IOL
PETS
Picture Pawfect
ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2020
INSIDE Adopting a pet is furry rewarding Bone Appetit! Pandemic pounds CBD for pets Can your pet go veg? Tips to dining out with your pet Editor’s choice Pawfect playlists
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com PETS EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni@africannewsagency.com SALES Charl Reineke charl@africannewsagency.com Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
HEROES FOR ANIMALS
Five young boys from Philippi set a shining example after they found a distressed dog in some bushes and walked for kilometres to take it to a safe place. The boys found the nearest Animal Welfare Society of SA shelter and took the Labrador, which they named Champ, to its premises. Animal Welfare said in a Facebook post: “They looked as though they had just crossed the finish line of a marathon and won first prize as they excitedly took turns proudly explaining that they had found the dog lying in the bushes. The kids went into great detail about the ingenious plan they hatched to help rescue him.” Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast presenter Martin Bester spoke to Jacques le Roux, the nurse who assisted the boys with the dog at Animal Welfare and gave them R1 000 each towards their education. Le Roux said: “This act has a lot to do with the upbringing of each child. The parents definitely play a vital role by showing compassion towards animals, which is then passed on to their children.” He said he got goosebumps when he saw the boys genuinely loved the dog. He said the boys’ actions “serve as an eye opener because it shows how a child under the age of 12 can make a difference”. The boys will also be awarded certificates from the society. Bester said: “I believe that children love being around animals, especially if that is how they are educated or brought up by the adults around them. The more kind and compassionate children are towards pets, the more it will play a role in making them great adults.” If the public would like to make any form of donation, please visit awscape.org.za
EDITOR’S NOTE As my daughter Kimaya bleated relentlessly about wanting a puppy, I chorused even louder that two children, running a home, a high-pressured job and everything else in between was more than enough for me. I was not going to take on the responsibility of a pet. Fast forward three years… I cannot remember life without my darling English cocker spaniel, Toby, and Lord knows, my heart won’t let me think of life without him. Toby is not my pet, he is my child, in every sense of the word. And, I’m certain, many ardent lovers of animals feel the same way. In times of sadness, I can feel his soulful, brown eyes reaching deep into my heart as he moves in close to ensure I feel safe. In times of joy, his big floppy spaniel ears tell a story of a child, running free, sharing in the happiness of the family he so loves. Then there’s his primordial wolf howl at the sound of the passing ice cream truck – bringing home what a baby he really is. Gets him every time. Today, IOL Lifestyle launches Pet Magazine to celebrate the four-legged babies who own our hearts. In this inaugural issue we look at pet health and nutrition – from vegetarian diets for pets to the most wonderful recipes from a new cookbook for dogs, to pet-friendly restaurants across the country. We even share tips on dining with your pets. We also look at how the coronavirus pandemic has affected animals. Lockdown resulted in a rush to buy pets for the sheer pleasure of their company and a flood of returns to animal shelters because many people could no longer afford to care for their pets. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel as South Africans rallied to the call from shelters and signed up as foster carers. The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch had all its 115 dogs and 20 cats placed in homes. We would love to hear about your pets. Send your stories, pictures and videos to nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za. Your pet could feature in our next issue. We also want to hear about heroes for animals, a regular feature celebrating those going the extra mile for animals. We’re all barking mad about our fur babies over here.
