Do I need to restrain my dog when travelling in my car? It’s important that owners make sure their pet will be comfortable and safe during car transport. The laws regarding restraint...
What should I know before feeding dog treats? A number of Australian dogs have suffered from kidney problems after being fed particular pet treats. The toxin which causes...
How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? The paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, causes tick paralysis. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring urgent veterinary attention....
How should I introduce my new dog or puppy to the family cat? Introducing a new canine member to the family is a special and exciting time but can be a little overwhelming...
How can I toilet train my puppy/dog? House training (toilet training) a puppy or a dog takes time and patience and, just as with children, every puppy...
What are the animal welfare issues with docking dogs’ tails? Tail docking is the term given to the surgical removal of puppies’ tails for cosmetic purposes. The procedure was usually...
What should I feed my dog? Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores but will also eat plant-based foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which comprise...
Can dogs be safely confined by tethering? Where dogs need to be confined outdoors, the best way to do this is in a suitable yard or enclosure....
Can you give me some basic advice on caring for my new dog? Keeping a pet dog is a huge commitment and responsibility; they require shelter, a balanced diet, daily exercise, veterinary care...
How do I tell if my dog is overweight? Obesity is a common health problems in Australian dogs. If not addressed early on obesity can lead to other serious health...
How should I introduce my new cat or kitten to the family dog? First consider if it would be safe and appropriate to have both a dog and cat as part of your...
What should I know before taking my dog to an ‘off-leash’ park? What are the benefits of off-leash dog parks? Off-leash dog parks have many benefits for dogs and their owners. They...
What should I consider before taking my dog to the office? Dogs in the office International Take Your Dog to Work Day® (created by Pet Sitters International) is held in June...
How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth? Our pets need regular and consistent dental care to make sure their teeth stay healthy and functional for as long...
What are the animal welfare issues with anaesthesia-free dentistry? Anaesthesia-free dentistry involves physically restraining a conscious animal, to remove calculus and tartar from the surface of their teeth and...
How can I minimise the impact of bushfire smoke on my animals? Bushfires can lead to persistent smoke and related air pollution and this can cause serious negative effects and health problems...
What should I consider if I need to evacuate my animal in a natural disaster? During a natural disaster such as a bushfire, extreme weather (storms, floods, heatwaves) or earthquake, it may be necessary to...
What is Ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is a disease primarily affecting dogs that is spread by the brown dog tick. This disease can be fatal...
What vaccinations should my dog receive? Vaccinations are an important part of caring for your dog as they prevent or reduce the severity of infectious diseases...
Why and how should I groom my dog? Grooming the dogs in your care is important. There are health and welfare benefits over and above making their coat...