Dr Alex Hynes: How To Manage A Pet Emergency
AUSTRALIA’S MOST POPULAR PETS
Could You Save
Your Pet’s Life?
DOG FRIENDLY
CAFES IN BRISBANE
Nigella the pug The Social Media Sensation
Did you know DENTAL DISEASE is the MOST common disease in pets, which affects 80% of cats and dogs over the age of 3?
Free Dental Checks
Our qualified Veterinary Nurses or Veterinarians will: 1.
Conduct a comprehensive 6 point oral examination:
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Changes in gum health (inflammation or infection) Tooth health (stability or discoloration) Misalignment of teeth Trauma to teeth Oral tumours Abnormal breath (can be a sign of internal disease or local infection)
• • • • • 2.
3.
Consult with you to determine the best home care plan for you, based on your lifestyle, budget, and your pet’s temperament. Help you identify 3-4 preventative tools and tricks that you can use at home to help improve your pets dental health and reduce your veterinary dental costs.
4.
Provide you with a dental report with all of the above in detail, with easy to follow treatment guides (‘slow and sneaky’ method to brushing your pets teeth) and videos (how to brush your pet’s teeth) to watch at home.
5.
As well as a detailed estimate of any further work which may be required and a voucher worth $100.
At all of our clinics, our goal is to provide exceptional patient care to your furry babies, as well as outstanding customer service to you as pet owners. Not only do we care for and nurture your pets as though they are our own, we also strive to understand your needs as a pet owner and will do whatever we can to make sure your experience with us is a rewarding and positive one. That’s our promise to you!
CLAIM A FREE DENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR YOUR PET
Click here to register your pet at one of our three clinics for a free dental check today!
Participating Clinics:
Contents 6
DR JULIE HANDLEY: JUGGLING PARENTING & PETS
8 WHO YOU GONNA CALL... IN A PET EMERGENCY? DR ALEX HYNES
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15 DOG FRIENDLY CAFES IN BRISBANE
13 5 BENEFITS OF DOGA FOR YOU AND YOUR PUP
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17 ANIMAL WISDOM: DR MICHAEL ARCHINAL
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THE 10 MOST POPULAR PETS IN AUSTRALIA
22 PAWS FOR PURPOSE: DR MARK KELMAN
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26 NIGELLA THE PUG: THE SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION
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COULD YOU SAVE YOUR PETS LIFE?
34 INSTA PETS YOU MUST FOLLOW
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Contributors NIGELLA THE PUG
Nigella, the worlds most beautiful little black pug, loves her food just like her celebrity chef namesake. Named after the nigella seed (similar to a poppy seed) because when she was born - that’s what she looked like. Nigella takes her social influencer status seriously only recommending brands she herself uses and therefore genuinely endorsing. Those close to her call her Gelly. Nigella is big sister to Bobby and Finella. @nigellathepug
DR MICHAEL ARCHINAL
Dr Michael Archinal BVSC IVAS (Cert) PTC (Hons) graduated 30 years ago and is currently the senior director of 7 veterinary practices with 32 doctors and over 60 support staff. He is at the forefront of companion animal practice in Australia and has won many prestigious national awards including ACT 2016 Australian of the Year Finalist for his work in remote aboriginal communities. Michael is recognised as an international expert in the human-animal bond and has spoken around the world from the US to Japan and most recently in Alaska! He is a highly sought after spokesperson appearing regularly on national television for 12 years, 20 years on radio all around the country and has authored a best selling book on the human-animal bond.
DR ALEX HYNES
Bondi Vet’s, Dr. Alex Hynes is an emergency veterinarian with an extraordinary passion for animals. After growing up in the Southern Highlands of NSW riding horses, milking cows and lambing sheep, her love for animals is really no surprise. Her work in emergency and critical care involves treating of the sickest of sick dogs, cats and wildlife in Queensland. Alex was inspired by the vision of Animal Emergency Service, and joined them in 2007. While impressive, it’s not just her qualifications and experience that make her such a uniquely outstanding veterinarian. Alex has a phenomenally well-rounded lifestyle, participating in martial arts, strength training, and horse riding - all while excelling in an incredibly demanding role at work, raising her beautiful young daughter and giving up her remaining precious time to charities. Alex has dedicated her life to educating pet owners and advancing the area of emergency and critical care in veterinary medicine, so that any sick and injured animal can have the care they deserve at any time of day or night. @dralexhynes
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DR MARK KELMAN
Dr Mark Kelman is a co-founder and director of Paws For A Purpose, an innovative social enterprise charity that helps pets and people in need, by identifying issues in this area, and finding and implementing solutions. He is also a veterinarian, scientific researcher and social philanthropist. Mark graduated from Murdoch University in 2000, and his career has spanned working as a vet at RSPCA NSW, in general practice in Sydney, as Technical Services Manager in veterinary pharmaceuticals, and currently he is also completing a PhD in Canine Parvoviral Epidemiology at The University of Sydney. He is also a board director of Pets In The Park – another charity that helps the homeless to care for their pets. @pawsforapurpose
Editor-In-Chief D R S H I B LY M U S T A P H A
Welcome to Love Your Pets Magazine we are excited to share this issue with you. We created this magazine to educate and inspire you to live a more fulfilling life with your pet. Being pet parents ourselves, we are all too familiar with the ups and downs of having pets. The joy that they bring us on a daily basis, from that super-excited ‘Welcome Home’ greeting, to the relaxing chill moments that we spend just being close to them. And then the fears, grief and anxiety that we feel, not knowing what they need or how to provide it for them. Love your pets Magazine was created to celebrate that amazing bond that we share. To share in the stories of other pet parents and celebrities, while learning some cool tips and tricks that will enhance your time with your pets. This is for anyone in the animal industry, pet owners (and those aspiring to be). It’s also for anyone who enjoys learning something new and CAN’T resist a cute animal picture! Besides featuring some of the cutest trend setting animals in the world, we have also gone one-on- one with some of the hottest names in the pet scene.... the Entertainers,
the Educators and the Pioneers that are changing the world as we know it, impacting millions of lives both human and animal! We are very excited to have Dr Alex Hynes - Bondi Vet in this issue. Take some time to learn how you can prepare for an emergency situation with your pet, how vets are giving back to the community and where to find the best pet friendly cafes in Brisbane, it’s well worth your time . Also in this issue is the Magnificent Nigella the Pug - an adorable pug with much to say! As you can see our magazine is filled with information to open your eyes to the amazing World of Pets and Pet lovers. Our goal with Love Your Pets Magazine is to support you on your journey as a pet owner and pet advocate. Thanks for taking the time to read it!
