PetPrints Magazine January/February 2022 by Pet Prints Magazine

Welcome

Welcome to the year of the tiger, everyone! May 2022 be kinder than the last few years. As always, we kick off the new year with a cover featuring our latest Cover Model Winner as entered by our readers. This year we are featuring Lady, a fine, feminine feline who loves posing for the camera. She is the centre of the universe to her mom, Alison, who rescued her as a kitten, and the two are inseparable. Check out their Q&A on page 8. In this issue we also debut our latest column called Over the Rainbow Bridge. This column aims to educate and talk about everything related to the passing of our pets. Although this may sound like a dark topic, we feel that there is not enough being done to educate and help people through these trying times. I would like to encourage you to turn to page 38, where we talk about the grief that comes with the passing of our beloved companions. If you feel this column is helpful, please send us an email or DM and share this with us. Your feedback on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

ISSUE 1, 2022 Our aim this year is to get back to working in the communities, and doing some much needed outreach work on the education front. With what we’ve been seeing in statistics, children and animals need our guidance and help more than ever. This is something that we touch on in our Horsing Around column in this issue. The therapy experienced by a child, while working with animals, is extremely important and teaches so much empathy. If you are in any position to assist an organisation working with children using animal therapy, please assist them. We will be touching on this subject during the year. So, here’s to you, our readers, and all the great things that will come your way this year. Let’s make this a great one!

Marise Burger Gerhard Maritz Nelda Cilliers Sharnelle van der Merwe Gaironesa Atkins

PHOTOGRAPHY Emma O’Brien Photography

PRINTING Optic Printers

CONTRIBUTORS Get-to-Know Dr Tania Vermeulen from Ou Kaapse Vet

Until next time.

Tick off - Jennifer Davies Top Tips for a Stress Fee Vet Visit - Bryony van Niekerk Arthritis in Pets - Cole Hay Mamma Mia - Caron Burger

The Project Earth Mission Each person has the power to make a difference in this world. As a magazine focused on animal welfare, we firmly believe in this statement. Our passion for animals has taken us on a whirlwind adventure and we are proud to say that we have been actively involved in paying vet bills, donating food and shelter and even volunteering our time to help the animal welfare organizations that work tirelessly to fight for animals. You can be part of this project by supporting us. The bigger our network, the more animals we will be able to help. “The universe does not give you what you ask for with your thoughts; it gives you what you ask for with your actions.” Dr Steve Maraboli

ON THE COVER

EDITORIAL

CONTACT DETAILS Marise Burger

FEEDBACK AND LETTERS mail@petprints.co.za

071 382 7795 marise@projectearth.org.za

@petprintsmag

Pet Dental Procedures - Cole Hay Over the Rainbow Bridge - Jennifer Davies Pets need a break too - Brian Berkman Signs of illness in your equine friend - Dani McNeill Dr Travis Gray - Tygerberg Animal Hospital COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved. Pet Prints is published by Umsebeni Emhlabeni (Pty) Ltd t/a Project Earth. All profits go towards assisting non-profit animal welfare organisations in need. The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this magazine. While every effort is made to ensure editorial and factual accuracy, no responsibility is accepted for any errors.

CONTENTS

JANU ARY/ F EBRU A RY 2 0 2 2

MAMMA MIA

Grace Animal Sanctuary

FASCINATING GIRAFFE FACTS

COMMUNITY PAGE

LIFESTYLE

B-WELL RECIPE

PET DENTAL PROCEDURE

Pet & pool loyalty club Cheeky Beaks Bird Rescue #Januworry no more! R100 and under deals

GET TO KNOW YOUR VET

Get to know Dr Tania Vermeulen from Ou Kaapse Vet

FROM OUR READERS

Write to us and stand a chance to win a Red Dingo Leash & Collar Set

TOP TIPS

TICK OFF

FEATURE ARTICLE

2022 Cover Model Winner Lady

Top Tips for a Stress-Free Vet Visit There are very few things as revolting as finding a big fat tick on your pet.

ARTHRITIS IN PETS

Vegan Mincey Tacos

Our pets need regular dental check-ups because they cannot tell us when they have a toothache, abscess or any other kind of dental hygiene issue.

OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Our animal family members bring boundless joy and unconditional love, and are such an integral part of our lives that we can’t imagine being without them

PETS NEEDS A BREAK TOO Raddisson Red

ASK THE VET

ADOPTIONS

BREED SPECIFIC ADOPTIONS

WELFARE DIRECTORY

Dr Travis Grey from Tygerberg Animal Hospital answers your questions.

Adopt a Basset.

Pawboys Is so excited to launch our new range of Dog Mom leggings 🤩 Perfect for the gym, dog walks or just lounging about 😎 Made from 100% cotton and available in black, grey and olive green.

PAWBOYS APPAREL Because 4 legs are better than 2

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rowing up, I could never give enough love and compassion to animals, of any sort. My heart was always the fullest when in the company of an animal, especially a pet. Imagine my delight when I was only 6 years old and found out for the first time that there are animal DOCTORS! My preschool mind was made up in that instant, standing in front of my dad in our living room on the East Rand of Gauteng - I was to become a vet.

No one in my family had ever become a vet, nor doctor for that matter, but I decided to follow my heart and study the full seven years to obtain my veterinary degree at Onderstepoort. I was part of the class who was the last to do the degree in seven years - it is now only six years long- but we were also the first class to complete a compulsory community service (CCS) year. The journey that brought me to where I am today is only a few steppingstones, but multiple mentors long. I started at a small Afrikaans private school in Bedfordview, called Leeuwenhof Akademie, made my way to Onderstepoort, the only campus offering the degree of Veterinary Medicine, and worked at a practice in Plettenberg Bay for a couple of years after completing my CCS year on the East Rand. Life has a way of leading you to what is meant for you, and I have found that Cape Town was definitely meant to be on my journey. I adore nature and enjoy all the outdoor activities offered here – I am sure I don’t have to explain the appeal to anyone who knows Cape Town. I currently share a flat with my two beautiful cats, Jazz and Pooka, where we often enjoy baking together, or admiring newly bought houseplants that tend to either die or flourish. I use nature as my therapy and often go out hiking with friends, or just enjoy the sunshine at a market or two. My perspective of practising as a veterinarian has changed dramatically since living it in person – there is first the overwhelm of applying masses of acquired knowledge; then there is the reward and joy of helping pets in big and small ways. There is the mental stimulation of working on intricate cases (which I thoroughly enjoy) or applying new skills and learning new things daily. I have always preferred internal medicine, but have found a passion for feline medicine in particular. There is, however, also the largely unspoken side of Veterinary Medicine where your mental health can be challenged to the point of inevitable burnout. I, myself, have experienced it firsthand, and so have most vets I know. We care so much for our patients and clients that we stop caring for ourselves, which can have life-altering consequences.

Get to Know

I have saved many lives, had many grateful clients and have bonded with so many patients. I continue to learn to grow every day and can do so amongst friends. I have been a part of seeing life beginning as well as life ending, and each case has left their individual mark. There are some names I will forever remember. The mental challenges can be overwhelming, but I hold on to the positive, heart-warming or outright bizarre moments that come my way.

Dr Tania Vermeulen from

Today, as I am writing this, sitting comfortably on my couch with my two cats and a glass of wine (I like to celebrate wine Wednesdays), I can say that I am grateful for being a part of a growing practice in the southern suburbs. It is such a privilege to be part of the Ou Kaapse Vet team where I know I am supported, and my own health is put first in order that I can provide the highest standard of veterinary care. Here I am included in the evolution of a practice that is pioneering the veterinary industry into modern medicine.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

To Enter:

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Follow 2 Instagram accounts @petprintsmag and @beeztees _south_africa & find the post with the Riddle.Tag us in your post with the answer, adding the hashtag #beezteesbrainbuster HINT: Answer can be found on our website petprints.co.za

FROM OUR READERS Magic mike Magic Mike is a classic blue tabby, purebred Maine Coon. He is a strictly raw fed cat, and at 1 year weighs a whopping 9kgs! A healthy weight for a male Maine Coon, as they can grow up to 12-14kgs, and only reach their full size at about 4-5 years of age. They are the largest breed of domesticated cat and are basically dogs in a cat’s body! He loves cuddles, pets and actively seeks affection. He takes trips with us to the beach on occasion, with his cat--safe harness and lead, and has partaken in cat shows and won Champion titles. At heart, he is still our biggest baby, and will forever remain so! – Fathima Deedat

rock

Weasley

Rock, aka Rocket in my Pocket, is a 6-year-old SA Champion Doberman with the most beautiful, gentle personality! His hobbies include playing with puppies, making new friends and making puppy eyes for snacks! Oh, and balls, he loves balls!! – Lerenchia Geldenhuys

Weasley is a 1-year-old ginger. He is naughty, but adorable, super loving and loves naps in the sunbathed areas of our home. He loves nose boops and people watching. – Nicole Reynolds

@petprintsmag

Tag us on instagram 6

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

enzo Enzo is a breed called a Frenchton. Dad is a French Bulldog and mom is a Boston Terrier. Enzo has the attitude of BOTH! – Stiaan Jordaan

riley and bailey Riley and Bailey are 2 sisters and cling to each other like magnets. They are very naughty, but so cute! -Charmaine Strydom

fry

roxy

Fry is an energetic handful, with a pair of eyes that sucks everyone in! – Jess Bam

Roxy was a feral baby. Her mother gave birth in the run and dropped her. I had to open the bag and clean her. She is my bottle baby and I love her so much. – Melissa Strydom

WRITE TO US AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A RED DINGO LEASH AND COLLAR SET MAIL@PETPRINTS.CO.ZA

PET PRINTS WILL SELECT ONE ENTRY PER ISSUE TO WIN THE PRIZE Red Dingo, Australia, have been producing the ultimate pet accessories since 2001 and are now available in South Africa. Their products are tough and built to outlast any pet adventure. Red Dingo is instantly recognized by its patented buckle-bone for dogs and fish clip for cats. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram #reddingoza #bucklebonemovement Red Dingo Stockists: Planet Woooof, petheaven.co.za, Pet World and Vet World (all outlets), selected Vet Shops, Blue Cross Veterinary hospital, Vet Point, Bergrivier Vet, urbanpaws.co.za, selected About Cats and Dogs, vet-x.co.za, apetslife.co.za, takealot.com and others. Distributed by Meelo (Pty) Ltd.

