Animal Tales August 2012 by Bermuda Sun Ltd

AUGUST 2012

ANIMAL TALES

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE BERMUDA SUN AUGUST 17, 2012 PAGE 1

Pet Pix winners and animal lovers’ guide BY AMANDA DALE adale@bermudasun.bm

The Bermuda Sun is proud to introduce you to the first of our Animal Tales. We know how Bermudians love their pets and so we have launched a new supplement dedicated to making the most of your time with your furry friends. In this edition we announce the 2012 Pet Pix competition winners, sponsored by Noah’s Ark and Purina. We invited our animal lovers to enter their favourite pictures of their pets online over the four weeks of July. The categories were: ‘Purina Cool Cat’, ‘Purina Hot Dog’, ‘Noah’s Ark Perfect Pet’, ‘Purina Pet Who Looks Most Like its Owner,’ and the under 16s writing competition ‘Me and My Pet’, judged by Shelby Roderiques of the SPCA. Weekly winners were announced online and published in the Bermuda Sun, each collecting prizes donated by BGA/Purina and Noah’s Ark. The finalist were entered into

the grand final and voted for online by our readers and website users. Also in this supplement, there is advice on pet food and ensuring your cat or dog has the right nutrition, with advice from the experts at Purina. Sadly, in these tough economic times, there are some people who are neglecting their pets, and even abandoning them. The Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau (BFAB) and Bermuda SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are seeing more and more abandoned cats on the island. While some have been surrendered to the SPCA

shelter, others have just been abandoned in the wild and left to fend for themselves. Cindy Harding of the BFAB believes some people leaving the island are just dumping their pets, when it is actually quite an easy process to take them with you. The BFAB can assist people with advice on pet transportation, and as a last resort will help you to look for a new home for them. Abandonment is “never an option’, says Mrs Harding. “To abandon a pet is cruel, and very irresponsible,” she says. We devote a whole section of this supplement to giving you advice on travelling with your pet. Dr Jonathan Nisbett, Government veterinary officer, provides tips on the do’s and don’ts of air travel and on reaching your destination with the proper health checks and vaccinations in place. We all want our pets to look their best, and these days there is a wide choice of clothing and accessories on offer to help show them off, or just for fun. See our fashion page for some cute ideas for your pooch. ■

Inside this supplement Pet Pix winner: Essay ‘Me and My Pet’ Page 2 Pet Pix winner: Hot Dog Page 3 Pet Pix winner: Pet Who Looks Most Its Owner Page 4 Pet Pix winner: Cool Cat Page 5 Pet Pix winner: Perfect Pet winner Page 6 When travelling overseas with your pet Pages 8-9 Finding the right class for you and your puppy Page 11 Recession hits pets as owners leave Page 12 Diet tips to keep your pets healthy Pages 14-15 Fashion ideas for your pooch Page 16

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Amanda Dale Editorial Layout Jack Garstang Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager) Olga French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Shay Ford Circulation & Distribution Nick Tavares

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Congratulations to our Pet Pix contest winners ■ ESSAY ‘ME AND MY PET’

Winner: Iannah Caines (10 years old) and Fluffy

A quiet moment and a belly rub

y name is Iannah Caines. I am 10 years old and I have a 10-month-old Yorkshire terrier named Fluffy who I love very much. They say a dog is a man's best friend, but a dog can be a little girl's best friend too. Fluffy is more than a friend, she’s part of my family now. She's a good little puppy. I love playing with her, giving her belly rubs and watching her stand on her hind legs to get treats. Fluffy loves playing tug with her squeaky toy chicken and racoon. When she smells any meat being cooked in the kitchen, she makes me think that she drank an energy drink. She jumps up and down and barks because she can't get what's being cooked. Fluffy loves going for drives in the car. She also loves being outdoors digging holes, eating grass and going for walks. ■

Purina Essay ‘Me and My Pet’ Grand Prize: I-pad from Purina. ■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

FLUFFY loves attention and she thinks that whenever I sit down, she belongs in my lap. She just loves it when I rub her belly!