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Dr Julie Handley: Juggling Parenting & Pets Julie Handley trained at the University of Queensland, in the early 90’s. She began her professional life as a large animal vet in Brisbane’s bay side, seeing horses with colic at 3am on cold winters nights. After a few years working in the United Kingdom, she returned to Australia to a position with the RSPCA located in Newcastle and Broken Hill. Following some time off to start a family, Julie now works Fridays and Saturdays at Algester Vets, a job she enjoys for its opportunities to closely connect with her patients and their owners. Love Your Pets sits down with the mum of 2 boys to talk about how she became the highly skilled veterinarian she is today and her ‘cat dog’ Truman. Where were you born and raised, Julie? Although I was born in Brisbane, I grew up in regional Queensland. My love for science came from my grandmother, who was one of the first female geologists trained in Queensland. She always fostered a questioning mind in her grandchildren. Tell us a little about your veterinarian role… I started here at Algester Vet Clinic as a locum, seven years ago now.
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I now work every Friday, most Saturdays and the odd Thursday before I have a weekend off. Although I work part time, I’ve been such a long-term staff member, I’ve pretty much met every patient on our books. What does your typical day at the clinic look like? After doing all my mum jobs beforehand, a typical work day begins with checking in patients, especially those just about to have a procedure. All patients having a procedure have a clinical examination and the nurses and I collect blood samples from these patients before I start morning consultations. I see clients and their pets for appointments, which could be anything from a new puppy consultation, to annual health checks, vaccinations, heartworm injections as well as those less routine issues pets have like lameness’s, lumps or upset tummies. Then I begin surgical procedures, for example, de-sexing surgeries, or dental work to lump removals or x-rays. Next, I like to make follow up calls, receive and sending samples to external laboratories, respond to any emails, discharge my surgical patients, and see evening appointments.
After closing up shop, I rush home to catch the kids before they go to bed, and get a thorough sniffing over by Truman our little dog, who is always intrigued by the animal smells. Do you have a specialty? In short, not really, but as time has gone by I’ve narrowed my focus from general mixed practice to the medical and surgical care of family pets. What do you love most about being a veterinarian? I love getting to know the intricacies of people’s relationships with their pets. I think it is one of the most amazing things about human beings, that we can form such strong bonds with members of another species, that we can care so deeply for them, and where they sometimes become our closest friends. What an incredible honour to help people keep these special little creatures healthy and happy, so that this relationship can last as long as possible. If you didn’t become a vet what was your second career option? I seem to remember putting down a degree in Wild Systems Management on my QTAC form - I thought about becoming a wild life ranger or doing a general science degree if I didn’t get into vet school.
under our house, usually after hours. I might sound glamorous, but it usually involves me singing in my pj’s! Tell us about your own pets –what’s their story? Along with a few odd goldfish, we have a very spoilt little mixed breed rescue dog called Truman. Truman is what my kids call a “cat dog” - he prefers spending all his time sitting on the couch, ideally on someone’s lap, while having his ears endlessly scratched or his back gently stroked. He hates anything that might get his feet wet or dirty - so hates baths, beaches or walking on any day that isn’t perfectly dry and warm. We think he might have spend some times “on the streets” as a stray, and so is happiest as a home dog. He really thinks he’s just one of my kids, as he spends most of his time hanging out with them, playing lego, jumping on the trampoline or running around the back yard. What made you decide to become a vet? I lay the blame firmly on James Herriot. Yes, I was one of those kids who grew up in the 80’s watching All Creatures Great and Small every Sunday night with my family. We always had a spoilt family dog who I loved, and I thought a job where I hung out with animals all day, in a broadly scientific field, would just be ideal! After more than 20years in the job, I think I must have been on the right track!
How do you spend your days off? I spend most of my other time looking after my children, with lots of school mum stuff. I volunteer a lot at their community minded school and have become heavily involved with running the school fete every year. In between the mad times, I try and read as much as possible, and drag everyone out into the outdoors for bush walks and camping as much as possible. If I wasn’t at work, my happy place would be by the beach somewhere, enjoying a podcast or novel in between swims and gelato. Tell us a little known fact about you? As my husband is a composer and sometimes writes music for advertising, I sometimes do backing vocals for ads. He records these in a recording studio
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WHO YOU GONNA CALL… …in a pet emergency?
