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BEACH ACH GAMES FOR YOU AND YOUR POOCH

ANNUAL AL GIFT GUIDE IDE BECAUSE HE’S E’S OD, BEEN A GOOD, Y! GOOD BOY!

The Miniature Schnauzer The smalll dog with a big heart rt DECODING DINNER Doggy dining explained

ISSUE 146 | NOV/DEC 2017 AUS $7.95* NZ $8.90 (incl. GST)

dogslife.com.au

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GIFTS YOUR PET REALLY WANTS THIS XMAS UNDERSTAND YOUR PET’S PANT

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE CANCER?

Learn when it’s a problem

Everything you need to know

ON THE ROAD! TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND

The gentler, faster, safer way to treat Skin Infections

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CONTENTS

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Contents

THE SUMMER SPECIAL November/December 2017 SUMMER SPECIAL

20

18 Beach games It’s time to get wet with your pet 20 Summer pet care Keep your dog safe with these top tips 24 5 gifts your dog really wants this Christmas Things you can’t wrap that will make your pet smile 28 Xmas gift guide Because Fido’s been a good, good boy

HEALTH & WELLBEING

38

30 Does my dog have cancer?

Symptoms of this horrible condition 34 Flea season Protect your pet from these nasty parasites 36 Ancient medicine for the modern mutt Could your dog benefit from a natural treatment?

38 Decoding dinner What should you look for when feeding your pet? www.dogslife.com.au 3

CONTENTS

BEHAVIOUR & TRAINING 42 Resource guarding How to manage this difficult behaviour 46 Pant problems Understand your dog’s pant and know when it poses a problem 48 The nose has it Why scent training could be your best friend’s new favourite pastime 52 Jumping jacks Does your dog like to leap?

LIFE WITH DOGS 56 Vets of the future How a host of Aussie young guns are taking their veterinary ambitions to the next level 58 On the road Thinking of taking your pet on holidays? We scour some great east coast locations

42 46

REGULAR FEATURES 5 6 12 14 16 64 73 86 89 90

Editor’s letter News Book club Over to you Bone-anza giveaways Ask the experts Breed features Hot products Coming up Me and my dog

BREED FEATURES 74 78 82 84

Miniature Schnauzer Dobermann Italian Greyhound German Spitz

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86

From the editor

Life EDITOR Lauren McKellar DESIGNER Connie Leung CONTRIBUTORS Tim Falk, Melanie Hearse, Kristie Bradfield, Danielle Lyonne, Dr Michael Archinal, Dr Kersti Seksel, Dr Renee O’Duhring, Peta Clarke, Caroline Zambrano, Carrol Baker, Nadia Crighton, Laura Greaves

INTERNS Jessica Harlow, Amanda Smuin NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER Rob Jordan (02) 9887 0359

BREED DIRECTORY SALES MANAGER Adrienne Kotz 0419 012 013

VIC, SA , TAS SALES MANAGER Debra Woffenden (03) 96946426

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Kathleen Freeman

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Janice Williams

CHAIRMAN/CEO Prema Perera PUBLISHER Janice Williams CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

some great features on beach games for you and your pet as well as some tips to make sure your dog is kept in tiptop shape as we head into the warmer weather. We also look at five gifts your dog really wants this Christmas — the kind you can’t wrap and put under the tree (although let’s be honest — we’ll all be giving those, too!).

So sit back, relax and enjoy the latest issue of DOGSLife. Give your dog a hug from me!

BEACH ACH GAMES FOR YOU AND YOUR POOCH

ANNUAL AL GIFT GUIDE IDE BECAUSE HE’S E’S BEEN A GOOD, OD, GOOD BOY! Y!

The iature Miniature nauzer Schnauzer The smalll dog with a big heart rt DECODING DINNER Doggy dining explained

5

GIFTSS YOUR PET LLY WANTS REALLY THIS XMAS

ISSUE 146 | NOV/DEC 2017 AUS $7.95* NZ $8.90 (incl. GST)

dogslife.com.au

Photo: Danielle Lyonne

H

i, dog lovers, Welcome to another issue of DOGSLife. As I type this, it’s hard to believe that Christmas time is almost here. This year, we’ll be balancing a one-year-old human with our eight- and nine-year-old dogs and we’re looking forward to creating some very special memories with all three of our children, both furry and, well, slobbery (that last tag applying to all three!).

In addition to this, we hope to steal some time away on a holiday — and what better place to test our vacationing with fur and human kid skills than along Australia’s east coast? Thanks to our travel feature on page 66, we’re anticipating this will be, if not easy, at least something we are well prepared for. We’re so lucky that we live in a time where pet-friendly accommodation is becoming more and more commonplace — but we’d still like to see more. Do you have a local campground or hotel that allows you to take your four-legged friend? Post about it on our Facebook so we can share it with the rest of our community. Let’s get the word out about the great businesses that support our love of dogs.

Of course, that’s not all we have in store for you this issue. We also have

UNDERSTAND YOUR PET’S PANT

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE CANCER?

Learn when it’s a problem

Everything you need to know

ON THE ROAD! TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND

ON THE COVER Photo: cynoclub/BigStock.com

Vicky Mahadeva

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Emma Perera FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER James Perera

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Darton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Podger EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Anastasia Casey

MARKETING & ACQUISITIONS MANAGER Chelsea Peters

DOGSLife issue 146 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714.

Melbourne office: Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne Vic 3025. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore. Retail distribution: Gordon and Gotch. NZ Distributor: Netlink. UK Distributor: KLM Partnership, Phone: +44 019 9244 7544. Singapore & Malaysia Distributor: Carkit (F.E.) Pte Ltd, 1 Charlton Lane, #01-02, Singapore 539631, Phone: +65 6282 1960, Fax: +65 6382 3021, Website: www.carkitfe.com. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act, 1974. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. *Recommended retail price ISSN 1329-3583 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXVII ACN 003 026 944 www.universalmagazines.com.au Please recycle or pass on this magazine.

WE ARE A MEMBER OF

 NEWS

G

ive the gift of education this Christmas with the National College of Traditional Medicine.

Whether you’re gifting a course to an animal lover you know or spoiling yourself, why not take this step to starting 2017 the right way with a rewarding career working with companion pets?

It’s never too early or too late to start your education journey of natural medicine for companion pets. Your studies will lead you to an industry accredited qualification.

One popular course option is Canine Myofunctional Therapy. This has been recommended by veterinarians and

animal care experts across the world as a powerful healing tool in the treatment of and/or aiding in the prevention of many musculo-skeletal conditions, including the specialised care required of postoperative procedures.

Research confirms the direct and indirect effects of massage to every cell within each system of the body.

It improves overall health, wellbeing and longevity, starting from the puppy stages of growing right through to our esteemed elderly dogs.

And with the National College of Traditional Medicine being our country’s original and longest-standing leading

Free training help Training your pup from a young age is absolutely crucial.

It can set them up for a life of success — but sometimes knowing where to start and what to focus on can be tricky.

Thankfully, there’s a fantastic solution — and it’s free!

Subscribe to the Royal Society for the Blind’s (RSB) Puppy School! Every month, you’ll receive a training video from the expert trainers at RSB to help keep you and your furry friend on track. Throughout the series, you will also receive information from specially qualified vets and health experts.

What are you waiting for? Subscribe now at RSBPuppySchool.org.au.

education provider in natural medicine for animals, who better to study with?

The next Canine Myofunctional Therapy course starts in February, 2018.

For more information, visit nctm.com.au

DOGSLife darn good doggy products TRY ZIWIPEAK FOR FREE! Get your hands on a small sample without paying a cent by emailing info@ziwipeakaustralia.com.au and telling them DOGSLife sent you to try some free Ziwi Peak.

We always have our eyes out for new doggy products and are very excited about ZiwiPeak’s Good Dog Rewards. Now with a new special formula (and stylish new packaging), this product is the perfect way to reward your pet during a training session. And, since they’re 98 per cent meat, organs and NZ green-lipped mussels, you know you’re giving your pet something good.

ZiwiPeak Good Dog Rewards are gently air dried to preserve the best of the New Zealand ingredients. Aside from the meat listed, the remaining 2 per cent of the recipe consists of vitamins, minerals, sea kelp, chicory and parsley — no nasty fillers or grain products.

ZiwiPeak’s Good Dog Rewards are available now. For more information, visit ziwipets.com 6

www.dogslife.com.au

Photo: AnnekaS/BigStock.com

The gift of education

The paw-fect Christmas gift

A

re you stumped on what to get your pet this Christmas? Why not spoil your dog with one of the fabulous gift packs from PAW by Blackmores?

Each pack contains products specifically selected by experts to help your dog at each stage in their life, delivered to your door. They use natural ingredients and

no harsh chemicals to support your dog’s health and wellbeing. Packs available include Puppy, Adult, Itchy Dog and Senior.

PAWfect packs save you up to 37 per cent* off the RRP of each product purchased individually. For more information, visit blackmores.com.au Savings vary by pack.

Photo: Willee Cole/BigStock.com

Collar concern According to the Australian Veterinary Association, approximately 9.2 million Aussie households own at least one pet, with around 4.8 million dogs in Australia — that’s almost one dog for every 100 people! It is a legal requirement that all dogs wear collars and tags, but how much thought have you put into what you put around your dog’s neck?

PetSafe states that the American Pet Products Association (APPA) has noted that upwards of 26,000 collar strangulation accidents occur yearly in homes and establishments. Crates and kennels, playing with other dogs, fences, heating/cooling vents, shrubs and branches are a few of the most common strangulation hazards dogs face each day.

What is the solution for this potential problem? Designed to prevent dogs from getting entangled by their collars, the KeepSafe Break-Away Safety Collar was invented by Tenney Mudge after the devastating loss of her beloved dog, Chinook, to a collar strangulation accident.

The collar features a patented breakaway safety buckle that releases when pressure is applied or it gets caught on something, allowing it to fall off harmlessly and reduce the risk of strangulation or injury to the pet.

The KeepSafe Break-Away Safety Collar also has a metal D-ring on each side of the breakaway buckle, which can be used to attach ID tags and also be clipped together with a leash so pet

parents can safely walk their dogs using the collar. For more information, visit petsafe.net/AU www.dogslife.com.au 7

 NEWS

Is your pet protected?

PARASITES YOU SHOULD PREVENT AGAINST Below are some of the most common parasites in Australia. Not all regions are affected but it’s handy to know about them all, especially if you plan on travelling during the summer holidays.

Fleas are small, brown parasitic insects that infest the coat and skin of your pet. Many people think fleas are just 8

www.dogslife.com.au

an irritation; however, if left untreated they can be fatal to your pet. They can cause skin disease, tapeworm infection and anaemia in some dogs, especially in young pets.

Heartworm is a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes and it infects both cats and dogs. The parasite matures in the pet’s bloodstream for six months, becomes a worm, then migrates to the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs.

Paralysis ticks are small, round-looking parasites that burrow into your pet’s skin to feed and breed. While doing so, the paralysis tick produces a neurotoxin which is absorbed into the blood and then gradually diffuses into the nervous system, causing progressive flaccid paralysis of all muscles.

Dogs and cats can become infected with a range of intestinal worms including hookworms, roundworms, whip worms and tapeworms. Intestinal worms from our pets can be transferred to other

family members. Children, the elderly and people who are immunocompromised are at a higher risk.

PARASITE PREVENTATIVES There are many parasite preventatives available to assist in keeping your pet and family safe from pesky parasites.

Given the range of products available, it can be confusing knowing which parasite prevention is most suitable for your pet.

Parasite prevention products that are available include: Annual injection (canines) Topical applications Shampoos & sprays Tablets & chews Collars

• • • • •

For more information, visit greencrossvet.com.au

Photo: visivasnc/BigStock.com

W

ith the arrival of spring comes an increase in the numbers of nasty parasites.

While parasites are a common problem seen by our clinics all year round, we notice a strong upsurge in parasite-related cases during the warmer months. Fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites can cause serious health problems for dogs and cats if left undetected.

The good news is, with the help of your local vet, prevention is easy.

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E-mail us quoting Dogsby Life magazine for free samples or forSouth stockist details.

ZIWI products are distributed Number 1 (Australia) Pty Ltd,and 2/4brochure, Browns Road, Nowra, NSW 2541.

E: ziwi@number-1.com.au. W: www.ziwipetfood.com.au.

T: (02) 8011 0205.

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 NEWS

Prevention is better than cure

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and this is where your judgment comes into play. You know your dog better than anyone. Do you think he’s pushing himself when he should be resting up?

Get outside help. If this is something you’re concerned about, discuss it with your vet. They may have some advice for you on what you can do to help prevent this condition from developing, such as using a supplement. “We have been using 4CYTE Canine now for almost two years with excellent results,” Dr Rob Page from Eureka Veterinary Hospital says. “One of the biggest areas of use and its recommendation is as a preventative treatment option for degenerative joint disease, particularly in very active dog breeds, working

dogs and large breeds. At our clinic, we promote to our clients that prevention is better than cure and we have utilised 4CYTE and its disease modifying capabilities to that effect.”

4CYTE 4CYTE is a simple, cost-effective application made from natural ingredients. With the backing of a quality research team, this product can make a difference to your pet’s health.

“We recommend 4CYTE as both a preventative and also as treatment in cases where physical symptoms are evident and post-surgical cases such as cruciate surgery,” Dr Rob says.

For more information, visit 4cytevet.com

Photo: sonjachnyj/BigStock.com

W

e all know that prevention is better than cure, particularly when it comes to seeing our four-legged family members in pain. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a terrible condition many active dog breeds, large dog breeds and working dogs will suffer from — so what can we do to try and stop this from happening?

Monitor your dog’s weight.

Overweight dogs in particular can suffer from degenerative joint disease.

If you suspect your pooch may be carrying a few kilos too many, get in touch your local veterinarian for further advice.

Keep an eye on Fido’s exercise.

Monitor your dog when he’s exercising and don’t let him go too hard for too long. Each dog’s threshold is different

BOOK CLUB Grab a cuppa and enrich your world with our top picks from the DOGSLife bookshelf.

SYDNEY FOR DOGS Author: Catherine Proctor Publisher: Woodlane Press RRP: $29.99 Available: Now, from all good bookstores Now in its fourth edition, Sydney for Dogs is the ultimate guide for any dog lover looking to get out and about in the city of Sydney. It features the best dog-friendly walks, parks, beaches, lakes and even cafes, making it an invaluable resource for any local or visitor to the area who likes to explore with their four-legged friend. There are also notes on great dog-friendly accommodation and events for those taking a holiday in town.

I found this book to be really useful and quite comprehensive. While there’s plenty of bushland surrounding the city, a lot of it is national park and so therefore not dog-friendly. Author Catherine has saved us a lot of hard work by tracking down the ones that are.

While niche, Sydney for Dogs is a good guide for those looking to take their canine out and about in Sydney.

SAVING THE SNOWY BRUMBIES Author: Kelly Wilson Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia RRP: $29.99 Available: Now, from all good bookstores When the Wilson sisters, Kelly, Vicki and Amanda, heard of the Australian government’s plans to cull 90 per cent of the Snowy Mountain brumbies, they were eager to sign up for the Australian Brumby Challenge and learn more about these horses’ plight. Each year over 100,000 of Australia’s legendary brumbies are aerially culled or captured and sold for slaughter to manage the world’s largest population of wild horses, a figure that is far too high.

This book discusses the importance of these wild horses, not only through domestication but also by observing them in the wild. In Saving the Snowy Brumbies, the Wilson sisters look at other ways to manage the wild brumby population that don’t focus on mass culling.

This book was a very interesting read. There were some great ideas raised by the Wilson sisters on how to deal with our brumby problem without resulting to killing, and also some enlightening facts about our local equines.

Saving the Snowy Brumbies is sometimes heart-warming, sometimes heart-breaking, and goes to show that a little kindness and patience can have lifelong rewards.

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THE BABY ANIMAL BOOK Author/illustrator: Jennifer Cossins Publisher: Hachette RRP: $26.99 (hardback); $16.99 (paperback) Available: Now, from all good bookstores What’s cuter than an elephant?

A baby elephant, of course!

We love Jennifer Cossins’ book of baby animals. Just as the name implies, this book contains many colourful illustrations of baby animals with their older counterparts. It’s an educational read, listing the names of the babies (eg calf, in the elephant’s case).

There’s lot to like about this book. The drawings are bright and colourful — bound to get the young ones’ attention — and the information is great, too. In fact, you might be like this reviewer and even learn a thing or two. (Did you know that a baby Tasmanian devil is called an imp? Fabulous!)

The Baby Animal Book is a great read for young animal lovers.

Join RSB Puppy School!

Would you like to receive regular videos on how to train and look after your dog from the RSB Guide and Assistance Dog Service?

Subscribe to RSB Puppy School to get a free video in your inbox every month with useful health and training tips from our expert RSB trainers.

We show you how we train our dogs to follow basic commands such as sit, down and stay through to more complex tasks such as learning to walk on a loose comfortable leash.

Throughout the series you will also receive information from special guest vets and health experts.

Visit RSBPuppySchool.org.au to subscribe and start receiving videos today!

Over to you Become a DOGSLife Facebook fan and follow us on Twitter to have your say on the canine topics that matter to you.

Simply search for DOGSLife magazine.

WE ASKED: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR SENIOR PET COMFORTABLE?

YOU SAID:

“Is 11 senior? Mmm, depends on the day.

Recently had laser therapy on my pooch’s lower back. It seems to have done some good. We keep mobile.”

Sue Bucinskas

“My girl Cassie is 16, deaf and almost blind. She’s also been diabetic for four years now. She sleeps on my bed and has her own pillow and blanket for winter and also loves to wear her hoodies when it’s cold — this keeps her nice and warm.”

Kimberly Cooper

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Photos: Anthea Rocker, Kate Bailey, Fotosmurf01/BigStock.com

“We did have a senior pet in 2015 but he passed away and we kept him as comfortable as possible by checking him during the night to see if he was OK and not cold.”

Angela Johnson

“My 15-year-old Jack Russell still goes on three-mile hikes.

He retired from agility at 12 years of age. I think the reason he is doing so well is that he has been active all of his life. I give him glucosamine daily.”

Michele An

“Comfortable beds, slower walks, fish oil and glucosamine added to meals, and coats in winter. I have an 11- and a 12-year-old pup.”

