Caring for my Dog
How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Heatstroke involves potentially life-threatening elevations in body temperature (hyperthermia). Heatstroke is an emergency. In dogs, it can lead to rapid multi-organ failure and has a high mortality rate.
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 my existing cat?
Introducing a new canine member to the family is a special and exciting time, but it can be a little overwhelming for all concerned – especially if you already have a cat! However, this can be managed with planning to help keep everyone safe and to minimise stress.
How do I introduce a new dog or puppy to children?
It is important that when a new dog or puppy is being introduced, that this is done very carefully and ensuring that children are directly supervised at all times.
Do I need to restrain my dog when travelling in my car?
Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Dogs can very quickly suffer from potentially fatal heat stress, even in mild weather. It’s important that owners make sure their pet will be comfortable and safe during car transport.
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 the illness has not been identified and a number of treats from a number of manufacturers could be involved.
How can I toilet train my puppy or adult dog?
Toilet training a puppy or dog is important but takes time and patience (also called ‘house training’). Just as with children, every puppy or dog is different and will learn at their own pace.
Why do some dogs still have docked tails?
Tail docking is the surgical removal (amputation) of a dog’s tail for cosmetic purposes. Tail docking has been illegal in Australia since 2004, as it is an unnecessary surgical procedure associated with significant acute and chronic pain and is detrimental to the welfare of the animals concerned.
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 mainly of prey animals, consisting of raw meat, bones, organs and a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the gut of their prey.
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 for animals, just as it can in people. However, there are measures you can take to minimise these impacts.