Nelandri
ADOPTING A PET
IS FURRY REWARDING From a boom in adoptions to an increased rate rather unusual circumstances for animal
in returns, lockdown has created some shelters and pet adopters alike SACHA VAN NIEKERK
THOSE who have them will attest that pets have the charming ability to paw their way into the very core of family life. From the dads who insist that they don’t want a puppy, only to immediately soften up and allow them a spot at the foot of the bed, to children who grow up with a companion that’ll see them through various stages of life – having a pet at home can be a truly wonderful thing. Whether it was to seek company from the love of a furry friend or to relieve shelters of the pressure of having to look after a growing number of animals during the lockdown – many South Africans volunteered to assist shelters in whatever way they could. With that, the number of pets being taken into homes soared across the country as people adopted and volunteered to foster animals. Luke Kruyt, Animal Care and media manager at Tears Animal Rescue, said that after issuing an appeal for foster homes on social media, Tears received thousands of emails offering support and care. “We were able to empty our kennels and placed 120 dogs and puppies into loving foster homes for what we believed would be a three-week lockdown.” Tears was not alone in achieving such success, the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch had all 115 dogs and 20 cats placed in a home in what was a historic accomplishment for them. Announcing the amazing news on social media they said: “Never in our 64 years of operation has our shelter been empty; we cannot thank our fosters, volunteers and incredible staff enough.” Adopting a pet can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Adopting from a shelter or rescue group means you are directly saving two lives: when you bring home a rescue pet you’re freeing up a space for another animal who needs a second chance at a happy life. However, as many animal welfare organisations warned, pet adoption should not be a spontaneous decision and requires serious consideration, planning and family discussions. While many of the families fell in love with their fosters, opting to officially adopt resulting in thousands of dogs and puppies finding their forever homes, some as the length of lockdown was extended, the number of foster fails increased. According to Maryke van Rensburg of the Domestic Animal Rescue Group: “It created somewhat of an unnatural situation for adoptees and their pets who were around one another 24/7 after coming straight out of a shelter environment. With the emotional stressors individuals have experienced due to Covid-19, I think quite a few adopters took on more than they could handle. Many dogs would not have known a regular ‘home’ environment so there were most likely a lot of new things for them to adjust to, like the commotion of vacuum cleaners. Dogs need to be introduced slowly to novel things if they have only known life in a shelter. What often happens is some sort of fallout occurs from a dog being overwhelmed by too much too soon which can play into why they may have not settled in a home and thus been returned.”
With the easing of lockdown levels, many dog owners are now worried that their pet will be anxious when they return to work. Tears Animal Rescue shared some tips on how to get your dog into a new routine and used to being home alone (again) – avoiding as much stress as possible: l Invest in food-dispensing toys and long-lasting treats/chew toys, which will keep your dog busy and occupied while you are not at home. l Make sure your dog has a comfy bed. l Leave the radio on, it’s better than dead silence. l Start getting your dog used to you not being around. Practise leaving home for short periods of time, and gradually increase the length of time spent away from home. l Consult with a registered animal behaviourist for more advice in dealing with separation anxiety.
WHAT’S AILING FIDO OR FLUFFY?
JUST like people, our pets can be sensitive to environmental factors. Many pets experience sensitivities that can show up as tummy upsets and a dull coat with dry, itchy, flaky skin. In fact, up to a third of pet parents report seeing skin flare-ups once in a month in cats and dogs, and “skin issues” is a commonly internet-searched pet topic. What can cause sensitivities Your pet’s itchy, flaky skin may be caused by many factors, among them parasites and fleas, environmental allergens such as dust, pollen and mould, bacterial and fungal infections, lack of skinspecific nutrients and sensitivities to certain kinds of proteins in their food. Cats may also experience hormone imbalances that can make them prone to skin problems. Digestive disorders also have a variety of causes, ranging from eating something inappropriate or new to food intolerances or sensitivities, infections, inflammation of gastrointestinal organs and even stress. Some breeds are more prone to particular digestive problems and flatulence, including German shepherd dogs, Labradors, Pugs and Bulldogs, and Sphynx, Rex and Ragdoll cats. What to watch out for Ideally your pet’s coat should be clean; for cats fluffy, soft and smooth and for dogs shiny and relatively soft and smooth, even on short or wirehaired breeds. Signs that your pet may have a skin condition: ● Red patches, spots or pimples ● Scabs, crusts or thickened skin ● Dry, flaky or scaly patches ● Dull hair with excess hair loss ● Bad skin odour ● Itching, scratching, licking or rubbing ● Ear infections
Symptoms of digestive problems: ● Vomiting or regurgitation ● Diarrhoea or soft stools ● Change of appetite ● Flatulence ● Stomach gurgling ● Constipation ● Weakness ● Sudden inactivity or depression Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends that you consult your vet for any persistent or severe symptoms or if you are in any way concerned. Ruling out more specific conditions, even healthy pets can experience occasional tummy upsets or flatulence or show signs of dry, flaky or itchy skin and a dull coat. It’s not uncommon for sensitive stomach and skin issues to occur at the same time. The right food can help Even when the cause of your pet’s sensitivity is not related to nutrition a high-quality food formulated especially for sensitive stomachs or skin can help. Hill’s, studies pets’ biology to understand how nutrition impacts digestive and skin health. Prebiotic fibre is important for the gut microbiome, the unique mix of bacteria essential for a healthy digestive system. vitamin E, Omega-6s and other nutrients help maintain and protect skin. Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin, from Hill’s Special Care range, is one delicious food ideal for pets with sensitive skin, sensitive stomachs – or both. It’s balanced to support healthy skin and gentle digestion with easy-to-digest ingredients and fibres to encourage nutrient absorption and stools that are easier to pick up.