Prizes to be collected from the BDA Sun offices, MediaHouse, 19 Elliott Street.

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AUGUST 17, 2012 ■ 3

■ HOT DOG

Purina Hot Dog

Winner: Ali Watlington and Rosey

Weekly Prize: Purina Gift Box. Grand Prize: One year’s worth of dog food.

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

YOU COME HERE OFTEN? After waking up to all 140-pounds of Rosey climbing into our bed (she’s a big fan of the Tempurpedic mattress), she flopped down, leaned on my legs and gave me the “what’s up?” look. (The boxer shorts-inspired hat gave that extra bit of attitude she was going for this particular morning.

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■ PET WHO LOOKS MOST LIKE ITS OWNER

Winner: Alexandra Arruda and Luna

READY, SET, STARE AT CAMERA: Luna was laying on my lap as I did my makeup. When I got up to get my camera to take a photo of the makeup, Luna kept trying to poke her head in the shot. She loves getting her picture taken. So I picked her up and when I lifted the camera she turned her head and looked straight at the camera. ■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

Purina Pet Who Looks Most Like Owner Weekly Prize: Purina Gift Box. Grand Prize: Photo-shoot with pet by Moongate Productions.

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■ COOL CAT

Purina Cool Cat

Winner: Bill Pitman and Harley D

Weekly Prize: Purina Gift Box. Grand Prize: One year’s worth of cat food.

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

ADORABLE: Harley D sits in a bucket.

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■ PERFECT PET

Noah’s Ark Perfect Pet:

Winner: Julia Judd and Bentley

Weekly Prize: $25 Gift Certificate for Noah’s Ark. Grand Prize: $100 Gift Certificate from Noah’s Ark.

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

BENTLEY’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Bentley Bunny is thinking that this is the hardest carrot ever!

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When travelling overseas with your pet BY AMANDA DALE adale@bermudasun.bm

Whether you are leaving the island or simply going on vacation, there may be circumstances when you have to travel with your pet. But what should you consider if you have to board a plane and enter a new country with an animal? Dr Jonathan Nisbett, Government veterinary officer, said: “Increasingly, dogs and cats are considered members of a family and so when the family travels they travel too. “If you NISBETT are travelling by air, your pet needs a reservation, whether it is carry-on, checked baggage or cargo. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 each way. “Whatever your pet is travelling in needs to be large enough so that he or she can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. You could use a soft-sided bag if the animal is going to be a carry-on into the cabin, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.” The transportation of any animal is subject to the airline carrier’s rules and regulations, and this is usually dealt with by the cargo department. “People need to contact the individual airline,” said Dr Nisbett. “Another reason why your pet needs a reservation is because airlines limit the number of animals on a flight, because there will be passengers with fur allergies and so on. “If the animal is going into the hold as checked baggage or cargo, it must be in a plastic rigid box, or an alternative crate which is not collapsible. “The animal must also have a minimum amount of water. Some owners put a block of ice in a tray so that when it melts, the animal

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CHECKING IT OUT: If you have a new crate for your pet it is recommended that you let the animal get used to it before you travel. . can drink it without it spilling out. “Some people also attach a funnel and tube which leads down to a drinking bowl. But airline staff are trained in procedures for carrying animals and will look out for their welfare. They will monitor such things as the water levels and top them up. “Food is allowed but generally just a small amount of dry food is recommended, as wet food can spill over. “If you have a new crate or are using a new drinking bottle, I would recommend that you get the animal used to it before you travel. “A week before you go, leave the crate open in the house so the dog can sniff around it and can go in and out of it, to get used to it. You could put their favourite toy inside, or a towel or blanket.” Dr Nisbett said the difference between checked baggage/cargo or taking your pet in the cabin was a question of liability and responsibility. “If the animal is carried as cargo or checked luggage, the owner has essentially turned over the animal to the airline to provide safe