COVER MODEL LADY

They say, you don’t choose a cat, the cat chooses you. This rings true more often than you can imagine. Cats are funny little creatures. I don’t mean “ha ha” funny, although their antics may sometimes merit a smile or a giggle. What I am trying to say is that cats are odd and unpredictable – completely beyond understanding. I think this is what makes them so uniquely suited to certain people. There are stories all over the internet telling tales of people who would never have considered taking in a feline and ended up being grateful that they gave these classic counterparts an opportunity. In the case of Alison and Lady, you can imagine our surprise to have another black cat peering from our cover this year. It’s a great testament to the decreasing superstition toward black animals, statistically shown to be less popular than other animals. Lady has been pursuing this cover shoot for a while now and I think the photos are amazing!

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

I named her Lady after the kitten I couldn’t keep as a child.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA O’BRIEN WORDS BY MARISE BURGER & ALISON CLACK 9

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Here’s what Alison and Lady had to share with us: TELL US A BIT ABOUT LADY. HOW OLD IS SHE AND WHY DID YOU NAME HER LADY? If there’s a question one shouldn’t ask a crazy cat lady, it would be “tell me about your cat”. I’d be writing you novels for the rest of your life. Lady is one of 3 feral felines who I rescued in 2019. She had 2 siblings, one being a ginger and the other a black and white kitty. There were workers at the company where I work, who were taunting and abusing these 3 kitties, who were hiding in some pipes being used for steel construction work. They were using a can of spray and a lighter to get the cats out of the steel pipes they were hiding in, just for the fun of it. I couldn’t take it and spent my teatimes and lunch breaks to try and get the kittens to come out of there, so that I could get them to safety. I was able to catch her two siblings in a week, but Lady was very stubborn. I was ready to give up after catching the first two kittens, but I couldn’t live with the idea of her being there all alone. I brought her food, played cat videos for her, and yes, I meowed to her (a full-on meowing conversation), hoping she would understand what I was saying (I am now fluent in speaking cat). I set up traps with tuna for days, but Lady was just one up. The thing that got to her like a drug was milk. This secret weapon

I had my dad on a rollercoaster most of his life. If it wasn’t me bringing home injured animals, it was my mom. They say the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. lured her out and on the 13th of February, I was finally able to catch her, with this delicious trap. I decided that she would be my early Valentine’s gift, from me, to me. She gifted me with lots of spits and hisses, I mean what more do you need in the month of love? I took her to the vet for a check-up where they determined that she was in good health. She got all her shots and tests done that were needed, and we gave her a nice warm bath when we got home. Ever since that day she has realised that I would be the person she

could trust, and we’ve been bonded ever since. She would come looking for me in a room full of people and will hold on tightly to me if she’s anxious. She’s my child and I love her dearly. I named her Lady after the kitten I couldn’t keep as a child. DID YOU HAVE ANY PETS GROWING UP? I had a few pets growing up. Four dogs to be exact, and one cat that only I was allowed to love and hold, as I told my siblings. I also had two pet rats that I had saved from being abused, when I was still in school. I had my dad on a rollercoaster most of his life. If it wasn’t me bringing home injured animals, it was my mom. They say the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. So, yes, I got it from my momma. We weren’t always able to save them, and if we did, we couldn’t keep them, because we would have had an entire zoo. We would name them, love them, care for them, and clean them for that short while, which cost my dad an arm and a leg, to be honest, but if it meant that we were happy for that interlude before they went to their forever home, he did it, no questions asked.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

LADY IS A REAL LITTLE ADVENTURER. WE OFTEN SEE HER GOING TO WORK WITH YOU ON INSTAGRAM. GIVE US AN IDEA OF WHAT A NORMAL DAY WOULD LOOK LIKE IN THE LIFE OF LADY. Yes, she’s a spoiled brat, but she is my brat. I wasn’t allowed to keep Lady as the complex I was living in was no longer cat-friendly, but I wasn’t going to let her go, even if it meant I had to sleep in my car. So that’s how Lady started coming to work with me. I had to hide her at home to not alert the neighbours that I had a cat, but at the back it was a party. She had a 5m leash which was long enough to explore the whole yard but short enough for her not to jump to the neighbours. She’s now leash free as she knows that she’s not allowed to jump the walls. A normal day for Lady would be waking up at five. Deciding what collar and bow/ jersey - depending on the weather - would be worn, as it will always match the colour of mom’s top. A game of cat and mouse will be played. Me being the cat catching the mouse (Lady). This is also the reason why I’m late for work most of the time. When we get to the office, Lady will run and jump on the director’s desk, which consist of a bed, food, water and litterbox, and all that’s needed for a busy cat like her.

Her duties include bird watching, lounging on laptops, changing setting and deleting programs (IT). She is our company stamp. She stamps our paperwork with three paw prints. Some days she shreds important documents, other days she proof-reads documents (by laying on them). She organizes cleans desks (slaps everything onto the floor) and occasionally a cat nip party is thrown on the director’s desk. She pre-positions the glasses of very important people (CEO), so that he can look more presentable and professional. She also supervises me for at least half an hour making sure I do my job (which means she distracts me). After work we just go home to cuddle. DOES LADY EVER GET UP TO MISCHIEF? IF SO, WHAT HAS SHE DONE? I don’t know if Lady gets up to mischief… would you classify the following as normal behaviour? She would roll in the sand when she just had a bath and blow dry session. She will run away as soon as you try to stop her and do it all over again. (Lady isn’t afraid of a hair dryer but she is afraid of a vacuum cleaner.) Has your cat managed to break a litter box? Because Lady has! IF LADY COULD HAVE ANY CAREER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Lady is a real madam - she’s got the “make love to the camera” kind of eyes, face and pose. She’s fierce and knows just when to unleash that inner panther of hers. So, I’d say her career would be a Victoria’s

Secret model, doing the “cat walk”, being a runway model. BLACK CATS HAVE A BAD REPUTATION DUE TO SUPERSTITION. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS OF THE OPINION THAT BLACK CATS ARE BAD LUCK? A black cat crossing your path simply means that the cat is going

somewhere. We’ve all walked underneath a ladder or broken a mirror, yet here we are. We face so many challenges daily where nothing goes our way. We all have those days, so why blame it on the black cat crossing your path. We’ve all been in that boat where we needed to be given a chance in life to show who and what we are, what we are capable of and that there’s a lot more to us than meets the eye. All this black kitty has done is bring me joy and blessings If you’ve ever wondered how many outfits Lady owns, the answer is, A LOT. This little feline has a wardrobe full of collars, bows, leashes, accessories and even gets her nails done every other week. She’s definitely on our “watch list” to see which designer she’s wearing next. However, a little birdy told us that Alison’s mom, Laura, is her favourite. We do hope that Laura will purrrrsue her talents and we can’t wait to see this lady on the Instagram catwalks in the year of the Tiger!

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

A black cat crossing your path simply means that the cat is going somewhere.

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BY BRYONY VAN NIEKERK

Top Tips

for aStress-free Vet Visit

Going to the vet is no fun for anyone. It is as if your pets can sense what is about to happen, and chaos ensues - wrestling your dog into the car, trying to coax your cat from under the bed and then the real interesting part; trying to get them into the carrier. All these raises both your and your pet’s stress levels, and you haven’t even made it to the vet yet. Recently I had to take Oliver to the vet to get the stitches removed after his sterilization. What should have been a quick and easy visit, turned into an hour long wait, that resulted in a very anxious puppy. Oliver already doesn’t like going in the car, so before we even got to the vet he was not in a good frame of mind. Pair that with the long waiting time, it wasn’t surprising that Oliver, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, acted aggressively towards the vet. Thankfully, I have the best vet and he recognized and respected that Oliver needed a moment. He sang to him, gave him some tasty biltong treats and let him walk around the examination room. After a few minutes, Oliver was calm enough to allow the vet to handle him without any incidents.

All vet visits don’t have to go down this way, though. There has been a major shift towards low-stress veterinary care. So, if you, like me, are struggling, read on to see what small changes you can make to have a massive difference on your pets next visit to the vet. As for your own stress levels, I don’t really have any good advice. If it wasn’t completely reckless and illegal, I would down a large glass of wine before each visit. On a serious note, the calmer you are, the more at ease your pet will become. So, if you haven’t mastered the art of Zen yet, fake it till you make it!

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Cooperative Care

I learnt about cooperative care in puppy class. It is where you train your animal using positive reinforcement, to tolerate being handled as well as giving their consent to being handled. Practising cooperative care such as chin rests, lying on their side, wearing a muzzle, foot and mouth handling, and ear and eye exams will make vet visits a breeze. It is important, during the training process, to take note of what your pet is telling you. If you are practising foot handling and your pet pulls their paw away, they are telling you ‘no’ and they are not cooperative. Start small and move your way up. It is definitely worth it in the long run.

Get your pet used to their carrier I’ll hazard a guess

that the only time your cat sees the carrier is when they are off to the vet. By doing this, you are unintentionally creating a negative association between the cat and the carrier, leading your cat to head for the hills when they see it. To break this association, leave the carrier out. Allow them to sniff it, play in it, even give them food and treats inside it, all the while leaving the door open.

people can make him anxious. To combat this, taking trips to the vet when they don’t actually need to be seen can help. It can make a scary place less daunting. Let them sniff around the grounds, hang out in the waiting room and meet the staff. The next time you go there for actual treatment, your dog should be more familiar with the sounds and smells of the practice and be a lot less stressed.

Choose a quiet time of day

Sometimes this isn’t possible, especially if it is an emergency, but if you are able to, call ahead and see when your vet isn’t particularly busy. Normally these are the first appointments of the day, where back logs haven’t had time to build up yet. Avoiding long waiting times and encountering of other animals means you can get in and out quickly.

Pick your spot Vet waiting

rooms can be a nightmare and it can be difficult to find a nice quiet spot away from other animals. If you find this is the case, inform the staff that you are there and go wait outside or in your car. This also works well for cats, if your vet doesn’t have a designated cat waiting area.

Visit before hand

Keep them busy

Let’s be honest. Like most doctors, vets often run late, and you find yourself in the waiting room long after your appointment time. Hanging around in a strange environment can definitely make your pet antsy, so having a couple of things to keep them busy and distracted can be a game changer. Chewing and sniffing has a calming effect on dogs, so pack their favourite chew toy, or a snuffle mat, and allow them to decompress while waiting to be seen.