Dr. Alex Hynes While many of us put contingencies in place for ourselves and our families in the case of an emergency, we often forget that pet emergencies also happen. When a medical emergency falls upon our furry friends, pet parents can be overwhelmed with making difficult and rational decisions, especially if something occurs in the middle of the
night. This is when having a crisis plan in place for pet emergencies is a smart idea. We spoke with emergency vet Dr. Alex Hynes about staying calm in a pet’s medical emergency and the items you should always have on hand in a petfriendly first aid kit. Dr. Hynes grew up surrounded by animals; dogs and cats to cattle and chickens. However, she didn’t always want to be a vet. Her path led her to finance and business, but after about a year, she realized a desk job and city life wasn’t for her, and she applied to veterinarian school. And while it takes a special type of person to be a vet, it takes another breed to work in emergency care. She explained, “I’ve always been a person who thrives on challenge, and being under pressure brings out the best in me. In an emergency we see the worst of the worst cases, but the flip side to that is that it creates an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those pets very quickly. Often it’s at night or on the weekend when they nobody else to turn to. I get to save lives and reunite pets with their families every day, and that’s incredibly rewarding.” While a pet’s first aid kit looks similar to that of a human, there are key differences you should pay close attention to.
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It’s easy and normal to overreact in the event of an emergency, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Dr. Hyne’s let us in on her tips for handling an at home emergency.
Dr. Hyne’s 12 Crucial Elements For Your Pet First Aid Kit
6 Tips For Handling An At Home Emergency
1. Sterile saline solution (for washing out wounds and can also be used for irrigating an injured eye) 2. Medication to relieve itching such as a soothing cream—useful for minor bites and stings 3. Oral syringes for administering fluids or medication 4. Tweezers to remove splinters, grass seeds, or ticks 5. A nylon slip lead—important so you can have control of the injured animal, especially when they are scared and may not listen well 6. A large blanket—can be used as a stretcher if you have to move a large animal or to wrap around a small animal to keep them warm during transport 7. Cold and heat packs 8. Sterile gauze pads which can be placed over the wound 9. Cotton wool padded bandage 10. Scissors for cutting bandage material 11. Cohesive bandage to secure the dressing in place 12. First aid tape
1. Know who to call—have the name and number of your vet and local emergency hospital in place that’s easily accessible to everyone in the household. Don’t forget you may not be home when the emergency happens, so it’s vital that everyone knows what to do. 2. Know how to perform CPR in an emergency. Look for pet first aid courses in your area that will teach you what to do if you find your pet not breathing. 3. Don’t give your pet human medication. You could do more harm and make a bad situation worse. 4. Some dog medication is NOT meant for cats and vice versa. Cats are not small dogs and metabolise drugs differently. Be sure to use pet specific medications. 5. Always take precautions when handling an injured animal. Even the most gentle, sweetnatured pet may bite when hurt or scared. 6. Know how to use the items in your first aid kit, and periodically check expirations dates on medications and replace them if necessary.
It’s easy and normal to overreact in the event of an emergency, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Dr. Hyne’s let us in on her tips for handling an at home emergency.
Other Resources: There is a lot of information out there regarding emergencies, but it can be a lot to process when facing one. l o v e y o u r p e t s m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u
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Dr. Hynes suggests keeping a first aid resource book, like her book First Call For Dogs, somewhere within easy reach. “Even if you can’t remember the information you need in an emergency, you can look it up quickly and then act with calmness and confidence,” she explains, “Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can really make a difference in the life of a pet.” First Call for Dogs is a must-have guide for every dog owner and is presented in a simple, concise way with gorgeous photos and quotes throughout. It contains 24 chapters on the most common illnesses, injuries, and emergency situations for dogs. It also includes prevention tips and vital information on symptoms, causes, treatments, and recovery as well a lifesaving guide to CPR on your dog. This helpful guide will help you get to know and understand your precious pooch
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better, help them have a happy and healthy life, and act with knowledge, calmness, and confidence in a critical situation. Your local vet or emergency service is another great resource. Over the phone, the staff will be able to guide you through what to do at home and also give you direction on where to go to get your pet to help quickly. For more information regarding emergency pet care, be sure to check out Dr. Hyne’s website at
www.dralexhynes.com.au. And be on the lookout for her latest emergency care book, First Call For Cats, for all the knowledge any responsible cat owner needs.
Dog-friendly
Cafes In Brisbane
Spending time with your pets can be difficult especially when living in the city. And sometimes going out with them can be a challenge especially when some cafes don’t allow dogs. However, there are little hotspots for dog owners in Brisbane to enjoy a meal together. Here are the top 15 cafes in Brisbane to visit with your pooch. 1. LITTLE BLACK PUG – MT GRAVATT www.littleblackpug.com.au
Owners Josh and Louise Day are passionate about two things – food and their pooches Bowie and Mate. This dynamic duo has successfully combined their love of food and dogs in the Little Black Pug Café. This fabulous eatery serves up an array of foodie delights for both the two and four-legged varieties! 2. BEDOUIN BREW - COOPERS PLAINS www.bedouinbrew.com
Bedouin Brew is all about style. Their goal is to recreate a Middle Eastern Desert Dwelling for their customers to enjoy an escape from the world. They welcome customers and their four-legged friends to enjoy and relax with a freshly made coffee.
3. THE COFFEE NOOK - MANSFIELD BRISBANE @thecoffeenook
The Coffee Nook lives up to its name. Known as a hole in the wall, The Coffee Nook has outdoor seating, take away coffee and Walk-in Ordering. They also are pet-friendly and provide puppiccinos for lucky pooches to also enjoy a drink. 4. EXTRACTION ARTISAN COFFEE - SLACKS CREEK @ExtractionArtisanCoffee
Alex Milosevic is the manager at Extraction Artisan Coffee and is relishing his dreams of providing quality coffee and sharing the love. Extraction Artisan Coffee welcomes newcomers and existing customers. They provide inside and outside seating for customers with canines to enjoy some fresh air. 5. THAT LITTLE PLACE CAFE - MOUNT GRAVATT @thatlittleplacecafe
That Little Place Cafe is always updating its menu not only for their human customers but also for their dog customers. That Little Place Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and a menu for the pups that might too want to join in on the meal.