Megan McCormack

“Dylan, the grey one, turned 14 in April. He has chronic kidney disease so has a prescription diet nowadays. Also, when he was eight, he was diagnosed with lumbar sacral degenerative disc disease. However, apart from retiring early from agility he has lived life to the full. He regularly still enjoys hikes with us and loves going in the sea or other water. I allow him to totally self-limit and never do more than he wants to. He also still likes to learn new tricks and play old ones. He learned ‘middle’ recently. That is, to stand in between my legs.”

Anthea Rocker

“My baby girl is 14 and has started to feel the effects of arthritis and is on greenlipped mussel tablets. This has made a difference and she has me to massage her when it is needed and one comfortable bed. We’ve made beds for all our animals with stuffing that smells of us.”

Kylie L. Chudzicki

“Kobey is 11½ years old. He loves his beanbag for comfort. He has glucosamine and fish oil every day. He still enjoys walks and has chiropractic treatments. We are very strict on the type of foods we feed him. No processed foods!”

Kate Bailey

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BONE-ANZA GIVEAWAYS ANIMALS IN CHARGE Keep your dog looking stylish with the gear from Animals in Charge. The team of Alex, Mel and Pixel (husband, wife and, of course, dog) are from Melbourne and have a passion for the old world — each item they make is inspired by simple, tried and tested techniques.

We love their quality hand-stamped brass ring nametags and their mustard yellow and brass all-weather collar. Not only are these items incredibly stylish; they’re quality, too, ensuring your pet will be looking good for years to come.

For more information, visit animalsincharge.com.au.

DOGSLife has three collar and nametag sets to give away.

TRAVELLING WITH PETS ON AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST When you hit the road with your furry friend, it can be hard to know which places will allow you to take your pet with you. Thanks to Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast, holidays are about to get a whole lot simpler! This book identifies a host of great pet-friendly accommodation options — but it doesn’t stop there. It also lists amenities and rules such as whether the dogs are allowed inside. It even gives you an approximate guide to cost, ensuring that, whether you’re on a budget or have more to spend, there’s an option for you. Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast is out now from Woodslane Press.

DOGSLife has three copies of Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast to give away.

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DOGSLife has three copies of Sydney for Dogs to give away.

SYDNEY FOR DOGS Are you a Sydney local? Or perhaps you’re coming to visit one of our nation’s greatest cities with your furry friend. Either way, Sydney For Dogs is bound to make your experience unique, ensuring you and your canine pal indulge in the best sights and activities the city has to offer the two of you. From favourite local spots to the best parks and dog-friendly beaches, Sydney for Dogs has it covered, thanks to local author Catherine Proctor. The fourth edition of Sydney For Dogs is available now.

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DOGSLife has three six-issue subscriptions to give away.

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DOGSLife SUBSCRIPTIONS Stay ahead of the pack with a subscription to DOGSLife magazine. Get the latest and greatest in dog news delivered directly to your door each time we hit the stands, keeping you abreast of the best in training, health, enrichment, exercise and more for your fourlegged friend. What better Christmas present — for yourself, or someone you love?

For more information, visit universalshop.com.au.

CHER | PETIT BASSET

GRIFFON VEN

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WIN! * To win, enter online at

dogslife.com.au and tell us in 25 words or less why you and your pooch would love to win one of these prizes — along with your name, address and telephone number — or mail your entry to Bone-Anza Giveaways/DOGS Life, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde, NSW 1670. Entries close January 25, 2018. Please read the terms and conditions.

TERMS & CONDITIONS 1.

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Entry into the competition implies full acceptance of all conditions of entry, including the instructions on how to enter.

Entry is open to all residents of Australia and New Zealand. Employees and immediate families of the promoter, associated companies and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter.

Entries close with last mail and email on January 25, 2018, unless stated otherwise. The entries will be judged by the DOGSLife editorial team and the winner(s) will be selected on February 15, 2018. The winners will be notified by mail, email or telephone.

Write the competition name on the front of the envelope and send to magazine, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or enter via our online portal.

Prize(s) will be delivered to winners within four (4) weeks of notification of winning. Prize(s) are not transferable or redeemable for cash.

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www.dogslife.com.au 17

Games of fetch can make for great beach entertainment.

Check out some fun beach games you and your furry friend can enjoy this season. By Carrol Baker.

I

f your dog could talk, they’d probably tell you their absolute favourite place to be in summer is chilling by the beach. What’s not to love about plenty of warm sunshine, sand and surf, as well as other doggy pals to meet?

Whether your dog likes running in and out of the waves, romping along the sand dunes with new doggy friends, or just hanging beside you watching the surf roll in, there’s lots to do and see.

Before you head to the beach, pack

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plenty of cool drinking water and a bowl, a shade umbrella, some doggy sunblock, a blanket, doggy treats and, of course, some toys. Choose waterproof toys and those heavy enough to withstand windy beach conditions.

If it’s summer it’s also a good idea to time your beach visit to avoid the middle of the day, when hot sand can burn your dog’s paws.

Most dogs love to splash in the waves, dig for buried treasure, go for

beach walks or play Frisbee. More adventurous dogs even enjoy jumping on a paddleboard or surfboard with you.

TIP If your dog has drunk too much seawater, they may be unwell and vomit or have diarrhoea. Try to encourage your dog to drink plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.

Photos: OTSphoto/BigStock.com, PixieMe/BigStock.com

Game on

SUMMER SPECIAL

For those dogs afraid of getting their paws wet, try standing a little way out in the water and calling them to you.

Do not force them, or you risk them developing negative associations for life.

reluctant dog get used to the water.

“Very slowly get the dog to come to you with water lapping at your foot, then your ankle, going in a little deeper each time,” says Craig.

Encourage your dog with verbal praise. And, of course, give your brave pooch lots of pats and cuddles when you get back to dry land.

GET NOSEY FETCH IT Use something that’s going to float but not float away too easily. For dogs that are hesitant to play in the water, trainer Craig A Murray says tethering the ball or toy to a string is a good idea. “The movement of the toy through the water can encourage an otherwise reluctant dog to want to chase and have fun with it,” he says.

Tennis balls are a great option as fetch toys; however, Craig cautions they can be abrasive. “The combination of sand and water will wear a dog’s teeth,” he says.

Craig adds that when playing fetch on a beach, dog owners need to be vigilant about their dog’s safety. “Always be aware that if you’re tossing a toy another dog might think it’s theirs and intervene,” he says.

The beach is also a great place for your canine to give their nose a workout. Simply bury something they love so the dog has to dig it up.

Daniel Mannix from Victorian Dog Training Academy says the nose is a dog’s primary sense and, by burying balls or toys for your dog to dig up, you’ll be exercising this all-important sense as well as their bodies.

“Start by walking a few metres ahead of the dog and covering a ball with just a small amount of sand,” he says. “Give the command ‘Get the ball’ and then progress to burying it a bit deeper and a bit farther away.”

The idea, according to Daniel, is to not make it too difficult at first. “If it’s too much of a challenge, the dog may just give up before the game has really started,” he says.

REVISIT RECALLING GOTCHA! With dogs that are closely bonded to their owners, the human can be the target of a game. That also helps a

The beach is such an exciting place for our four-legged friends that it’s often difficult to get some dogs to come when called when it’s time to leave.

Daniel says the trick is to condition your dog so that when you call them it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to go home. “Call your dog back to you every now and then. Reward them with a treat or their favourite toy and let them go and play again,” he says.

TOO POOPED TO PLAY To maximise your dog’s enjoyment and minimise the risk of overexertion, pace your dog.

Craig A Murray says beach games can be quite tiring, as dogs exert a lot of energy in the hot sun. “Short play periods are better,” he says. “The last thing you want to do is fatigue or injure your dog, or make the dog reluctant to go to the beach next time.” DL

GAMES AT A GLANCE Bubble trouble: Blow some non-toxic bubbles and encourage your happy hound to chase and catch them.

Shell game: For a variation on digging for toys, take a few small containers, pop a treat under one and let your dog sniff out the one with the prize.

Hide & seek: If there are sandhills to hide behind, one person hides while the dog seeks them out.

Fun with a Frisbee: These are very versatile and lots of fun for a dog.

They can hover, skip off the hard sand and be rolled along. www.dogslife.com.au 19

The heat is on Tim Falk investigates how to beat the heat and help your pet stay cool this summer.

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s there any better feeling than knowing there are three long months of summer stretching out in front of you, every day of which can be enjoyed with your dog by your side?

From the beach to the bush, Australia’s great outdoors provide a host of wonderful summer experiences for dog owners all over the country.

Unfortunately, summertime also brings with it a range of unique health and behaviour risks that can cause some

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potentially serious problems for our furry friends. But with a little bit of knowledge about those risks and how to minimise them, it’s easy to help your pooch stay safe and cool all summer long.

KEEPING COOL Dogs need an ample supply of fresh, clean water all year long, but this is especially important in summer.

Dr Andrew Herron from VetMed, an independently owned group of

veterinary practices located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, says it’s important to provide more water than usual during the summer months.

“Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, so must lose extra body heat by panting,” he says. “This causes extra water loss through evaporation, so they need to keep hydrated with water.

“During summer, dogs should have several bowls of water available to them in case one gets knocked over or dirty.

Photos: Brusnikaphoto/BigStock.com, manushot/BigStock.com, mdorrottya/BigStock.com

Help prevent your dog overheating in summer by exercising at the start or end of the day.

SUMMER SPECIAL Using cold water is also a great way to help them cool down on those hot summer days.”

It’s impossible to provide your dog with too much water but it’s entirely possible to not have enough. PETstock vet Dr Mel Kuehn adds that you shouldn’t wait until the height of summer to start upping your dog’s water supply.

“As soon as the weather starts to get warmer, I would start by leaving double what you would normally,” she says.

“See how much your dog drinks and go from there. Don’t leave the water bowls in the sun; that way you’re not losing any to evaporation and everyone likes a cool drink on hot days.”

Not only do water dishes need to be kept out of the sun, your pooch also needs somewhere he can escape the heat. If your dog is mainly outdoors during the day, it’s very important to leave them with access to well-shaded, cool areas. These might include under the house or deck or under a large tree or a pergola.

Dr Andrew also points out that, while dog kennels are great for winter, providing insulation against cold weather and protecting against freezing winds, on hot days kennels may potentially be warmer than the outside air temperature and therefore will not provide a cool place for your dog to relax.

“For those really hot days, you could provide them with a small paddling pool filled with cool water in their favourite shaded area to help keep them cool,” he says.

Of course, the best place for your dog to see out those long, hot summer days is indoors with you.

your pooch but only the brands that do not contain zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs.

“You will also need to find a sunscreen that does not have para-aminobenzoic acid [also known as PABA] as an ingredient as it may be toxic if eaten by your dog,” Dr Mel says.

“Ideally, you should use a dog-specific sunscreen from your local vet or petsupply store. I would also try a little bit on your dog’s skin just to check that there is no reaction.

“If in any doubt, remember that shade is the best protection of all. To be clear, though, if the sun is really beating down your dog simply shouldn’t be outside.”

Delicate canine paws are also very much at risk of burning from direct contact with hot pavements and asphalt.

While dogs do have a thick protective layer of coarse skin on their foot pads, there are limits to the amount of heat they can take.

Check your dog’s feet after each walk to ensure they remain burn and injury free, but make sure to avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day and consider taking your dog to the park so they can play on the cool grass rather than the hot concrete.

STAYING ACTIVE Summer’s here and the days are long and lazy, so is it OK to let your dog take a break from exercising and put his paws

up for a while? The answer is no, as dogs still need exercise all year round.

However, it’s essential to make sure your pet doesn’t overheat. “Sometimes dogs just don’t know when to stop and rest,” Dr Andrew says, explaining that you should exercise at dawn or dusk, well outside the hottest time of the day.

“This is especially true for those dogs with thick coats, such as Huskies, Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes, as they have even less ability to lose excess heat. We shouldn’t forget about brachycephalic (or short-nosed) breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, who have a decreased ability to lose heat through panting due to their short noses,” he says.

EXERCISE OF A DIFFERENT KIND You don’t need to take your dog for a walk or run every day to help him stay active. Some dogs love to swim and this is a great summer activity.

If you don’t have access to the beach or if your dog is a bit timid around large bodies of water, investing in a shallow paddling pool for the yard is ideal. “Many dogs learn to enjoy lying down in the pool and cooling off in the shallow water,” Dr Mel says.

STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN The slip-slop-slap message is one all Australians are aware of when it comes to looking after ourselves. But did you know that there’s also plenty you can do to protect your furry friend from the sun’s harsh rays?

In fact, just like people, dogs can get sunburnt, says Dr Mel. “The areas most susceptible are those where the fur is thinnest: the ears, nose and tummies.

Remember that the sun can also reflect upwards from the ground and off water.”

Short-coated dogs and dogs with pale colouring or pink skin are most at risk. You can use pet-friendly sunscreen to protect

A paddling pool can offer your hot pet some cool relief.

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Dogs with pale skin can be more susceptible to sunburn than their darker counterparts.

THE DANGERS OF HEAT STROKE Why is there such a big focus on keeping your dog cool in summer? Compared to people, dogs are not very good at getting rid of heat.

“Humans sweat and lower their body temperature through evaporation,” Dr Mel explains. “Dogs don’t sweat (except for their paws) and they reduce their body temperature through panting, which unfortunately is much less efficient. Dogs are therefore much more at risk of heat stress than people.”

Heat stroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature is increasing faster than they can effectively lower it. Left 22

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untreated, this condition can quickly become fatal. Signs that your dog is overheating are: • Heavy or rapid panting • Increased drooling and/or a wet chin and neck • Bright red gums, tongue and conjunctiva • Reluctance to move • Weakness • Stumbling and dizziness • Vomiting and diarrhoea • Collapse • Coma If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, cooling him down immediately is crucial. “This can be done

by bathing them in cool water and then placing them in a cool area in front of a fan with access to water, while you organise for you dog to be seen by your veterinarian,” Dr Andrew says.

“If you are unable to bath your dog completely, you can focus on placing cool water on their neck, paws and stomach.”

Reducing a dog’s body temperature quickly can prevent damage to their organs, most importantly the brain and kidneys. It’s also important to remember to use cool water rather than iced water, as iced water may make the dog’s skin feel overly cold and cause them to shiver, which will actually raise their body temperature higher.

SUMMER SPECIAL be around for a little longer than just the summer months,” Dr Andrew says.

“Fleas, ticks and worms also seem to be more of an issue in the warmer months as more dogs are getting out and about, allowing them to come into contact with bushes, wildlife and other dogs which spread these parasites around.”

There are many products available on the market today, including tablets, chews, pastes and top spots, that will allow you to keep your pets safe and free from parasites.

It’s important to read the label on the package to determine which parasites the product will work against and how frequently it should be used in order to be effective. For advice on the best way to protect your pet against parasites this summer, speak to your vet.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE SAFETY

PARASITE PROTECTION Fleas, ticks and worms can be present all year round but conditions are more favourable in spring and summer to allow eggs to hatch and grow into adults.

“The major tick of concern, the paralysis tick, will be around as long as the weather is warm and humid, so depending on the weather they might

HEAT STROKE WARNING Dogs that have had heat stroke before will be more at risk from heat stroke in the future.

The Christmas/New Year period is a wonderful time of year, providing the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with our nearest and dearest — of course, this includes our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year when a large percentage of dogs end up at the vet or even go missing.

“Dogs love Christmas, mostly because there’s more people around to play with and a possible increased chance of scoring yummy foods,” Dr Mel says.

“It’s important to be careful with your dog’s diet at any time of the year but it’s even more important at Christmas and other holiday seasons when there’s an abundance of rich, sugary and fatty foods.

“If you want to give your dog treats at Christmas, the best treats are those made for dogs. One of the most common problems we see in dogs around the holiday season is vomiting and diarrhoea — often from eating inappropriate foods.

The consequences can be quite severe, with some dogs needing hospitalisation to help them recover.

“There’s also a number of foods which are toxic to dogs that are also commonly found at Christmas, like chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins,” she explains.

It’s also important to ensure that your dog doesn’t swallow anything else

he shouldn’t this Christmas. If you’re giving your dog some new toys, make sure they’re large, sturdy and don’t have anything that can be broken off and swallowed. Monitoring your pet around other toys and Christmas items is similarly essential, as small objects, electric lights, tree ornaments and tinsel can all be chewed and swallowed and cause harm to your dog.

Finally, summer is also a time when thunderstorms and fireworks displays can cause big problems for frightened dogs. You might be amazed at the lengths a scared pooch is willing to go to when they want to escape the terrifying noise and bright flashes of New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Dr Andrew says that making sure your dog has a quiet, comfortable area where she feels safe is a great way to help her feel at ease when all the commotion is going on outside.

“For those dogs who are kept outside, it is so important to make sure all gates are closed and locked and that there are no holes in the fence to escape from,” he says. “Scared dogs can become so frantic that even a small gap which your dog may never try and escape from can be big enough for them to squeeze through.”

Bringing your dog inside and keeping her in a quiet, secluded room — a laundry, garage or even a closet may be best — can make a big difference. Having background noise from a TV or radio can also be a way to avoid them focusing on the loud fireworks.

“One of the best ways to help your dog with thunderstorms or fireworks is to be aware of it before it happens,” Dr Mel says. “Fireworks displays are generally very predictable and thunderstorms may be anticipated by following the weather reports. Arrange to be home with them to provide them with the reassurance and care that they need.”

Stay calm, give pats and reassurance to let your dog know there’s nothing to worry about and never get angry or frustrated. If you plan ahead and provide a safe, secure spot to retreat to, you can help make the stress of fireworks and thunderstorms much easier to deal with.

Along with avoiding the heat and protecting your pet against the sun, this can help your pet stay safe and happy all summer long. DL www.dogslife.com.au 23

Forget toys and clothes; here are the ďŹ ve presents your dog really wants this festive season. Tim Falk reports.

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Photos: coka/BigStock.com, Ivanko80/BigStock.com, Vladimir Galkin2012/BigStock.com

What your dog really really wants for Christmas

SUMMER SPECIAL A little extra playtime is a gift your dog won’t forget.

More walks and better health are the best gifts you can give your pet.

1. QUALITY TIME — AND MORE OF IT

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re you unsure what to get your dog this Christmas?

Have you already sorted gifts for everyone else but are still tossing up whether to get your pooch a new toy, a stylish new outfit or maybe a personalised food dish?

Rather than bombarding him with more material possessions this Christmas, have you considered giving your furry friend what he really wants?