Positive mind-set

If you see, once you are in the examining room, that your dog is highly anxious or scared, don’t let the vet examine them immediately. Ask for a moment and allow your dog to explore the room and sniff the vet. You can also give them some treats and some cuddles for reassurance. If your dog does tricks, do a few simple ones. This can all boost their confidence, make them feel more at ease and put them in a better mind space to be handled and examined.

Stay calm

Now we have already established that I am rubbish at this. However, animals pick up on your emotions and feelings, so if you are feeling anxious, your pet may also become anxious. Try to remain as calm as possible, and talk to them throughout the whole process in soothing tones.

This is something my vet suggested for Oliver. He is naturally a bit of a nervous boy, so new places and

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Tick Off

BY JENNIFER DAVIES

There are very few things as revolting as finding a big fat tick on your pet. They are, at best, annoying and repulsive and, at worst, can transmit serious diseases. Although they occur all year around, summer in sunny South Africa is prime time for these eight-legged pests that drink blood. Fortunately, there is much we can do to protect ourselves and stay safe while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Know Your Enemy Ticks are arachnids (the same family as spiders), which live on the blood of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. There are around 900 types of tick on earth, most of which pose no threat to us. You’ll find them in low-growing bush - and scrubland, tall grass, ferns, fallen leaves, shady woodlands, and meadows – pretty much anywhere in SA. They require humidity in order to metamorphose from egg to larva and to stay hydrated, so warm, moist climates are ideal – summer rainfall areas are their favourites as well as springtime after winter rainfall. They’re a pretty diverse group, ranging in size from 3mm to 6mm in length, although nymphs (the stage between larva and adult) can be so small that they’re near impossible to see (‘pepper ticks’). They can have hard or

soft bodies, be plain or patterned, and vary in colour from yellow, grey, and beige, to brown and black; they tend to look blue-grey-green when full of blood. Ticks have a complex life cycle involving several hosts and habitats, which takes place over a few months. As a result, it is impossible to control them in the environment, and their exposure to multiple hosts and potential pathogens means that they could be carrying any number of diseases. The most commonly problematic ticks in SA are the kennel or brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which can transmit the parasite Babesia spp. and the bacteria Ehrlichia spp., the yellow dog tick (Haemaphysalis elliptica), which can transmit babesia, and the bont tick (Amblyomma hebraeum), which can transmit Rickettsia africae (African tick bite fever) bacteria to humans.

Tick-bite timeline To understand why ticks can make us sick, we need to know how they feed:

1. The tick cuts a hole in the host’s

skin with its mouth parts. Most of the time, the host does not notice this bite.

2. A hard, barbed structure near its mouth, called a hypostome, is inserted into the host.

3. It injects its saliva which contains an anaesthetic so that the host won’t realise it’s there, and an anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing. Some ticks also secrete a cement-like substance to help them stay attached. If the tick is carrying a transmissible pathogen, it too can be injected along with the saliva. Transmission is usually not instantaneous – it takes anything

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

from 3 to 48 hours, so speedy removal can prevent your pet from getting sick, even if the tick was carrying a pathogen (disease-causing organism).

The tick keeps drinking via the hypostome for up to 10 days. If the host (dog, human, rodent, etc.) has a blood borne pathogen, it is ingested along with the blood and incubates in the tick.

5. Once full, the tick drops off and

either continues with the next stage of its development or seeks out a new host, when it can transmit the pathogen that it ingested from the previous host. Ticks can carry and transmit several diseases at the same time, which can affect humans and animals.

Ticking Time Bomb As you can imagine, the eating habits of these creepy crawlies pose several risks to our pets and ourselves. On a minor level, the bite site can be irritated and inflamed, and, if not properly cleaned and disinfected, could become infected. Occasionally, ticks burrow in, becoming embedded and causing a painful abscess which, if left untreated, could lead to sepsis or tissue damage (this can also happen if a tick is improperly removed, and the head left behind). If the number of ticks on the host is severe, the animal may become anaemic and even die of blood loss. This is particularly dangerous in small or young animals, like puppies and kittens. Of course, the biggest concern that everyone has is tick fever (‘bosluiskoors’ in Afrikaans) and tick bite fever (‘bosluisbytkoors’). Tick fever aka biliary (or, to use the medical term, babesiosis), which attacks red blood cells, and ehrlichiosis (tick bite fever), which attacks white blood cells and platelets, are the most common serious tick-borne diseases affecting South African pets, with anaplasma not far behind. These diseases can be

serious and fast-moving, even fatal, so it is crucial that you take your pet to their veterinarian if they seem unwell after being in a tick-infested area or you have found a tick on them. Remember that, because ticks can have multiple hosts and carry several pathogens at once, it could still be carrying pathogens that can make humans ill. By ensuring our pets stay tick free, we create a barrier between ourselves and these biting beasts, keeping our families safe, too.

Be Tick Safe The number one thing that you can do to protect your pets and yourself, is to keep their tick-prevention up to date throughout the year. Whereas a couple of decades ago, there was little in the way of tick treatments other than poisonous powders and dips, today there is a plethora of easy and effective products to choose from. Oral medications are very popular as they tend to last a long time, don’t smell, and aren’t messy, but they don’t repel ticks and won’t prevent them from biting. They work by poisoning the tick when it bites, with the idea that it will drop off before diseases can be transmitted. If you’re using oral medication, you may want to look into non-toxic external repellents too if you’re in a high-tick area. Alternatively, consider topical products like drops, sprays, or collars which contain a repellent as well – just bear in mind that the repellent action generally only works for a limited time and that most of these products are affected by swimming and shampooing. Be sure to only use products for the species of pet for which it was designed as what is safe for one can be deadly for another, and do not double up on products (it’s best to ask your vet’s advice). When walking outdoors, avoid dense bush and long grass. Apply tick repellent to yourself before you go and opt for light-coloured clothing to cover your limbs (ticks are attracted to dark colours); you may want to tuck trousers into your socks. At the end of the walk, check yourself thoroughly from top to toe for any hitchhikers, then do a tick check on your pet. This is usually easier on short-haired, light-coloured animals; dark, long-haired, and double-coated dogs are more challenging. Run your hands over their body feeling for any bumps. Check between toes, inside ears, under the tail, and in the groin area as this is where ticks like to lurk. You can give them a rinse with plain water when getting home and/or run a fine-toothed comb through their coat to make it easier to find them, if

you are unsure. Outside pets like cats, rabbits or tortoises, should be checked regularly for ticks when they’ve been out and about, particularly if you live in or near rural or wilderness land.

So, You’ve Found A Tick On Your Pet… 1. Gently part any fur around the tick so that it is clearly visible.

2. Grasp the tick as close to the animal’s skin as possible without squeezing the tick’s body. Ideally, use a purpose-made tick-removal tool which you slide under the tick’s body in order to remove it without squeezing. Alternatively, you can make one by cutting a small wedge into a plastic spoon or old credit card. Tweezers or nail clippers are an option but tend to be too flat to properly grasp the tick, although they will work in a pinch.

3. Pull slowly and steadily straight

upwards away from the skin - do not twist, squeeze or jerk. Squeezing can cause the stomach contents to be pushed into the host and twisting or pulling too fast can cause the head to break off, which can embed in the skin.

Dispose of the tick in surgical spirits or dip or burn it. If you plan to put it into a toilet, plughole, or drain, ensure that it is dead first.

5. Disinfect the bite area thoroughly

with pet-safe antiseptic, disinfect the tick-removal tool and clean your hands thoroughly.

Keep an eye on your pet for a couple of weeks afterwards to check for any signs of sickness, such as lethargy and fever, and ensure the bite area stays clean and infection-free.

Under no circumstances should you burn, freeze, or try to smother a tick with paraffin, petroleum jelly, nail polish, etc. Not only will this not cause the tick to let go, but it can make them regurgitate the contents of their stomachs into the bite wound, thus increasing the risk of infection.

8. Do not remove a tick

with your bare hands. If it’s carrying something nasty, it could be transmitted to you via an open wound or abrasion. JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BILIARY AKA BABESIOSIS AKA TICK FEVER

EHRLICHIOSIS AKA TICK BITE FEVER

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

Yellow dog tick and brown kennel tick

Bont tick and brown dog tick

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Protozoan parasites called Babesia, of which there are several species.

Rickettsial bacteria called Ehrlichia canis.

WHAT’S THE INCUBATION PERIOD?

10 to 20 days, but can be longer (several months or more in some cases)

8 to 21 days (but there are 3 phases)

Babesia parasites enter the bloodstream where they multiply in, and ultimately destroy, red blood cells. Anaemia, liver damage (the word ‘biliary’ refers to its effect on the liver) and jaundice are common. Swollen abdomen, enlarged spleen, fluid on the lungs and kidney failure can also occur. Babesiosis can clear up on its own, but, if it doesn’t, the consequences can be severe – even fatal - so always seek veterinary help if you suspect biliary.

Canine ehrlichiosis destroys white blood cells and has 3 phases. Phase 1 (acute) lasts about 4 weeks, during which some animals clear the infection. If it does not clear, phase 2 (sub-clinical) begins, which can last months to years during which the infection progresses asymptomatically. Some dogs go on to develop phase 3 (chronic). This seems to come out of the blue, is usually worse than the first time, and has a very poor prognosis. Catching it in phase 1 is crucial, which is why it’s important to take your pets to the vet if you notice they are unwell – even if they seem to get better. Although it is rare in cats, it can happen.

Dogs appear lethargic and depressed, won’t want to eat, and may vomit. They could develop a fever (you might notice they seem shivery, but their nose and ears feel hot) and have swollen glands. Their gums and inner eyelids start to look pale and, eventually, may go yellow (jaundice). As it progresses, you may notice that their urine is red or brown. Dogs can also start showing signs of nervous system involvement, such as anxiety and seizures. In rare cases, there can be a sudden onset leading to death within hours, but, usually, the disease course takes several days. Cats generally just show poor appetite, lethargy, weakness, and poor coat condition but don’t have pale or yellow gums, or a fever.