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6. WOOFISSIMO CAFE & RESTAURANT MACGREGOR @wooffriendlycafe
Woofissimo Cafe and Restaurant is all about dogs and their owners. They are a family and pet-friendly cafe run to help owners and their pets enjoy a healthy meal together. They’re all about welcoming pups into the cafe and to enjoy a healthy snack. 7. SWEET TREATS DESSERT CAFE - EIGHT MILE PLAINS @SweetTreatsDessertCafe
If you and your pup have a sweet tooth then Sweet Treats Dessert Cafe is just what you need. They provide dog-friendly treats and desserts for owners to enjoy. Sweet Treats is all about trend and comfort, the cafe is modern and has indoor and outdoor dining, and they are open until late! 8. THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID CAFE & ESPRESSO BAR - UNDERWOOD
That’s What She Said Cafe has a huge menu to choose from, the owners are always finding healthier choices for breakfast meals. They have a small indoor seating but a large outdoor seating and are pet-friendly. Being in the centre of Brisbane they are a great morning cafe for owners to enjoy a morning out with their pets. 9. TORI & HIYOKO CAFE - MOUNT GRAVATT @Tori-Hiyoko
Tori and Hiyoko Cafe may be small but they utilise their limited space. With outdoor seating and petfriendly signs, it is hard to miss. Tori and Hiyoko have a limited choice in menu however there is a variety of items to choose from. 10. BEST FLORIST & ESPRESSO BAR - MOUNT GRAVATT @bestfloristespressobar
Best Florist and Espresso Bar is hidden away and hard to find, however, once found the atmosphere is all about good vibes and free flowers. Not only is it a beautiful cafe to enjoy a coffee at, but is also a pet-friendly cafe and is always happy to have pups enjoying their time there.
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11. KITH ‘N’ CHOW - MOUNT GRAVATT @kithnchow
Kith ’n’ Chow has everything to do with summer vibes. They are a small cafe with plenty of outdoor space for pets and people to enjoy the fresh air and a nice meal. They specialise in breakfast and brunch with morning meals and platters for a relaxing vibe and quick service. 12. CAFE IN TOKYO - ALGESTER @cafeintokyo
Cafe in Tokyo isn’t located in Tokyo however it is in Brisbane. They are a small business and are happy for furry friends to join their customers. Their menu has Japanese style breakfast and dinners. 13. SOUTHSIDE BISTRO - SUNNYBANK @ssbistrobne
Southside Bistro isn’t a normal cafe. In fact, they are open until midnight every night! Their menu has a variety of choices and also includes a dessert menu. The Bistro is happy for dogs to join their owners even late at night. 14. BLACK LAB COFFEE - TARRAGINDI @blacklabcoffee
Black Lab Coffee has been open since 2016 and is still growing in the community. Black Lab Coffee specialises in high-quality coffee. They have eat in and takeaway for customers on the go. They provide morning meals and are pet-friendly. 15. ST COCO CAFE - DAISY HILL www.stcococafe.com.au
St Coco Cafe was founded by Amber and Cynamon Norris. They are locals to Brisbane and hope to bring a special community to Daisy Hill. Their menu has many choices of meals to choose from and they also offer fresh pastries, vegan choices, gluten-free recipes and raw treats.
5 Benefits Of Doga For You And Your Pup
Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that has been around for centuries. By now, we know yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind and been proven to have many health benefits from the breathing exercises, strength exercises, and stretching components. Studies have even shown that it can help with pain, addiction and depression as well. But have you considered doing yoga with your dog? Dubbed as Doga, there are some great reasons for pet owners to try this growing health trend. DOGA?
The concept was created by Suzi Teltelman, a Jacksonville, FL yoga teacher, and is a great way to get exercise for yourself and your dog. Even though dogs can’t actually do most of the normal yoga poses, they will enjoy the stretching, pet massage and soothing energy doga sessions provide. Not to mention all of the attention they’ll get! However, dogs are temperamental creatures and shouldn’t be forced to participate. If your dog doesn’t seem interested, don’t force it upon them. Listen to their body language and be mindful.
5 BENEFITS OF DOGA
Not everyone in the yoga community is comfortable with the idea of integrating pets into yoga sessions. However, there may be potential benefits for both you and your pup.
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Yoga has been proven by scientific studies to benefit human bodies and minds, but there isn’t as much research about the benefits of Doga for your dogs except that it will allow you bond with your dog. Assisted poses force you and your canine to work together as partners. This can help your dog learn to trust you and generally strengthen your relationship. This can also improve the potential for their behavior correction and training.
The best shared benefit of Doga is that it can help your and the dog deal with stress and anxiety and mental stability. Breathing exercises can do wonders for hyperactive dogs because it can calm them down and mellow them out. The exercise component can release some of your dog’s energy while stretching and massage components will mentally make them calmer.
BONDING WITH YOUR DOG
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PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
While the benefits of Doga aren’t backed by any real research, it’s still a form of exercise for you and your dog. If your dog is overweight or out of shape, doga could be a good way to get their body moving. It can aid in muscle building and fat burning. Any type of physical activity helps with blood circulation, and dog yoga isn’t an exception. 14 |
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RELAXATION
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ENTERTAINMENT
Yoga can be a fun activity in itself, but adding a dog to the mix just makes it better! For most dog lovers, adding your dog to the mix makes everything more enjoyable. And, your dog will certainly have some fun. There are other dogs involved in the class and will most likely enjoy the stretching and socializing.
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SOCIALIZATION
Dogs tend to be social creatures. Being surrounded by other dogs and people in a controlled and soothing environment can be a great way to get them to open up to strangers and better deal with social situations. Doga can help develop a dog’s social skills which make public outings like walks easier to handle.
Check out Karmably in Yeronga and Moorooka for Doga and Kitten Yoga (even Baby Goat Yoga!) sessions with Bernice.