For more information contact the Department of Environmental Protection on 236-4201 or e-mail animals@ gov.bm passage of the animal to the destination. If something goes wrong, the airline could be held responsible. “However, if you carry the animal on board into the cabin, you retain care and control of it, and are responsible for it. The airline doesn’t have to feed it, water it or kennel it.” Another factor to bear in mind when it comes to transportation is air temperature. “There are temperature restrictions, which are a result of federal law in the US and Canada, and the airline’s own policies,” said Dr Nisbett. “Many airlines will not accept animals for carriage if it’s going to be more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit on any stretch of the itinerary, especially if checked baggage or cargo. “Transportation also depends on the time you are travelling, the climate of your destination, and airline policy. It depends

on whether there will be a stopover and if the animal will have to wait on the tarmac, for example in a hot climate. “Even if you have a reservation for the animal, the airline may still reject it on the day of travel if any temperature enroute is going to be too high. “An alternative may be to consider travelling at a different time of year, on a different route or airline.” He added: “Many airlines from Bermuda to the East Coast, and maybe also Canada, will allow you to carry a small animal into the cabin, but British Airways will not allow this on a transatlantic flight to London because of the length of the flight, so the animal will be put in the hold. “Having a pet in the cabin can also be a potential disturbance to passengers on a long haul flight. “Some airlines also have breed restrictions due to perceived safety risks, such as with large or perceived ‘dangerous’ dogs, such as pit bulls or rottweilers. “Snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs and pugs are also sometimes restricted,”

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he said. “Due to their short noses they are more subject to stress as they have a harder time regulating their temperature. So some airlines won’t take these breeds.” In addition to airline requirements there are also the laws and regulations of the destination country to consider. Dr Nisbett said: “When transporting an animal you must also comply with the import requirements for your destination country. “Dogs and cats coming into Bermuda have to have rabies vaccinations, including those pets which are returning home. Bermuda law requires a pair of rabies vaccinations for entry or re-entry, to help ensure a proper immune response by the animal and a high degree of protection before entering a rabies-infected jurisdiction. “This is similar to the rabies protocol outlined by the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health). The UK has adopted a protocol that differs from this.

Necessary “So if you are travelling and you intend on bringing back an animal to Bermuda, make sure it qualifies for return before it leaves, by having the necessary rabies vaccinations. “Even if people are heading overseas with no intention of returning to Bermuda, such as getting married or starting a new job, you may always have to return in a hurry. So we recommend that you make sure any animal is qualified for departure and return, even if you don’t intend on coming back. “Make sure it has the appropriate rabies vaccines and anything else your vet recommends, such as distemper, feline leukaemia, and so on. “Dogs should also have a heartworm test, as this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes year-round.” As for importing an animal to an overseas country, the UK ended its six-month quarantine in 2000. In January 2012, the time required between the rabies

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NOT ON UK FLIGHTS: British Airways will not allow you to carry a small animal into the cabin on a transatlantic flight because of the length of the flight but many airlines from Bermuda to the east coast of the US. vaccination/ blood titre test and travel was reduced to just three weeks (21 days) from a previous seven month wait. Previously it took 30 days for the blood titre test, followed by a six month wait to enter the UK. Dr Nisbett said: “There hasn’t been any change in United States or Canadian entry requirements lately. Dogs and cats can enter from Bermuda quite easily, as they are travelling from a rabies-free jurisdiction. “The US and Canada also do not impose any quarantine for animals. But travelling back to Bermuda requires planning and preparation, as we are more strict in our requirements.” The Bermuda Government does not issue a pet passport like those issued in the UK, but it does issue a travel certificate, obtainable from your veterinary practice. This must be endorsed by the Department of Environmental Protection ahead of travel. Animals may also need tapeworm or tick treatment a day or two before the flight. Dr Nisbett said: “Dogs travelling to the UK need tapeworm treatment, a blood test and a rabies vaccine. Cats need a rabies vaccine and a blood test. “Dogs and cats travel-

ling to the US or Canada may need a rabies vaccine, depending on the country they’re travelling from. “Dogs and cats travelling