Sure, toys and trinkets are great and can provide plenty of fun, but they probably wouldn’t be right at the top of your dog’s list of all the things he absolutely, desperately, completely would love to receive from you.

Here are the five gifts your dog would love to unwrap this Christmas.

“I want to do more with my dog but I just don’t have enough time.” Have you ever found yourself thinking or even saying these words?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.

In this increasingly busy modern world, where there never seems to be enough minutes in the day, finding time to spend with your dog by your side isn’t always an easy thing.

And that’s a real shame, because dogs thrive on interaction with their owners.

“Dogs that receive love and attention are happier, just like people,” explains Sandra Sullivan from Western Suburbs Dog Training Club in Sydney.

“Stray dogs [and] dogs in pounds, large kennels, laboratories and puppy farms aren’t as happy as dogs in a home where they receive love and attention.

Just like people, that helps them to grow physically and mentally.

“The ‘backyard dog’ who is just fed and not trained, walked, talked to and played with will not develop into the great companion that most owners want.”

So how can you start giving your dog more of your time? One easy way is with

a little extra training — all it takes to train your dog is a few minutes a day.

“You can use TV ad breaks, the time it takes for websites to download, for shows to stream, for water to boil for a cup of coffee, to run through the basics of come, stay, sit, drop and stand,” says Sandra.

“Training your dog using these little opportunities every day is a great way of keeping up your dog’s training — making life interesting for your dog and building your relationship with your dog. You don’t need equipment; just you, your dog and some delicious treats.”

Katie Catherwood from Heads & Tails Pet Care Services says the most timeeffective way to ensure you meet your dog’s needs is to integrate them into your own lifestyle wherever possible.

“If you can’t create extra space within your busy schedule to spend time with your dog, try to modify your plans so that they are ‘dog friendly’ and your pooch can be included.” She suggests: Trading in your gym/workout sessions for exercise time with your dog If you’re meeting a friend for coffee, visit a dog-friendly cafe Walk the kids to/from school and take your dog with you

• • •

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Your pet would love to spend more time with you this season.

pet-friendly accommodation for • Book some of your holidays Bring Your Dog to Work • Introduce Day(s) at your workplace the kids involved in some • Get dog-friendly activities such as agility or flyball

your screen time at home and • Reduce cuddle up to Fido on the couch!

“Above all, be organised about how you spend your time and make sure your priorities are in check,” she says.

“Remember, your decision to become a dog owner always included the responsibility (and joy!) of dedicating a 26

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certain amount of time and energy to your four-legged friend.”

2. AN ACTIVE APPROACH How would you like to be stuck in your backyard for hours on end with no one to talk to and nothing to do? Life would be pretty boring indeed, so it’s no wonder so many backyard pets are forced to find ways to make their own fun — like digging up the garden, tearing up their bedding and pulling clothes off the line.

Relieve your dog’s boredom and give him the ongoing gift of regular exercise. “Not only do dogs need that

walk every day to stay fit and healthy, they also need to use their brains,” Sandra says. “Mental stimulation is important to relieve stress, get rid of excess energy and tire the dog out.”

Fetching, playing hide and seek and searching for a toy or food are all wonderful physical and mental exercises, she explains. “Giving your dog mental stimulation, such as teaching them to use a puzzle toy and taking them out for physical exercise, builds a great relationship between you and your dog.”

Then there are the physical benefits regular exercise can have for your pooch.

SUMMER SPECIAL

GAME TIME! Searching for ideas of some great playtime activities you can enjoy with your dog? Katie recommends the following games.

Find It: Teach your dog to find a hidden toy in your house. Your first hiding spot needs to be easy, such as placing the toy underneath a towel while the dog is watching. “As your dog begins to understand the game, you can make the hiding places harder,” she says.

& Seek: Teach your dog to “The original and arguably • Hide • Fetch: find you in your house or backyard, the best,” Katie says. “Teach your by hiding and calling his/her name.

Start with an obvious hiding spot and make it harder as you go. Make sure you give a huge reward when they find you.

Agility: An impromptu agility course is a fun way to play with your dog! You can improvise using the equipment at your local park or you can build a home agility course extremely cheaply, if not for free.

dog to retrieve a thrown ball or toy.

Some people get frustrated when their dog doesn’t naturally do this.

It is a learned skill and requires patience. The key in teaching fetch (or any new trick) is in making it so the dog can’t fail. Remember to praise for each step closer your dog comes to picking up and retrieving the toy. Any progress is excellent and should be celebrated.”

dog’s personality and start to understand what they are saying. It’s also a safety feature for you and your dog as you can learn when and where your dog may be uncomfortable and adjust the situation to help,” she says.

Katie says that rules and structure are absolutely vital to raising a well-balanced dog, but reminds owners to remember not to confuse enforcing rules with being mean and nasty.

“Discipline and structure does not require raising one’s voice or hand; and in fact, rules work best when enforced with kindness, as this fosters trust,” Katie explains.

“Our number-one tip to dog owners wanting to create more rules and structure for their dogs would be to focus on what you want your dog to do, not what you don’t want them to do.

Your rules should focus around creating opportunities for your dog to succeed, not around disciplining your dog for bad behaviour,” she says.

•

According to Katie, exercise keeps the body healthy and helps it to thrive.

“Moving the body is vital to many basic functions, such as pumping blood and circulating oxygen,” she says. “It also assists in keeping the digestive system functioning properly.”

•

4. CLARITY & CONSISTENCY 3. A LITTLE UNDERSTANDING Do you ever get the feeling that you and your dog are speaking different languages? Does it feel like he’s from Mars and you’re from Venus — or something like that?

Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you is important for every dog owner, but sometimes deciphering your dog’s efforts at communicating can be easier said than done.

“There are a lot of misconceptions around dogs’ body language and dog owners can always benefit from getting to know their dogs better, no matter how well versed they think they may be,” Katie says.

“We frequently encounter dog owners who mistake anxiety for excitement, uncertainty for defiance, and aggression for play (and vice versa).”

So, what can you do to better understand your dog and what he’s thinking? First, spend lots of time with your dog (and other dogs) in varied situations, paying close attention to changes in behaviour and appearance.

Second, don’t be afraid to ask a force-free trainer or animal behaviourist for help understanding and training your dog.

Sandra says dogs “talk” to us through their body language and learning about your own dog’s body language is fascinating. “You start to notice your

We all have the best of intentions when it comes to training our dogs and rewarding desired behaviour, but sometimes those good intentions can fall by the wayside.

There are plenty of common examples that many dog owners will be able to relate to. For instance, you may have established a rule that your dog is not allowed on the bed, but it’s a freezing cold night and he just looks so warm and cuddly — what’s the harm in letting him sleep in bed with you for just one night?

Alternatively, maybe you have trouble ensuring consistent rules and training methods across the entire family. Mum and the kids know to keep Rover’s treats to a minimum but Dad’s a sucker for those “puppy-dog eyes” and can’t help but spoil him with a whole lot of unnecessary snacks.

Unfortunately, a lack of uniformity can cause problems. “Dogs love consistency and structure. Any deviation results in a confused dog who starts to make his own rules as the owner is not being clear with what he wants,” Sandra says.

“Everyone who lives with the dog should use the same training methods and commands and the family should agree on the behaviour they want to encourage and so reward, and the behaviour that will not be rewarded. It’s not much use if someone is unhappy with a dog jumping up but others encourage this habit.”

5. PLAYTIME The last item on your dog’s Christmas wish list is some extra playtime, which can have a whole lot of important benefits for your pooch.

“When dog owners engage in play with their dogs they are actively bonding and strengthening their relationship,” Katie says. “A by-product of playtime is that it is also often educational. Dogs are curious creatures who are always seeking to learn and understand new things.”

Remember with any new game that it’s important to make it easy and achievable for your dog in the beginning and you should always stick to positive, rewards-based training methods. If you keep it fun and set your dog up for success, the mental and physical benefits of regular playtime make it the perfect Christmas present for your much-loved pet. DL www.dogslife.com.au 27

SUMMER SPECIAL

Christmas gift guide guide All you need is love ... but we also wouldn’t mind spoiling our pet with a few of these canine goodies!

Pineapple Bandana (RRP $23.95)

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Mustard Yellow + Brass All-Weather Collar (RRP $40)

DOGUE Pony hair dog collar (RRP from $20.95)

animalsincharge.com.au Keep your pet looking stylish with this fabulous all-weather collar.

dogue.com.au Keep your pet looking good with this striking collar.

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Ototo Mighty Dog (RRP $22.95) yellowoctopus.com.au Saving the streets from doggy mess ... one waste bag at a time

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affandco.com Pineapple bandana.

Need we say more?

You know your dog wants it!

Hand-Stamped Brass Ring Dog Nametag (RRP AUD $20) animalsincharge.com.au Your pet will be safe and stylish with a dog nametag ring from Animals in Charge.

SUMMER SPECIAL

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PAW by Blackmores PAWfect Senior Dog gift pack (RRP $99.95) blackmores.com.au After keeping you company for so many years, your best friend deserves some pampering. Keep your dog healthy inside and out.

KONG Classic (RRP from $16.99) kongcompany.com Exercise your dog’s mind with this durable treatdispensing toy.

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Paladone Animal Adventures (RRP $29.95) yellowoctopus.com.au Let your pet be the hero they always wanted to be with Paladone Animal Adventure!

This fun photobooth is a great way to bring your pet’s photo dreams to life

KMART round plush pet bed — triangle print, medium (RRP $20) kmart.com.au Stylish and comfortable — what’s not to love about this affordable new bed from KMART?

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Moss Green and Brass Rope Dog Leash (RRP $50)

Simple Dog Care: 7 Steps to a Healthy, Happy Dog (RRP $29.95) wearepets.com.au Lerida Grant works with Dr Lisa Chimes and Dr Joanne Righetti to help new dog owners make informed choices about their dog’s health and care regime

animalsincharge.com.au Stand out from the pack with this gorgeous, quality dog leash

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Arrow Leash A h ((RRP $23 $23.95) 95) affandco.com This leash is the perfect mix of playful and pretty for the cool pooches out there. www.dogslife.com.au 29

The Big C It’s an illness that touches almost everyone in some form or another. Katie Cincotta learns more about what can happen when your four-legged friend develops cancer.

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adly, there are few people whose lives have not been touched by cancer. Almost everyone knows somebody who has been diagnosed with the big C. Unfortunately, our beloved dogs don’t escape the scourge of abnormal cells invading and damaging the body.

According to Perth-based veterinary oncologist Dr Ken Wyatt, one in three dogs are affected by cancer. “Cancer is not a rare disease. You don’t have to do anything wrong to get it. It just happens,” says the canine cancer specialist.

Dr Lindsay Evans, regional clinical director for Greencross Vets, says that,

Photos: cynoclub/BigStock.com, graphicphoto/ BigStock.com, G3 Rich/BigStock.com4

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to developing mast cell tumours.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING them to the attention of your vet,” says Dr Lindsay.

She warns that tumours in the bone can cause pain, lameness or swelling: “Radiographs, or C-rays, will often give us some information but, again, a biopsy is often needed for a complete diagnosis.”

Tumours in the gastrointestinal tract can result in signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea, reduced appetite or weight loss. An ultrasound is the best way to diagnose throat and stomach cancers.

Lymph node tumours or lymphomas are generally widespread throughout the body and will cause enlargement of lymph nodes. “The easiest ones to find are under the jaw, in front of the shoulder and behind the knees. Lymphomas will sometimes cause increased calcium levels and excess drinking.”

Other tumours can cause blood loss, which can result in pale gums or a distended abdomen; increased hormone levels, which can cause a range of signs such as low blood sugar, increased thirst and urination; difficulty urinating or defecating; coughing; or some difficult to spot symptoms such as decreased energy.

LUMPS & BUMPS

as in humans, cancer in dogs is not just one condition but a wide range of diseases with different signs, potential causes and treatment options.

“Cancer can present in any organ,” she says, “but commonly we see cancers in the skin, mammary glands, bone, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes.”

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS It’s important to look out for signs that might indicate something sinister.

“As the person who knows your dog best, you are in the best position to identify these changes and bring

Bellarine Vet’s Dr Amanda HulandsNave, who has been treating and researching canine cancer for many years, says the best way to stay ahead of a potentially dangerous growth is to have regular vet check-ups. She says sometimes an owner won’t even notice a suspicious lump or bump until a vet finds it during an examination.

“Probably more than half of the cancers we pick up, the owner has had no idea,” she says.

But even a vet can’t tell whether a lump or a bump is cancerous just from feeling it. Taking a small sample known as a tissue biopsy gives more information about what you might be dealing with. “Your local vet can do a simple fine needle biopsy and possibly give you an answer in the clinic,” says Dr Amanda.

However, sending tissue off to pathology to analyse the cells is the best way of knowing whether a

growth is cancerous.

Veterinary oncologist Dr Joanne Intile says a tumour should be measured and its location “mapped”, either by taking a photo of it or by physically drawing a picture of the location of the tumour on your pet. That way you can monitor its progress or decline.

Dr Ken says specialist pathologists will get an accurate answer nine times out of 10 but even with tissue analysis it’s impossible to be 100 per cent accurate.

CASE STUDY: FRODO Rescue dog Frodo was the inspiration behind the caninecancer.org.au website, which raises awareness about cancer in dogs with a wealth of information supplied by vets and cancer specialists.

Owner Lisa Stewart says in 2009 Frodo was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that almost got missed because the vet initially thought it was benign.

“The lump was on his head and the vet thought it was a cyst so he tried to drain it, but it wouldn’t drain so he removed it. He said, ‘I don’t think it’s cancer but do you want me to send it away?’ and I said, ‘You’d better.’”

The bad news came in that it was cancer and Bull Terrier cross Frodo began chemotherapy treatment and radiology — $9000 worth of treatment covered by pet insurance.

“Even with a trusted vet, we have to be advocates for our pets. Frodo would have been a dead dog if we hadn’t sent the tumour off to be tested,” Lisa says.

NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL Dr Ken says what type of cancer your dog has will determine which treatment is best. “Surgery is of no benefit for most dogs with lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is of no benefit for most dogs with liver cancer. Radiation therapy is of no benefit for pancreas cancer. Chemotherapy is of no use for bone cancer.

“The point is, we know what works best for each type of cancer. There is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’.” www.dogslife.com.au 31

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

RISK FACTORS Some breeds of dogs do have a higher risk of certain cancers, but if you love that breed you’re often willing to take your chances.

Dr Ken says Bernese Mountain Dogs are at high risk for histiocytic sarcoma. Golden Retrievers are at higher risk of lymphoma.

Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are high risk for mast cell tumours.

Dr Lindsay says Boxers, Leonbergers and Irish Wolfhounds are also at higher risk of cancer than other breeds. “Age can also affect the risk for cancers such as adenocarcinomas, melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas,” she says.

Dogs with pale skin can also get cancer from sun exposure. The target areas tend to be the tummy, armpits and inside thighs.

Dr Ken advises that anything that looks like a sore or scratch that doesn’t clear up after a month should be checked

out. He says early detection is the best chance of cure for these localised cancers as most of them don’t spread.

BREAKTHROUGHS Dr Amanda has been part of a cancer drug trial undertaken by Biotempus across Australia involving 20 vet clinics. It examined the impact of timing treatment with the immune cycle to boost the body’s natural defence system.

“You’re harnessing the immune system to do the job that the cancer stopped it doing, using very low doses of an old-fashioned, relatively cheap chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide, which keeps side-effects to a minimum,” says Dr Amanda.

The study takes blood tests showing inflammatory markers in the dog, which a computer then analyses to pinpoint the best time for treatment. That information

is crucial when chemotherapy can cost between $300 and $700 per dose.

“They’re using a complex algorithm to work out the optimal time to hit the cancer with the drug.”

Some of the dogs in the trial have had great success in shrinking tumours, including one dog with a cancer tumour that was half the size of his leg. “It didn’t destroy the tumour completely but it bought him another eight or nine months and he didn’t need any other treatment,” says Dr Amanda.

The preliminary data of the Biotempus research shows that dosing chemo drugs during a narrow 12-hour window in the immune cycle put a significant number of dogs into complete remission.

“It’s really exciting results and has applications for human cancer treatment across a whole range of different cancers,” says the Bellarine vet. DL

Old age can mean your dog is more susceptible to cancer.

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Flea frenzy Warm weather means fleas are once more prevalent in our dogs. Carrol Baker tells us how we can best protect our pooches.

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D

id you know fleas can jump up to 48cm? That’s a huge distance for a critter that’s less than 3mm long, so tiny the human eye can barely see it.

These pesky parasitic insects survive by gorging on the blood of their hosts and, as any dog owner knows, if your dog has fleas its life can be a misery.

So, what’s the story behind these miniature mischief makers and how can we protect our pets against them?

According to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers

Photos: Madrabothair/BigStock.com, Punkbarby/BigStock.com

Fleas are an irritating problem that can be very hard to get rid of.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING your pet. “To provide a bubble of protection around the pets in your household really is the best way to go,” he says. “To get rid of [fleas] from your backyard you’d literally have to remove the top 4cm of soil.”

DEALING WITH FLEAS According to Dr Dan, the key to dealing with flea infestations is to understand the flea lifecycle. The fleas you spot on your dog make up a tiny 5 per cent of the total flea cycle. The remaining 95 per cent (eggs, larvae and pupae) will be in the environment where your pet lives. “They live in cracks and crevices and sandy soils, in particular,” he says.

As summer rolls around, fleas also tend to be more of a problem because the warmer temperatures and higher humidity can fast-track the flea lifecycle.

This means there’s more of them a whole lot sooner and they tend to hang out under trees and houses where our pets go to escape the heat.

DOES MY DOG HAVE FLEAS?

Association, the most common species of flea in Australia is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. There is also the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis, but it’s quite rare. Both are more than happy to infect your canine.

Fleas range in colour from light brown to dark and are covered in tiny bristles that allow them to easily attach to a dog’s hair (this is why it can be so difficult to remove them).

Dr Dan Capps from Beachside Veterinary Clinic says preventative measures are the best way to protect

One of the simplest “tells”, says Dr Dan, is constant scratching, “particularly at the tail base and the legs”.

Take a closer look. By parting your pet’s fur you might discover small fleas — fleeing from you! You may also find little specks of flea dirt, which is digested blood. But not all scratching and itching is the result of flea bites. It could be from a food allergy or other ailment so, if you’re not sure, check with your vet.

Fleas can also cause other issues including sores and dry, scaly skin as well as the transmission of flea tapeworm.