Find out more at
karmably.com.au
It’s also a great way for you to meet other dog owning humans and socialize, which is perfect if you’re someone who doesn’t like crowded areas or loud dog parks.
It’s a great way for you to meet other dog owning humans and socialize, which is perfect if you’re someone who doesn’t like crowded areas or loud dog parks.
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Did you know that dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans?
s k c e h C s p m u B d n A s p m u L Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will, at some stage in their life, develop benign (harmless) and malignant (aggressive) tumours and almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. While lumps and bumps are more common in older pets, younger pets can get them too. The good news is that we have four resources available for you to ensure early detection and treatment occurs: • •
A FREE downloadable 2-minute video on how to properly search for lumps and bumps A FREE Body Map you can use to keep track of any abnormalities
CLICK HERE GET YOUR PAWS ON THESE RESOURCES TODAY!
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• •
A FREE Monitoring Chart to keep track of how the lumps and bumps have changed Downloadable discount voucher to use towards getting your furry love one checked
We want to ensure all pet parents are informed so that your furry loved ones are always well cared for. As pet parents ourselves, we understand how important the welfare of your pet is and pride ourselves on being able to provide you with the best resources available.
Participating Clinics:
Animal Wisdom: Dr. Michael Archinal
With statistics showing that more than 60 percent of Australian households have pets, it’s clear that we’re an animal loving nation. However, most of us would probably agree that we still have plenty to learn about animals, the bond we can have with them and the best ways to interact with them. One man working hard to make a difference in this arena is experienced vet Dr. Michael Archinal, who has been in the field for more than three decades. Dr. Archinal has seen firsthand that humans can learn a lot from their animal friends and argues passionately around the country and world for responsible pet ownership, and a better understanding of humananimal relationships. We chatted with Dr. Archinal about his popular book, Animal Wisdom: Stories from an Australian vet on what animals can teach us about love, health and happiness, and some of the insights he has picked up over his long career.
Dr. Archinal, can you tell us what inspired your book, Animal Wisdom? After 30 years in practice I kept seeing recurring patterns of things happening, and the increasing importance of the role of pets in our lives. I started to research the science behind the human-animal bond and found there were like-minded people and scientific organisations who were starting to publish robust science in this area.
At the time, I had a role on national television and was doing a lot of speaking internationally. I had a desire and passion to bring this information to everyone in an easily accessible form. Animal Wisdom developed from there.
What is one of the most common misconceptions people have about animals? Without question one of the most common misconception is the idea of dominance behaviour in dogs (that is, that dogs acting aggressively are being dominant). This has been perpetuated by many socalled TV celebrities, most notably Caesar Milan, to the detriment of the very animals we are entrusted to care for. The perpetuation of this misconception often leads to catastrophic consequences. l o v e y o u r p e t s m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u
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The reality is that, while some dogs may occasionally exhibit true dominance aggression, this is rare. Most dogs who have what humans see as problems with aggression are actually anxious or afraid. They may also be in pain or otherwise irritable or defensive because of a medical condition. Furthermore, unwanted behaviour in dogs is often just normal canine behaviour; behaviour that the animal has not yet learnt doesn’t conform to human expectations. The types of confrontational styles of training which some people recommend, such as physically dominating dogs, is dangerous, ineffective, and actually results in damage to the bond pet owners have with their dogs. Anxious or fearful animals are much more likely to respond effectively to rewardbased training. This should be conducted under the supervision of a qualified animal behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
What are some of the key ways in which animals make a positive difference to human lives? The list is almost endless! It includes: - - - -
Lowering our blood pressure Increasing social connectivity Improving the quality of life for the elderly Reducing allergies in our children
The science behind these benefits is the focus of my book.
What are some of the most unexpected beneficial consequences of human-animal relationships that you’ve noticed, that people often don’t realise occur? The reduction of allergic disease in children is a big one. Also, the scientific establishment of emotions in pets; most notably that they can express love. Is there a key takeaway from your book that you hope people get from reading it? The takeaway really is that animals have so much to offer us, apart from companionship. We are only just scratching the surface of finding out all the ways they can help us. If government institutions would embrace the mutually-beneficial, positive benefits of pets in our community the world would be a better place – not just for us, but animals as well. 18 |
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If government institutions would embrace the mutually-beneficial, positive benefits of pets in our community the world would be a better place – not just for us, but animals as well.
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10 Most Popular Pets In AUSTRALIA
Australians love pets and our data proves that! There are more than 25 million pets in Australia, and we hold one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Over 62% of Australian households own a pet, according to a study done by AMA (Australian Medicines Australia) on pet ownership. Of these, 38% are dog owners and 29% own cats. In addition, 59% of people who don’t currently own a pet admit they would like to in the future.
Dog Not surprisingly, dogs are the most popular pet, with almost two in five households (about 3.6 million) owning a dog.
A higher proportion of Australians live in a house with a cat or dog than with a child. The ratio of pets to humans in Australia is around 101:100—meaning there are more animal companions than human companions, and we consider them to be part of the family. 20% of Gen Y pet owners have pet insurance or emergency accounts for their pets compared to only 12% of the Baby Boomer counterparts. It’s pretty evident we love our pets, but what pets are our favorites? Here are the top 10 pets in Australia: l o v e y o u r p e t s m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u
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Cat
Bird
Cats are the next most-popular pet with nearly three out of ten households (about 2.7 million) owning one.
Birds thrive in small living spaces, making them great for people who live in apartments or other strata spaces. And there is a bird species for everyone! Breeds like finches, cockatiels, and budgies are small, low-maintenance, and great for beginners. If you’re looking for a bird that can talk, look into a cockatoo, macaw, or African Grey parrost. And if you want a bird that really feels like an affectionate pet, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and Budgies are more likely to bond with you.