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to Bermuda need tick treatment and rabies vaccines, depending on the country they’re travelling from. “As for other animals, rabbits don’t generally carry much of a risk, and probably just require a rabies vaccine and to make sure they are free of ticks and parasites. You should really check with the destination country on the procedures for different animals. “With pet birds, parrots are classed under Endangered Species, so there are special provisions and requirements you have follow according to CITIES (the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species). “If you are travelling from Bermuda to the US, you must go either through Miami or New York with a pet bird, to have the proper checks completed. “Always check with your destination country on the procedures for different animals, and do the same with the Government of Bermuda if you are returning.” ■

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Finding the right class for you and your puppy BY LESLEY M SHADBOLT, CPDT-KA Even before your new puppy comes home with you for the first time you should have begun your puppy training homework by finding a puppy class. We all used to think of puppy training as attending a class that taught ‘come’, ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ months after we got our new puppy. Now we understand that can’t be further from the truth. According to worldrenowned vet, animal behaviourist and dog trainer Dr Ian Dunbar, at eight weeks old the critical period of socialization is already nearly two thirds over. So waiting to find a puppy class until you get your puppy may be too late. Once you have found a potential class, call and ask if you can watch a lesson without your dog. You should be able to watch a class and ask questions of the trainer at the end. The questions you should be asking are: Is whole family allowed to attend? The puppy will be part of the family so the whole family should be encouraged to participate in training, one at a time. Consistency is key for training success and the whole family needs to agree on realistic expectations for its new dog.

■ PHOTO BY MONICA DAVIS

READY TO GO: Find a puppy class before you get your puppy as they begin the socialization process at a few weeks old. What is the puppy class curriculum? Most importantly it should include socialization (play) with other dogs and people. This may be the only opportunity to develop their dog-social skills. It should also include ‘bite inhibition’, the dog’s ability to control the force of its bite by getting appropriate feedback about jaw pressure from humans and other puppies. This must be taught before the dog loses all its puppy teeth at about five months old. Other things that should be included are handling, attention,

off-leash household manners and the prevention of behaviour problems as the puppy heads through adolescence into adulthood. What type of training methods are used? Do they use positive reward-based training or do they use harsh punishments? Look for trainers who reward the puppies for good behaviours and are gentle, using the least aversive, most effective methods. If the trainer’s methods are based on force, intimidation, dominance and submission, they are not meeting the current standards

in the animal industry for best practices and scientific methods. What qualifications or certifications and experience does the trainer have? In order for a trainer to earn the designation of Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), an individual must demonstrate that they have accrued the required number of hours working as a dog trainer, provide letters of recommendation and pass a standardized test that evaluates their knowledge of canine behaviour, basic learning theory, canine husbandry and teaching skills. After you have watched the puppy class and spoken to the instructor, ask yourself these questions: ■ Did the puppies look happy? Were the owners enjoying themselves? ■ Was the trainer knowledgeable and patient when answering your questions? ■ Do you like the trainer and their training philosophy? The answers to these questions should be yes. Remember the trainer is there to guide you in enhancing your relationship with your new dog. ■

LESLEY SHADBOLT is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. For more information contact her at lesley@ rockingtails.com

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Recession hits pets as owners leave BY AMANDA DALE adale@bermudasun.bm

Times are hard — the recession still has Bermuda in a vice-like grip, with job losses and business closures continuing. In these tough economic times the island has also seen an exodus of expatriate workers and Bermudians, with ‘leaving the island’ sales a regular weekend occurrence. But once you’ve packed up your furniture and belongings, sold your car or motorcycle and booked your flight, what happens to your pet? There are worrying signs that some residents are leaving their animals behind, without even considering taking them with them. At the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau (BFAB), volunteers are noticing more and more domestic cats out in the wild. Cindy Harding, a BFAB executive, said: “More cats coming into the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau appear to be domestic rather than feral. “At our feeding stations over the past year there have also been more stragglers turning up hungry. I oversee about 12 of the feeding stations and have noticed new cats at about half of them, probably about 20 cats in total. “They look skinny and undernourished. Some turn up every day whereas others appear every couple of days. You can tell a domestic cat because it will let you touch and pat it.” The charity spays and neuters feral cats across Bermuda, to help control the population. It operates the feeding stations to the draw feral cats in so they are then easier to catch. Mrs Harding said: “We’ve also had more calls from people saying stray cats have shown up in their neighbourhood, so there is an increase. Usually they just want us to take them away as they are trying to eat their own cat’s food. Mrs Harding said: “We’ve also had more callers who are looking for homes for their cats in the past year, and who have asked us to put up flyers to try to re-home them. “We are finding that there are a lot of people who are leaving their animals and not taking them with them, when actually it’s quite easy to do. “Some people don’t seem to consider that they have this option. “We’ve had so many people asking about this over the past year that we’ve decided to put some advice on our website, about how to travel with your pet. “We can provide advice, but contact