Some pets can develop an allergy to flea bites. This is called flea allergy dermatitis and symptoms include red, inflamed skin and pustules.

Your dog may also be smelly due to bacteria growth on its skin. Flea allergy dermatitis is treated by removing fleas and your vet may prescribe long-term anti-inflammatory treatment.

TREATING FLEAS Chews or tablets: These are very safe and effective. A simple chew and your dog is protected and can swim and be bathed without compromising the efficiency of the treatment.

Spot-on treatments: These are simple

THE FLEA LIFECYCLE Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs a day and within one to 10 days these hatch into microscopic larvae.

Larvae become flea pupae between five and 11 days. Pupae live in a cocoon from 10 days to six months, when adults emerge and find a host.

The cat flea parasite is the most common kind we deal with here in Australia.

to apply. You can’t bath the dog a few days before (or soon afterwards), as natural oils are needed to carry the medication into the subcutaneous fat, which is how they work.

Flea shampoo: When you bathe your dog with this product it kills fleas but only those on the dog at the time you wash it.

Flea collars: Some can offer protection for up to eight months.

Dr Dan’s recommendation is to use a product that offers combined flea and tick prevention: “It can be done very economically — have a chat with your veterinary team for the best and safest plan for your animal.” DL

TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR DOG FLEA FREE

your pet’s blankets and • Wash bedding in hot water (about 60°C

• • •

for 10 minutes) to help stop the flea lifecycle Vacuum pet hair in the environment, steam-clean carpets and mop regularly Limit sources of external flea contamination (block your pet’s access to areas under the home) Treat infested areas of the home and property with natural repellents. Try sprays made from pungent oils like citronella, garlic and lavender, and eucalyptus

www.dogslife.com.au 35

Ancient medicine for the modern mutt:

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine Chinese medicine has been used to restore health for thousands of years.

Sophia Auld explores how it might be just what the vet ordered.

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Left: photo courtesy of Dr Kaori Kanemitsu; right: XiXinXing/BigStock.com

Dr KK believes an integrated approach involving Western and TCVM can be the answer for many dogs in pain.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

P

am and Allen Crampton were distressed to discover that the black cyst on their beloved Malamute’s hind leg was a cancerous mast cell tumour.

While surgery successfully removed Maddison’s tumour and an affected lymph node, her prognosis wasn’t good.

The Cramptons were uncomfortable with the idea of chemotherapy so their vet introduced them to Dr Kaori Kanemitsu, a Western-trained vet who now specialises in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

They couldn’t be happier with the result. “From a death sentence, we have just celebrated three years of quality life with Maddi,” they say. “Our experience with TCVM has been astounding ... To have been part of the whole cancer journey with our little girl under the guidance of Kaori has brought us much peace and confidence.”

Speaking to Dr Kanemitsu, known to her patients as “Dr KK”, reveals why she inspires such trust. The gently spoken Japanese vet is clearly passionate about her patients, having turned to TCVM out of frustration with the failures of western treatments.

“I had seen enough to say I’m actually euthanising fluffies because of the side-effects of medicine rather than the disease itself,” she says. “I started thinking, ‘Why do we do this? Is normal pharmacological medicine helping them or is it ... killing them?’”

Dr Kanemitsu didn’t always feel this way; she admits to being sceptical about alternative treatments after completing her veterinary degree at the University of Queensland.

However, she remained open-minded, largely due to childhood experiences with the herbal remedies her Korean great-grandmother used to treat the family’s illnesses.

Her light-bulb moment was meeting Dr Huisheng Xie, a master TCVM practitioner from the University of Florida. “I thought, ‘This is it,’” she says.

“That’s how I started to properly learn herbal medicine. Now I am a certified herbal medicine practitioner as well as a veterinary acupuncturist.”

Dr KK’s approach is truly holistic — treating the animal rather than the illness — and involves a detailed examination to

determine the right course of treatment.

“Finding the pattern of disease is very important for me,” she explains. “I need the whole picture, instead of just one clinical sign or disease name.”

She explains her approach with an example of two dogs diagnosed with mitral (heart) valve disease. In Western medicine, they would be treated the same way. But in TCVM, one dog might be described as “hot” because it drinks more and has a bright red tongue. In contrast, the other dog might be “cool” with a pale pink tongue. Because the illness pattern is different, TCVM would treat the dogs differently.

TCVM is believed to restore health by balancing energy flow (chi) through the body’s energy channels, or meridians. Once the pattern of disease is established, treatment will usually involve herbal medicine, food therapy, acupuncture and tui na (Chinese medical massage).

The Chinese herbal medicines are given as a formula, with herbs that work synergistically to achieve healing with a minimum of side-effects. Acupuncture is performed regularly and owners are taught how to apply acupressure and Chinese medical massage at home.

For Maddi, treatment involved twiceweekly acupuncture, Chinese herbs and some modifications to her already healthy diet, including superfoods like quinoa, red kidney beans, sweet potato and salmon. “Maddi had a menu the envy of many humans,” the Cramptons quip.

Bella, another of Dr KK’s patients, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her right wrist at age five. Bella’s owner Eileen Marini explains that this cancer has a poor prognosis, even after amputation, with a life expectancy of about four months.

“I did a lot of crying as Bella is one of those special dogs that you have the privilege of sharing your life with,” Eileen says. After surgery to amputate the affected limb, Eileen decided against chemotherapy due to its potential impact on the Boxer’s quality of life.

She chose to use TCVM instead and for four years has continued Dr KK’s regime of a mostly raw diet, regular acupuncture and daily Chinese herbs. “TCVM gave us hope when the prognosis was so poor.

Not only is Bella still alive almost four

Dr KK recommends an integrated approach using both TVCM and Western medicine.

years from diagnosis but she also has quality of life. She is a happy Boxer — just with three legs instead of four.”

Another one of Dr KK’s patients, Gemma, suffered a devastating spinal injury, leaving her incontinent and unable to walk. Her owners, Matt Christie and Penny Clarke, were reluctant to put their 16-year-old Dachshund through the $10,000 operation that was recommended.

Dr KK provided advice without offering false hope. “For Gemma, it was definitely an excellent option,” Christie explains. “As the inflammation subsided, muscles were managed [with] KK’s guidance by combining acupuncture and massage treatments ... and she was able to walk again.”

If you’re considering TCVM for your furry friend, Dr KK emphasises the importance of finding a qualified practitioner, which means someone who has done significant training. “It’s very important to get those qualifications,” she says. “It’s not just a name on paper.”

Nor is she against Western veterinary medicine. Rather, she highlights the value of an approach integrating TCVM and Western medicine. “I think integrated medicine is the best medicine, rather than just one. Knowing two is a bonus.” DL

DOGSLife recommends consulting your local veterinarian if your dog displays any evidence of ill health and proceeding according to their advice. www.dogslife.com.au 37

Decoding Dinner Is the food we feed our furry friends really what it claims to be?

Kristie Bradfield shines a light on the labels.

W

e all live busy, busy lives.

We have jobs to think about, bills to worry about, families to raise.

We are living in fast forward and sometimes that means we get a little lazy with the everyday stuff.

The downside is that this laziness

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often creeps into every aspect of family life, including how we nourish our pets. Reaching for the tried and true, the one with pretty packaging and vague claims, becomes routine — but routine can become complacency and that’s not a good thing.

We’re so busy we often don’t stop

and take time to understand what it is we’re actually feeding our dogs — and some of it is downright dangerous.

We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives and nutrition plays a big part in that. Understanding dog food labels and educating our families about dog nutrition make for a great start.

Photos: pxhidalgo/BigStock.com, Photology1971/BigStock.com, kozorog/BigStock.com

Feeding your dog a good diet is the key to their health.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

WHAT TO FEED YOUR DOG The nutritional requirements of every dog are different. How much and what they eat are based on many different factors, from breed to activity level, which makes it difficult to find one meal to suit them all.

As a general idea, the RSPCA suggests that the best diet has the foundation of a high-quality, balanced, premium dog food. This food needs to be appropriate to the life stage and health status of your pet: a puppy with boundless energy shouldn’t be fed a diet suitable for an older, more sedentary dog, and vice versa.

Natural foods like raw meat and raw bones are excellent sources of protein provided that the meat is fresh, humangrade raw meat. Choosing other meat products, like some pre-packaged pet mince or cooked manufactured meats,

can be dangerous because these products can contain harmful sulphites, which are bad news for dogs.

AN INDUSTRY STANDARD While ordinarily we may not pay too much attention to them, labels can help us choose products that are right for our dogs. Everything you need to know about what’s inside the bag or tin is written on the label, thanks to an industry standard.

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), in consultation with the Australian Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and state and federal governments, has developed an industry standard for prepared pet food in Australia. For pet food to meet this standard it must adhere to guidelines relating to its labelling, marketing, nutritional design and claims.

Under the Australian Standard AS5812, manufacturers of prepared pet food products must provide labels that include the nutritional guidelines of the product.

The nutritional guidelines of Australian pet food have been designed in line with global nutritional recommendations set by major bodies including the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

However, it must be pointed out that, while AS5812 provides a benchmark, compliant manufacturers only need to meet minimal nutritional requirements.

The standard requires that compliant dog food products: • Must be labelled as pet food only.

• Must display a list of ingredients, nutrition information panel, nutritional adequacy statement, feeding guide and “best before” date.

• Must have a name that reflects the content and variety of the food.

Feeding according to life stage is very important.

www.dogslife.com.au 39

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

LABEL 101

take a close look at the label.

• Always time identifying and • Spend understanding the ingredients

• •

What should we feed our dogs?

contained in a product. If you don’t know what an ingredient is, ask your vet.

It’s always better to see a named meat like chicken, fish or beef in the ingredient list. Meat byproducts can include things like beaks, feet and hooves.

Speak to your vet about the best way to introduce more variety into your dog’s diet.

CHECK THE LABEL The ingredients list on dog food can look daunting but for the health and wellbeing of your furry friend it’s important to read and understand them.

In Australia, all major pet food manufacturers compliant with the industry standard must display all ingredients of the product, including food additives like flavours, colours, preservatives, vitamins and minerals.

All ingredients must appear in order of descending weight, so the heaviest item is listed first, but this can sometimes be deceiving. The word “chicken” may appear emblazoned across the packaging and chicken may be the first listed ingredient, but what many people don’t realise is that the manufacturer uses the weight of the chicken before it is processed. Chicken, like other meats, contains around 60 to 70 per cent water, so when the moisture is removed the composition of the ingredient changes.

We may choose the product because it appears to be predominantly chicken, but this isn’t necessarily the case at all.

Domesticated dogs can be omnivores — they can survive eating a balanced plant and meat diet. But in order for them to thrive, experts suggest that they should be consuming rich sources of protein, which is why we look for specific whole animal proteins like chicken, lamb, beef and fish to appear first on the list of ingredients. It’s even better if the first three or four ingredients are meat based.

Dogs have short digestive tracts which aren’t designed to process a lot of carbohydrates, yet grains and legumes tend to make up the bulk of commercial 40

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dog food. While dogs will eat them happily, experts say that the amounts of carbohydrates in some dog food are beyond what is species appropriate.

SPLITTING HAIRS We know that those first few ingredients listed on a label tell us a lot about what is inside a product because ingredient labels are listed by weight.

It’s handy for dog owners because we can pick and choose the best food for our dogs but it’s tricky for manufacturers who may want to hide a low-value ingredient. For example, a product may include more corn than animal protein, but splitting corn into corn meal, ground corn and corn flour allows the manufacturer to put the meat protein in the coveted first space.

INGREDIENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE We know what we want to find at the top of the list of ingredients — but what do we want to steer clear of? Sulphur dioxide and sodium and potassium sulphite preservatives, often found in commercial fresh “pet meat” or processed/manufactured pet food rolls, can lead to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiencies in dogs, which can be fatal.

The RSPCA suggests being wary

of sulphur dioxide 220, sodium sulphite 221, sodium bisulphite 222, sodium metabisulphite 223, potassium metabisulphite 224, potassium sulphite 225 and potassium bisulphite 228.

Meat by-products can include things like beaks, feathers, hair, hooves, entrails and other unsavoury ingredients. Look for ingredients lists that name specific types of meat, like chicken, beef or lamb. An exception to this rule is if the by-products derived from human-grade meat.

We’d like to think that all dog food manufacturers care about the wellbeing of our dogs and choose to use highquality ingredients to produce balanced and complete products. Unfortunately, that’s not the way business works. It’s our responsibility as dog owners to know exactly what we’re feeding our dogs, which means we have to take some time to stop and read the labels. DL

LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS Not sure what to feed your dog?

While information abounds online, it’s important to remember that all websites are created equal in the eyes of Google. If you have questions about what to feed your dog, have a chat with your vet.

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Resource guarding: what it is and how to stop it

It’s common for dogs to be a little over-protective of their bowl or favourite toy. But, as Kristie Bradfield discovers, behaviour like this can become dangerous if it’s not addressed.

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Photos: TatyanaGi/BigStock.com, manushot/BigStock.com, mexitographer/BigStock.com

Food is often the source of resource guarding.

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING It’s best to start training your dog early.

D

ogs are funny creatures. When they find something they love, they’ll love it until there’s nothing left to love. And they’ll protect and guard it completely, whether it’s a well-chewed toy, a bowl of food or a prime sleeping spot in front of the heater.

Whatever it is, if it has value to the dog they’ll make sure no one else gets it.

Does this sound like your dog? Just as children need to be taught how to share, sometimes we need to teach our dogs to “let go”.

you don’t protect your food, someone else will take it.”

The genetic potential to resource guard varies from dog to dog and Tenille says that, while there’s an innate element to it, it’s just as likely to be a learned behaviour.

“If the dog has learned through experience that it can lose its precious resources if it doesn’t protect them, this behaviour will continue,” she says. “This can often be the result of well-meaning dog owners taking food from their dogs regularly to prevent guarding in the first place.”

WHY DO DOGS GUARD RESOURCES?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

It’s important to understand that resource guarding (also known as food aggression) is common canine behaviour.

It manifests when a dog perceives a threat to their resources (which can be food, treats, toys or even people) and fears they’ll lose what they have. The dog’s reaction to this threat can range from baring teeth to growling and snapping — and is almost always aggressive.

Trainer Tenille Williams says insecurity is almost always at the root of the problem. “Resource guarding is a natural trait for survival in the wild,” she says. “If

It’s impossible to predict how any given dog will resource guard when they feel threatened. But Tenille says there are a few common behaviours to watch out for.

The changes in body and behaviour can be subtle and usually begin with the dog stiffening its body. “The dog will freeze and may lick its lips, all the while looking towards the threat but staying closely over the resource.

“Next, they’ll raise their lips to show their teeth and the dog will start to give a low growl. Some dogs may raise the hair on their back.

“If the dog is eating, they’ll often speed up or try to drag the food away. And if the threat to their resource still exists, the next stage is a lunge and bite.”

Dogs that guard resources can be unpredictable, so care should be taken to not escalate the behaviour.

“Never try to stop or prevent resource guarding by forcibly taking food from your dog or removing it often,” Tenille says. “You don’t want your dog to view you as the person who always wants to take what they have.”

This problematic behaviour can become even worse if there’s more than one dog in the family.

“Dogs that regularly have to compete for resources such as food can become serious resource guarders,” Tenille says.

“This can happen if there isn’t enough food to go around when they’re pups.

“They can also learn to guard if other dogs or pups are constantly stealing their food or other resources and they learn to defend it with aggression.”

When an aggressive display works for them once, they quickly make the connection between their behaviour and the outcome. It’s a very powerful lesson to learn. www.dogslife.com.au 43

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

MORE THAN ONE DOG? Experts suggest that if resource guarding happens around other dogs you should take away the toy, treat or food. Removing it will help refocus the dog’s attention on the other dogs.

LEARNING TO SHARE As with all behavioural issues, it’s better to start the training process early.

Helping your dog to create positive associations between you and items of value is important, as is building trust.

Raising a well-adjusted dog means teaching them not only that you’re the bringer of good things but also that, while you may take away their food, toys, or treats, it’s usually only for a little while and they’ll get them back.

If your dog is displaying resource guarding behaviour, Tenille suggests trying three simple exercises.

Bowl time The bowl is often the scene for guarding behaviour, so Tenille suggests

changing the way they see you. “Teach your dog that when you approach their bowl, it’s to give them something even better,” she says.

As an example, if your dog has their regular, boring, dry dog food in their bowl, toss in a little bit of steak and leave.

“You want your dog to learn that your approach is a good thing and results in more or even better food.”

Make a switch There will come a time when you’ll need to take something (such as a toy or a treat) away from your dog. But instead of just taking the item, teach your dog to swap. Dogs are very smart and won’t be keen on swapping their treasure for just any old thing. For the swap to work, you need to offer something else of equal or higher value.

“When starting the swap game, present the higher-value item and allow your dog to take it first, then remove the item they just had,” Tenille says.

She also suggests pairing the swap with a command, which will help your

dog make the association between the command and the behaviour.

Hand-feed often Another way to create a positive human/ food experience is to hand-feed your dog as often as you can. This instils security and trustworthiness, which Tenille says is one of the goals of hand-feeding.

“Feed often from your hands to associate your hands with something pleasant to have near their mouth.

Training with treats is a great way to do this, with the bonus of training other commands while you hand-feed,” she says.

Dogs that guard resources do so because they fear losing not only the item but also the positive feelings it gives them. And any animal in this situation has the potential to be outwardly aggressive — even those that have been a member of the family for years.

If your dog already guards its resources and displays aggressive behaviour such as baring teeth, growling and snapping, you should make an appointment with a qualified professional trainer as soon as you can.

Ultimately, you need to teach your resource-guarding dog that they have no reason to fear you. They need to learn that you approaching their food bowl isn’t a bad thing and that just because you’ve moved their halfchewed bone off the couch doesn’t mean you’re going to keep it forever.

Establishing that trust, and being consistent with behaviour, builds confidence in your dog.

And confident dogs have no need to guard resources. DL

BEHAVIOUR TO WATCH FOR Common resource-guarding behaviours include: Becoming rigid Showing teeth Growling in a very threatening manner Snapping If you’re concerned about the level of aggression your dog is showing, it’s best to get help from a professional trainer.

• • • •

Resource guarding can be very difficult to manage, particularly if there are two dogs in the family.