Fish Maybe surprising, maybe not, but there are about 8.7 million pet fish in the country. From colorful Betas to gentle Molly fish, fish are low maintenance and great pets for small spaces or spaces with pet regulations.
Rabbit While rabbits are the opposite of low-maintenance pets, they are still family common house pets. Rabbits can be quite affectionate but personalities vary from individual to individual. Some bunnies are extremely affectionate while some don’t like being held or picked up.
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Turtle
Snake
Turtles are relatively easy to care for, although they require more complex equipment and have specific dietary needs than your typical furry friend. They live for a long time and are a unique and unconventional pet for a family and interesting pets that can teach children about more uncommon types of animals.
Caring for a snake isn’t as challenging as you’d think. With a sufficient diet, heat-regulated enclosure, and something to coil around, your snake will be pretty happy.
Ferret
Horse Horses are an extremely complex and expensive animal to keep as a pet. And while they’re not cuddly and compact like most dogs and cats, many choose to keep them as pets. If you are considering keeping a horse as a pet, be reminded you’ll need to give them ample space and room to roam and run. They are also more expensive for a multitude of reasons including vet care and grooming. But if you truly love horses, each has its own personality and love receiving love and attention.
If you’re looking for a cuddly friend that’s a little unusual, a ferret might be for you. They are inquisitive and intelligent and make wonderful pets. They can be a little nippy, so ask the breeder whether they niptrain their ferrets, and ensure children are carefully supervised.
Bearded Dragon Many Australians are opting for unconventional small mammals and reptiles to keep as pets due to generally less responsibility than with cats and dogs, smaller living arrangements, and preference. Bearded dragons are moderately sized lizards native to Australia and are pretty easy for beginner reptile owners. However, they do have fairly complex nutritional and environmental requirements.
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Paws For A Purpose: DR MARK KELMAN
While we all appreciate our vets when they’re taking care of our beloved pets, outside of this, some vets are also busy making a difference in other ways. One example is Australian vet Dr Mark Kelman who, along with some colleagues, created a charity called Paws for a Purpose. This organisation is having a truly positive impact when it comes to assisting in-need people and their pets around the country. We spoke with Dr Kelman to learn more.
Dr Kelman, can you please introduce us to Paws for a Purpose? Paws for A Purpose is a charity dedicated to helping pets and in-need people. While there are quite a few charities that focus on helping or rescuing animals, there was a gap when it came to help being offered to in-need people looking after their pets. Many people with pets are doing it tough but can’t afford to look after them or are finding it hard to cope. Unfortunately, a lot of society believes if you don’t have money, or in some way aren’t physically capable, you shouldn’t have a pet. But pets are so important to people from all walks of life. We feel that everyone deserves the companionship and love 22 |
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that pets bring. So, why can’t society help those who are more vulnerable to look after their pets, instead of alienating them? We’ve developed a range of Premium Beef Treats – containing 100 per cent Australian meat and no added preservatives, no colourings, no fillers, no starches and no artificial flavours – with 100 per cent of our profits channeled back into our organisation and projects. Our first and major focus area right now is trying to stop Canine Parvovirus, known as ‘Parvo’. What’s so important about this is that around 20,0000 puppies and dogs catch Parvo every year in Australia, with half of these – mostly puppies – sadly dying. We’ve done four months of ‘vaccination clinics’ and so far helped vaccinate close to 400 puppies and dogs belonging to disadvantaged people in rural areas. We want to have vaccinated over 1000 by the end of the year, and then to accelerate our reach! We’ve just launched a new Parvo monitoring system, too, after years of research. We also promote our partner charity, Pets in the Park - helping the homeless care for their pets. In addition, we’ve
The second difference I see between us and other pet-related social enterprises is that we are adamant that we don’t want to just raise money for a cause. We are 100% working actively on discovering where the real problems lie and then working on implementation of an holistic and permanent solution. At the end of the day, we want to see meaningful change, and once we fix one issue we will be moving on to the next one. We listen to our supporters and the community about where they feel the issues lie. got our sights set on helping other areas of the community, such as the elderly and even those who suffer mental illness or through domestic violence.
Who are the people behind the organisation? So many people help to run our charity, and every one of them (all volunteers) are passionate about pets and helping people. The charity started with an idea and a small team of directors - myself, Ms Tessa Biddles (a marketing and communications specialist who has just left the Board), and passionate pet-andpeople veterinarian, Dr Michael O’Donoghue. Plus, the team has grown as we’ve added more volunteers and a few more directors. Two new Board Directors, Zoe Cobden-Jewitt and Victoria Hogg, recently joined the team and we are looking to welcome another soon. Zoe’s expertise lies with fundraising, philanthropy and charitable development while Victoria’s skill set is in strategic planning, risk assessment, leadership, organisational management and structuring. As for me, I am a vet, as well as a scientific researcher, and I’ve done work with a number of organisations in the past, including working at RSPCA, and volunteering at Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Kings Cross. I am also a Director of another vet charity, Pets in the Park - which focuses on helping people experiencing homelessness to care for their pets.
How does Paws for A Purpose differ from other pet-related social enterprises? There are three big differences that I see. The first is, our focus is not just on pets, but helping pets and people. And more specifically trying to address the issues that are tearing apart people and their pets, or stopping them from having pets.
Our focus is not just on pets, but helping pets and people.
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We are 100% working actively on discovering where the real problems lie and then working on implementation of an holistic and permanent solution. The third difference is that 100% of the money we generate through our product sales goes back into the charitable work we do. There are a few social enterprises for pets that have started in the last few years that give a percentage of their profits to charities, but the rest goes back to their founders or directors. They aren’t a charity themselves. We are a charity, and this ensures that all the money we make goes to our purpose.