Phase 1: Dogs may appear lethargic, have poor appetite and weight loss, a fever, swollen glands and limbs, and may have abnormal bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bruising). Dogs could also be short of breath, have muscle twitches or appear unsteady on their feet. Cats may have swollen joints, shortness of breath, and anaemia. Phase 2: There are usually no symptoms, although some animals will bleed more easily after an injury. Phase 3: Weakness, fatigue, anaemia (you may see very pale gums and inner eyelids), swollen limbs, difficulty breathing, and abnormal bleeding sets in. There can be eye pain and inflammation as well as kidney inflammation. In the later stages, bone marrow can fail, which means white blood cells aren’t being produced.

Your vet will take a drop of blood, usually from your pet’s ear, and look at the blood under a microscope to find the parasites. A full blood count may also be done to measure blood cells and check for anaemia. Other blood tests may be needed to check organ function.

Ehrlichiosis can be very challenging to diagnose, but, because of the severity of the disease if allowed to progress, vets may start treatment anyway if it is suspected. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis, as well as check for anything else going on in the body.

Anti-protozoal antibiotics, such as imidocarb disproportionate or diminazine are used. These drugs are potent and have side effects, so prevention is definitely better than cure. They may also prescribe supportive treatment, like a drip for hydration, medication to support the liver, and drugs for pain and fever. Blood transfusions may be necessary in severe cases. The key is early treatment.

Antibiotics (usually doxycycline) are given for several weeks, along with supportive treatment, such as a drip for hydration, pain medication, etc. Severe cases may need blood transfusions.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

SIGNS

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Note: Because these are both pretty complex diseases, it’s challenging to provide an overview of everything that they encompass. This table is intended to provide basic information to assist you in helping your pets and does not replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. Should you think your pet is unwell for any reason, please contact your vet straight away – the faster your pet gets the help it needs, the better its chances of a speedy recovery.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

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JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

ARTHRITIS IN PETS BY: COLE HAY FROM GREENSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Pet arthritis is usually associated with ageing pets, whose bodies are not as tough as they used to be, and whose vitality appears to wane as their eyes cloud and their muzzles go white. However, it’s not only old dogs and cats who can suffer from arthritis – there are other risk factors as well. Here’s what to look out for if you suspect an arthritic pet, as well as how to help improve your pet’s joints and lessen the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Osteoarthritis in pets is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) – a name that gives some insight into the condition. It gets progressively worse over time and occurs when joint cartilage breaks down and no longer cushions the joint as effectively as it should. This causes inflammation and pain in the limbs, which in turn limits the pet’s range of motion. They may slow down, limp, show unwillingness to jump up or down from furniture or ascend and descend the stairs – all in an attempt to minimise the pain in their joints from performing their usual movements. With less movement, the animal’s muscles also begin to atrophy, which – without the muscular support – puts even more stress on the joint. They may also develop bone spurs where the cartilage used to be, which makes the joint incredibly painful.

What are the risk factors for pets developing arthritis?

Arthritis could be a symptom of genetic conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, as well as medical conditions that affect the joints. It can also develop when other risk factors are present, such as obesity, repetitive stress (from dog sports or working conditions), age, poor nutrition, or previous bone or ligament injuries. In canines, the size of the dog is also a risk factor for arthritis: large and giant breeds are particularly prone to developing arthritis, especially if they jump up into or down from vehicles, or on and off the furniture. In felines, some cat breeds are more genetically likely to develop arthritis. Breeds like Maine Coons, Persians and Siamese are prone to hip dysplasia, so they may show arthritic symptoms; while the Scottish fold breed is genetically susceptible to cartilage problems, so many

will develop severe arthritis in multiple joints. Some older cats may develop a pituitary tumour (acromegaly) of which one of the symptoms is arthritis (usually also diabetes).

Signs of arthritis in dogs and cats

As you could expect from a condition that causes pain in the joints, the main sign of arthritis is a limited range of motion in the pet. It could look like stiffness at first, but also include signs like limping and lameness, and slowness or difficulty in getting up or lying down. Dogs especially may whimper or let out an exhaled grumble when they find the right spot on their bed and lie down. Many pets will mask their pain, but could become irritable, be unwilling to jump or play, be reluctant to run, or react negatively when they are touched or petted. Some may even lose their appetite. It may also be too difficult for them to posture for a pee or poop; and if the pain is severe, they might not make it outside in time, so having accidents indoors is another possibility. The secondary symptoms of arthritis may show up a result of a limited range of motion. These include weight gain and muscle atrophy around the spine and limbs because of less movement and exercise. In cats, they may reduce the amount of grooming they do because all those awkward positions could cause them pain. Some may spend more time grooming, trying to soothe their joints. Their claws may be overgrown because of a reduction in activity and the flexibility required to claw at cat scratching posts and tree bark.

How does the vet diagnose arthritis? In the early stages of arthritis or degenerative joint disease, the condition is difficult to detect because the pet may initially try to hide any pain or discomfort

they are feeling. The moment you see that something is up with your dog or cat, a veterinary visit is in order to determine the cause of their change in behaviour. The vet will palpate the dog or cat’s joints to see how they respond to any pain, assess their muscle condition, observe their walking movements, and take X-rays to confirm any suspicion of arthritis or DJD. X-rays can also rule out any other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

How is arthritis treated?

The earlier arthritis is diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better. The further the disease progresses, the more cartilage is damaged and lost, and cartilage cannot be recovered or replaced. Treatment protocols focus on protecting all remaining cartilage, reducing further degeneration, as well as managing the pet’s pain and inflammation. The type of treatment the vet prescribes will be based on various conditions such as the pet’s age and how far the arthritis has advanced. • Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin and greenlipped mussel extract have been proven to support joint health, to the extent that these ingredients are included in most premium pet foods recommended for senior pets. For many ageing pets, a supplemented diet is enough to keep the arthritic symptoms at bay for a while. • Physical therapy is an important treatment option as this helps to reduce pain, maintain muscle mass, increase flexibility and improve the pet’s overall condition. From hydrotherapy, heat and cold therapy, laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), to massage, acupuncture (may not be appropriate for cats), stretching and chiropractic care. There are many physical therapies worth exploring if arthritis is diagnosed early enough. JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

SPONSORED BY • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are routinely prescribed for pain management in arthritic pets as they also reduce the inflammation associated with cartilage loss and joint damage. However, prolonged use of NSAIDs may have negative side effects, so the vet will need to monitor the pet’s bloodwork or prescribe other medication to reduce nerve response, muscle relaxants or opioids. Each pet’s pain management will be different and needs to be advised by the vet.

• Joint injections in the form of glycosaminoglycan (Adequan) can provide very effective short-term treatment, but their long-term use needs to be discussed with the vet, depending on how far the arthritis has progressed. These injections are very expensive, but when administered early enough, they may be able to slow down the progression of the disease.

How pet owners can help to ease their pets’ arthritic pain While it may be impossible to magically eliminate our beloved pets’ pain, there is a lot we can do to reduce our ageing and arthritic pets’ pain and to protect their joints. • Manage your pet’s weight A high-quality pet food, that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage and condition, is critical as it is tailored to give your pet the best nutrition to support their physical needs. Giving your pet enough exercise and playtime will help to keep their muscles in good condition and support their bones and joints. It will also help to prevent obesity and to reduce any unnecessary strain on your pet’s joints. • A high quality pet bed Orthopaedic mattresses made of memory foam and other supportive materials will greatly reduce the pressure on your pet’s achy joints. Memory foam also retains the resident pet’s body heat, providing a kind of passive heat therapy for arthritic joints. • Daily low-impact exercise As counterintuitive as it may seem for pets with painful joints, exercise is very necessary to not only build/maintain supportive muscle, but to prevent joints from becoming too stiff. • Massage After exercise, give your dog or cat a gentle massage (or book an appointment for a professional pet treatment) to relax them, improve circulation, facilitate healing, and even improve flexibility. Pet massage is a wonderful aid for pain management as well. • Home comforts From non-slip floor coverings and non-slip booties, to car and furniture ramps and steps, as well as raised food and water bowls, there are many ways you can make your home more comfortable for your arthritic pets. In the later stages of arthritis, slings and harnesses can also be used to assist dogs during elimination or simply getting up out of bed. Pets with arthritis need ongoing veterinary care to ensure they are as comfortable as possible, and to ensure their care is specific to their individual condition. For any advice or advanced treatment options, your vet should be able to provide you with the most appropriate recommendations for your beloved furry or purry friend.

BY: CARON BURGER GRACE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Mamma Mia 27 Sept 2021 17h54

Callout

to Scottsdene, Kraaifontein

‘Mevrou, ek het n hondjie in kraam vir 4½ ure al. Die baba kom uit, gaan terug, kom weer uit, maar die is lankal dood’ ‘Waar is julle? Ek is oppad!’ And so began the journey of 7-month-old #iamMia. She had already safely born 3 healthy puppies, but the critical period of intrauterine sepsis began 15 minutes after that baby died inside of her. The owner was unable to confirm whether or not there were other live babies still in the canal. Dione Bekker and I did the emergency run to and from Scottsdene in peak hour traffic. We found Mia – she was pale and exhausted on a squalid cement and sand 2x1m kitchen floor. Mia was immediately rushed to the only available vet - TAH 24/7 where her admittance deposit was R1300 and her subsequent quote for emergency cesarean and sterilization estimated at R12 000. Her owner then ‘gifted’ Mia to Grace Animal Sanctuary. At 23h00, a further 3 live puppies were delivered safely, and Mia was placed

into foster care with the Lyons family in Durbanville with her 6 surviving puppies. Under the love and care of Becca and Maxine Lyons, both the litter and Mia thrived without further complications, and now 8 weeks later, all but one puppy has found their forever home. Mia went first, surprisingly, as momma dogs are always the last to go. She finds herself on a magnificent farm in Swellendam where she runs freely and returns on recall after only being home for 24 hours. Each home check was meticulous (a few declined) until we found the absolute perfect home. The remaining female puppy #iamMiela well we shall see - she may well become a foster fail and remain in the home of the Lyons sisters unless even more perfect comes along. MammaMia being what we can only presume is a yorkie type x breed with a severe overbite, bore 6 healthy puppies. She was severely malnourished and badly riddled with external and internal parasites, but her overall immunity was excellent, and the babies traveled through their first 2 months without a hitch. 22

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

The first born was a little girl we named Meeka. A blond and cream powder puff. Mulan was next - a rather fat little tricolor female, and the first boy was Max, who resembled a yorkie from birth. The 3 tiny puppies who were trapped for so long were under 80g each, and although we feared most for the survival of tiny Mason, there were no such qualms about his sisters, Miela, (another blond bombshell) and Miley, another yorkie lookalike. As the weeks progressed, the two blonds grew steadily more like mini-Maltese pups, while the other 4 siblings sprouted the telltale whiskers of “steekbaardjies”. We are very grateful for a happy ending for this beautiful little family!

