How can I socialise my rabbits with people and other rabbits? Socialising with people Rabbits are affectionate and lovable creatures who can bond with their owners. But, as a prey species,...
I think my cat has arthritis, what should I do? Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common and serious animal health and welfare problem in...
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 vaccinations should my cat receive? Vaccinations are an important part of caring for your cat. Vaccines provide protection from some diseases such as enteritis (feline...
What do I need to know about gum and mouth inflammation (gingivostomatitis) in cats? Gingivitis and stomatitis both involve inflammation of the mouth tissues and can be painful and affect your cat’s health. Gingivitis...
What can I do if I suspect a problem with my pet’s food or treats? If you suspect that your pet is ill from eating pet food or treats, contact your veterinarian and report the...
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...
How can pain be recognised and monitored in cats? Due to the unique nature of and often subtle changes in feline body language, recognising pain in cats can be...
How can I keep my rabbits safe against household hazards? Many rabbits are kept indoors, with free range of the house and even parts of the yard, but these unsupervised...
What dental problems do rabbits get? Dental anatomy and function Rabbits have continuously growing incisor and cheek teeth without true anatomical roots. Incisors (front teeth) Rabbits...
Where should I keep my rabbits? Rabbits can be housed indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. There are some basic considerations for housing, and then...
Can rabbits get heat stress? Many people mistakenly believe that, because feral rabbits seem to thrive in Australia, rabbits must be heat tolerant. The truth...
How do I groom my rabbits? Long-haired rabbits have been prized for many years. But, like long-haired dogs and cats, few people appreciate the effort that...
How do I litter train my rabbit? Rabbits have two kinds of faeces; caecotrophs (which they eat); and small, firm globe-shaped pellets approximately the size of a...
How can I keep my rabbit entertained, alert, and interested in their surroundings? Environmental enrichment has been defined as “the stimulation of the brain by its physical and social surroundings in an attempt...
Why is enrichment important for dogs? Enrichment involves mentally and physically stimulating activities that engage an animal’s mind, body, and senses (e.g., smell, taste, sound, smell,...
How should I care for my birds? Are birds the right companion animals for me? What is the right bird for me? There are plenty of studies...
How can I keep my birds entertained, alert, and interested in their environment? Behaviour of wild birds There is an extensive body of literature devoted to observations of wild bird behaviour. While there...
Where should I get my bird from? At some time, everyone who keeps birds will acquire a new bird – a new pet, a new breeder, a...