Plus, we’re looking for sponsors and funding so that we can expand our organisation and our reach. If you know of any interested sponsors or if you wish to donate, you can email us at info@pawsforapurpose. org or donate at https://www.pawsforapurpose. org/donatenow.html. People who are skilled, selfmotivated, who have time available to dedicate, and who want to join our volunteer team can also contact us as we’d love to hear from you.
How can people support Paws for a Purpose?
To stay informed about all our progress, events, and more, sign up to our newsletter. Here’s the link:
Our treats are available from veterinary clinics across Australia, as well as pet stores, dog groomers and are also sold by some independent resellers – people who buy in bulk and sell to their friends. The best place to find out where to get the treats is to check out our website at https://www.pawsforapurpose. org/our-supporters.html where all our stockists are listed. But if your local vet clinic, pet store, etc, isn’t currently stocking our treats and you would like them to, then please do approach them and get them to contact us! You can also buy them from our website, especially if you wanted to buy in bulk.
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www.pawsforapurpose.org/news
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND SAVE PUPPIES LIVES! (It’s as easy as buying dog treats) Find out how at pawsforapurpose.org/HelpStopParvo
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Nigella THE PUG
THE SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION
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Nigella, you are considered to be a social media star. Tell us how you came to have such a strong social media presence and how many actual followers you have? I have just under 140,000 friends - many from Australia, USA, UK, Europe and Brazil. There are many pugs with more followers than me – Doug the Pug has millions, but his grandmother tells me that I am her second favourite pug in the world – nepotism.
My mum started my account just for fun. She likes to think she can sense what I am thinking, so can capture my mood and facial expressions.
She is one stylish pooch and a definite influencer, who has over 135,000 Facebook and 9,000 Instagram followers, of both the furry and human kind. She is Nigella the Pug – a gorgeous fur ball and social media queen. Here we chat to Nigella the Pug about family, friends, her favourite past times and what it means to have found Facebook Fame. It’s great to talk to you Nigella, tell us a bit about how you met your forever family and what family life is like for you? There is me, my pug brother Bobby who came to live with us when he was 6 months old, as he has an inflammatory brain disease, and nobody wanted to take on the responsibility and my little sister Finella who is 2 and really annoying. They are both annoying actually – I mainly spend my days ignoring them. I came to live in my forever home when I was 8 weeks old and we live on the northern beaches of Sydney and love our little beach outings. We also have little Silkie chickens and I just adore them. We raised them from when they were 1 day old and I’ve always been very protective of them. 28 |
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My mum started my account just for fun. She likes to think she can sense what I am thinking, so can capture my mood and facial expressions. I guess she is a little bit like a pageant mum wanting to dress me up. Within a few months, I had 10,000 followers, then 20,000 and within 12 months I had over 100,000. Why is it that you think you are such a “Fur” sensation? We don’t take it too seriously - I am just a simple girl, enjoying life. We don’t stage photos or situations. Everything you see is captured with a quick photo of me or my pug siblings, doing what we do. Many people tell us they follow me because they can’t have a pug of their own at the moment, due to travel or work or living situations, and they feel like they get to experience the joy and fun of having a pug vicariously through my posts. Do you love being in the spotlight? Do you ever find that your family and friends get a little jealous of your success? I do actually, when we go to the meet and greets with the fans, I adore all the attention and love the pats and cuddles from people. Professional photographers have told my mum they can see my persona change, like I know when I am ‘on’, My pug siblings come to these
events with me, but they get over it in a few minutes, whereas I love it. My friends and family are not jealous at all - they think it’s fun.
the back and chest only. The harnesses and adjustable leads are made from designer fabrics, so they are not only functional but dress us for any occasion. Ok, Nigella, if you had one piece of advice for other pooches wanting to become a social media star, what would it be? Be authentic, don’t try and copy what someone else does, we are all unique and have individual personalities - capture and share what makes you you. If you want to find out more about Nigella and her various adventures you can follow her on either Facebook or Instagram or visit www.nigellathepug.com @nigellathepug
When you are not being a social media sensation, what do you like to do in your “down time”?
@nigellathepug
Sleep! I spend a lot of my day perched on top of the couch, looking down at the street below, intermittently barking at kids riding their bikes, the garbage man, the postman and cats.
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, so you need to be careful not to pull on their necks while walking. Now, your mum Kasey is a very clever lady and has actually designed a range of pet products inspired by you. Tell us a bit about it? Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, so you need to be careful not to pull on their necks while walking. Many harnesses are made all in one piece, so any tension on the back also applies tension around the neck, so mum designed a magnetic harness that pulls around l o v e y o u r p e t s m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u
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Save
Could You Your Pets Life? Would you know what to do if your beloved pet became ill, started choking or was hurt in an accident? So many of us in this situation would not have the basic skills or know what to do and that is why pet first aid is so important for pet owners. It is essential that any sick or injured animal be taken to the closest veterinarian for treatment, but there are some things that you can do to relieve their pain and give them the best chance of survival and recovery. Here are some basic first aid tips:
Cuts and bleeding If your pet has suffered an injury that has left them bleeding, the most important thing that you can do it to try and stem the bleeding in order to reduce blood loss. Provide temporary relief by pressing a bandage, fabric or even a sanitary pad on the injured area and then take them to the closest vet.
Fight wounds The best way to treat fight wounds is to try and prevent them in the first place by keeping your cat in at night and your dog secure in your house or yard. 30 |
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The most important thing to do if your animal is not breathing is to remain CALM
If your animal does get into a fight, then it’s essential that any wounds are treated as soon as possible by a vet. They can easily become infected and may need antibiotics to be administered within a 6-12 hour window in order to prevent deep infection.