BONE APPETIT! From pupcakes to salads, the Bake and Bark doggy cookbook is filled with recipes for the perfect treat for your beloved pooch SACHA VAN NIEKERK CURATED by the Domestic Animal Rescue Group (Darg), Bake and Bark consists of tried-and-tested recipes by the rescue dogs and tweaked to suit their taste buds. The team behind the cookbook, Maryke van Rensburg, Marcus Viljoen and Darg managing director Faustina Gardner, said each dog available for adoption had the liberty to choose their favourite recipe, which was then named after them in the book. Based in Hout Bay, Cape Town, Darg rehabilitates and rehomes lost, abandoned, abused and neglected animals. The organisation aims to educate disadvantaged communities about caring for animals. Besides the 240 animals at the facility, its community programme helps dogs and cats in the surrounding communities of Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu. Funding goes towards sterilisations, emergency veterinary care, basic pet care and general veterinary treatments. Darg does not receive government assistance and relies on the goodwill of the public and on fundraising events. If you’re thinking of whipping up a little canine cuisine for your favourite good boy, you won’t have to search far for ingredients. “We wanted to make sure that each ingredient is locally sourced from any supermarket and is safe for your dog to consume,” the authors said. “There are many products that are harmful to dogs and EACH RECIPE IS SAFE, BALANCED it was very important to make sure that the recipes in Bake and Bark are not AND DELICIOUS FOR YOUR only nutritious and delicious, but also safe for your pooch to enjoy.” FAVOURITE GOOD BOY A food technologist provided the nutritional information for each recipe. “Animal behaviour therapist and expert nutritionist Jo Scott reviewed each recipe to make sure that they are safe for consumption, balanced and delicious for your dog.” They should not be considered a meal replacement, but something to spoil your pet with on special occasions. Visit Bake and Bark at www.darg.shop to buy the book. To find out how you can help or if you are interested in adopting or volunteering, contact Darg at 021 790 0383 or info@darg.org.za.
KIMMIE’S CARROT CAKE Makes: 20cm cake Cooking time: 35 minutes Ingredients 2 cups carrots, puréed 2 large eggs 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup unflavoured canned sardines, drained ½ cup sunflower oil ½ cup warm water 2 cups full-fat cream cheese
Nutritional Information: Fat 56% Protein 11% Carbohydrate 33%
Instructions Preheat the oven to 180°C. Coat a 20cm ring pan with non-stick cooking spray. Purée the carrots in a food processor. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, add the carrot, flour, sardines, oil, water and mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and distribute it evenly. Bake for 35 minutes, until golden brown on top. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once the cake is cooled, ice with cream cheese and garnish with grated carrots. Serve slices to your pooch. Cover any leftover cake with foil and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months in an airtight container.
APOLLO’S CHICKEN BOWL Servings: 1-4 (depending on the size of your dog) Cooking time: 50 minutes Ingredients 1 large boneless chicken breast, shredded 2 cups water ½ cup rice, cooked ½ cup carrots, diced ½ cup green beans, sliced ½ cup peas
Nutritional information: Fat 56% Protein 11% Carbohydrate 33%
Instructions Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the boneless chicken breast on a baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Bring 350ml of the water to boil, add rice and cook on a low heat for 45 minutes or until water is fully absorbed. Peel and cube the carrots, slice the green beans. Add the peas, carrots and green beans to the remaining water in the saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken breast. Place the chicken, rice and vegetables into a dog bowl and mix until combined. Cool to room temperature before serving to your dog.
TIGERIY’S POOCH SALAD Servings: 1-4 (depending on the size of your dog) Prep time: 10 minutes Ingredients 1 cup lettuce, chopped ⅓ cup cucumber, peeled and cubed ¾ cup carrot, peeled and grated ¾ cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed ⅓ cup plain full-fat yoghurt with live cultures Instructions Rinse the lettuce, then peel the cucumber, carrot and sweet potato. Chop the lettuce, then dice the cucumber, grate the carrot and cube the sweet potato, measuring approximately 1cm, and place it in a bowl. Pour the yoghurt over the vegetables and stir all the ingredients until thoroughly coated. Feed the salad to your pooch immediately. The salad can be kept in the fridge for two days. TIP: Consult your vet before serving yoghurt to your dog. Simply remove the yoghurt if your dog is allergic to lactose.