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FASCINATING THE SCIENTIFIC NAME FOR A GIRAFFE IS GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS, AND IT COMES FROM THE ANCIENT GREEKS’ BELIEF THAT IT LOOKED LIKE A CAMEL WEARING A LEOPARD’S COAT.

There are four distinct species of giraffe - the Masai Giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi), the Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), the Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and the Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata). Giraffes are found in the dry savannahs of Africa, where they roam among the open plains. The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the world. An adult male (called a bull) grows to around 5.5 meters. The tallest giraffes ever recorded have been up to 5.9 meters. Even new-born giraffes are taller than most humans.

These gentle giants are well known for their long necks. AN ADULT MALE GIRAFFE CAN WEIGH ANYTHING FROM 1200 KG TO 1900 KG. Females (called cows) are smaller and grow up to 4,3 m and weigh 830 kg on average. A giraffe’s height is helpful for

keeping a lookout for predators, such as lions and hyenas.

Their excellent eyesight, too, allows them to spot predators from far away. A giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground. To drink water, a giraffe first will have to spread its forelegs and/or bend its knees to reach the ground for a drink of water. Despite their long necks and being tall, giraffes still only have seven vertebrae in their necks - which means that a giraffe’s neck has the exact same number of bones as a human neck. Each individual vertebra is super-sized, measuring up to 25 centimetres long. The giraffe’s spots on his body are much like human fingerprints or snowflakes, no two giraffes have exactly the same pattern. Both male and female giraffes are born with two, hair-covered horns called ossicones. These horns, or ossicones, lie flat and are not attached to the skull to avoid injury at birth. They only fuse with the skull later in life. MALE GIRAFFES ENGAGE IN A RITUALIZED DISPLAY OF DOMINANCE CALLED “NECKING” THAT INVOLVES HEAD-BUTTING EACH OTHER’S BODIES TO SEE WHO IS THE STRONGER. These fights aren’t usually dangerous and don’t normally result in any injury, and end when one bull admits defeat and walks away.

GIRAFFES VERY RARELY FIGHT AND ARE VERY PEACEFUL ANIMALS.

Giraffes spend most of their lives standing up and even sleep and give birth standing. They usually stay upright while sleeping, only needing 6 to 30 minutes of sleep in a day. THEY OFTEN TAKE QUICK NAPS THAT MAY LAST ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO AT A TIME. It was previously thought that giraffes are quiet animals that don’t make any sounds, but research now suggests that giraffes, in fact hum, mostly at night, with the occasional snort, hiss or grunt, as well as make low pitched noises that are beyond the range of human hearing. A giraffe’s foot has a diameter of approximately 30 cm. These huge hooves prevent giraffes from sinking into loose sand despite their great weight. Giraffes’ tongues are darkly bluish-purple and can be up to 45cm long. This extra length allows the giraffe to use their tongues to grab and hook leaves from hard-to-reach trees. A GIRAFFE HEART CAN WEIGH UP TO APPROXIMATELY 11 KILOGRAMS AND IS THE BIGGEST OF ANY LAND MAMMAL. This huge heart is used to pump 60 litres of blood around its body every minute, at a blood pressure of twice that of an average human.

TO PROTECT THE GIRAFFE’S BRAIN FROM SUDDEN CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE WHEN IT LOWERS ITS HEAD TO DRINK, THE JUGULAR VEIN HAS A SERIES OF ONE-WAY VALVES TO STOP THE BACKFLOW OF BLOOD, AND ELASTIC-WALLED VESSELS THAT DILATE AND CONSTRICT TO MANAGE THE FLOW.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Giraffes are not completely defenceless, although they’re more likely to run from danger than fight back. A swift kick from one of their long legs can do serious damage to any predator. Giraffes can run up to 55 km/h at full speed, but only over short distances. Unlike most other four-legged mammals (like horses), giraffes walk by moving both legs on the same side of their body together. This movement or walk is known as “Pacing”. STRANGELY ENOUGH, WHEN A GIRAFFE BREAKS INTO A GALLOP, ITS ODD WALK DISAPPEARS, AND IT RUNS IN A MORE ‘NORMAL’ WAY. Giraffes are very social animals and roam around in groups, called towers. THESE GROUPS, ALSO CALLED A HERD OF GIRAFFES BY SOME, TYPICALLY HAVE AROUND 10 TO 15 MEMBERS AND ARE LED BY AN ADULT MALE. THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE NORMALLY FEMALES AND YOUNG MALES. Giraffes in the wild tend to live between 20 to 25 years. IN CAPTIVITY, THEY CAN LIVE LONGER AND HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO REACH 40 YEARS OLD. Giraffes only need to drink water once every few days, even when the water is available. Despite their size, the giraffe has a plantbased diet, and they mostly enjoy eating fresh leaves and twigs from the tops of trees. Most of their water source comes from their plant-based diet. Giraffes require over 44 kg of food a day, so they spend most of their time eating.

FACTS

Female giraffes can become pregnant at around 5 years old and will carry a baby for 15 months. Studies suggest that some female giraffes often return to where they were born to give birth. FEMALE GIRAFFES GIVE BIRTH STANDING UP, WHICH MEANS THAT THESE NEWBORNS WILL FALL ABOUT 1.5 METERS TO THE GROUND. Luckily, baby giraffes can stand up and even run within an hour of being born.

A BABY GIRAFFE IS CALLED A CALF. Calves are about 2 meters tall and weigh approximately 70 kg. Within a week, the giraffe calf will start to sample vegetation. Studies suggest that in some populations, over 50% of all giraffe calves do not survive their first year. Despite attempts from the mother to protect the young, many calves are killed in their first few months as a result of predators like lions, hyenas, wild dogs and even leopards. Giraffes are probably one of the biggest pollinators in the world, thanks to their great height. As they are feeding on trees and walking around, they inadvertently transfer genetic material on their muzzles from the flowers of one tree to those of another.

While giraffes are under less of a population threat than some other animals, their population has declined 40% over the past 5 decades. TWO OF THE BIGGEST FACTORS IN THE DECLINE OF THE WILD GIRAFFE POPULATION ARE POACHING AND HABITAT LOSS. The first giraffe to make its way to Europe was brought there by Julius Caesar from Alexandria in 46 B.C. as part of a triumphant return to Rome after years of civil war.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH Dogs are our soulmates. But when it comes to finding ‘the one’, one size definitely does not fit all. We asked a couple of popular breeds to introduce themselves…

Jack Russell: Some call me high maintenance but that’s not true. I just have a lot of love to give. And give. And give.

Golden Retriever: Loves long walks on the beach. Every day’s a good hair day for me. German Shepherd: I’ll never let anyone mess with you again. I’ll guard your heart with my life. Border Collie: Looking for a smart companion to stimulate me mentally. Eager to please. English Bulldog: Can you handle curvaliscious?

Pomeranian: Queen ready to be spoilt for the rest of my life. Love spending time at the parlour. Wanna come with, babes? Beagle: I can smell you smell nice from here. Miniature Schnauzer: Grumpy old man looking for someone to trim my beard.

Whippet: People think I take things too fast. But, in reality, all I want to do is cuddle up under a blanket.

Bull Terrier: Sorry, was that? A slipper? Nice! French Poodle: You want to be seen next to ME in the park?! Better dress up darling. Dachshund: I might be short, but I got a big mouth. Love getting back massages. Yorkie: Not gonna lie, definitely not the quiet wallflower in the room… They say dynamite comes in small packages…

Rottweiler: Tough with a soft heart looking for my forever companion.

Labrador: Wanna go out with me? Wanna go out with me? Please go out with me! Let’s go!

Great Dane: Friendly giant with a laidback vibe. Not too big to fit on your couch.

Now that a few of the famous dog breeds introduced themselves, we at JOCK are sure you know exactly which breed will be the perfect match for you. Enjoy finding your perfect furry match.

R170 000 - now THAT’s

community care! That’s what we have donated, since January, to your local animal welfare and the schools within your communities.

Pet Pool and Home (and Warehouse) has had an exciting 2021! In June our new Cat Carnival fundraiser initiative enabled us to sterilise 200 cats. In July, we were honoured to be involved with the hugely successful spay-a-thon initiative by Pet Community Outreach (www.petcommunityoutreach.co.za), in which they sterilised and dewormed 116 dogs as part of Mandela Day. Our crowning achievement this year is surely the success of our growing Loyalty Club programme.

communities, we have also grown our range by stocking products from local artisans, and small business owners. These ranges include natural handmade soaps, body lotions and bath products, and gorgeous dog and cat baskets made with locally sourced materials.

Pet Pool and Home (and Warehouse) began as a small family business focused on traditional values, which have remained at the core of our business as we have grown. These core values, such as quality education and caring for animals, are at the heart of any community. In line with this we run a successful Loyalty programme benefiting both local schools and animal welfare organizations. In the interest of supporting local

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

We give back to our communities! Pet and Pool’s unique Loyalty Club programme offers customers everyday cash back rewards, allowing contribution of those rewards to a selected local beneficiary or school. The programme gives the Loyalty member access to unique offers and special pricing as well as promotional campaigns. Customers earn cash back rewards and not points. For more information on how to become a Loyalty Club member, contact support@petandpool.co.za or pop into your local Pet Pool and Home store to sign up at the kiosk, whereby your Loyalty Club card is issued to you immediately.

NOT JUST A LEASH Made in South Africa

A leash may appear insignificant, but it is one of the most crucial things you will use with your dog during his life. We must want to keep our dog safe and under our care especially when we go walking. Bizzy’s Corner highly recommends our custom made Bizzibabs Adult Lead and Bizzibabs Puppy leads because it is getting raving reviews from customers! 1,8m long - a fantastic length to give your dog just enough freedom to move away from you to do some serious sniffing to make his walks or training sessions Available online enjoyable. The leash is flat. www.bizzibabs.com Kind to hands. Cotton web fabric. Double stitched for safety. Available in 2 sizes Puppy lead (R150) with a width of only 11mm to make

it lighter for a puppy and the adult lead (R160) with a width of 21mm. The off-white colour, the only colour available serves a purpose. It is highly visible - a safety +++ feature. More good news - the leads can be washed in the washing machine!

