Recently in Animal News Category

We've all been really excited about seeing Dr Mark on television recently!  We've always known that Dr Mark has a way of explaining pet care concepts to kids, and this is backed up by the fact that recently he has been picked up by kids TV Show Totally Wild (Channel 10) to do a number of segements on pet care for boys and girls.

A couple of months ago he did a segement on "Pampered Pooches" and just how too much spoiling can lead our canine friends to picking up some bad habits. Check out the episode here:



Last week he filmed another segment for kids about First Aid for Pets. As soon as it goes to air, we'll let everyone know!




What's the (Dog) Wash?

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We've just received an exclusive briefing about an exciting new dog wash that will soon be launched to market by one of the big names in animal health. Can't say too much just yet but this new dog shampoo is:

  • soap free
  • non-irritant formula
  • Gentle pH-adjusted

And best of all ...

The Power of the Dog

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My wife and I heard the following fantastic poem by Rudyard Kipling on the radio the other morning. We had never heard it before but we wanted to share it as I am sure it will strike a cord with any dog owner/lover. It's called "The Power of the Dog"


There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Rudyard Kipling

It's tick season in many parts of the United States (Spring to early fall) and therefore it's the time we receive the most questions about a worrisome bacterial infection called Lyme disease.

Most of the questions we receive are from dog owners, but Lyme disease can also effect other species including cats and people.

How is Lyme Disease Spread?

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria and in the USA it's spread by the deer tick  (also known as the blacklegged tick) and a small group of other ticks closely related to the deer tick. Ticks become infected with the bacteria when they suck blood from infected small mammals such as mice and an infected tick may spread the bacteria when it bites your dog.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the woods or bushland run the highest risk of becoming infected with Lyme disease but ticks can be carried into yards on other animals, and so dogs are at risk anywhere ticks might be found.

Lyme disease is seen right across the USA but is most common along the Pacific Coast, North Eastern USA, and in the Midwest so if you're in any of those areas, please take particular care.

Its important to be aware that infected animals won't necessarily display the symptoms of Lyme disease.

How do I know if my dog has Lyme Disease?

Only your veterinarian can make a proper diagnosis of Lyme disease, but symptoms of Lyme disease can include:

 

A Dingo named Banjo

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We recently received an email from one of our regular customers telling us about his unusual pet. He owns one of our very own Australian icons, a dingo called Banjo. Banjo, according to Chris, is the perfect pet. He does not bark, bite or fight. He is very well behaved and extremely clever.

Banjo was originally destined to travel to the Tokyo Zoo but fate intervened and instead he stayed on his home soil and became a loyal companion to Chris. Banjo has recently celebrated his fourth birthday and is in excellent health. Chris contributes this partly to using quality products that he purchases from us.

 

Facts about Dingoes 

Dingoes arrived in Australia about 5,000 years ago originating from Indonesia. Dingoes occasionally howl but do not bark. They are the largest of the native carnivores and play a very important role in the balance of nature.

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Real Life Pet Detectives!

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Recent media reports are saying that there is a rise in the "Pet Detective", who, for a fee, helps you track down lost dogs, cats and other pets. A real life "Ace Ventura".

A quick internet search reveals there are dozens of real life Pet Detectives in the greater Los Angeles area alone.

In January, Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock and her husband  hired a pet detective to find their missing pet bull dog Cinnabun.(Cinnabun was found, three weeks after she went missing.)

The trend is not just in the US. Today's Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia) for example, contains a report on Lee Jefferies, a lady who set up pet detective agency "Pet Search 17 years ago.

According to Ms Jefferies, her agency has helped find over 26,000 dogs, cats and birds and even reptiles and she claims an 85% success rate for dogs and cats, and a 40% success rate for birds.

Now there  is a job that the career councilors at school never told me about.

Dogs Playing Poker

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I got a chuckle from the recent media reports about a survey from the American Kennel Council  about dogs in American culture (read our blog post here). One of the things that made me laugh was that the most popular dogs in art award went to "Dogs Playing Poker" (an old favourite of mine - who would not want this in the pool room")! 