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SURRENDERED: This is Comet, a twoyear-old neutered male cat, who was surrendered by its owners who were leaving the Island. the airline and talk to your vet. Look into the procedures for importing an animal into your destination country. “Different airlines and countries will have different guidelines, but it’s an easy process.” Mrs Harding said that simply abandoning a pet should not even be considered as a last resort. “To abandon a pet is cruel, and very irresponsible. How can you have an animal in your home, care for it, and then abandon it? “You wouldn’t suddenly leave a toddler outside and tell it to fend for itself, would you? “This kind of situation is very stressful on an animal. Feeding it for a number of years and then leaving it on its own outside to hunt for itself — it just can’t do it. Once a cat is domesticated, it loses its ability to hunt for food.” She said: “If you really can’t take your pet with you, then look for a home yourself. We can help with private adoption, in spreading the word that you’re looking for a home. “Take them to the SPCA as a last resort. Abandoning an animal is never an option. If you abandon them, they have to fend for themselves and cats are very territorial. They get into

fights and can pick up diseases (such as feline AIDS or leukaemia). “At least this way you are giving them a chance, but the best thing to do is to take them with you.” Bermuda SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspector Glyn Roberts said the charity is receiving more cats, but they are harder to re-home than dogs due to “the shortage of dogs on the island”. Each animal taken into the shelter receives a health check and temperament assessment. The SPCA then seeks to find an owner for adoption. Mr Roberts said: “We’re getting a lot of people surrendering cats, but people tend to take their dogs with them when they leave the island. “We have had a few more dogs recently, but it’s more to do with people not being able to look after them anymore, such as having to go overseas for medical treatment. “Finances and property reasons are other issues, such as having to move into a smaller apartment and not being allowed to have a pet. “Because of the recession, the shelter is taking in more surrendered animals now compared with this time last year. “But there’s not such a problem of stray dogs. Abandonment isn’t such a big problem here in Bermuda as it is in other countries, due to the size of the island and the culture. Shelby Rodrigues, SPCA kennel and facilities manager, said: “We’ve received lots of cats from people leaving the island, who don’t want to take them with them. In June we had over 20 people, and some of these people had more than one cat, so it is a problem. “We’ve also had people surrendering their cats who can’t afford to keep them anymore. Getting cats spayed is a big issue right now. It costs between $275 to $400 to get this done at a vet’s and we get people saying they can’t afford this. But any cat which comes in, we do our best to re-home them. We have very dedicated volunteers who spend a lot of time with the cats socialising them. “We try to figure out their personality and match them to adoptions based on what they need. We try to find the best match possible, we don’t just give them away to anyone.” ■

IF YOU can help to give an abandoned animal a home, contact the Bermuda SPCA on 236-7333 or see www.spca.bm. Contact the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau on 291-1737 or go to www.bfab. bm

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BERMUDA SUN

PET PIX CONTEST

Congratulations to all of the winners of the

Bermuda Sun’s Pet Photo Contest! Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and to all of you who participated in voting for the winners.

A big thank you to our sponsors

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Diet tips to keep your pets healthy BY AMANDA DALE adale@bermudasun.bm

Let’s face it, our pets are part of the family, so when it comes to their diet we should be as mindful of their health as we would our own children. There are lots of myths about what you should or shouldn’t feed cats and dogs, and lots of questions about whether to change their diet as they grow older. Here we have compiled some tips on diet and nutrition for your furry friends, courtesy of Purina.