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Meet Polly the 50-something year old Congo African Grey

Hi “

After I got the “all clear” from Dr De Beer, I was allowed to move into foster care with an amazing set of fosters who later turned into my adopters where I was treated like the fabulous older woman I am. We worked on diet conversion because I was on an extremely unhealthy diet of only sunflower seeds that led to health issues that require me taking medication for the rest of my life and now I’m eating very healthily with a varied diet of vegetables, grains and pellets, fruit, sprouts and healthy seeds. I also absolutely adore cuddling up in my owner’s bathrobe (it feels like I’m at a spa). My owners have also realised not to try wearing their brightly coloured socks around me. I feel that their fashion sense is quite gauche, and I’ll quickly get them sorted out.

everyone, my name is Polly and I am a 50-something year old distinguished African Grey lady who was surrendered to Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue in 2021 after my owners who loved me very much were forced to move to the UK and were unable to take me with them. They originally left me with some really nice people who looked after me so well and truly loved me as their own, but they then unfortunately had to move into a retirement village where my singing in the shower was not appreciated by all. This was when all involved made the extremely difficult decision that I needed to be surrendered to the amazing people at Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue where I could find the home where I would spend the rest of my days. As soon as the process started, Cheeky Beaks realised that while my caretakers absolutely loved me, they were not educated on proper parrot care and diet, and so I had a severely overgrown beak which made it difficult and painful for me to eat, which in turn lead to me being extremely skinny as well. They immediately made a booking for me to be seen by the amazing Dr De Beer at Centre for Avian, Reptiles and Exotics in Klapmuts, who gave my beak a trim and he even cuddled with me wrapped in a blanket to help warm my old and weary bones.

As soon as my fosters met me, they fell in love (who can blame them, I’m fabulous), and decided that they wanted to be my final home. Because Cheeky Beaks is very serious about picking the perfect home for their birds, they vetted my fosters very well to ensure that they would be able to care for me for the rest of my life and afford my medication and regular vet checks with Dr De Beer. I was also introduced to a few other potential adopters to ensure that my fosters were the best possible match for me, but I only had eyes for my fosters. If you would like to follow them to read more stories or surrender a parrot you can contact Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue on Facebook (Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue), Instagram (@cheeky_beaks_sa), Email (cheekybeaksparrotrescue@gmail.com) or by phoning one of their team members who are located in most major cities https://www.cheekybeaks.org. za/contact-us/. If you would like to adopt a feathered friend from them, you can do so by going to their website www.cheekybeaks.org.za and go to your specific province to view the parrots currently available in your province, at which point you can complete the adoption application which is located on that same page (available in both English and Afrikaans), after which a team member will contact you regarding your application. Please note that they are a volunteer run organisation, so it might take them some time to get to your application, but they should get back to you within 3 months. If they don’t, you can just pop them a message to ask them to check out your application, sometimes they do slip through the cracks.

”

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Parrots are the third most popular pet worldwide, but the most commonly re-homed. Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue is a registered NPC (enterprise number 2019/633/199/08) and NPO (246-693) that was founded on 1 October 2019 when the need to have a national parrot rescue and re-homing network was realised to provide a safe and reliable system for birds generally being offered as “free to a good home” on social media and classifieds. We encourage re-homing (with strict adoption protocols), because this reduces the risk of birds being sold to breeders, or given to people who do not know how, or have the time to care for them properly. We encourage re-homing because this discourages potential adopters from supporting the pet trade if they cannot find a bird to adopt in any of the local sanctuaries or rehabilitation centres across South Africa. We also aim to raise awareness about the plight of surrendered parrots and educate the public on proper parrot care.

We at Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue believe in the 5 freedoms outlined by the NSPCA. 1. Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition. 2. Freedom to express normal behaviour. 3. Freedom from discomfort. 4. Freedom from fear and distress. 5. Freedom from pain, injury or disease. We aim to raise awareness about our network at veterinary clinics and pet stores around the country in order to assist more parrots in need. We work with various private and public sanctuaries to find the best possible environment for each individual parrot that comes into our care. We work alongside private and public rescue and rehabilitation entities and focus on providing a support structure for parrot owners in need of guidance and training. We also aim to provide a safe haven for stray parrots found across the country until they can be reunited with their rightful owners.

Visit www.cheekybeaks.org.za for more information

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

PNP Marltons Plush Pig

Family Pet Center

One of the joys of owning dogs is playing with them. Our range of dog toys is bound to keep your fourlegged friend’s tail wagging whether you’re there to entertain them or not.

All For Paws Furry Ball Fluffer Toy This long haired All For Paws Fluffy Fluffer will quickly become your cat’s best playmate. Equipped with nice strings and Catnip inside for extra fun. Colourful and fluffy, that is exactly what cats love about a toy.

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Kyron Petdent Toothpaste Oral Care Polishing agents and cleansers. Vets recommend brushing as first-line in promoting good oral hygiene

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This dog spray naturally eliminates pets odour after or between baths and extracts the tangles of the coat and softens the fur.

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Turn that old cupboard into an eye-catcher Printed directly onto wood and covered with resin.

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JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

ePet Store Tropical Dog Sweatshirt Let your dogs go absolutely bananas with joy over this Tropical Dog Sweatshirt.

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Nutribyte SnackBytes ChickByte Adult What makes our “Dog Biscuits” different is; It’s available in two different variants, namely PeanutByte and ChickByte, for both Adult dogs and growing Puppy’s.

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Pet PLUS Dogs’s Life Bow Tie Select from the following designs:, Black & White Checkered, Retro Circles, Abstract Tropical Paradise or Eyes Doodle

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PIPPS BY PIPPA Lucky Dip Bones Spoil your pup with one of our fabric squeaky bone toys. They are made from 100% cotton

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Budget Pet Supplies Pet Dent Finger Brush for Dogs Pet Dent Finger Toothbrush is an easy to use brush for cleaning dog/cat’s teeth.

R31.91

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JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

VEGAN MINCEY TACOS This vegan version of the traditional beef taco is a sure pleaser, even for avid meat fans. Tacos filled with juicy, flavourful, vegan-meat filling-topped with a creamy B-well Taco and fresh, crunchy and sweet salad - this dish will have you anticipating ‘Taco Tuesdays’ every week.

Ingredients • 3 tbsp B-well Cooking Olive Oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• ½ tsp cumin powder

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• ½ tsp dried basil

• 4 cups brown/porcini/shiitake mushrooms,

• 1 stick of cinnamon

sliced and diced

• ½ tsp oregano

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp Worcester sauce

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp soya sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato puree

• 1 tbsp brown/coconut sugar

• 1 cup organic vegetable stock

• ½ cup fresh coriander, to garnish

• 2 cups puy/green lentils, rinsed well

• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly shredded

• 2 x 400g cans chopped plum/Italian

• Lettuce, shredded for topping

tomatoes

• 1 cup corn, for topping

• 1 tsp paprika

• 12 hard taco shells

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Preparation 1. Add the onion, carrots, mushrooms and celery into a food process and pulse until chopped into small bits. 2. In a sauce pan, heat up the B-well Cooking Olive Oil, add the chopped vegetables, salt and pepper. Sauté until mushrooms have browned and onions are well braised. 3. Add the Worcester, soya sauce and garlic to the veg and stir, cook for 3 minutes or until the mixture dries. 4. Now add in the diced tomatoes, the tomato puree, veg broth, rinsed lentils, basil, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, brown sugar, stick cinnamon and bay leaves. Stir to combine. 5. Bring to a boil, replace lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils have cooked and are soft. 6. Remove off heat, remove cinnamon and bay leaves and allow to cool down. 7. Serve vegan mince into the taco shells, top with shredded lettuce, a spoonful of corn, chopped tomato and cucumber salsa, avocado and grated cheese of choice. 8. Top with your favourite sauces and seeds, garnished with fresh coriander.

BY: COLE HAY FROM GREENSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

SPONSORED BY

PET DENTAL

PROCEDURE WHAT HAPPENS DURING A VETERINARY DENTAL CLEANING? Our pets need regular dental check-ups because they cannot tell us when they have a toothache, abscess or any other kind of dental hygiene issue. If they are suffering from tooth pain, it will be painful even to eat, so it’s important for these problems to be taken care of as soon as possible. Just like in humans, regular teeth brushing and the use of mouthwash (dental additives in pets’ water) are excellent dental hygiene practices, but nothing can substitute getting our pets’ oral and dental health checked out by the professionals. On a routine vet visit, your vet will have a look at your pet’s teeth and they may recommend a dental cleaning, asking you to make an appointment specifically for this. They will probably ask you not to feed your pet after a certain time the day before (to ensure there is nothing in your pet’s system so that there’s no chance of vomiting during the procedure) and to bring your pet in early on the day of their dental appointment and fetch them later in the afternoon. But what happens to your pet between the time you drop them off and collect them again?

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

PRE-OPERATIVE STEPS The vet will do a physical examination of your pet’s mouth to identify what needs to be done during the procedure. They may see signs of abscess, decay and cracked teeth, as well as identify the amount of plaque that needs to be removed. During the pre-op, the vet will also perform a full clinical examination of your pet, which may include bloodwork, to determine if your pet has any conditions that may pose a risk while they are under anaesthetic. Some dog breeds with low body fat are sensitive to anaesthetic drugs, so all the risks need to be weighed before the anaesthetic is administered.

GENERAL ANAESTHETIC INDUCTION The vet will give your pet a sedative to help calm them down before they are placed under general anaesthetic. The vet will insert an intravenous catheter to administer the anaesthetic and to ensure there is a vein entry point to administer emergency medication should it be necessary during the procedure, although this is usually

unlikely. Once everything is ready, general anaesthesia is induced and an endotracheal tube (breathing tube) is put in place to keep your pet’s airway clear of any obstructions, as well as to ‘keep them under’ throughout the procedure. Their vital signs (pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and body temperature) are constantly monitored with equipment that will alert the vet should your pet experience any distress.