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TWICETHE T

BE

PET HERO

Understanding your dog’s panting Ever wondered why your dog pants, or worried that it’s sounding a little ... odd? Mel Hearse finds out all the things there are to know about dogs and their pants (not of the tracksuit variety!).

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Photos: Shevvers/BigStock.com, schankz/BigStock.com

When is your dog’s pant a problem?

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

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ll dogs pant. Some do it often; some do it a little. They may be loud or quiet “panters” and some of them do it with a lot of slobber involved. Sometimes they pant quickly; sometimes they pant slowly.

Panting is generally normal doggy behaviour and is usually no cause for concern, but it can also be a warning sign of something more sinister. Here are the various reasons your dog pants and the situations where you’ll want to get them to your vet for a check-up.

#1: TO COOL THEMSELVES DOWN While humans cool themselves by sweating, dogs only sweat a little between their toes — not enough to cool them down. Instead, panting helps them stay cool by circulating air through their bodies.

This type of panting is normal and necessary; however, if your dog has been exposed to high temperatures and you notice their panting become faster, louder or more laboured, it may be a sign of heatstroke, which can be fatal and requires immediate veterinary attention.

To avoid heatstroke, all dogs should be left with access to plenty of shade and drinking water (or even a paddling pool with fresh cool water if you have a pooch that enjoys bathing) and ideally kept inside when it’s especially hot. Also, be aware that heatstroke can hit faster in older dogs, so take extra care to monitor their time in the heat and any changes in their breathing.

#2: BREED Brachycephalic breeds — those breeds with short, “pushed-in” faces — tend to pant more because their physiology makes it harder for them to breathe.

Dogs such as Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs have upper-airway challenges and can have problems panting efficiently, meaning they’re at an increased risk of heatstroke. Keep an eye out for any changes in their breathing and panting and, if you notice any louder or more frequent panting, see your vet as soon as possible.

#3: FEAR — OR EXCITEMENT Some dogs pant excessively when excited, or when anxious or fearful — for example,

during a storm or a car ride. Some may be excited by day-to-day occurrences, such as cyclists or other dogs.

While the excessive panting will not harm them and is not uncommon, if they’re exhibiting frantic panting and other signs of fear or distress whenever they’re exposed to the cause, this may indicate they’ve developed a phobia.

There is plenty you can do to minimise fear. For example, using a soothing voice and ensuring their exposure to loud noises is minimised in the case of storms, or ensuring they are properly harnessed in a car to stop them moving about and feeling unsafe.

However, ongoing phobias can spoil their quality of life and may be successfully treated by working with an animal behaviourist.

All dogs need access to shade and cool drinking water to prevent overheating

#4: THEY MAY BE UNWELL Excessive panting may also be a sign of sickness, so if there are no other obvious causes of the panting, or you notice a lot of slobbering, whimpering, vomiting, changes in appetite or disinterest in exercising, there’s a possibility it’s a sign of illness. This one will require a vet’s attention, as the cause can be anything from ingesting something that doesn’t agree with them to heart or respiration issues. Your vet will examine your dog, ask questions about their recent activities and may recommend blood or other diagnostic tests.

Panting may be a sign of anaemia, which in turn leads to oxygen starvation.

While you’ll need to see your vet for a definitive diagnosis and treatment, other signs of anaemia include elevated heart rate, pale tongue or gums and lethargy or disinterest in exercise.

Frequent panting may also be a sign of Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, where the adrenal glands release too much cortisol. Dogs with Cushing’s may also experience increased thirst and urination, weight gain inconsistent with their diet and exercise habits, hair loss, bruising and restlessness.

WHEN IS A PANT A CAUSE FOR CONCERN? If you’re not sure if your dog’s panting is cause for concern, look out for: • Panting more excessive than your dog’s normal panting behaviour.

• Times when there is no obvious cause for excitement or fear, they’re not overly warm and there’s no logical reason they’d need to cool down.

• When it sounds different from their usual panting: it’s louder, faster or lasting longer.

• When the panting seems to be taking a lot of effort.

• When it is accompanied by other signs of illness — for example, lethargy, vomiting or lack of normal appetite. DL

STINKY PANTS? MIGHT WANT TO CHECK THAT OUT Has Fido panted in your general direction and almost knocked you over with the smell? Canine bad breath may indicate dental disease (the sooner you get onto it, the better; dental problems will escalate if left untreated). Or it may also be a sign of illness in the gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys. Either way, a visit to the vet is advised to diagnose and treat the cause. www.dogslife.com.au 47

Scent sensibilities Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and can pick up many layers of information from one little sniff. Pet journalist Caroline Zambrano discovers how scent work training can unleash dogs’ natural ability to search and be alert to odours in any environment.

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ogs have an incredible sense of smell, thousands of times more sensitive than our own. While we have about 5 million cells devoted to smelling, dogs have about 220 million as well as 40 times the brain power devoted to processing scents1.

Smells aren’t “louder” to dogs — odours have different layers that give hounds a much bigger range of types

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of information, explains Alexandra Horowitz, a dog-cognition researcher at Columbia University (USA) and author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. In other words, when you smell vegetable soup, your dog can smell every single ingredient in the soup.

You can unleash your dog’s natural ability through canine scent training.

“Canine scent work can revolutionise the dog’s world for the better,” says Marion Brand, Australia’s first Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor from the United Statesbased National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).

K9 Nose Work unleashes dogs’ natural ability as hunters and teaches them to search for specific odours in a variety of environments.

Photos: chaoss/BigStock.com, Pinnicle Photography, Highway Starz/BigStock.com

The dog has approximately 220 million cells devoted to smelling.

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING “Canines use their incredible sense of smell to interpret the world and detect resources that have value to them and us if we teach them,” she says. “Dogs can detect and alert their handlers to target odours hidden in a multitude of environments, including deep underwater and underground!”

Any dog can enjoy scent work. It is not limited to particular breeds.

“The professional world does tend to use the ‘working breeds’ because of their intense drive and work ethic, but scent training is not limited to any specific breeds, age, physical ability, courage or temperament,” Marion says. “I have witnessed some great searches by a Shih Tzu, Whippet, Wolfhound and many terriers and crossbreeds.”

THE BENEFITS Scent training has many physical and mental benefits for all dogs, says Marion.

“Unleashing the dogs’ natural ability to smell and their desire to hunt through scent training sets off a cascade of feelgood chemicals in the brain and in turn helps to build confidence — excellent for shy, fearful or reactive dogs.”

With physical exercise, the more you do the fitter your dog gets without necessarily getting tired. “By combining physical movement with mental focus and stimulation, such as in scent training, after just a short period of time you will have a very tired, calm, satisfied dog,” she says.

Scent training also comes in handy on those rainy nights when you don’t want to face the elements but need to give your dog some physical and mental

enrichment. “Scent training is also great for your dog because it builds their confidence and generally improves their emotional wellbeing,” she says. “Think how empowering it would be if after always being told what to do and when to do it, your handler finally says, ‘You take the lead; you’re the expert in this game.’ That’s an awesome confidence and relationship builder!”

Scent work is also a huge trust builder between the dog and his/her handler.

“In scent work, like K9 Nose Work, the dog is the leader and the handler learns how to read their dog’s communication.

Good communication is the basis for all great relationships,” Marion says.

Pet dog scent training is great for dogs also because each search can be adapted to the skills, experience and abilities of both the handler and the dog.

Some dogs can take their hobby to the next level, working as professional scent-detection animals.

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GETTING STARTED AT HOME The easiest way to begin scent training at home is to teach your dog to play the Find It game. Certified K9 Nose Work instructor Marion Brand shares some tips.

1. Start by either crating or tethering your dog at home where they can easily see you.

2. Take a favourite toy or a tasty piece of food and show it to your dog (this is what we will refer to as the hide).

3. Pretend to place the toy or food in about four or five different spots but leave the hide at about the third spot you went to.

You still need to pretend to place the toy/food in different places after you have put it down, says Marion. “In the beginning your dog will probably go to the last place they saw you pretend to put the hide.

“This is how they learn to use their nose instead of their eyes because you never leave the hide in the last place you touched so they start hunting for it,” she says.

All dogs love this game and eventually you will be able to put your dog outside while you hide lots of treats in all different rooms then open the door, say “Find it” — and watch the fun begin!

The Cup Game is a great way to get your dog started in scent training.

NOSE WORK GAMES FOR DOGS Besides K9 Nose Work, you can play a number of scent work games with your dog, such as K9 Scent Scrambler, the Find It Game and the Shell or Cup Game.

With K9 Nose Work, your dog can learn how to find odours that are hidden on a vehicle outside, buried in the ground and even underwater. “In K9 Nose Work, only one dog at a time searches while all others are safely crated away,” says Marion. “By tailoring each search, all dogs can participate, whether old with mobility issues or young and enthusiastic, or over the top, reactive or timid, nervous, blind, deaf or in a wheelchair.”

The K9 Scent Scrambler involves dogs diving through or into thousands of ball pits of various heights to locate 50

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and retrieve a specific item, sending balls flying. Almost as much fun to watch as to participate in, this relatively new sport was developed in Australia and is now quickly expanding into the USA, says Marion.

“The K9 Scent Scrambler brings the magic, fun and excitement of scent training to all dogs and their families. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your dog’s awesome abilities,” she says. A dog in a pit of 20,000 balls hunting for their ball sounds like a lot of fun!

“The K9 Scent Scrambler is a positive and fun sport where the dog is always successful,” Marion says. “It allows owners the opportunity to experience a whole new side to their dog by simply allowing them to engage in a natural behaviour, like sniffing! The dogs enjoy

themselves, are happy and are absolutely a joy to watch.”

If you just want something easy to play at home with your dog, try playing Find It or the Shell or Cup Game. The Find It Game involves hiding your dog’s favourite toy or pieces of food around your house or yard, and then giving your dog the command to find it. “Then you watch the fun and joy your dog gets from hunting,” says Marion.

The Shell or Cup Game requires you to hide a piece of food or your dog’s favourite toy (if it fits) under one of three upside-down plastic cups. You hide the prize under the cup while your dog is watching, then move the cups around without lifting them up and see if your dog can find the cup with the hidden food or toy underneath. “It’s

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

All dog breeds are capable of basic scent work .

a fabulous self-rewarding exercise!”

Marion says.

You can also play scent games using the Snuffler, a toy made of soft fleecy folds perfect for canine noses of all shapes and sizes! Simply sprinkle the treats in the Snuffler and watch your dog hunt for the food. This game provides excellent mental stimulation as well as giving you a chance to play “hide and seek the treat” with your dog.

THE NEXT LEVEL? Does your dog have what it takes to be a professional detector dog? All dogs have an astounding sense of smell and are capable of scent training.

However, hunting for scent in a game or competition is very different to hunting for bombs or drugs that could kill the

dog and handler. “Professional detection dogs are usually selected or specifically bred for their high drive, courage and willingness to work,” Marion says.

For more information about detector dogs, visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s Detector Dog Program website at border.gov.au/australianborder-force-abf/protecting/ detector-dog-program/trainingdetector-dog-teams.

While professional detector dog programs may not be suitable for many dogs, all pet dogs can do scent work sports and home-made games.

At competition level, K9 Nose Work is a timed trial where dogs are judged on their speed and accuracy in finding three different odours in four different

scenarios (called “elements” in the K9 Nose Work world). Dogs learn to work in rooms of all types and sizes and outside in any context, such as lumber yards, school yards or parks.

They also learn to work all sorts of containers — luggage, bins, boxes, handbags, shoes — and even all sorts of vehicles including boats, cars, bikes and aeroplanes.

“Scent work training can be enjoyed by any dog and gives each dog exactly what they need to succeed and shine!”

Marion says.

For more information about scent-work training, visit the Australian Canine Scent Work organisation at acsw.com.au. DL 1 Coren, S. 2004. How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind www.dogslife.com.au 51

Experts find that smaller dogs tend to jump more than larger ones but it’s usually because owners of smaller dogs don’t tend to find the behaviour quite as problematic.

Jumping jacks It’s far easier to teach your pooch good habits from the start than to retrain your dog later. Danielle Chenery asks the experts for their top tips on stopping dogs from jumping up.

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BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

Photos: Garosha/BigStock.com, Art_man/BigStock.com, budabar/BigStock.com, horkins/BigStock.com

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othing says “I love you” like the full-bodied greeting of an excited pooch jumping on its master after any absence, long or short.

But what starts out as an adorable display of affection quickly becomes annoying for you and off-putting for guests. So how can you nip this behaviour in the bud?

Melanie Griffiths, pet expert at Mad Paws, Australia’s largest pet-sharing network, says it’s far easier to teach your puppy good habits than retrain your dog later on. “So start as you mean to go on,” she says. “Consistently rewarding ‘four paws on the floor’ behaviour from the very beginning is a great start; don’t greet or interact with your pup until they are calm with all paws firmly on the floor.”

Consistency is the key, adds Melanie.

“Reward good behaviour and ignore anything else. Engaging with your jumpy puppy will only tell them that you enjoy this springy behaviour. When your puppy jumps up, say a firm ‘no’ and turn your back. Once the little one is calm with four paws on the floor, then you can reward with attention and a treat, if you wish.

“Over time, your puppy should learn that when they are calm, the people they love shower them with attention and this becomes a learned behaviour.”

You also need to be patient and remember that you are in this for the long haul. “This is not going to be an overnight fix,” says Melanie. “You must be consistent and make sure all members of the family are following the rules. Try to encourage visitors to your home to do the same; resist the urge to greet the newest addition until he or she is calm.”

Sandra Sullivan, founding member and current vice-president of the Western Suburbs Dog Training Club, adds, “Pup is jumping up for attention, so even pushing pup down and saying ‘no’ is giving attention.” She advises the following preventions instead: • Take a step backwards or sideways, so attempts to jump up on your legs miss their target and the pup lands on the floor.

• Turn your back on determined attempts and even walk away so the pup realises this behaviour always results in failure (but make sure pup gets plenty of attention and petting when the pup is “four on floor”).

What starts as cute behaviour from a puppy can become a bigger problem as your dog grows.

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A good, strong sit is a great diversionary behaviour for a problem jumper.

• Start immediately training a sit (by holding a small piece of food just over the pup’s head and slightly back.

Twisting his head up is uncomfortable and pup will sit so he can look at the food more easily).

• Reward all sits. Don’t use a “sit” command until you have some success with this. Then you can encourage the pup to sit for everyone to pet.

CAN YOU TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS? This is all well and good for new puppies, but what if you need to teach your older 54

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dog to stop jumping up? Melanie says the same rules apply but it may take longer.

“With a puppy, you’re teaching them from the very start that jumping isn’t allowed,” she says. “An adult dog could have had years of positive reinforcement — ie ‘Good things happen when I jump! I get stroked, scratched, picked up and given treats!’ — so you’ve got a tougher job ahead.

You essentially need to undo all of those years of learning that jumping is good.

“Consistency is key. Just like with puppies, ignoring jumping, turning your back and only rewarding (stroking, giving treats etc) when your dog is calm is the

best way for them to learn. There’s no quick fix for a dog who jumps up; perseverance and patience is the only way.”

Sandra agrees consistency is the key to change a dog’s lifetime habits. Her tips for adult dogs are: • If the dog is wearing a collar, take hold of the collar to hold your pooch down for petting.

• Only pet when dog has “four on the floor”; turn your back on any attempts to jump up.

• Start immediately to heavily reinforce (with food) every sit and practise a sit on every possible opportunity.

BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

Pat your dog only when he has four on the floor.

“I suggest owners have a small bowl of treats out of reach of their dog but with easy access,” she adds. “This way they can practise a sit quickly every time they encounter their dog. ‘Sit’ will become the dog’s ‘please’ and the dog should sit for everything: for attention, to go in and out the door, for his dinner, for the ball to be thrown, for the lead to go on for a walk.”

Alisa Sannikova, pet trainer/ behaviourist and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, agrees that teaching your dog a “good, strong sit” is helpful.

“When you see the dog approach you and start thinking about jumping, ask them to sit first instead and then quickly reward the sitting with treats or affection,” she says.

“When combined with physical barriers such as a baby gate or a leash that prevent the dog from jumping on you successfully, dogs quickly learn that sitting is a much better strategy for greeting people than jumping was.”

Dr Leigh Davidson, veterinarian and founder of Your Vet Online, says eventually your dog won’t even need to hear the word “sit”, let alone be treated each time he sits. He just learns that to get any sort of attention, he simply needs to sit.

NOT BREED SPECIFIC The experts agree jumping up is not a breed-specific trait; nor is it particularly linked to sex or if your dog has been desexed. It may be more common in unneutered dogs, but this is no guarantee.

Alisa adds that in some cases jumping can be an issue of size: “I find that small dogs tend to learn to jump more often,

simply because owners don’t bend down to their level enough. Jumping is a good way to get to treats, toys and hands faster when those rewards are coming from above.”

She adds, “Also, as puppies grow into big dogs, their size means the owners are more likely to start finding the behaviour obnoxious and train them out of it, while small dogs stay cute and nonthreatening for longer.”

The experts agree that the strongest link comes down to learnt behaviours.

“The reason why dogs do things incorrectly, whether it’s jumping up on you, dragging you on the lead, or barking non-stop, is because we have been inadvertently rewarding that behaviour,” says Dr Leigh.

“Animals learn by operant conditioning: if a behaviour works, that is, they receive a reward (even if it’s yelling at them because that is attention), then they will continue to perform that behaviour. Training isn’t about forcefully stopping your dog from doing something. It’s about teaching them to do something else instead.” DL www.dogslife.com.au 55

LIFE WITH DOGS

Future vets

Campers were able to practise placing an endotracheal tube in a model of a dog.

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o you or a younger person in your life dream of becoming a vet? Imagine watching a veterinary surgeon performing surgery or a wildlife expert handling a python at arm’s length. How about practising pet CPR, drawing blood or

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suturing and listening to experts talk about stem-cell therapy, canine scent detection, pet nutrition, breed-specific diseases and more?

You don’t have to be a veterinary science student to have such animal experiences. Future Vet Kids Camp,

a veterinary-inspired school holiday program in Sydney, gives young pet lovers a taste of what it’s like to work in the veterinary industry. By graduation day, it’s clear many campers want even more animal-inspired experiences.

“Many camp participants end up coming back year after year. Many feel that Future Vet Kids Camp is like a stepping stone for a future career as a veterinarian,” said veterinarian and Future Vet Kids Camp director Dr Scott Bainbridge, who regularly appears on Animal Planet’s TV show Animal House Calls and loves to share his passion for “the greatest job in the world”.