Obesity Just as this can threaten the lives of humans, so can being obese also be dangerous for cats and dogs. Those extra pounds will weigh down on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as joints, making them more prone to injury or diabetes. Being overweight will also reduce your pet’s quality of life. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a happy wag of that tail or a display of feline affection? If you want your pet to be happy and live longer, go easy on the treats.

How do I know if my pet is overweight? Good body condition is one in which your pet is well proportioned, has a visible waist and you can feel their ribs.

Dogs Keep an eye on your pooch’s pounds. Run a hand along their side. By pressing gently you should be able to count their ribs. When looking from above, does their body angle in at the hips or is the waist missing? If you suspect your dog is overweight then take him/ her for a veterinary examination. If your dog is obese they may have trouble moving. A lack of exercise will only lead to more weight gain.

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PLAYFUL: All cats are ‘nibblers’ so they should have access to food throughout the day, plus fresh, clean water They may also develop sleep apnoea where they don’t get enough sleep.

Cats It is estimated between 25-40 per cent of pet cats are obese. When you pet your cat, gently press down. If you can’t find their ribs then go for a veterinary check-up. The vet can then formulate a diet/exercise plan. Measured amounts of food can help to keep your feline lean.

Feeding cat and dogs Just as humans need a variety of foods to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced, so do cats and dogs. A quality food will have the balance of nutrients which cats and dogs need. Supplements are rarely needed. However table scraps, inconsistent exercise or stressful changes in routine can leave dogs and cats with special nutritional requirements. The three main types of cat and dog food are dry (such as kibbles), soft-moist and canned. When it comes to feeding, ceramic or stainless steel bowls are the best to use. Plastic bowls can get scratched and harbour germs. Avoid giving your pet table scraps as this can

upset their diet. Instead, feed dogs at scheduled times, such as when the family eats breakfast and dinner. If your dog begs for more, give them a hug instead. When it comes to cats, avoid giving them milk as this is an incomplete food and contains lactose. If there is insufficient lactase to break this down in the intestinal tract then this results in diarrhoea. Feeding your cat too much tuna can also build up mercury in their system. Avoid giving cats and dogs raw eggs as this can lead to a deficiency of biotin and cause dermatitis, hair loss and poor growth. Also avoid raw fish as this can cause deficiency of thiamine, loss of appetite, seizures, and even death. Raw meats can also contain parasites and bacteria. Raw liver can cause vitamin A toxicity in both cats and dogs. Also avoid giving small soft bones (such as pork chops or chicken) to your pet as they can splinter and lodge in the mouth or throat. Large hock or leg bones are better for dogs, but they can fracture teeth, so opt for a biscuit or synthetic rubber chew toy instead. Dogs actually like vegetables, such as carrots, green

beans, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes and chopped spinach. But avoid onions, garlic and mushrooms, as these can be toxic. Also keep your dog away from vegetable plants as the leaves, seeds and flowers can be poisonous. Limit any vegetables to a quarter of your dog’s daily food intake. It is important to avoid letting your cat eat the dog’s food and vice versa. Cats are carnivores so need more protein than that found in an omnivorous dog’s kibble. They also need specific B-complex vitamins and amino acids not found in dog food. Cat food is high in calories and so a dog which munches on this is at risk of becoming obese. The best thing to do is to keep your dog and cat separate while they eat.

Ageing: dogs Puppy formula should be fed to large dogs (of more than 50 pounds) for up to two years. For all other dogs, feed this for a year before switching to adult pet food. As your dog gets older, he/she will need more protein and vitamins, but fewer calories. Most pet food makers have senior diet formulas. The age at which a dog

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becomes a senior depends on his or her breed. Small dogs tend to live longer, so a six-year-old Jack Russell terrier would be a pre-teen, but a great Dane would be elderly. Small breeds reach their senior years at 12, medium breeds at 10, large breeds at nine and giant breeds, at seven. Signs of ageing are: difficulty in movement; bad breath from teeth or mouth problems; changes in weight/hearing/eyesight/ skin/coat/urine or bowel habits. Consult your vet about your dog’s nutritional requirements as they get older. Dogs fed a complete and balanced diet do not need supplemental vitamins, minerals or meat. Any table scraps should be less than 10 per cent of their diet. Feeding requirements will vary according to breed, activity and metabolism. For advice on pregnant or lactating dogs, or feeding puppies, see the Purina website or consult your vet. If you do need to change your dog’s diet, then do it gradually over seven to 10 days, adding a small amount of the new food and gradually decreasing the old. This will avoid digestive upsets. To keep your dog’s joints healthy, start them off as a puppy on omega three fatty acids.