DURING THE PROCEDURE Before the procedure, the vet did an oral examination, but once your pet is under anaesthetic, it will give the vet the chance to take X-rays so that they can see what’s going on under the surface in your pet’s mouth. Very often the teeth look fine on the outside, but under the gum line the X-rays can tell a very different story. Once they have a clear picture, the real work can begin. If it is necessary, the vet will perform tooth extractions of diseased or fractured teeth and drain any abscesses that are causing problems. Then comes the ultrasonic dental descaling, which involves the use of dentistry tools, very similar to those that your dentist uses on you, to remove the plaque buildup on your pet’s teeth.

This process would be very uncomfortable and stressful if your pet were not under anaesthetic, which is why they need to be unconscious – so the vet can do a thorough job! Some pets develop little pockets below their gum line, called periodontal pockets, where food and bacteria accumulate and can cause damage to the gum and jawbone. Ultimately, this loosens teeth and results in more and more teeth needing to be extracted in the long term. Short-term preventative treatment includes subgingival curettage, which involves the scraping of these periodontal pockets to remove tartar and bacteria, as well as any damaged gum tissues.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Once these pockets are clean, they can be filled with a hardening gel that fights infection and prevents future tissue destruction. Not all pets will need subgingival curettage – the vet will measure the size of each gingival pocket to determine if it needs to be scraped and cleaned. Once all cleaning procedures have taken place, the healthy teeth can be polished with a dental paste. Not only does this clean healthy teeth, it also smooths out any abrasions on the teeth caused by the dental cleaning equipment. This gives your pet a pearly white smile, but it also provides fewer micro surfaces for bacteria to get into. Finally, your pet’s mouth will be flushed with antibacterial solution to clear away any remaining bacteria. Once that’s all done, the vet will wake your pet up from the general anaesthetic and it will be time to call you to come and collect them.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

THESE INCLUDE: •

Daily teeth brushing (this may be difficult with an adult dog who is not used to a toothbrush, but if you start early enough with brushing a puppy’s teeth, they will get used to it and it will become part of your grooming routine. There are various toothbrush options to ensure a comfortable experience for your pet.)

• Giving your pet dental chews • Adding teeth-cleaning additives to your pet’s water

bowl

• Antibacterial dental tablets • Prescribed pet food especially for pets with dental

problems

•

Annual vet check-ups and oral examinations to ensure your vet catches any dental issues before they cause damage to gum tissue and jaw bone

You will probably instantly notice that your pet’s breath smells better – that’s because all the bacteria and decay have been removed and their mouth treated. Your vet may recommend a number of measures you can put in place at home to keep your pet’s oral hygiene in top condition and prevent future dental decay.

Annual check-ups and regular dental cleaning not only keep your pet’s mouth healthy, but also protects your pet’s overall health and ensures a long and healthy life. 37

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

OVER THE RAINBOW

BRIDGE

Our animal family members bring boundless joy and unconditional love, and are such an integral part of our lives that we can’t imagine being without them. Sadly, it’s an inescapable reality that, one day, we will have to bid them farewell. This is an incredibly hard process, made worse by not knowing what to expect. This regular column aims to demystify it in order to help you when the time comes for your pet to cross the Rainbow Bridge. GOING THROUGH GRIEF

Your pet has passed away and your heart feels like it’s been torn from you, leaving both an echoing emptiness and deep heaviness within. You want to tell everyone about them, cry on someone’s shoulder, scream your sorrow to the world… but it’s ‘just an animal’, so you shouldn’t be so sad. Right? Absolutely not! Your pet is your best friend, child, family member, cheerleader, consoler, and so much more. Every moment of their lives is in your hands and part of your routine. They need you and you need them. So, their death is a truly devastating loss, and you have every right to feel heartbroken. Unfortunately, because society doesn’t always see it that way (or we think that it won’t), the usual grief support systems and sympathy tend to be less or absent, or we are fearful of reaching out, lest we are judged. But you’ll be surprised at how many people know exactly what you’re going through. In fact, research has shown that the pain of losing a loved pet is comparable to, or worse than, the loss of a human family member. Your pet is family and you were blessed to have had them in your life, so grieving when they’re gone is completely understandable and normal.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEELINGS OF GRIEF

Grief is not one thing; it is a non-linear rollercoaster with many stages that can start at any time, from long before your pet passes away, until days later. Everybody experiences it differently - some go through all the stages in the below order, some

go back and forth, some only experience a few of them… Each feeling is normal and should be acknowledged, felt and accepted, not avoided and/or feared.

• SHOCK AND DENIAL: These buffer you

against overwhelming emotions. Shock numbs you and makes it easier to cope at first. Denial - of a diagnosis, the reality that your pet is gone, and even that you’re grieving at all - also provides space to process.

• PAIN: Pain can be a tiny trickle or an all-consuming torrent and should not be suppressed (think about what happens if you try to hold back a river). Cry if you want to, stare into space, scream into your pillow – do what you need to do, without self-judgement or censorship. If you can’t mourn whenever you want, set aside time, for example, after everyone has gone to bed or while sitting in your car. • GUILT AND REGRET: These are extremely common (and usually unfounded). Regret is about what you wish you had done; guilt is about what you wish you hadn’t. You may feel guilty for your decisions, how you handled their medical care, if you were too hasty in putting them to sleep or not hasty enough, for feeling relief when a suffering pet passes, for every decision you made. You might be consumed with remorse for every time you didn’t play with them, came home late, reprimanded them, etc. Constant secondguessing is part of this, too. Remind yourself that your aim was never to cause them suffering – you did what you could at the time.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BY JENNIFER DAVIES

• ANGER: People may blame and be angry with

themselves, others, or even a higher power. Allow yourself to feel angry (without taking it out on others, of course) as this is a way to externalise your grief.

• BARGAINING: You begin to concede that the outcome is inevitable, but still try to regain control, for example, by ‘buying time’ (‘If they can just live a few more weeks, I’ll do everything to make them happy.’) or negotiating with a higher power (‘If you heal my pet, I’ll be a better person’).

Saying Goodbye is never easy...

• DEPRESSION: Intense, overwhelming sadness,

changes in eating and sleeping patterns, aches and pains, exhaustion, helplessness, and even numbness or apathy can appear, because you’re finally starting to accept that they’re gone.

• REBUILDING: You may start doing things that bring

you joy, interacting with others, or honouring your pet’s memory, for example, by planting a tree in their name.

• ACCEPTANCE AND HOPE: You begin to have more good days than bad, and you may even start considering welcoming a new animal into your life. Acceptance can be confusing as we fear we’re losing our connection with our departed pet (‘If I’m not sad, I’m forgetting them/not honouring them enough?’) but, as the saying goes: your loved one’s memory does not live in your grief. You are not moving on from them; you are moving on from the pain. Grief for a lost pet is something you cannot go around the only way is to go through it. Be gentle with yourself, allow yourself to feel, and go through the process mindfully. One day, you will see a glimmer of light and in that light will be all the joy, love, and good memories of your beloved animal friend. And that’s what you can carry in your soul forever, keeping their memory alive and knowing that they never really left you at all. In the next issue, we investigate how to know if the time is approaching, how a veterinarian can help you make the decision, and what happens next.

IMPORTANT

Grief can sometimes get out of control and turn into major depression. If you or a loved one are struggling, it’s important to seek help. Visit the South African Anxiety and Depression Support Group at www.sadag. org for guidance.

WHAT IS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE?

The term ‘crossing/going over the Rainbow Bridge’ is about a pet’s passing away. The idea is that they cross over a beautiful multi-coloured bridge to a wonderful meadow where they run free and are happy and healthy. There, they wait for us until we, too, pass away and are reunited to cross the Rainbow Bridge to heaven together.

Our trusted and compassionate cremation services will ensure a digniﬁed end for your faithful friend, and provide you with comfort during your time of grief. Let the memories of your loved one live on through our range of hand-selected caskets, urns and keepsakes, honouring their legacy for years to come. For more information talk to your vet or visit www.legacypet.co.za

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BY BRIAN BERKMAN

Break

PETS NEED A too!

“

LUXURY TRAVEL WRITER, BRIAN BERKMAN, SEARCHES OUT THE FABULOUS AND OFTEN AFFORDABLE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR PETS. JULIE, HIS RESCUED MIXED-BREED DOGGIE-DAUGHTER INSISTS ON JOINING THEM.

“

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

lthough many hotels are now realizing that people want to travel with their pets whenever possible, the Radisson RED at the V&A Waterfront in South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, decided this would be a singular part of their identity from the get-go.

While Baxter, the Boston Terrier who “signs” welcome letters and features in their corporate design is no longer on the team (he and his owner moved to another property), the spirit of Baxter is very much alive and well at this high-energy property in the Silo area of the V&A Waterfront. The lobby area of the Radisson RED instantly spells out how this may be different from other hotels. There is no traditional reception desk, but rather a freeflowing area on the left, where staffers are ready to check you in. There are giant red beanbags instead of couches and a natty red-coloured fridge, too. On the opposite side of the lobby is a long table at which people work or just hang. When we visited there previously there was a ping-pong

table there, which, I was told, will return soon. If ever a hotel was built with millennials in mind, this is it. The important stuff: lightening-speed internet and fully interactive big-screens in the rooms, as well as fashion-forward design, makes this property pop with colour and energy. The roof top features the Red Roof Bar in a converted truck, a long lap pool, and a kitchen serving pizzas and grills. There is also undercover seating on the roof and, with views over the Waterfront and 360 degrees around it, this is a prime party space. There are yellow hexagonal shaped plastic chairs and tables that are as comfortable to sit on as they are great to look at, while a perimeter border planted in red plastic crates adds greenery. A table and chairs works as a dining and working area. The wall-side consul contains a coffee plunger, freshly ground coffee, a kettle and takeaway coffee cups. The bathroom, which features a walk-in rain shower with an additional high-power hand shower, has quality bathroom amenities at the ready for your use.