“We love to see the kids get excited about pursuing their dream to work with animals, then go out with the knowledge and experiences they’ve gained at the camp and start making a difference for pets and people around the world.”

Emily Pratten, a Year 11 student from Sydney, has attended Future Vet Kids Camp twice already and plans to return for another year. “This is not the stereotypical kids’ school holiday program,” she says.

“You basically get to be a vet for a week!”

Emily enjoys going behind the scenes at veterinary hospitals where she gets to participate in hands-on activities. “We had the opportunity to do blood smears at the Animal Referral Hospital [Homebush, NSW] and were able to scrub up for surgery,” she says. “I also really enjoy the case studies as they’re like solving puzzles!”

Caitlin Risstrom, 15, from Darwin, has attended Future Vet Kids Camp multiple times already and can’t wait to go again.

Her favourite lessons have been suturing, blood withdrawal and solving case studies where, she says, “I learned the importance

Photos: Caitlin Risstrom

Being a veterinarian is an amazing and rewarding career option for pet lovers, but what does it take to become an animal doctor? Pet journalist Caroline Zambrano learns how Future Vet Kids Camp gives kids a taste of what it’s like to work in real-life veterinary practice settings.

LIFE WITH DOGS of getting to the bottom of what is wrong with somebody’s pet in the most efficient — and, fingers crossed — cheapest way that you can.”

Sydney 14-year-old Tim Brandt also attended Future Vet Kids Camp three times and enjoyed having various handson experiences. “We learned how to physically examine a dog, look at blood test results and interpret them,” he says.

The highlight of Tim’s camp experiences, however, was meeting Bondi Vet’s Dr Lisa Chimes and Dr Andrew Machesvsky from Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) when he won Future Vet Kids Camp’s Morning Tea with Bondi Vet Stars competition a couple of years ago.

During his visit to SASH, he also witnessed eye surgery on a dog.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AT SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S CLINICAL SKILLS CENTRE A highlight for many campers was a special excursion to Sydney University’s Clinical Skills Centre (CSC), where veterinary students practise core techniques in a stress-free environment and learn by using equipment and lifelike animal models.

The CSC is not open to the public so the visit was a real treat for the Future Vet Kids Camp kids, said Dr Scott, who was most impressed by the way the centre taught practical skills that were relevant to everyday veterinary practice.

“The program at CSC recognises that not all learning comes from textbooks,” he says. “Practical skills are such an important part of the veterinary profession and learning these skills using realistic animal models is key from both a learning and animal welfare perspective.”

FUTURE VET KIDS CAMP 2018 Future Vet Kids Camp is now taking registrations for its 2018 camp in January. The five-day program is offered during the Summer School Holidays (9am–3:30pm) and runs from January 8–12 and again from January 15–19, 2018, at Waverley College in Sydney.

For more information, check out futurevetkidscamp.com.

Katrina Walker, Clinical Skills Centre Co-ordinator, said the CSC, which opened in November 2016, provides an integral resource and environment that enables students’ learning, practice and demonstration of clinical skills required for all veterinary graduates.

“During the Future Vet Kids Camp’s visit, the CSC gave the kids an insight into some of the essential skills that are taught throughout the veterinary degree at Sydney University,” she says.

After a brief introduction to the CSC and how it benefits the vet students, campers were able to test their skills at putting a rug and halter on a model horse, hand washing using a UV-detectable soap, instrument handling, intubating a model dog (putting a tube down the airway), scaling and polishing canine teeth and hand–eye coordination using a laparoscopic surgery trainer.

“There was a lot of excitement around the laparoscopic surgery trainer and the scaling and polishing, two very important skills that you wouldn’t normally be exposed to unless you were in a clinical setting,” Katrina says.

The campers also visited the bone museum, which forms part of the anatomy laboratory, to look at skeletal structures for a number of different animals.

“The visit to the CSC was a great way to show the kids what the future may hold if they pursue a career in veterinary medicine,” Katrina says. “The day-today life of a veterinarian is so varied and it’s not often that you get to see and experience some of the tasks that veterinarians may perform on a daily basis in an environment such as the CSC.”

PETSURE SCHOLARSHIP 2018 Applications are also open for the PetSure Scholarship, which helps give two deserving kids the experience of a lifetime! Deadline to apply is November 30, 2017. For eligibility criteria and more information, visit futurevetkidscamp.com.

Campers also tried placing an endotracheal tube down a very realistic dog head model. “It was tricky getting the tube down the dog’s trachea and not their oesophagus,” Caitlin says.

The tour of the CSC showed Future Vet Kids Camp kids not only what it’s like to be a vet student at Sydney University but also gave them greater knowledge about what they could expect from a quality vet science program in the future.

“Attending Future Vet Kids Camp and touring the Clinical Skills Centre has inspired me to go for opportunities that allow me to work in a variety of areas in veterinary science, such as doing work experience in the near future at a veterinary lab in Darwin or in the field where you can end up working with anything, including crocs!” Caitlin says. DL

WHAT DID CAMPERS THINK OF THE CLINICAL SKILLS CENTRE? Dr Scott said the campers enjoyed touring Sydney University but the highlight of the excursion was the Clinical Skills Centre — so much so that the kids had to be “dragged away” to continue the tour of the university!

Caitlin said she was excited about the opportunity to practise her suturing skills at the centre: “The CSC had much more realistic skin and muscle, which was challenging compared to the previous injured bananas I had been taught on at camp!”

A visit to the bone museum also formed a part of the students’ visit.

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LIFE WITH DOGS

Dog-friendl ndlyy holidays holidays

Where can you and your pet enjoy a relaxing getaway? Tim Falk looks at some of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations on the east coast.

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chool’s out, work is winding down and summer is finally here.

It’s time to pack your bags and hit the road for a family getaway — and no family holiday is complete without the family pet.

Of course, the unfortunate reality of travel in Australia is that not every destination is as dog-friendly as it could

Jervis Bay makes a great holiday destination for your pet.

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be. So to help you get the most out of your next holiday with your dog, we’ve tracked down some of the best and most beautiful dog-friendly holiday spots on Australia’s east coast.

NOOSA, QUEENSLAND Beautiful beaches, a cosmopolitan lifestyle and more dog-friendly

attractions and activities than you can wag a tail at — welcome to Noosa. This Sunshine Coast gem combines a laidback vibe and beautiful natural scenery with a plethora of excellent cafes and restaurants, and the whole town welcomes dogs with open arms.

“Noosa is a really pet-friendly area,” says local Trish Simpson, who manages

Photos: Puppy Tales Photography

several pet-friendly holiday homes in the region. “Most cafes allow dogs to sit out the front with owners and they supply water. There are also some amazing offleash areas. I walk Bonnie [her Staffy/ Rhodesian Ridgeback/Pug cross] each morning at the northern end of Sunshine Beach — she loves it.”

Other great dog swimming and walking spots include the Sunrise Beach off-leash dog beach, a section of Castaways Beach and of course the special dog-friendly beach in Noosa Botanic Gardens.

“Dog Beach in Noosa Botanic Gardens is great for families as the water is calm and the area well protected,” says Stephanie Yip, Travel Expert at comparison website finder.com.au.

“Cafes to bring your four-legged friend to along the Sunshine Coast include The Velo Project (Mooloolaba), Attic Cafe (Alexandra Headland), Costa Noosa Espresso (Sunshine Beach) and Beans N Bagels (Noosaville). The Velo Project in particular loves dogs so much they have their own dedicated Dogue Menu for your pooch.

“Activities-wise, Eumundi Markets is a fun day out for pooches who don’t mind being around others,” Stephanie says.

And if you’re looking for a dogfriendly cafe, pub or restaurant in and around Noosa, Trish says there are so many to choose from. “Most places will allow you to sit at outdoor tables with your fur baby.

“I love having lunch at Maisie’s over at the Noosa River — they have an amazing seafood platter and I can have my dog at lunch with us. We also go to Jam deli at Sunshine Beach every morning before walking on the beach.”

Of course, Noosa also hosts the Surfing Dog Spectacular each year as part of the annual Festival of Surfing.

Why not time your visit to coincide with the festival, which is held in March, to see some amazing talented canines hit the water?

WHERE TO STAY All but one of the holiday properties managed by Trish Simpson in and around Noosa are pet-friendly. Check them out at noosaretreats.com

Fancy a spot of wine-tasting on your holiday? Some vineyards welcome pets as well.

HUNTER VALLEY, NSW Dog photographer Kerry Martin from puppytales.com.au frequently travels Australia with her two dogs in tow, so she’s well placed to offer advice on dog-friendly travel destinations and attractions. According to Kerry, there are few dog-friendly travel experiences as enjoyable as indulging in a spot of wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.

“Here we were especially impressed with the welcome the dog-friendly wineries gave us,” she says. “At the info centre we found a guide that specifically had a listing for cellar doors that were dog friendly — it was a lovely day out with the dogs. We tasted wines and they sniffed the curious smells to be found in a winery.

“We visited De Bortoli, Kevin Sobels, Pepper Tree Wines and Calais Estate Wines — all lovely and welcoming for our fluffy companions. De Bortoli had some local markets on the day we visited so that was an added bonus.

“It’s such a nice activity to be able to do together. I think the Hunter Valley is a year-round destination, especially as winery visits are something that you can do when the weather isn’t the best.”

And there are plenty of other wineries in the area with a canine theme, as Stephanie explains. “Gundog Estate in particular takes its name from the residence pooch, Karl Marx, a failed gundog turned model for the winery who has full reign over the vineyards.

Greenway Wines also has a resident dog, Harry, who spends his days chasing wildlife.

MORE INFORMATION Visit the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre online for a list of pet-friendly wineries.

“Other pet-friendly wineries include Hanging Tree Wines and Hart and Hunter.

For pet-friendly eats, The Deck Estate and Bistro Molines have open verandahs and outdoor areas perfect for pooches.”

JERVIS BAY & THE SOUTH COAST, NSW Are you looking for a relaxed beachside holiday that allows you to explore some of the most pristine beaches anywhere in Australia? Well, Jervis Bay should feature prominently on your holiday bucket list.

“Jervis Bay has incredible beaches (including Hyams Beach, which has the whitest sand in the world, although this is an on-lead beach),” says Kerry Martin.

“The beaches are a mix of on- and offlead but you can walk so far along these big and generally uncrowded beaches.

“We have visited many times but love early summer and early autumn as it’s still beautiful weather but, outside the peak time, so less crowded and easier to find accommodation.”

Nearby towns like Bermagui, Merimbula/Pambula, Ulladulla and Kiama are all beautiful beachside locations and boast myriad dog-friendly attractions.

“As a region, I’d say it has the best dog friendliness in terms of where they can go (beaches, parks, trails) and regulations of anywhere we’ve been to so far,” says Kerry. “While the beaches are stunning and the main attraction, there’s also great www.dogslife.com.au 59

Bright is a stunning location to visit in autumn, with lots of great walking for you and your pet.

WHERE TO STAY From caravan and camping parks to hotels, motels, B&Bs and more, there’s no shortage of pet-friendly accommodation options on the NSW South Coast. You can find a whole lot more information on accommodation and dog-friendly attractions in the region in the Shoalhaven Pets on Holiday guide available at shoalhavenholidays.com.au. walks/hikes to be found inland — it’s a beautiful part of Australia.”

On a South Coast holiday you and your pooch can enjoy long walks on the beach, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and lots of beach play. In terms of dining out, Hyams Beach Cafe, Boardwalk 60

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DINNER PLAIN & THE HIGH COUNTRY, VICTORIA

Cafe (Ulladulla) and the great beer garden at the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel are top picks. Of course, it’s hard to beat fish and chips with your pet on the beach while watching the sunset.

“Jervis Bay and its surrounds are a haven for dogs, with numerous locations allowing for them to go off leash,” says Stephanie from finder.com.au. Popular 24/7 off-leash spots include:  River Road Reserve in Shoalhaven Heads  The cricket oval in Bomaderry  Nowra Showground  Clifton Park in Sanctuary Point  Colliers Beach and Ulladulla Harbour  Northern Beach in Mollymook  Cormorant Beach in Bawley Point  Boat Harbour Rocks in Bendalong

Has your dog ever seen snow? Does rugging up for a cosy winter getaway with your pooch sound like your idea of a great time? If so, you should visit Dinner Plain in Victoria’s High Country. This beautiful alpine location is right at the top of Kerry Martin’s list of dog-friendly holiday spots.

“For us, Dinner Plain is all about the snow!” she says. “It’s such fun to see your dog experience the snow and we’ve had dozens of photography clients join us there for the same reason.

“While it’s possible to see the snow in other places in Australia with your dogs, it’s either when snow is falling at really low altitudes (and sometimes has melted by that afternoon) or it’s in places that are not easily accessible and have no facilities.

“Dinner Plain is different — the village sits on freehold land so with a permit you can take your dog. It has a beautiful snow-village feel that’s different to the big resorts. It feels to me more like I’m in a quaint European village.”

And there’s plenty to do on your snowy getaway. You can hike beautiful crosscountry tracks, go dog sledding during the Sled Dog Challenge Weekend (August) or go skijoring with your pooch.

“Snow play (chasing snowballs, exploring, digging, sniffing) is also especially fabulous for the dogs in the snow; they want to figure out this new world that they’ve stepped into. And after all this activity, it’s really lovely to snuggle up in front of a fireplace in your chalet with your dog,” Kerry says.

You can also visit the dog-friendly Blizzard Brewery, tuck into a meal at Mountain Kitchen or have a drink on the deck of the Dinner Plain Hotel with your dog, says Kerry. “Even the local hairdresser has dogs that will greet you for your appointment. Her little Dachshund, Chorizo, will even snuggle on your lap for the duration of your appointment if you’d like.”

DINNER PLAIN Kerry loves taking her dogs to Dinner Plain so much she’s even written a comprehensive eBook on the topic.

Head to puppytales.com.au to get your copy.

LIFE WITH DOGS Of course, you don’t have to go in winter. You can visit Dinner Plain at any time of year, or check out some of the beautiful nearby towns including Bright and Beechworth. Both are stunning in autumn and are great spots for some dog-friendly walking.

“A couple of favourite trails are the Beechworth Gorge walk and the Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd Track, both in Beechworth,” Kerry says. “The rail trail in Bright is very pleasant and an easy walk.

The walk along the river from Bright to Wandiligong is great for a long walk — you can stop in at the Wandiligong Maze for a snack or rest before making your return journey.”

For dog-friendly wining and dining, try Ginger Baker in Bright, Feathertop Winery in Porepunkah or the outdoor decked area at the Beechworth Honey Experience Shop. And, with many petfriendly accommodation options on offer, the entire region is just made for touring with your dog.

Denison Beach features many exercise areas for dogs.”

You’ll also find numerous opportunities throughout the city of Hobart to take your four-legged friend for a walk including Brown County Dog Park, Cartwright Point Reserve, Alexandra Battery, Queens Domain, Knocklofty Reserve, Rangeview Crescent Reserve and numerous parks around Sandy Bay. Cafes that welcome dogs in and around the area include Whisk & Co, Jam Jar Lounge and Lansdowne Cafe.

Next time you’re planning a family winter getaway, don’t leave the dog behind. Check out one of these great dog-friendly travel destinations and strap yourself in for a holiday you and your furry friend will never forget.

WHAT’S YOUR PICK? Is your favourite dog-friendly holiday destination not featured here? Email dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au to let us know where you and your pooch love to travel.

We put out a call to our followers on Facebook for their hot tips on great spots to visit on a dog-friendly holiday. Here are a few of the best suggestions: “Ballina!! We have a dog park and The Spit (beach on the Richmond River). Such an awesome sight seeing all the great and small having a social time out.”

— Tania Jaeger “Fyansford common, behind the Fyansford pub in Geelong, Victoria. It’s a fantastic area where dogs of all sizes can run around and swim together.”

— Helen Preston “Red Head Beach, Lake Macquarie NSW.” — Jane Wilde DL

PROTECT AGAINST TICKS If you’re visiting the east coast of Australia, make sure your dog is protected against paralysis ticks. Ask your vet for advice on what you can do to safeguard your pet.

HOBART, TASMANIA Heading south to the Apple Isle for a winter getaway? There are plenty of reasons why you should take your dog along for the ride.

“Tasmania thrives with dog-friendly locations and activities and some of the best can be found close to Hobart,” explains Stephanie.

“If you’re looking to take in the sunshine, Short Beach near Battery Park, Sandy Bay, Kingston dog beach and Denison Beach are conveniently located dog beaches that let them run off-lead. The Kingston foreshore has a variety of on- and off-leash areas as well as restricted and limited areas while

Dinner Plain is one of the only places in the country you can take your dog to safely see the snow.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA Planning on travelling on Spirit of Tasmania, which cruises from Melbourne to Devonport (Tas) and back? The good news is that dogs, cats and a number of other pets are allowed to make the journey with you. Dogs must travel in one of the Spirit of Tasmania kennels kept on ventilated decks. Fresh water is also supplied and pets are checked regularly throughout the voyage. www.dogslife.com.au 61

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ASK THE EXPERTS

A dog that shivers doesn’t always have to be cold.

HUMAN MEDS FOR PETS? Q: Hi, Dr Michael, I have heard you can give some human medications to pets, making it cheaper (eg antihistamines to help with excessive skin irritation). Is this true? And if so, what sort of precautions should we take?

Lisa, via email 64

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Dr Michael Archinal says: Hi, Lisa, Good news — there are some human medications that we can safely give to our pet and, as you write, these are often cheaper. You specifically mention the use of antihistamines, which unfortunately work very poorly in dogs.

It is estimated that they only work in up to 30 per cent of our dogs with itchy skin disease and that you may have to

try up to five different types before you can find one that may work. The newer ones are also quite expensive. There are veterinary alternatives that not only work better, but can be much cheaper in the long run.

There are a few points to consider and also a couple of matters to watch in regard to giving human medications to dogs. Dogs and humans have very

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING different and varied dose rates of medications. One common anti-anxiety treatment in people requires a seven times higher dose in dogs to achieve the same effect. On the other hand, a common arthritis treatment for people sees the equivalent dog dose much less. Some antibiotics are also at very different dose rates and length of treatment needed.

Some human medications are often enteric coated. This means they will dissolve in the intestines, not the stomach, in people. If dogs chew this coating, it may then become ineffective.

Some medications that are commonly and very safely used in people can actually poison your dog, like some painkillers.