 

When I googled it to find a picture to post on the blog, I laughed out loud at what I found!

Lots of people like "lists" (I know I do). Lists of top 10 holiday spots, top 10 fastest cars, top 10 best songs, top 10 baby names - many of us just can't help ourselves from stopping and taking a look at a good list.

Sure, we all know that often the lists are subjective, and don't really mean a great deal, but we humans like order in our lives, and lists help us keep things in order.

Recently, the American Kennel Club  ( the AKC) released the "Top 10 Most Popular Breeds in the USA 2009".   According to the AKC's records, these are the top 10 most popular dog breeds last year:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

To those of us that keep track of these sorts of lists, it comes as no surprise that Labrador's come first again! They are a very popular dog, and indeed I had one myself as a kid. They've been "top dog" for the last 20 years in the US.

The AKC have also released some interesting statistics about dog breeds in  various US Cities. For example, did you know?:
One quarter of young people would rather spend Valentine's Day with their pet than their partner, according to a recent study by Reuters.

The study surveyed 24,000 people in 23 countries, and found that our love for our pets is a worldwide phenomena, although the French were least likely to choose a furry friend over a human, with only 10% of French respondents taking that option. Over 27% of Americans chose their pet!

Men and women were equally split in their love for their animals - apparently a night on the couch cuddled to our kitten or dog beats date night for both partners!  (Takeout food and a nice glass of wine makes the couch a winner every time!)

Canine-joint-sup-29g-noshadow-clip.jpgWould you like to win a year's supply of pet vitamins from the great Vetalogica range?

Right now VetShopOnline.com and Vetalogica are running a promotion giving away 5 great prizes each comprising a year's supply of one of the cat or dog vitamins or supplements in the Vetalogica range.

Entry is completely free! - For more information on how to enter, click here.

As promised, here is the latest Revolution for Cats by Pfizer advertisement that is now showing on Australian TV.
VetShopOnline.com has stocked Revolution for Cats and Revolution for Kittens for many years, and it has been a consistently  popular product for the control of fleas and other parasites in cats and kittens. Revolution for Cats and Kittens at VetShopOnline.com starts from just $28.69 .

Revolution For Dogs TVC

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Pfizer is currently running a humorous TV advertising campaign here in Australia for Revolution for Dogs and Revolution for Cats. Here is the TVC for the Dog Revolution.



The ad really focuses on the benefits of Revolution for your dog. It is a good product which is easy to use and gives great coverage, controlling fleas, ear mites, heartworm and most intestinal worms.

There is also a Revolution for Cats TVC currently playing and I will post that on our blog shortly.

VetShopOnline.com sells a full range of Revolution for Dogs and Puppies (and Revolution for Cats and Kittens) at discount prices. Our prices for Revolution for Kittens and Puppies start from just $28.69. To see all our prices on Revolution for Pets, click here.

Well, according to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it's  good ol' Snoopy!

The survey, conducted in celebration of the AKC's 125th anniversary this year, brings together dogs  from diverse backgrounds for a look at how dogs have been woven into every aspect of American culture from film and literature to sports and art.

Here are some of the survey results:


I know it's cold out in most of the USA, but it's mid-summer here in Australia and we are seeing alot of snakes in some areas! I wanted to share a photo that's in today's local (Australian) papers. Victorian labrador Bronson had a very close call with a deadly snake!.

According to news reports, Bronson, a champion obedience dog returned home from a run on the family property on Jan 4, with a deadly Copperhead locked firmly in his jaws and coiled around his snout.

Bronson's quick thinking owners found a chaff bag and lowered the snake to the ground, pulling the bag up and over the snake while at the same time releasing its body which remained wrapped around Bronson's snout. The well trained dog did not release the snake until commanded to "drop" by his owner.