Broken bones
objects from around the animal and try to keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible until the episode passes. Just like with humans, do not try and restrain the animal whilst they are convulsing. When the fit finishes reassure your pet and get it to a vet as soon as possible. If the fit goes on for more than two minutes, use a sling to transport your animal to the nearest emergency vet.
Lots of different accidents can result in broken bones. If you suspect that your animal has suffered a broken bone, you need to get them to a vet immediately but moving them can be tricky. It is essential to transport them calmly in a ‘sling’ of some description – a blanket, jacket, or piece of material. Be careful to limit the amount of movement as much as possible and be mindful that even the gentlest of pets can get defensive when in pain so make sure that you are safe as well when you attempt to move them.
Poisoning Poisoning can cause death to animals quite quickly, so if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, it is imperative that you take it to the vet immediately. Try and identify what the poison is and, if possible, take a sample of the suspected substance or plant with you to the vet.
Fits and seizures If your pet appears to be having a fit or seizure, the most important thing to do is to clear any
Choking If you suspect that your pet is choking, look into the pet’s mouth to see if there is any foreign object visible. If you see something, gently try and remove it with your fingers or with tweezers but be careful not to push the object further into the animals mouth. If you are unable to remove the object and your pet collapses, place both hands on the side of your pets rib cage and apply pressure and try and sharply push air out of the animals lungs and try and dislodge the object.
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Heatstroke Pets can succumb to heatstroke very quickly and they must receive treatment immediately for the best chance of survival. Use wet towels around the animal’s neck and head and get them out of direct sunlight. Use a hose to run water over the animal’s body (especially the abdomen and behind the legs) and use your hands to sweep the water over the animal’s body. Transport the animal to the vet as quickly as you can.
What to do if your pet is not breathing The most important thing to do if your animal is not breathing is to remain CALM. Then do the following: • If possible get another person to call the vet whilst you tend to the animal. • Check to see if your pet is conscious.
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• Open your pet’s airways by gently by grasping its tongue and pulling it forward out of the mouth until it is flat. • Check your pet’s throat to see if there are any foreign objects blocking the airways. • Administer rescue breathing by closing your pet’s mouth (hold it close with your hand) and breathe with your mouth directly into its nose until you see the animal’s chest expand. Continue this process once every four to five seconds. • Get your pet the closest vet ASAP. Knowing some basic first aid for animals can go along way to helping your pet to survive an injury. It is important to remember that not all illnesses and injuries can be noticeable, so it is essential that pet owners remain vigilant, check their animals regularly and notice any changes in mood, habits or temperament. Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be immediately followed by immediate veterinary care.
N E V E R
M I S S
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LOVE YOUR PETS
S u b s c r i b e N o w A n d B e T h e F i r s t To G e t E a c h N e w I s s u e A n d Re c e i v e A C o m p l e t e G u i d e To Ra i s i n g A C a t F R E E
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Insta Pets
You Must Follow From influencers, fashionistas and creative snaps, Instagram is still one of our favourite apps and now Insta Pets are taking off. Not only do these super-cute profiles spread a smile across follower’s faces but they also influence products, good habits for owners and offer a glimpse into a pet’s life. Here are 10 Insta Pets that you will fall in love with. 1. Sergeant @sgt_bulldog Sergeant is known as an extreme sports athlete and a plus-size model. Sergeant’s adventures and daily activities are shared on his Instagram page that has caught the attention of over 170,000 followers! 2. Dogs Of Brisbane @dogsofbrisbaneqld Dogs Of Brisbane is a community Instagram page that shares awesome pictures of dogs on their adventures in Brisbane. They have attracted hundreds of followers that share their own pics of their pets for others to see. 3. Toby Wigglebottom @tobywigglebottom Toby is always bringing smiles to human faces. His Instagram page is filled with quirky and funny images of him pretending to do human chores and activities. He has gained 19,000 followers and is still growing. 4. Willow the Miniature Dachshund @world.of.willow Willow is a miniature Dachshund and has picked up thousands of followers. Her themed Instagram page is filled with high-quality shots and cute, aesthetic pics for her followers to love. She is based in Melbourne, and is always updating her followers on her lifestyle and adventures in the city.
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5. Charlie Critter @charlie_critter Charlie Critter is always making someone laugh. Charlie’s owners catch him at the perfect time when he is doing something out of the ordinary. Charlie’s feed is always being updated with high-quality photography and videos for his fans. 6. Miss Peggy the Frenchie @miss.peggy.the.frenchie Peggy is a french bulldog who lives in Melbourne. Her life is shared by her owners and is always updating her thousands of fans. Her Instagram page is all about ‘cute’. 7. Scout and Iggy @scout.and.iggy Scout and Iggy have both grown up together on the Gold Coast and share their adventures with their fans. Their Instagram has grown to reach 13,000 followers and is still building as they share daily pics of their adventures and home life. 8. Floki Fashioninsta & Dog Blog @sweet.life.of.floki Floki’s Instagram page is all about aesthetics. Fans enjoy insight into his lifestyle with daily updates. Floki is more than just a furry friend, he is also an influencer. He models for numerous dog clothing and food brands. 9. Dogs of Sydney @doggosofsydney Dogs of Sydney is a community page where dog lovers and owners can share their pics of their pets. Dogs of Sydney’s Instagram page is always being updated with cute pics for their thousands of fans. 10. Dogs of Adelaide @dogs_of_adelaide Dogs of Adelaide share awesome shots of people and their pets; from rescued pets to adoption, Dogs of Adelaide post the stories behind the pictures for their fans to connect with the pooches.
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Do You Have A Story To Share With Us? WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…. Do you have a story you think our readers could learn from? Or Would you like to become a Love Your Pets contributor?
Visit us and share your story now
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