Ageing: cats Kittens need twice the energy per pound of body weight than mature cats. After eight weeks they should be weaned on to a regular diet of complete/ balanced food for kittens. This should be fed three or four times a day. Once they reach seven months, feed them twice a day. At the age of one, adult cats will be fed individually, according to their activity level, temperature and metabolism. As all cats are ‘nibblers’ they should have access to food throughout the day, plus fresh, clean water. For advice on pregnant or lactating cats, see the

ANIMAL TALES: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Purina website or consult your vet. Dry food for a lactating cat should be moistened to increase her water intake, and to encourage kittens to nibble solid food after three weeks. Cats reach a senior age between 12 and 15. They will sleep more and move less, and so will need fewer calories. Consult your vet for advice on reducing their food intake.

Nutrition You pet needs nutrients from: water; protein; fat;

carbohydrates; vitamins and minerals. Commercial cat and dog foods that are 100 per cent complete and balanced contain all these nutrients.

Water Water should always be freely available for your dog and cat. Pets eating canned food — which contains up to 75 per cent water — generally drink less water than those consuming dry diets (containing up to 12 per cent water). Nursing female animals

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need more water for milk production. ■

THESE TIPS are compiled from advice from Drs Andrea Looney and Larry McDaniel on the Purina website. For more information go to www.purina.com. Purina also provides veterinary diet formulas for cats and dogs with certain health conditions. If you feel your pet would benefit, consult your vet or call 1-800879-1266. BGA is Purina’s distributor on the island — contact 295-8080.

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THE BERMUDA SUN

Fashion accessories for your pooch BY AMANDA DALE adale@bermudasun.bm

Small dogs can enjoy dressing up in a range of clothing and fashionable accessories. Here Ava, a seven-yearold Yorkshire terrier owned by Christina White finds a new mode of transportation (in the bag). She is also ready for the beach in this Surfer Girl shirt. Sophie, a five-year-old Yorkshire terrier owned by Penny White, looks pretty in this polka dot dress. When you’re an American Bulldog/Pit Bull you have a tough reputation to uphold. Sandy, aged 11, is a really big softie according to owner Lisa Beauchamp, but here she gives us some attitude in this deluxe spiked leather collar ($61.98). ■

■ PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA WHITE

Fashion conscious All items featured on this fashion page are available at Paws & Claws Pet Supplies, 27 Cambridge Road, Somerset. Call 536-5712.

■ PHOTO BY LISA BEAUCHAMP

“We’re off to my Favourite store” Where the selection of animal products cannot be beat anywhere! Everything that you need for your cats, dogs, birds, small animals, fish, poultry, and horses too! Collars, leads, toys, cages, pet gates, pet doors, pet ramps for boats, docks & pools, aquariums and much more! We search out the newest products on the market to make you and your pets life easier and more fun. We have 900 gallons of aquarium fish display tanks with new fish on display weekly.

Specializing in quality animal feeds and products Offering Blueseal, Buckeye, Dr. Harvey’s, Eukauba, Evo, Iams, Innova, Kaytee, Merrick, Nutro’s, Pro Plan, Royal Canine, Vets Choice Health Extension, Earthborn and Wellness products at competitive prices!

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Your Reliable Animal Care Specialist #3 MARSH LANE, MIDDLE ROAD, DEVONSHIRE DV06 PHONE: 236-1533 • FAX: 236-1544 EMAIL: noahsark@cwbda.bm • WEB: noahsark.bm

@NoahsArkBda