PETS

from Southside March 2020

by Hong Kong Living Ltd

DINING

Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

We are preparing to relocate our dog. What can I do to help prepare him for a long-haul flight? I’m sorry to hear you are leaving this wonderful city and wish you well in your travels. First make sure your dog is healthy and fit to travel. A once over by your vet, maybe some tests, depending on his age and some routine preventive care for external and internal parasites. Vaccinations must be up to date and satisfactory for the country of import. Countries differ and change their rules so be sure you get the most up to date regulations. Prepare your dog by getting him used to his travel crate and drinking from a bottle. If your dog is small you may be allowed to take him as hand luggage so contact the airline to see if they allow this.

With the recent cold snap, what can I do to keep my cat warm? Normal healthy adult cats thermoregulate: this means they have the ability to maintain their temperature within certain boundaries between 37.7-39.1C (100-102.5F). Most mammals can do this. If cats feel cold they will move to a warmer spot. If that isn’t enough, their internal physiology kicks in; vasoconstriction helps to reduce heat loss via the skin, hairs will stand on end to trap air which further insulates and shivering helps to generate heat from muscle contractions. You can help by leaving a nice enclosed bed or box with blankets and window seats provide the opportunity to lie in the sunshine. Be aware that kittens under four weeks have difficulty controlling their body temperature because their metabolic activity isn’t yet developed. As such, it is important to keep them in warmer environments.

I’ve just adopted a new puppy. What are some non-harmful ways to teach him correct behaviour? It sounds like you are looking for tips on positive reinforcement training. It can be done easily so long as ALL family members are consistent and you start as young as possible is best. The main things to remember are: 1. No punishment 2. Avoid putting your pup in a situation where it could do something wrong and 3. Reward good behaviour. I’d introduce one word into his vocabulary that gently means “no”. I used “Uh Uh” with my new pup and when he stopped chewing I rewarded him with a treat or toy - even a cuddle may suffice. He soon got to learn that he gets rewarded for being good. Don’t forget however that at a young age most pups don’t know right from wrong so they need to be trained in order to recognise boundaries.

Walkies With Mushu at Kennedy Town’s Instagram Pier

Fancy a trip to the city but don’t want to leave your pooch inside all day? Kennedy Town is the perfect place for dogs. Head to one of the many coffee shops for a caffeine fix before walking down to the infamous Instagram Pier. The area, originally used as a container terminal and cargo dock, has been transformed into the perfect social spot for pets and owners alike with plenty of room to run off the lead and new sniffs around every corner. The pier has also become a

popular place to take photos due to the stunning views it offers of Victoria Harbour, TST and Hong Kong Island, particularly at sunset. With many residents and visitors taking this route, your pooch will love meeting a whole load of new furry friends, while you take in the views. Once your walk is finished, head over to one of the dog-friendly restaurants in the area including Little Creatures or Jaspas for a bite to eat.

How to get there: Drive or take a taxi to Kennedy Town (multiple car parks available and parking meters along the waterfront). Head on foot down Shing Sai Road in the direction of Central until you see the pier, also known as the Western District Public Cargo Working Area.