The ground floor eatery, OUIBar & KTCHN, serves an all-you-can eat breakfast and has a Selfie wall where you can screen-grab yourself and friends. Travelling with Julie was also a pleasure. A dog bed, water and food bowls were provided. Do let them know in advance how large a pet you are travelling with, as the standard dog bed was too snug for Julie. We always travel with her bed in the car, so it wasn’t an issue at all for us. Of course, there is a bar fridge and a laptop sized safe provided for your use, and we were happy to find fluffy disposable slippers and robes in the wardrobe. There is a 24-hour gym in the hotel too. Frankly, we loved being in the Red. JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Radisson RED, V&A Waterfront baxter@radissonred.com

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

By Dani Mc Neill

Quick Tips for Child Safety Around Horses •Teach your kids through example; what they observe and see practically stays with them longer. •While selecting a horse for your child, keep in mind your child’s size as well as experience level. •Never slack or lose attention when your child is near the horse. •Treat your kids for following the rules, just like you would for a horse. Similarly, tell them that there will be consequences if the rules are broken. •Hire an instructor for your kids to help them learn better. Even the calmest, most mature and well-trained horse can act out. As a horse rider, your child should be aware of that and should know how to act in such situations. Making safety a habit can save you a lot of trouble when your kids are learning basic horse care and riding.

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Why the outside of a horse is so good for the inside of a child Kids Can Develop a Sense of Responsibility One of the biggest things that a pet requires is regular and responsible care. They need to be fed, exercised, groomed, taken to the vet as needed and, of course, loved. While all of this applies to every pet you may introduce your child to, it applies even more so to horses. Because of their size, horses need a lot of space, and take a lot of work to maintain. The good news is this offers many layers of responsibility and duties that you can help your child to grow into through the years. For example, you may not want younger children being responsible for cleaning out your horse’s hooves, but they can watch you do it, then take over this chore as they get older. Horses also present a unique opportunity when it comes to being responsible for training an animal. Children can reap the direct benefits of training a horse, because a properly trained horse is a horse they can ride and bond with, as opposed to a dog or a cat that they may be able to train but can decidedly not ride. This benefit can help to motivate kids to stick with their new responsibilities.

Children Learn Empathy Another benefit to children being introduced to animals is that they can begin to understand how their actions

impact another living thing. This can help them to develop a sense of empathy and compassion at a young age. Horses, in particular, have been shown to have intense emotional impact on the children they interact with.

those who can’t keep horses too close to home, has also been found in dogs and some domesticated pigs.

In fact, some child psychologists use horses for therapy, to help treat emotional and mental issues that children may live with. This is called equine therapy, and it’s been shown to help children have enough space to foster positive emotional health. Part of this success has to do with horses’ innate ability to emotionally connect with humans, as they have done for centuries.

Finally, introducing your children to horses may be introducing them to the one thing they want to dedicate the rest of their life to: Caring for and working with horses can be an entire career path, with varied avenues and journeys. You never know — one moment they will be asking to decorate their room with horses and the next they may be training worldfamous stallions.

Horses are among the few animals that have been around humans for almost the entirety of civilization. They were present in ancient Greece, helped to move Native American families across North America before colonists arrived, and have continued to be integral working members of modern society despite the invention of cars. Horses have been with humans for what feels like “always,” which may be why we associate them with having human-like emotions.

We all have that one fascination or passion from when we were young that has followed us through our lives. Introducing your child to horses could help them to find that passion and carry it with them for a long time. The bonus is that their passion will come with a deep, intense sense of responsibility and empathy for the world around them.

Because of their high emotional capacity, horses are great role models for kids to learn empathy. Children may immediately feel connected with their equine friends and want to do the best they can with them in order to keep them feeling their best at all times. This kind of emotional bond, for

They May Discover a Lifelong Passion

Being around large animals, like horses, from an early age could help to spark an interest in things like livestock husbandry, horse training, or even veterinary science. Your child could potentially work with large animals on the set of the next big action thriller in Hollywood, or help kids like themselves learn to love horses as well. In the world of animal care, the possibilities are endless. JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Ask the Vet

Q: Hi Dr Travis, I’m curious to know your opinion on whether it’s safer to feed my dog commercial treats or fruit, since commercial treats don’t have a calorie breakdown on them the same way human food does. Can you assist? A: When it comes to giving our pets treats, we don’t want the treats to be making up more than 10% of the animal’s daily calorie requirement. So, yes, when the caloric content of the treat is unknown, it can be very difficult to know how much to give.

Budgies can be territorial animals, and one budgie may be defending a favourite perch or toy. They can also become jealous, fighting each other for your attention. This might become prevalent if you have been spending less time with them recently, or if one budgie is getting more attention than another. A third reason for fighting could be hormonal changes. As the days grow longer, the budgies may be entering their breeding season where they could become more territorial or have “shorter fuses” than normal. I don’t think it is necessary to take them to the vet just yet, but I would encourage you to look out for any weight loss, reduced energy level or reduced appetite. If the fighting results in any wounds, these will require veterinary attention to prevent infection.

Fruit and vegetables can make good treats, while also giving additional nutrients such as vitamins and fibre. Remember, most dogs don’t chew their food and tend to swallow it whole, so raw vegetables should be cut or grated so they don’t get stuck. If you are feeding fruit, be careful of feeding large pips or apple cores as these can cause obstructions, too. Peach pips and mielie cobs are common causes of intestinal obstruction that need surgery to remove.

Constant fighting can affect the budgie’s health and wellbeing in the long term, and if the fighting continues, then they will need to be separated. Some bird enthusiasts recommend separating them for a few days (up to a week) and then putting them back together again. If the fighting persists, or if it’s to the extent that they are drawing blood from each other, then permanent separation may be the only option. If they are separated, the cages can still be kept next to one another so that they can still keep each other company, and they can be put together while under supervision.

Not all dogs will appreciate fruit or vegetables. For these, you can offer protein sources such as meat or cheese. Just remember that these food groups can be calorie dense and high in fat, so be sure that you are mindful of how much you are giving. High fat foods are also risky in patients with diseases like pancreatitis. Be careful of sodium content in patients with heart disease. Many dogs also like peanut butter, which can be given in moderation, bearing in mind its high salt, high fat content. If your dog does enjoy peanut butter, be sure to check if it contains xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Q: Hi Dr Travis, I’m trying to feed my dog more organic type foods. What fruit and vegetables would you recommend feeding my dog? He is about 7 years old and a cross breed. Does age play a role in what we feed our dogs?

Q: Dear Doctor Travis, I have two budgies who have been getting along for more than two years and, all of a sudden, have started fighting. Do you think I should take them to the vet? I’m not sure what the cause could be for this. They are a male and a female. A:There are several reasons why two budgies may start fighting.

A: The dietary requirements of our pets do change with age. An aging animal’s digestive tract may not be as efficient as a younger dog, which makes it less capable of breaking down and absorbing nutrients from food. For this reason, the diet of an older animal should have highly digestible protein and higher amounts of certain trace elements. According to the Royal Canin JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

website, a dog is considered to be ‘aging’ when they have reached three quarters of their lifespan. These dogs also tend to have lower activity levels than younger dogs, which reduces their daily energy requirements. Overfeeding will cause weight gain that will exacerbate conditions such as arthritis, which older dogs may already be battling with. All dogs should be fed a well-balanced diet to maintain health, but vegetables can be added as treats as many dogs really enjoy them. Good examples of vegetables to use include carrots, broccoli, sweet potato and cooked pumpkin. Bear in mind that feeding too many vegetables may cause stomach upsets and flatulence. Avoid onion and garlic, as they can cause anaemia in high quantities. Most fruit is safe for dogs, but not all dogs enjoy it. Fruit should also be fed in moderation due to the high sugar content. Also remember to always remove the pips to avoid the risk of causing an obstruction. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney injury, so avoid feeding them. Q: Dear Doctor Travis, I’m not sure how to start this letter. My cat recently passed away from a tumour on her spleen. She was always happy to see us and ate well. The only thing I noticed before her vet visit was that she got thinner, I was under the assumption that it was just muscle loss due to her getting older. She was 15. I feel so guilty. Now I’m worried about my other cats, but I can’t afford to take them to the vet for a lot of tests to make sure they are not ill. We’ve always just taken them once a year and if they seem off. How do I know if weight loss isn’t just my cats getting older?

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A: Splenic tumours are, unfortunately, silent killers most of the time. They are also very rare in cats, so I really hope you are not blaming yourself for the passing of your cat. There is no way that you would have been able to pick it up. Vets can sometimes pick them up when palpating a patient’s abdomen but can also miss them if the patient is wriggly or tense. While it is common for cats to lose muscle mass as they get older, there are other signs of disease to look out for in older cats. Unfortunately, cats can be great pretenders, and a lot of their symptoms may be vague or obscure. Weight loss with an increased appetite is a cause for concern. Conversely, a drop in appetite would also indicate that something is wrong. Since older cats are prone to kidney disease, owners should also keep an eye out for increased water consumption or increased urination. These would also be something to worry about.

If you would like to ask Dr Travis a question, please send an email to mail@petprints.co.za Please include as much information in the email as possible. Dr Travis Gray

WWW.VETPRODUCTSONLINE.CO.ZA TEL: 033 263 1608

thevet@vetproductsonline.co.za

Tygerberg Animal Hospital

JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Lunar

Viper

Lunar is a Domestic Shorthair Cat (DSH) male of 3 years. A stray from Equestria, Pta. He is a sweet cat and well socialized.

Viper is a German Shepherd cross male of 8 years. Rescued in East Lynn, Pretoria. He had a tight rope around his neck. He is a robust boy, not good with all dogs, will have to socialize first.

Shadow

Patsy

Shadow is a DSH female, 4 years old. Stray cat from Echo Park Estate, Centurion. She is well socialized but a bit shy with humans.

Patsy is a DSH female, 3 years old. Owners moved and abandoned her, from Zusterstroom. She is a sweet cat and well socialized.

Pilot

Quanto

Pilot is an Africanis male, 6 years old. Confiscated in the Boschkop area. Neglected, locked in a toilet without food and water. A bit shy at first but sweet and loving.

Quanto is a Labrador cross male, 2 years old. Owners got separated and could not keep him. He is a sweet boy and well socialized.

The adoption fee will include sterilization of your pet, up-to-date deworming and vaccinations, and a microchip.

Adoption fee: R680 for dogs and R580 for cats

CMY

Contact: adoptions@wetnose.co.za / (013) 932 3941

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JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS

PetPrints Magazine January/February 2022

Articles inside

BREED SPECIFIC ADOPTIONS

ADOPTIONS

OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

TICK OFF

COMMUNITY

B-WELL RECIPE

TOP TIPS

ARTHRITIS IN PETS

ASK THE VET

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