Veterinary-specific medications have undergone extensive and expensive trial work to make sure they are absorbed and get into the bloodstream in appropriate strengths to achieve the desired effect. Just swapping to a cheaper human formulation may not work, as I have seen often in practice, again with an anti-anxiety drug.

The price of medications used for our dogs often reflects the fact that there is no government subsidy and no GST applicable.

Of course, never give any medication to your precious dog that has not been prescribed by a vet (whether human- or veterinary-specific). One top insurance company reported over 500 cases last year of poisonings by people giving human medications to their pets.

WHEN TO SEE THE VET Q: Hi, DOGSLife, My mixed-breed dog has cut himself on our fence. The wound is quite small and I feel like it doesn’t really need a vet. How should I treat and care for this, though, to prevent the injury getting worse?

Luke, via email Dr Michael Archinal says: Hi, Luke, Unlike people, dogs are excellent at having the ability to heal themselves.

They have very tough skin and an excellent local skin immune-defence system to fight off infections that would bring a human down.

EXPERT PANEL DR MICHAEL ARCHINAL

Dr Michael Archinal

‘Dr Ark’ has been a vet for 25 years and runs three busy practices with more than 50 staff. For more than a decade, he has appeared regularly on Channel Nine’s Mornings and has been on ABC radio talkback for 15 years. He is passionate about the human–animal bond and gets invited to lecture around the world. He has also written a successful book on the subject.

He has been married for 24 years and has three boys and many pets with attitude.

PETA CLARKE Peta has trained animals professionally for 20 years. While her current focus is her lifelong love of working with dogs, she also has a long history training exotic animals for zoos and the film industry.

Having studied psychology, Peta is a selflabelled nerd when it comes to the science behind training and is a regular lecturer for various canine associations and dog training clubs. Currently, Peta works as a consultant to zoos, vets and dog owners worldwide, helping better the life of animals in human care.

Peta Clarke

DR RENEE O’DUHRING Holistic veterinary expert Dr Renee follows nature’s principles when treating her patients. She is relentless in pursuing a natural state of health for every animal, aiming to uncover and address the root causes of disease, and provide an insight into what pet guardians need to change for healing to occur. In 2015, together with Dr Henry Stephenson, she opened The Natural Vets, a dedicated holistic veterinary clinic on the Sunshine Coast. Their website is constantly being updated with articles on health, healing and the path to wellness.

Dr Renee O’Duhring

DR KERSTI SEKSEL

Dr Kersti Seksel

Dr Kersti is a registered veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine. She is the director of behavioural medicine at the Sydney Animal Behaviour Service as well as the Animal Referral Hospital (Sydney) and the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre. She is a regular presenter on ABC radio and other media outlets, and speaks nationally and internationally on a regular basis.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING However, one of the main issues in canine wounds is fur contaminating the wound. Place Vaseline sparsely in the wound and then clip the surrounding hair to keep the area clean. The Vaseline can then be wiped away, trapping the fur trimmings.

It’s often not necessary to clean the wound with anything more than water, rinsing out any potential foreign bodies and infectious agents. Be wary of then applying any creams or ointments to the wound unless prescribed by your vet, as

Many dogs just love trips to the park.

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you need to remember that anything you put on a wound will be licked by the dog and ingested.

Also avoid the desire to bandage the area unless it is bleeding; I have often seen bandages applied incorrectly and too tightly, causing a tourniquet effect and cutting off blood supply to the damaged area that is trying to heal. If the wound becomes hot, swollen or painful, go to see your local vet immediately, as early attention can avoid infection, delayed healing and any pain for your dog.

SMELLY BREATH Q: Hi, Dr Renee, I have a Husky and recently have discovered his breath absolutely stinks! Do you have any advice on what I can do to improve the situation?

Elise, via email Dr Renee O’Duhring says: Halitosis (or stinky breath, as it is more commonly known) is a common condition in our urban pets but is certainly not normal. A dog’s breath is never going to smell like

HEALTH AND WELLBEING roses but it shouldn’t knock you down when you open their mouth.

I would take your dog to your vet, as it sounds like he needs a thorough dental assessment to check for any problematic areas in his mouth (and a thorough assessment is not always possible in an awake patient unfortunately; sedation and dental X-rays are sometimes needed).

Crowded teeth, malocclusions, oral tumours and dental disease can all cause stinky breath and problems can be happening below the gum line, without

any evidence of an issue on the visible crowns of the teeth — hence dental X-rays can be an important tool when looking for disease.

Poor dental hygiene, digestion issues or inappropriate diets can all also cause odours in the mouth, as can diseases like diabetes.

So your first stop is your vet. If there are any problem areas in the mouth, then a dental assessment and treatment under anaesthetic will be necessary, but be aware that even after a professional cleaning, tartar will start to build up on the teeth again within 24 hours. This means that an effective home dental hygiene program that is consistently implemented is crucial in maintaining dental health.

The gold standard would be daily tooth brushing, offering dental chew toys or treats designed to clean the teeth on a daily basis and using a mouth rinse proven to slow tartar development like Maxiguard. Some pet owners also use natural products like essential oilbased rinses and charcoal powder when brushing, with great results.

Make sure your dog is on a raw, natural diet that is appropriately balanced and combined (for example, don’t feed starches like rice with animal proteins or you will get fermentation in the gut, which can contribute to stinky breath).

If you feed bones, be sure to follow safe bone-feeding guidelines by choosing soft, meaty, edible bones like chicken carcasses, not dense weight-bearing bones like marrow bones which wear and shatter teeth, and supervise your dog’s chewing behaviour.

Do not offer chew items that come with a great risk of choking or dental damage, such as marrow bones, hard deer antlers or rawhide. And rinse your pet’s mouth or clean their teeth after they finish their bone if you don’t want the smell of decomposing meat to linger.

SWOLLEN EYE Q: Hi, Dr Renee, My five-year-old Cavvie, Canada, seems like she has some swelling around the eye area. Do you have any idea what could be the cause of this and how it should be treated?

Karly, via email

Dr Renee O’Duhring says: I have recently treated a Pomeranian with a similar issue. He had been treated for a number of weeks by the referring vet with both topical and oral antibiotics as well as oral prednisolone for possible allergies with no great effect. His eyes were itchy, he would use his paws to rub around them and there was redness, swelling and tearing discharge present.

He was not itchy anywhere else and the only event that preceded the onset of symptoms was that his owner (who he was very attached to) had started a full-time job and was away from home a lot more. The only other current problem he had was that he was quite anxious and suffered from some separation anxiety.

We discussed many possible causes including allergies (both food and environmental), mites like Demodex, fungal infections and local eye conditions such as blepharitis (which is basically inflamed eyelids and is usually caused by a hypersensitivity to bacteria).

I started this little guy on two different Chinese herbal formulas, one to address the inflammation around his eyes and one to support his emotional sensitivity and to strengthen him. I also prescribed a diluted essential oil eye spritz to settle the inflammation and give him some relief from the itching, and a homeopathic remedy to address his emotional weakness and feeling of being forsaken.

We discussed at length pack dynamics, causes of stress in dogs and how to implement practices at home that would instil peace, calm and confidence into their furry baby, especially when left without human company (he did have a female doggy friend). In less than a month, his eye symptoms had resolved.

My advice to you would be to get your dog checked for any underlying causes of the swelling, including Demodex mites and fungal infections, and to keep an “allergy diary” if there are any other symptoms such as sneezing, paw licking, itching, ear discharges or skin rashes. A biopsy of the eyelids is sometimes required to determine the cause, or allergy testing may be indicated.

Holistic therapies can be very powerful to resolve conditions like these, and you may want to consider consulting with a holistic vet. www.dogslife.com.au 67

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Some dogs misinterpret body language at the dog park.

SHIVERING STAFFY Q: Hi, Dr Kersti, I have a six-year-old Staffy, Molly, and she shivers. Sometimes it’s when it’s cold, but other times I can’t really work out why she’s doing it — perhaps it’s a stressful situation and she’s just not coping? She’s not a timid dog, so that last option doesn’t quite make sense to me. Could it be a displacement behaviour? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Rachel, via email Dr Kersti Seksel says: Hi, Rachel, Thanks for your email. There are many reasons a dog may shiver. The dog could be cold as you state but the dog may also be excited (in anticipation of what may happen next).

Dogs also shiver or tremble when they are frightened, anxious or stressed. It all depends on the context or situation the 68

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dog is in at the time. It can be normal or indicate there is a problem.

Although you feel she isn’t a timid dog, this doesn’t mean that she could not be anxious or uncertain in certain situations.

As you said, it could be a displacement or “fiddle” behaviour that is indicating she is uncertain.

It’s hard to tell you exactly what is going on without seeing her do it and watching the rest of her body language.

This means looking at her eyes, her ear position, tail carriage, body tension etc that all put together help tell us how the dog may be feeling. The best way to determine what may be happening and if she is stressed or concerned is keeping a record of this behaviour. Record the day, time of day and place (context) so you can determine how often and when it happens. You may also want to note how long she does it and its intensity

and what the rest of her body looks like. This way you may be able to work out potential triggers and if it is getting worse, better or staying the same. Then you will know if you need to help her in some way.

DANGEROUS DOGS Q: Hi, DOGSLife , My six-year-old Maltese, Minty, is a really good dog, but whenever we go to the dog park she keeps getting attacked by other dogs.

She doesn’t do anything wrong but other dogs just seem to pick on her!

And the owners of the other dogs always just say, “Oh, my dog never usually does things like this.” Do you have any ideas on how I can get other people to take responsibility for their dogs’ actions?

Michelle, via email

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Dr Kersti Seksel says: Hi, Michelle, There are many dogs that find dog parks difficult places, especially off-leash parks. This can be because dog-to-dog communication can be very subtle and easy to miss or misinterpret, by both dogs and people.

Also, dog body language can be difficult to read by both dogs and people. This is because some dogs have long hair, some short hair, some dogs have prick ears, others floppy, some dogs have short legs, others long, but at least these days most dogs have tails so that helps dogs communicate better.

Is Minty being attacked by bigger dogs or smaller dogs or any size of dog? Does it happen every time or only at some times?

Is it all dog parks or only some dog parks?

How long has this been happening? How severely has she been injured?

If it is only recently then it would be good to have her checked out by your veterinarian to make sure she is well.

If she is unwell she may be giving out different smells to the other dogs.

If she has been injured she could be exhibiting body language that might be misinterpreted by other dogs. Minty may be getting too boisterous or too close to the other dog’s personal space.

When she does this, they may be giving subtle signals to indicate they want her to move away but she may not process this information very well, so they escalate their warning by attacking.

On the other hand, Minty may be doing nothing wrong and they misinterpret her body language. If Minty definitely doesn’t do anything wrong and is just walking along and getting attacked, especially if it is by the same dogs, then it may be best not to take her to the dog park. If you do, I would do it during off-peak times when no one is around or when there are only a few dogs there that you know she gets along with.

Owners are always responsible for their dog’s behaviour. If she is attacked and the owners take no responsibility for their dogs, you could report them to the local council or other authority (or at least tell them you will do so). Good luck.

CRATE YOUR CANINE Q: Hi, DOGSLife , My energetic two-year-old Border Collie is named Gaga and recently a friend suggested to me that I look into crate training her. What are the benefits of doing this? Do you have any advice on this?

Harley, via email Peta Clarke says: Hi, Harley, I think conditioning a dog to love a safe place like a crate is one of the best things you can do for it. The benefits are huge! It gives you a place to pop them should you need to have them out of the way for a bit at home; it gives you a way to safely contain them when travelling;

Stinky breath can have many different causes.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING Make every minute with your beautiful dog count.

it sets them up for success if they ever need to have their movement restricted due to injury or illness — seriously, the benefits are endless.

It has to be done right, however; conditioning to the crate is all about making them LOVE being in there and choosing to go there. When you crate a dog who has not been properly conditioned to it, they will often end up hating it, which can lead to behavioural issues. Dogs should never be left for long periods of time in a crate — two hours would be the max for me. The crate should not be seen as a time-out or a punishment for bad behaviour.

It should be to the dog what our bedrooms are to us: a place of safety, peace and refuge.

There is lots of information on step-by-step crate training on the internet. One of my favourites is Susan Garrett’s Crate Games. The main point is to let the dog discover what a great place a crate can be. The dog should not be shut in until they are totally comfortable in there and then stay for very short periods.

Your goal is to open the crate door and have the dog choose to stay there.

Many will instruct you to feed your dog in the crate to help them get used to it, make it nice and comfortable of course, provide chews and other enrichment toys there and there only.

Used properly, crates are one of the best management tools dog owners can have! Just remember to go at Gaga’s pace. She will love you for it!

EVERY MINUTE, A GIFT Q: Hi, DOGSLife , My old dog seems to be getting grumpy in his old age.

He’s a nine-year-old German Shepherd and he just is tolerant of a lot less than he used to be — and now, when someone comes to the door and rings the doorbell, he growls and barks. Is he really irritated with our situation and how can we reduce this behaviour?

Grant, via email Peta Clarke says: Grant, this is something that I am living with at the moment, too. My Boxer is almost 12 years old and is not as tolerant as he 70

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

It is recommended you only give your dog medication as prescribed by your vet.

once was. Let me take you through what I have done to ensure I’m giving him the best twilight years a canine can get.

First, I’ve increased regular vet visits and included getting blood tests done regularly (at least once a year) so we could get information about how things are changing for him physically. Age comes with the inevitable increase in risks of diseases and I want to stay on top of it for my boy.

I also discussed his lifestyle — what it was as to what it is now — as the amount of physical exercise often reduces in older big breeds like ours. I believe that mental exercise should be increased here if a dog’s body is slowing down before their brain is. Scent games and

other mental activities are a must for mentally sharp old dogs.

I have noticed with my boy, Ham, that if he doesn’t get his two trips around the block each day which let him sniff and pee he is more narky with my other dogs, so when I can’t give him that time (a walk around the block with him can take an hour) I make sure we up his mental enrichment.

Pain management is of course vital to know about — especially if we are seeing an increase in growling and barking at other family canine members or humans.

As our bodies wear down, things start to hurt more and dogs have no way of telling us where they hurt and how much. I also checked out Ham’s diet

with a canine nutritionist and added some supplements to support his body and mind.

If people visiting the house are not his thing any more, that can be a time when he is put in a bedroom with some enrichment. If you want to keep him out with you, ask people not to approach him and interact with him. If he chooses to interact with them, that’s great, but let it be on his terms.

I think the most important thing is to be patient and tolerant with older dogs.

Get him checked out by your vet and give him the love and support he needs for the rest of his years with you. They are never with us for long enough, so every minute is a gift. DL www.dogslife.com.au 71

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Breed features • Miniature Schnauzer

• Italian Greyhound

• Dobermann

• German Spitz

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BREED FEATURE

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER With a pint-sized body but personality plus, the Miniature Schnauzer undoubtedly makes a great pet. By Lauren Clarke.

AT A GLANCE

Many Miniature Schnauzers will love to play a game of ball with you.

Grooming: ##### Exercise: Mini: ##### Standard: ##### Giant: ##### Size: Mini: (30–36cm height, 7–9kg weight) Lifespan: The average is 14 years, although it has been known to live longer

BREED RE: FEATU TURE MINIA UZ E R SCHNA

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Photos: kenkuza/BigStock.com, svry/BigStock.com, Elen33/BigStock.com

Colours: Mini: Black, pepper/salt and silver.

BREED FEATURE

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he Miniature Schnauzer started its career as the perfect German farm dog. Bred from the Standard Schnauzer and the smaller Affenpinschers and Poodles, the Mini Schnauzer was known for its excellence when it came to ratting — and its ability to get into smaller spaces in pursuit of the vermin, too.

Breeding halted in World War I and again in World War II but resumed after both and the Miniature Schnauzer is now a much-loved breed, popular worldwide for its great companionship rather than its ratting skills.

The Miniature Schnauzer is more than just good looks — although it certainly has them aplenty.

PERFECT PET The Miniature Schnauzer is known for being a great pet. This breed is generally classed as “dog friendly”, enjoying the company of other canines, and is perfectly suited for anyone from businesspeople through to families and the elderly.

“They love children, hence I got one when I was seven,” Angus McIlrath from Koobalies Miniature Schnauzers says.

Angus started showing the breed and now, 40-odd years later, still loves this gorgeous dog.

“They have a great personality and they’re very intelligent,” he says. “I don’t know how people cannot have one in their lives.”

This intelligence makes the Miniature Schnauzer a relatively easy dog to train.

They are quick to learn and can be full of energy, meaning they thrive in sports such as agility and obedience.

They are very alert and will let you know when someone new arrives on your property, making them a great watchdog.

But be warned — this breed is much more likely to shower the visitor with affection than act as a true guard dog.

CARE & MAINTENANCE When it comes to care of the breed, DOGSLife recommends a daily walk to keep your dog stimulated. Regular obedience training and mental challenges are also recommended to keep your pet’s mind active and prevent your dog becoming bored, potentially resulting in destructive behaviour and/or problem barking.

The Miniature Schnauzer has a double coat, with a soft under-layer and a thicker, wiry top one. This coat comes in breed

standard colours of pepper and salt, pure black, black and silver and white.

Regardless of colour, the Miniature Schnauzer’s coat doesn’t shed, Angus says, but does require some grooming to keep your pet looking good and feeling his best. “Show dogs need a hand strip but, for a pet, a quick clip maybe every eight to 10 weeks, depending on

how short you want to keep the coat, is needed,” he says.

Of course, the best diet you can afford is recommended for your pet and fresh water should always be available. Annual veterinary visits for health checks and vaccinations, as well as flea, worm and tick preventatives are all recommended, especially due to the breed’s thick coat.

FIVE FAST FACTS Personality: Whether you have a Standard, Giant or Mini, all Schnauzers are active, intelligent and lively. It’s recommended you train them from a young age to avoid obedience problems later.

Suitability: The Miniature Schnauzer is suited to a family and needs to spend quality time with its owners.

Favourite activities: Miniature Schnauzers enjoy their daily walk and will love playing a game of ball with you in the yard. They can also excel in obedience, agility and other dog sports.

Watchdog qualities: The Miniature Schnauzer will warn intruders to stay away.

Backyard requirements: The Mini does not require a large backyard and will live happily in a small house or courtyard, although a yard is a benefit if available.

Yards should be securely fenced and well shaded with plenty of toys provided.

As with all breeds, they will not take kindly to being left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. www.dogslife.com.au 75

BREED FEATURE

CARE OF THE BREED Daily: As with all breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer requires daily fresh water, food and exercise.