Nutritional information: Fat 16% Protein 12% Carbohydrate 72%
KEN’S CHICKEN AND CHEESE PÂTÉ Makes: 1 cup Cooking time: 90 minutes Ingredients 120g boneless chicken breast ½ cup chicken livers 2 tbs unsalted butter 2 tbs cottage cheese, smooth Instructions Place the chicken breasts in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Set aside to cool. Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the liver and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the chicken breast and sauté for a minute. Pour the mixture into a food processor, add the cottage cheese and blend until smooth. Using a spoon, fill a bowl with pâté. Freeze for 1 hour, then serve. Refrigerate the leftover pâté in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. TIP: Remove the cheese if your pet is allergic to lactose. Place pâté in a hoof for your pet to enjoy.
Disclaimer The recipes provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a meal replacement. Consult with an expert, feed your dog responsibly and in moderation.
PUPPY FAT OVERFED AND UNDER-EXERCISED... DOGS ARE PACKING ON LOCKDOWN WEIGHT
WHEN lockdowns to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus began, Massachusetts retiree Lisa Allen took her state’s stay-at-home guidance seriously. She holed up in her high-rise Boston condo with her 6-year-old Pomeranian, Desi. Allen reduced walks from three to two a day – the better to avoid the elevator and lobby. She bought pee pads for Desi and gave him a treat when he used them. By late June, Desi was having trouble breathing. A routine visit to the veterinarian revealed that the tiny dog had gained 453g. “If I only gained a pound, I’d be very happy,” Allen said. “But when you’re 5 pounds, that’s 20% of your weight. It was putting strain on him.” The problem, the vet said, was one familiar to millions of pet owners and a growing number of dogs: a routine upended by Covid19. In many cases, housebound humans are giving their dogs more attention and walks, boosting
fitness for pets and people alike. But in others, veterinarians and professional dog walkers say, the changes have led to overfed and either under-exercised or overwalked dogs – and to new joint problems and obesity. Banfield Pet Hospital surveyed pet owners at the end of May about how they were faring during the pandemic. Many reported pudgier pets. “It’s too soon to tell if the Covid crisis has resulted in weight gain for the average pet,” said Andrea Sanchez, a Banfield veterinarian and senior manager of operations support. “But of 1 000 respondents, she said, “33% said they thought their pet had gained weight – and it was especially dog owners.” Sanchez said that 44% of respondents said they were paying closer attention to their pets. She had been encouraging them to think of new ways to give the dogs exercise and stimulation.
A veterinarian could also tell pet owners how many calories dogs should eat each day based on their current weight. The amount of food and treats varied from brand to brand, Sanchez said, so dog owners should work with veterinarians to determine a calorie count that worked for the food sources in the home. That’s what Allen is now doing with Desi, whose new nickname is “the portly Pomeranian”. His meal sizes have been slashed, and she throws a ball in the condo for him to chase while she continues social distancing. At first, Desi was not a fan of the new plan, which also includes fewer treats. But he’s coming around. “We spoil our pals because we love them, but watching their weight to ward off illness really is a better way to spoil them,” Allen said. “I have to keep reminding myself of that, even though he’s staring at me and I know perfectly well what he wants.”
CBD FOR PETS GROWS POPULAR... but vets urge caution
The increase in amateur fireworks earlier in May and June rattled a lot of nerves, and not just human ones. In Washington, DC’s Kingman Park neighbourhood, where fireworks became a nightly occurrence, a Labrador-hound mix named Nefertiti made herself a new home in the tiny space between the couch and the wall. Or, sometimes, the closet. “She would be shaking and cowering and eventually hiding so we couldn’t find her,” said her owner, Sarah Wilson. “It just got worse and worse.” She couldn’t bear to see her dog suffer, so she turned to her family for advice. One relative asked the question that changed the trajectory of Nefertiti’s summer: “He was like, Have you tried CBD oil?” It’s a question that has been at the top of many dog owners’ minds lately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that comes from hemp, but it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the marijuana compound that makes people high. Proponents say that it can be used to address a variety of animal maladies, including anxiety and certain skin conditions. Some studies say it can decrease arthritis pain and control seizures. It’s available in several forms, including oils, capsules, topical lotions and dog treats. Enthusiasm for natural and inexpensive remedies has helped the market take off at an astonishing speed: The pet CBD category grew 946% last year, according to the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research company. But peer-reviewed research on CBD for dogs is still limited, and the few studies that have been completed had small sample sizes. And even though pet treats and tinctures containing CBD are sold in stores and online, they have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which means veterinarians aren’t allowed to recommend them. Gail Golab, chief veterinary officer for scientific affairs and public policy at the American Veterinary Medical Association, urges caution. “We want to make sure that owners can be confident that what they’re giving their animal is something that’s actually going to help them,” said Golab.