 Blood tests at the near by West Gippsland Veterinary Centre (Victoria) confirmed Bronson had received a bite but thankfully after four days of treatment in hospital  Bronson is now happily at home.

Symptoms of snakebite include seizures, vomiting, bleeding around the bite, weakness in the limb and paralysis. The animal may collapse with laboured breathing. In cases of snake bite, urgent treatment is needed but make sure you call ahead to your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian centre, so they have antivenene on standby.
How much does it cost to keep a dog? How much does it cost to keep a cat?

MoneyCat.pngAccording to one survey (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2008) the average yearly cost of owning a dog is $ 1425 and the yearly cost of owing a cat is $990. Other surveys but the cost even higher!

The annual costs of keeping a dog include:
Recently we published the results of a survey we conducted, on who people would rather be shipwrecked with. It turns out most respondents chose their dog!

56 per cent of respondents to our online survey said they would rather be stranded on a desert island with their dog than a human. Spouses were a distant second (16 per cent), followed by cats (12 per cent), moms (11 per cent) and human best friends (5 per cent).

For us the survey was just a bit of a laugh, but we were delighted when the story was picked up by television and radio media nationally.

What really amazed us was that the story was picked up by media all of the world, including the Czech Republic, Holland and India. I guess it just goes to show that people all over the world are the same, and everyone enjoys a good chuckle now and then.

Acupuncture and Pets

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A lot of vets are now embracing alternative therapies for pets. Treating dogs with acupuncture is not new, and this trend is something we've been watching for some time. I was surprised to read last week just how many vets are accredited with the  International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

What do cats do all day when they are home alone?

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Sleep? Eat? Play?

Cat-Window2.gifPet food company Purina set out recently to determine exactly what cats do all day when their owners are not home. They fitted tiny cameras to the collars of fifty indoor cats. The digital cameras snapped off a still photo every 15 minutes. By examining the thousands of photos, animal behavior scientist Dr. Jill Villarreal was able to determine just what our kitty friends get up to during the day.

While cats have been known to sleep between 8 and 16 hours a day, when they are awake they are extremely active, seeking out sensory stimulation. Contrary to the belief that cats are solitary animals, cats spent a lot of time seeking out and interacting with other animals in the household. Not just other cats, but also dogs and other pets such as rabbits. The cats in the survey spent 12% of their time in the company of other animals, 6% of the time sleeping and 5% of the time playing with their toys. However the one activity that took up most of their day, in fact 21% of the time, was surprisingly staring out the window! Cats just seemed to love observing what was going on outside! Curious by nature, cats were able to lie in the sun and watch the world go by for hours.

Following on from her research, Dr Villarreal suggests that we make our home stimulating for our feline friends, by providing different toys, such as furry mice, treat-dispensing balls and catnip filled stuffed toys. She suggests hiding small treats around the house, leaving the blinds or curtains open and even leaving the television on during the day.


Every Pet has his Day

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They say that every dog has its day, but it seems that now, every pet of every type has his or her day. Check out this list of pet "days" I just found online:

JANUARY
National Bird Day--January 5
National Dress Up Your Pet Day - January 14
Answer Your Cats Questions Day - January 22

FEBRUARY
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
National Bird Feeding Month
Pet Dental Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Petsitters Week - February 1 - 7
National Aminal Poison Prevention Week - February 15 - 21
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week - February 7-14
Groundhog Day - February 2
Sled Dog Day - February 2
Pet Theft Awareness Day - February 14
National Dog Biscuit Day - February 23
International Polar Bear Day - February 27

10 Tips for Thanksgiving

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10 Tips for Ensuring a Happy Thanksgiving for your Pets

Thanksgiving is a time when we all get together and share in a feast with our loved ones. Many people also like to include their pets in their celebrations as they are a part of the family as well. However, holidays can be a stressful and even dangerous time for pets, which is why it is important to follow these 10 easy steps to ensure a happy and safe Thanksgiving for both your and your furry friends.