Grooming: This dog is highly non-allergenic, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers. All Schnauzer breeds should be brushed on a daily basis (this can be pushed back to every second or third day) and clipped every eight to ten weeks.

Monthly: Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning and flea/tick preventions.

Regular: Gastrointestinal worming, heartworm, vaccinations and a bath when necessary.

Hereditary diseases: Generally healthy and hardy, Schnauzers can suffer from hereditary diseases such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye problems. However, good registered breeders should not breed from affected stock. Speak with a registered breeder or your local vet for more information.

HEREDITARY DISEASES As with all breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer can be prone to certain genetic illnesses, including PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), cataracts

and entropion, three eye conditions that can have varying severity from irritation through to blindness.

“Some dogs are prone to eye problems but all my dogs are eye tested,” Angus says.

By purchasing your Mini Schnauzer from a registered breeder and asking the breeder about these conditions, you are far more likely to end up with a healthy and happy pup.

GIANT, STANDARD, MINIATURE There are three types of Schnauzer — Giant, Standard and Miniature — the obvious difference between them all being size. According to the Australian National Kennel Council, the Miniature measures 36cm high for males and 33cm high for females, the Standard comes in at 48cm for males and 46cm for females and the Giant 65–70cm for males and 60–65cm for females. DL

This breed is very smart and can be trained, especially if obedience school starts at a young age.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Miniature Schnauzer or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc.org.au. New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information. You are also welcome to contact Angus from Koobalies Miniature Schnauzers via his website at koobaliesminischnauzers.com.

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BREED FEATURE

DOBERMANN Loyal, bold and protective, the Dobermann can be an intimidating breed at first glance. However, these lovable characters do have a softer, cheekier side.

Craving affection and attention, they are trustworthy companions and the ideal addition to any family. By Lucy Arblaster.

The Dobermann is a trustworthy companion.

AT A GLANCE Grooming: ##### Exercise: ##### Size: Large Lifespan: 10–14 years

T

hought to be a combination of the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Weimaraner and Manchester Terrier, the Dobermann was developed in the 1860s by Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector who wanted a dog to protect him on his rounds.

This protective streak led to the breed being used as a police dog during the 19th century and later as a war dog in World

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War II, where they were known as “devil dogs”, working alongside the US Marines to flush out the enemy. Today, the Dobermann is the US Marines’ proud mascot.

Traditionally, the Dobermann has a gentle nature but will be as tough and protective as you want it to be. A true companion animal, this breed fits well into family life, serving as a great playmate for children with the versatility of being an

indoor or outdoor dog. However, a word of warning: if a Dobermann is an indoor dog, it is likely to make itself right at home, preferring to join family members on the lounge and even in bed!

Robust and agile, the Dobermann is bold in appearance and comes in a variety of colours: black, brown, blue or fawn with rust-red markings. The breed has a lowmaintenance, smooth, short coat.

Photos: CaptureLight/BigStock.com, Kontessina/BigStock.com, Stephanie Schubbert/BigStock.com

BREED FEATU DOBER RE: MANN

BREED FEATURE

FIVE FAST FACTS Personality: Bold and alert, the Dobermann is an extremely loyal and protective breed but it also has a very gentle nature, craving affection and attention. Highly intelligent and very obliging, the Dobermann is cheeky in character and a lot of fun.

Suitability: The Dobermann is an active breed so it needs regular exercise and a reasonable-sized backyard to run around in. It is not a breed you can just put in the backyard and leave. They thrive on attention and like to be part of the family, with plenty of mental stimulation. They are very adaptable dogs and will be quite content indoors or outdoors but, most importantly, they enjoy being part of the family.

Favourite activities: Energetic and agile, the Dobermann thrives on attention so it will enjoy any activity as long as it involves time with the family. They also enjoy a good walk or run.

Watchdog qualities: Loyal and protective, the Dobermann has good guard qualities and will be as tough as you want it to be. Although it’s not overly aggressive, this breed can be quite standoffish around strangers.

Hereditary diseases: There are a few hereditary diseases to watch out for in the Dobermann, such as von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cervical vertebral instability (CVI), commonly known as wobbler syndrome.

Purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder minimises the risk of such diseases.

PROTECTIVE & LOYAL According to Ray Nunn of Camden, NSW, a breeder for more than 25 years, the Dobermann has an extremely loyal following.

Ray says he was initially attracted to these dogs because they are big sooks. He

actually went to buy a German Shepherd “but then this big black thing came bounding in. It wasn’t intentional but I just liked the look of them.”

Ray describes the Dobermann’s personality as very loving and intelligent.

Bred as a protector, the Dobermann is

as protective as you want it to be. “It all depends how you bring them up,” he says.

He adds that these dogs love nothing more than activity — running, walking, agility or obedience — but also enjoy being couch potatoes. “Don’t let them see the lounge or they will be on it,” Ray laughs.

He also points out that the Dobermann needs an owner who is active and strongwilled. “They are like naughty two-yearolds and, if you can’t control a two-year-old in the supermarket, you will never be able to control a Dobermann,” he says.

ENERGETIC BREED In terms of maintenance, the Dobermann is a breeze and requires very little grooming. It does, however, have an abundance of energy and requires moderate exercise and a decent-sized backyard to run around in.

“If you want to run a Dobermann 24 hours a day, it will run,” Ray says. “It is not a breed you can just put in the backyard and leave. They thrive on attention and like to be part of the family and get plenty of mental stimulation.”

There are a few hereditary diseases

This dog is a loving member of any family.

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BREED FEATURE

CARE OF THE BREED Daily: Fresh water and a well-balanced diet are essential. The Dobermann enjoys a walk each day and a decent-sized backyard to run around in.

Weekly: This breed is very low maintenance so a weekly brush and a bath when necessary would suffice.

Monthly: Like any other breed, the Dobermann should be treated for heartworm, ticks and fleas, and its nails should be trimmed regularly.

These dogs love nothing more than activity — running, walking, agility or obedience — but they also enjoy being couch potatoes.

to be aware of. Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), detected by a simple DNA test, is an inherited bleeding disorder which can also affect other breeds. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart, while cervical vertebral instability (CVI), otherwise known as wobbler syndrome, is a compression of the spinal cord, usually seen in dogs seven to eight years of age. To avoid these hereditary diseases, Ray recommends purchasing your dog from a reputable breeder.

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Another devoted owner of Dobermanns is Alannah Cargill of Glenhaven, NSW, who has been involved with the breed since the mid-1980s.

Alannah has two Dobermanns: Sammy, 14, and Stanley, eight. She says she initially chose a Dobermann because her husband was away a lot and she wanted a dog that people would be wary of. But, as it turns out, her dogs are somewhat humanised, spending most of their time indoors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Dobermann or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc. org.au. New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information.

A FAMILY DOG Alannah describes the Dobermann as very easygoing, obliging, adaptable and a lot of fun. She says they can look intimidating but just crave attention and love company, content to be inside all day with the family.

Alannah says her Dobermanns love nothing more than to race around. “We have a property at Scone and we take them up there to belt around and have a good time enjoying all the smells,” she says. DL

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BREED FEATURE

ITALIAN ELEGANCE With its dainty appearance and agile body, the Italian Greyhound truly is a perfect pet. By Lauren McKellar.

BREED FEATU RE ITALIA : GREYH N OUND

AT A GLANCE Grooming: #####

Size: Small–Medium The Italian Greyhound enjoys daily exercise but this elegant creature is also a luxury-loving pooch.

W

hile it may have initially been developed to hunt small game, the Italian Greyhound quickly became a sought-after pet due to its miniature stature and extreme elegance.

With origins dating back more than 2000 years ago to Greece and Turkey, it’s believed the Italian Greyhound made its way to Italy some time in the 16th century

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and was quickly adopted as a dog worthy of the nation’s title.

It is tiny, at 32–38cm high at the withers, and weighs in at just 3.6–4.5kg. It has fine, glossy hair in black, blue, cream, red, white, fawn, or any of those colours broken with white.

This dog is perfect for all types of living. If you have a small apartment, the dog will fit perfectly into your pocket-

Lifespan: 12–15 years

sized lifestyle. Or, if you’re in a much bigger space, the Italian Greyhound will adore taking out all its energy and prancing around the yard or space, getting a big dose of exercise.

One thing this dog does need is a warm and protected space to rest at night and during the cold of winter. The Italian Greyhound is a pet that just loves a little bit of luxury — so make sure you provide it!

Photos: Pepsona/BigStock.com, kuzyk/BigStock.com

Exercise: #####

BREED FEATURE

SMALL IN STATURE, NOT IN NATURE While this may be a pint-sized pooch, this breed of dog doesn’t necessarily realise that it’s not quite as tall as its older canine brothers. The Italian Greyhound is known for its larger-than-life personality and lack of fear when it comes to new challenges — no couch is too high to attempt a jump to!

Despite this rambunctiousness, the breed also reserves a deep affection for its owners and has a sweet temperament that is truly hard to resist.

The Italian Greyhound is an intelligent dog and requires training from early in life to ensure you have an obedient

pooch on your hands. Having said that, it can be quite wilful and some people like to say that it’s almost best to convince your IG that whatever you’re asking him is actually his idea in the first place!

The Italian Greyhound is a very alert breed of dog but won’t bark unnecessarily. While it is suited to families, it’s recommended for those with older children as it is very fine-boned. Of course, DOGSLife always recommends supervision of all children around dogs.

CARE The Italian Greyhound requires a daily walk but it does like to rest with you,

too, and cuddle up with you at the end of the day. If you don’t take it for regular exercise and you live in a smaller space or apartment, be prepared for property to get destroyed — this is a dog that needs to be stimulated.

Grooming the Italian Greyhound is a relatively simple task for owners. This breed does not shed much at all and a quick run-over with a brush once a week will ensure that its coat is always kept in tip-top condition.

Aside from that, regular flea and worming treatments are required to keep this dog healthy, as well as all the usual canine vaccinations. DL

This small greyhound is known for its extreme elegance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Italian Greyhound or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc.org.au. New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information.

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BREED FEATURE

GERMAN SPITZ The remarkable German Spitz has a smile worth a million dollars and the personality to match. By Dr Rob Zammit.

With its independent and happy outlook on life, the German Spitz is a devoted family member.

AT A GLANCE Grooming: ##### Exercise: ##### Size: Mittel 30–38cm; Klein 23–29cm Lifespan: Up to 15 years

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Photos: SokolovAnna/BigStock.com, Life on White/BigStock.com

BREED FEATU RE GERMA : N S P I TZ

BREED FEATURE

L

ike the Poodle, Schnauzer and Dachshund, the German Spitz comes in more than one size.

There is the Klein, from 23–29cm, and the Mittel, 30–38cm.

It’s believed the German Spitz descended from Samoyed-type dogs which journeyed across Northern Europe with the Vikings. As these dogs spread over Europe, they contributed to the development of the herding and shepherd breeds.

Evolving during the Middle Ages in northern Germany and Holland, the German Spitz acquired a double coat that protected him from the harsh climates. It is thought the Pomeranian was bred down from this breed.

Queen Victoria was also a lover of the German Spitz and it is sometimes known as the Victorian Pomeranian.

COMPACT & CUTE With a soft woolly undercoat and long harsh outer coat, the German Spitz is covered in profuse hair except for the face, ears and legs. The high-set tail is covered in long, spreading hair and carried curled over the back.

With its independent and happy outlook on life, the German Spitz is a devoted family member. Lorraine McCahon, who has been breeding Mittel Spitz for many years, says the breed’s zest for life and fun can be infectious.

“Any time spent with a German Spitz is memorable as they love being with you, dancing at your feet when they see you,” she says. “They are happy dogs, full of life; there are always fun and memorable moments.”

Although not a guard dog, this breed’s watchful personality will alert its family of any visitors.

This compact breed is almost square in outline and its brisk, effortless movement makes it a joy to take for a walk. They do like to play so regular exercising is easy to arrange.

The head is typical Spitz type: wedge shaped with a nearly flat skull and small, high-set, triangular ears. The muzzle is about half the length of the head and pointed. The coat extends to an abundant frill round the shoulders and front legs.

As the German Spitz comes in a full colour range with any markings acceptable, all the pups in one litter can

be different colours and choosing your particular preference can be a tough job.

A SMILING SPITZ Like all Spitz breeds, the German Spitz is not trimmed but a thorough brushing and a regular bath keeps its coat healthy. A good brushing at least every second day is essential. They have to be brushed right down to the skin in order to keep their coat from matting. Care must be taken of nails, teeth and ears but, other than that, this is an easy-to-care-for breed. Attention must be taken from puppyhood to introduce them to obedience training to allow them to fulfil their potential as good family members.

The German Spitz is an active little dog and needs a reasonable amount of exercise each day, but this can easily be achieved with a walk or simply running around the backyard.

The German Spitz, regardless of size, makes an ideal family pet for people who want a small, active and alert, profusely coated breed. With its happy, independent outlook on life and devotion to its family, the German Spitz is more than happy to live with young and old alike. DL

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the German Spitz or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc.org.au.

New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information.

It’s not hard to see why this breed was favoured by Queen Victoria.

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HOT PRODUCTS Here are the latest doggy products the DOGSLife team has gone barking mad for.

Fido Studio Tap into your dog’s natural instinct to have a “den” he can call his own with the new Fido Studio from Omlet.

This is more than just an indoor dog crate, designed with style and storage in mind. We particularly love the versatile wardrobe for storing treats, favourite toys, leash and, of course, the odd coat or two so they’re on hand and ready to go whenever we are!

For more information, visit omlet.com.au.

Fred & Friends Winer Dogs Wine Markers Keep a tight leash on your precious wine with a set of six Winer Dogs Wine Markers by Fred & Friends. Made from high-quality rubber silicone, these tags are shaped like sleeping sausage dogs and come in orange, blue, grey, black, white or brown, ensuring you’ll never go barking mad trying to remember which glass is yours again! Simply wrap one around the stem of your glass and you’re set to go. As the good people at Fred & Friends say, now that’s something to wag your tail about!

For more information, visit yellowoctopus.com.au.

Wall Art Prints Add a splash of colour to your wall with one of these bright and cheerful pieces from Wall Art Prints. Printed using advanced laserprinting technology on a premium cotton/polyblend 360GSM canvas, these prints are all coated for protection against UV light and dust damage. And, with a guarantee against fading and warping for 20 years, you know the print will be with you for a long while to come.

For more information, visit wallartprints.com.au.

DOOG neoprene leash in Marley We love the new neoprene leash range from DOOG, particularly this gorgeous print, the Marley. The bright colours just pop off the lightweight neoprene, which is super soft and contains just the right amount of stretch to avoid jarring for those enthusiastic dog-pulling moments.

The DOOG neoprene leash is made from a quick-dry antibacterial fabric and is perfect for those dogs and dog owners who love getting out and about!

For more information, visit doog.com.au.

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Tile Pet Memorial

Emmi-pet

Celebrate the life of one of the best friends you’ve ever had with a tile from JennoliART. Glazed and kiln-fired tiles can make great memorials for pet owners and provide a fitting tribute for someone who was always there for you.

All tiles are custom finished to order.

For more information, visit jennoliart.com.au.

It’s a fact: by the age of about two years, 80 per cent of dogs show their first symptoms of dental disorders. Keep your pet’s chompers in the very best shape you can using Emmi-pet. This fabulous product offers motionless and soundless dental cleaning to help make the dental hygiene experience as calm as possible for your dog. The Emmi-pet Ultrasound, generated in the patented Piezo-Chip, is able to penetrate 12mm deep into the gums to help remove any bacteria, helping prevent gum inflammations, periodontitis, tartar, bad breath odour and tooth loss. Brushing your dog’s teeth is a thing of the past as the Original Emmi-pet Ultrasound does the work much more effectively than any other kind of conventional toothbrush ever did. For more information, visit emmidentaustralia.com.

Dachshund Number Puzzle This brightly coloured toy is absolutely charming. We were captured by the bright colours depicting one of our very favourite breeds of dog, the Dachshund, and even more pleased to discover the product comes from one of our favourite retailers — Oxfam! For more information, visit shop.oxfam.org.au.

Pet Pastel Portraits What better way to celebrate your beloved furry friend than with a portrait beautifully created by Simon and Rowena at Pet Pastel Portraits? This husband-and-wife team based in Perth is skilled at capturing images of your furry friend, leaving you with a beautiful keepsake that will last a lifetime.

The Pet Pastel Portraits team work with you to select the best photo and will discuss your sizing requirements with you, too. Finally, you will see a copy of the work for approval before it’s sent out, ensuring you are 100 per cent thrilled with the final product.

Sound like the paw-fect gift for someone in your life? Check it out now. Prices start at $100AUD and shipping is free. For more information, visit petpastelportraits.com.

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Coming up in the next issue of DOGSLife

PUPPY YEARBOOK RESCUE VS PUREBRED: WHICH IS THE PET FOR YOU? DOGS WITH JOBS How our furry friends help us every day

COMMON DOG INJURIES Is your pooch at risk?

TOILET TRAINING When your pet really has to go!

KEEPING FIDO FIT (It’s not just about moving the legs)

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

Photo: Willee Cole/BigStock.com

On sale January 11, 2018

www.dogslife.com.au 89

Me & my dog This issue, we spoke to V8 Supercar driver Chaz Mostert about his gorgeous dogs, Bangers and Mash.

I remember the first time I saw my pets. It was at a well-known pet shop recommended to me on the Gold Coast.

I had intended to just get one Daschie but when I first saw them they just melted my heart. I couldn’t decide between the two brothers and didn’t want to leave one by itself so I took them both.

What I love most about my pets is ...

How affectionate they are. They are always happy to see you. When you have a bad weekend at the track, it’s always nice to come home and be loved.

We spend time together often. We go to the beach when we can (when I am not away at a race, which is pretty much every second week). They love the sand but they’re a bit scared of the waves coming in because they’re so little but I think they’re warming up to it. We also have some quality chill-out time on the couch.

The place my pet loves the most is ...

Definitely the couch. They just love being on the couch whenever they can.

The dog essential I could not do without is ... Definitely the bite rope.

It’s their favourite toy. They love having tug-o’-war with me. I nearly lose a finger playing with them; they’re pretty full on with it.

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You can follow Chaz and the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship at supercars. com.au or search Supercars on Facebook and use the @supercars handle on Twitter or @supercarschampionship on Instagram.

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