by, and it will create a positive memory with no prodding and poking involved!

The Cat Health Checklist

6 mins read

As a loving pet owner, you’re bound to want the absolute best for your cat, and this all starts with making sure that they are as happy and healthy as possible. Health check list Every month you should “play vet” and conduct a careful check up on your cat to make sure that all is well. By following our checklist, you have the opportunity to spot any unusual signs early on, meaning that you can seek treatment as soon as possible, if necessary. Not only does this help you keep your cat in tip-top condition, but also allows you to spend more hands-on quality time with your feline friend.

Stimulating Toys for Older Dogs

6 mins read

As your dog ages their requirements change, whether that's thinking about a senior dog dietor adjusting schedules to fit around your older dog. This includes what toys they play with or activities they participate in. Your aging friend may no longer be able to run and grab a Frisbee, or leap around playing fetch for hours on end, but that doesn’t mean that their urge to play has gone! Also consider that when dogs age, their sight and hearing may deteriorate, so when it comes to toys for older dogs it’s usually a good idea to get bright ones, which can also be scented, noisy or flavoured. Keep reading to find out the best stimulating dog toys for your older pooch. Toys for older dogs When your dog becomes older you may think that they’ll no longer want to play, or might not have the energy to play with you.

Puppy Teething Advice

6 mins read

All puppies go through a teething phase. Puppy teething is when they outgrow their puppy teeth, which are replaced by more permanent, adult teeth. This happens at a different age depending on their breed and size. But the effects of teething are the same: an irritable puppy and damage to your house! In this article, we explore why puppy teething can be a destructive phase and talk you through five steps that can make the whole process easier on both you and your pup. When do puppies start teething? All mammals have to go through a teething stage; this includes both you and your puppy. Unlike humans, puppies begin to start teething at around 16 weeks of age. This means their milk teeth will begin to fall out and new adult teeth will begin to poke through. Once the teething process begins do not be surprised if your dog is chewing everything in sight – this kind of behaviour is completely normal. We recommend you provide your dog with plenty of chew toys throughout this period and praise them for using them, to save your furniture. When do puppies lose their teeth? It usually takes around four months for puppies to go through the whole process of teething. By the age of 7-8 months your puppy should have grown all of their adult teeth, if they’re not all there yet try not to worry too much. However, if it gets to 9 months and there are still some adult teeth missing, we advise you contact your vet. They will be able to access your dog’s mouth and find out if their mouth needs any dental work. Why can puppy teething be so destructive? Puppy teething means discomfort (and sometimes pain) for your pup: their gums may become red and swollen and their teeth are falling out while new ones erupt. Who wouldn’t be uncomfortable? Your pup handles puppy teething by chewing. Chewing helps ease some of the irritation on their gums (a bit like scratching an itch). Plus, for a puppy their mouth is a bit like your hand; it is what they use to explore and understand the world. Couple that with their natural curiosity and they may start to chew anything and everything in your house. But just because it is nature’s way, it doesn’t mean you have to survive with chewed-up furniture and missing shoes. Keep on reading to find out how to puppy-proof your home from puppy teething. Creating a puppy-proof home when your puppy is teething

health

Microchipping Your Cat

4 mins read

As well as lots of love and attention, you’ll want to give your cat the best protection possible if they are lost or missing. By microchipping your cat, you’re giving them the best chance of being found and safely returned to you if they should wander off. Why microchip? There are all sorts of reasons why your cat might go missing. They might get spooked by something and run off, or maybe become disoriented or distracted in a new environment if, for example, you’ve just moved house. Of course, your cat may well be wearing a collar and an identification tag but these could get lost or removed, whereas a microchip will always stay safely in place. As well as helping to reunite you with your lost pet, a cat microchip can also help if you ever get into a dispute with anyone about who the animal’s rightful owner is. What is microchipping? Microchipping a cat is a simple and fast procedure that could help reunite you with your four-legged friend. If your cat is found, a vet or animal shelter can scan your cat’s embedded microchip to find your details, and your cat’s details, from the microchip database. It really is as simple as that!

Making Dogs Comfortable When Out In The City

8 mins read

It's becoming more and more common for dogs to live in urban areas and of course, this presents its own unique challenges. Find out how to make dogs in the city comfortable with our guide. City living is more and more common these days – and not just for people, but for dogs, too. Caring for a dog in the city – whether you live there or are just visiting – presents its own unique challenges. We all love our dogs and want them to be as happy and comfortable as possible when we’re exploring the urban landscape. Read on to find out our tips for making sure you and your pup are feeling on tip top form when you’re out walking through the city. Start young Every dog owner (especially ones that have trained a puppy) knows that when it comes to getting your pup used to things, it’s best to start as young as possible. If you’re a puppy owner, it’s a logical conclusion that a happy puppy in the city means a happy future dog in the city. Good socialisation is paramount; when you live in an urban environment, it’s especially important to get your puppy used to the unique sounds, smells and sights of the city. Even if you can’t start young, good socialisation is equally important; get out and about with your dog to get them used to the city. Training a dog in the city Training is important for any dog, but if you have a dog in the city, it’s arguably especially so. Any dog who is regularly out and about in the city should know at least a few key commands. We recommend familiarising your pup with the following: • Sit: A classic, it’s a great command for any dog in the city to master. If you want your dog to be able to wait quietly for you, or travel safely on public transport, it’s good to teach them how to ‘sit’. • Wait: Following on from ‘sit’, ‘wait’ is a key command for your pup to learn. With more road traffic and foot traffic in the city, it’s especially important for your dog to know how to ‘wait’. This way, you can halt them if they look to be in any danger of wandering into harm’s way. • Leave: If you have a dog in the city, you never know what they could find on the pavement. City streets have the unfortunate tendency to collect litter, food remnants, and the like. ‘Leave’ is the star command here – if you have it well-practised, and your dog picks up anything that looks unsafe, it’s easy to tell them to drop it. Be sure to give them a well-deserved treat to tell them how good they’ve been! • ‘Curbing’: This term means encouraging your dog to do their ‘business’ on the curb of the pavement, rather than in the middle, where people tend to be walking. To do this, when you see your pup sniffing for a place to go, gently lead them towards the curb. If you’ve worked on encouraging them to pee or poop with a particular word, say this as you do so. After a while, they should get the idea!