CAN YOUR PET GO VEG?
If you want to have a vegetarian pet, dogs are more promising – they’ve come a long way from e their wolf ancestors. Whole-genom lves sequencing study of dogs and wo tion ica est dom the r revealed that, ove rch sta to ted process, 10 genes rela e digestion and fat metabolism hav ore ref the significantly changed. It’s likely dogs digest starch more efficiently than wolves. But there are some amino acids essential for dogs, that plants tend to be poor in.
MATTHEW Grant tried diet after diet to help lessen the food allergies of Cooper, his old English bulldog. “Raw diet, novel protein, kangaroo, venison, we tried just about everything,” he says. Nothing worked – until he went vegan. Now his three dogs are on plantbased diets, and he says their coats are shinier and softer. Cooper’s allergies are completely gone. So remarkable was the change that Grant says he’s now thinking about going vegan himself. As more vegetarian kibble shows up in pet stores, switching Fido and Fluffy to plant-based nutrition may seem a good idea. According to a study published this year in PLOS One, over a third of pet owners in English-speaking countries have considered putting their pets on plant-based diets. Yet experts warn to be cautious. The science is sparse. While going plant-based – or at least forgoing
meat – may be healthy for humans, it’s not necessarily so for our furry friends – and for cats in particular. Lisa Freeman, veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University, believes the answer to whether cats can be healthy on a vegetarian diet is an “unequivocal no”. Unlike dogs, cats are obligate or “true” carnivores, meaning they rely entirely on animal flesh for some important nutrients. Take vitamin A: dogs and humans can convert beta carotene from plant foods into active vitamin A. Cats cannot – they need to ingest the vitamin directly with meat. “There are also some fatty acids, like arachidonic acid, which is essential for cats and only found in animal fats,” says Jennifer Adolphe, animal nutritionist at the University of Saskatchewan. Other challenging nutrients are vitamin D, vitamin B12 and taurine – an
amino acid found in mammalian tissues (humans and dogs can synthesize it from plant sources). Taurine deficiency in cats can cause heart disease and vision problems. Yes, it’s possible to whip up a cocktail of supplements and sprinkle it over your cat’s porridge. But, Adolphe warns, “you wouldn’t want to just simply add those ingredients and hope for the best”. In real foods, nutrients come combined with thousands of others, interacting, complementing each other, changing the way they work. In supplements, such nutrients are taken out of context and don’t necessarily work in the same way. Studies on humans show, for instance, that popping beta carotene or vitamin E supplements can actually increase mortality. And although supplements can be essential to health in case of deficiencies, they cannot replace proper nutrition, experts say.
Besides, almost no research exists about the health of vegetarian cats. The few studies were done on very small numbers of animals. In one, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, blood samples were obtained from 17 vegetarian cats. All were fine in terms of vitamin B12; as for taurine, three cats were found deficient. But the concentrations of vitamin A and arachidonic acid weren’t even measured. Such a lack of research worries vets. “I don’t think there are a lot of people with advanced training in pet nutrition that think it’s a good idea to feed cats vegan,” says Cailin Heinze, animal nutritionist at Tufts University. Consulting a certified pet nutritionist is always advisable. | The Washington Post
CAPE TOWN Aegir (Noordhoek) After a stroll on the beach with your pooch head to the Aegir Project Brewery for a frosty one and a gourmet boerie roll. Aegir, the brewery’s mascot, also roams around freely, so make sure your dog is happy with other dogs before you head here. Die Damhuis (Melkbosstrand) This beach restaurant have a dogfriendly menu with meatballs, sirloin and Cool Dogs ice cream. Maria’s (Gardens) Bring along furry
JOBURG Arbour Café & Courtyard (Illovo) This French-inspired cafe is often populated by breakfast and coffee enthusiasts on summer days. They do welcome dogs but are situated in the quaint Birdhaven shopping centre, so do keep your furry friend on a leash. Arbour Café offers a menu for your canine companion. Eat Your Heart Out (Maboneng) Your dog is priority at Eat Your Heart Out, where they’ll be seen to with a water bowl. You can relax and eat something from the Jewish-inspired men and take in the buzzy vibe of Maboneng. Doppio Zero (Greenside) Buzzy and busy, this spot offers coffee and croissants. Dogs settle on the wide patio with their owners. Picobella Trattoria (Melville) Locals and their dogs go to Picobella for an elevated verandah area and good-value Med-influenced Italian food, and a beautifully calm vibe. Dogs are offered complimentary dog biscuits and water.
friends and sit under the trees while you tuck into the Greek cuisine. Dogs are sometimes given a meaty lamb bone to keep them occupied. Sociable dogs are also welcome to sit inside. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant (Newlands) With sweeping views, this tranquil family-friendly restaurant is the ideal weekend spot. Take your dog for a stroll on a mountain trail before settling down to a wrap, salad, or tempting tea-time treat. Pets are offered dog biscuits and a bowl of water.
PRETORIA As Greek as it Gets (Cullinan) Owner Stavros Vladislavic is happy to welcome pets outside, where there’s ample seating under umbrellas for shade, provided they’re on a leash and well behaved. La Madeleine (Lynnwood) Father-and-daughter Daniel and Anne Leusch run this popular bistro on a large property with many large trees where parents, children and dogs can co-exist happily. The security guard, who keeps watch over the cars in the street, is happy to take dogs for a small walk so you can enjoy your meal in peace. Afro-boer (Willows) The gardens are filled with such beautiful rose bushes that you might want to spend all your time sniffing the flowers. All types of dogs are welcome, from handbag accessories who sit on laps to guide dogs and security-oriented observers. Leashes are a prerequisite, however. Dogs are made so welcome that staff love sneaking the odd rusk or meatball under the table – if the owners allow.
DURBAN The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga) The five-star garden villas offer a range of beds and menus to pamper the special pets of hotel guests. The Dogs’ Delights menu includes Woof Waffles with boerewors and gravy, toasted bread with cheese or scrambled egg, chunks of steak in gravy served with rice, and a full doggy breakfast complete with hash browns. Skabenga’s Savouries is another menu, offering kitty treats like flaked tuna, steamed chicken and a bowl of warm milk, plus other feline foods. Surf Riders Food Shack (Addington Beach) This beach-front restaurant on Durban’s Golden Mile serves unfussy fare such as great breakfasts, burgers, pizzas and gourmet shakes. The popular spot is also dog-friendly, with a menu just for your pet that includes a Poochini Snack – peanut-butter sauce, ice cream, layered sponge and biscuit crumbs. FOAM (Umdloti) Grab a salad or a good cuppa and watch the waves roll in as your furry friend rests by your side. Dogs are offered water and dog biscuits. Circus Circus Beach Café (Snell Parade) The buzzing beach-side restaurant offers beautiful ocean views and a casual spot for a weekend breakfast or lunch with your pup. Grab a table outside and the staff will bring a bowl of refreshing water for your dog. Market Restaurant (Essenwood) Enjoy lazy lunches under the trees with your well-behaved dogs on leads. They’ll also be offered bowls of water to lap up. | Source: Eat Out and restaurant owner Larry Hodes
TIPS Socialise your dog: This helps you understand how your dog reacts to strangers, loud noises, other animals and other situations before you bring them to a restaurant. Ease into it: Take him to a pet-friendly restaurant for a short visit when it’s not busy. Exercise your dog: Exercising your four-legged friend before you leave for the restaurant will release your pet’s pent up energy, so they will be calmer in a social setting. Don’t go alone: Have another person accompany you. The person will be able to wait with your fur baby if you need to use the loo or step out for a few minutes. Stick to one dog per pet parent: Do not bring more dogs than humans to a restaurant. Although a restaurant may be pet friendly, this does not mean it is a dog park. Be respectful. Take a water bowl: Some restaurants may provide special dog bowls, but do not expect it. Also make sure that you do not allow your pet to lick your plate or cutlery. Have pets relieve themselves before you get to the restaurant. It is bad form for your pet to do his business in the restaurant. Practise good table manners – you and your pup. Make sure your pet is calm and do not allow your pooch to sit in your lap or on a chair. Your dog should be sitting or lying down next to your chair at all times. Do not allow your pet to wander and disturb others: Your pet should be on a leash at all times. Be courteous of other patrons: Take your pet out of the restaurant if they are being loud or being unruly.
CHOW DOWN!
HEAD TO A PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT FOR A PAWSITIVELY GREAT TIME WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND KEDIBONE MODISE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
All the products are available on Loot.co.za. Click on the product/QR code to place your order and you will have them in less than a week.
GARMIN DOG HARNESS FOR VIRB X AND XE (LONG) R2 293
Mount your action camera to your dog with this lightweight, fully adjustable harness. Available in two sizes.
COZY PET HOME (FOGGY GREY) R1 490
The Cozy Pet Home is the purr-fect solution for the style-conscious pet owner. Designed for both cats and smaller dogs, this bed features a modern knit-look design, crafted from a sturdy, yet flexible, resin material. Includes 2 cushions.
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WAGWORLD INTERIOR FUTON DOG BED (GREEN STRIPE)
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R1 187 The design will complement your décor, while offering your hound the best support for a comfy sleep. Highly recommended for the larger breed of dog, due to excellent weight support.
CAT’S LIFE CAT CUBE – CHECKERED (PINK) R499
Kitty will be purring the day away in this supersnuggly Cat’s Life Cat Cube, while you can rest easy knowing the removable cover is so easy to clean.
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BUY NOW ROGZ TUMBLER MEDIUM TREAT DISPENSER (BLUE) R232
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A Treat Puzzle, to help stimulate both body and mind all, while filling their tummy. There are three adjustable release rates for different levels of learning and feeding.
PET SEAT COVER (170 X 60CM) R109
Let Fido cuddle with you on the couch. With this seat cover you can protect your seats from hair, scratches and dirt. This water-resistant, non-slip cover fits all kinds of seats.
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DOGIT VOYAGEUR PET CARRIER 400 (66 X 45 X 43CM) (GREY)
R1 322
The Dogit® Voyageur line of travel carriers is the ideal solution for your pet transportation needs. Available in 4 sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) and assorted colours.
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PAWFECT PLAYLISTS
PET owners of the world: Spotify wants you to know that it sees you – and your furry beloved – and is acknowledging the range of emotions that come with your version of parenthood. No longer should you toil over whether your best bud likes Adele as much as you, nor should you feel guilt over the separation anxiety your cat or dog or even lizard may be experiencing while you work off your own tail for hours every day. Your pets might be alone, but they won’t be lonely. There’s a Spotify playlist for that. The popular music streaming service has developed an algorithm to curate “pawfect” playlists that serve the soothing needs for you and your pet – as long as your pet is a dog, cat, bird, hamster or iguana (sorry, teacup pigs). Its five-step process asks pet owners to identify their animal’s breed and then select on a sliding scale whether they are relaxed or energetic, shy or friendly and
We tried Spotify’s new ‘Pet Playlists’ generator. It picked the song ‘Nine Lives’ for my cat.
apathetic or curious. For this reporter, the owner of a large, fluffy black cat named Tank, who purrs like a diesel engine, drools like a dog and hates when others feel peace, the curation quiz meant toggling each slider hard to the right. The final step includes telling Spotify your pet’s name and uploading your favourite picture of its cute face. Then the streaming site’s algorithm says it is “syncing your taste” and spits out a personalised playlist. Tank’s Pet Playlist included Velvet Kitty Cat by Prince, a song from the Moana soundtrack. To develop the Pet Playlists algorithm, a Spotify representative said the streaming company consulted with musicologist David Teie, a cellist with America’s National Symphony Orchestra who pioneered species-specific music and composed two albums of music for cats. Teie’s expertise informed the
calculation, like how dogs don’t like low-register tunes because they can be threatening. Spotify said pets seem to prefer classical and soft rock. A survey of 5 000 animal lovers from the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Italy found that 71% of owners play music for their pets and that 70% consider the emotional well-being of their pets every day. Sixty-nine percent sing to their animals, and 57% dance with them. Spotify concedes that pet music “isn’t an exact science” but said the goal of Pet Playlists is to build upon the “true connection” pet owners feel between their “beloved animals and music.” This pet owner just hopes Tank’s Pet Playlist becomes the calming soundtrack that keeps him from peeing in her potted plants.
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