1. Maintain their regular diet

The best thing to keep your pets happy and healthy during the holiday periods is to maintain their regular diet. If you want to give them a thanksgiving treat then it is best to give them treats made for pets.

2. Resist the temptation of sharing your food
It can be very tempting to give them some of our delicious food, especially as it is a day for sharing, but something as harmless as turkey and gravy can have very negative effects. Feeding pets fatty and rich foods can also cause pancreatitis or gastroenteritis.

VetShop Wins National Award

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amber award2.pngWe are delighted to say that VetShopAustralia.com.au, the Aussie sister of VetShopOnline.com has just been named Australian Online Retailer of the Year by peak industry body, the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association.


The award recognizes outstanding acheivement in terms of customer service and website usability, and as these are two things we try to focus on, we are delighted to receive the recognition.

It was particularly pleasing to be successful amongst some very impressive other finalists, including household names such as ebay.com.au.

The award was presented at a ceremony on beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Thank you to all our staff, suppliers and customers, all of whom make such an important contribution to our success.

Pet Trends in 2010

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Everyone loves to know about the latest trends, even if we choose not to keep up with them. pet lovers are no different. Want to know what  we as pet owners have to look forward to in the next few years in terms of pet products? Here are some of the latest trends according to the 2009/2010 Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association :

Reducing Your Pets Carbon PAW print
Around the world people are making conscious efforts to help our planet Earth, and the pet industry is no exception. From natural litters to toys, accessories and organic food options, earth-friendly pet products are sprouting up everywhere. 

More from the Pet Fact File

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Following on from my post on the number of dogs and cats in the US, here are another 8 interesting pet facts:

  • Parakeets, canaries and finches are the most popular bird species for pets.
  • Max is the most popular name for dogs in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
  • Contrary to common belief, dogs can see in color, but not as well as humans. However, they probably can't see red or green.
  • Studies have shown that cats have better memories than dogs, monkeys or orangutans.
  • Nearly 94 percent of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day.
  • According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average visit to a vet costs $135 for dogs and $112 for cats.
The last one reminds us that prevention is sure better than cure!

Cat on The Bus

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Casper-bus-traveling-cat.jpgA cat has become such a well-known user of a Devon (England) bus service, that its drivers know where to let him off.

Casper, the former shelter cat,  has been queuing with other passengers to get the number three service from his home in Plymouth for months, according to the bus company "First".

Casper's owner Susan Finden, who has had him since 2002, said he had always been a free spirit.

Mrs Finden said she named her pet after Casper the Friendly Ghost, as he has a habit of wandering off. I don't know what the attraction is but he loves big vehicles like lorries and buses she said.


Owners that Look Like Dogs

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Proving something a lot of us had suspected for a long time, scientists from Bath Spa University (UK) have proven that people are drawn to pets with similar looks.

blonde.jpgIn the study, participants were shown pictures of dog owners and asked to guess whether that person owned a labrador, poodle or staffordshire bull terrier. The participants got the answer right almost twice as often as would be expected by chance.
So exactly how many dogs are there in the USA? How many cats are there in the US? No one knows for sure just how many dogs and cats call the United States home, but recent estimates published in Science Daily, suggest that there are more than 71 million pet dogs and 81 million pet cats in the United States!

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The number of dogs and cats represents a significant increase in recent times, with previous estimates suggesting that in 2001, there were  61 million dogs and 70 million cats. That's an increase of 16% in the number of dogs and cats in US households in just a few years.


So do dogs and very small kids really have a special affinity? If you ask my wife, she would say they do. I myself wasn't so sure - as dog lovers, maybe it's just us seeing what we want to see. I wanted scientific proof. It looks like now we have it!

dog-and-baby2.jpgNew research from Brigham Young University shows that children as young as  6 months old do understand dogs. The research shows that 6 month olds can match the sounds of an angry snarl and a friendly yap to photos of dogs displaying threatening and welcoming body language, even if they have little or no previous exposure to dogs!
Is it just me, or are these buildings shaped like animals so kitch that they are actually cool?

A recent news article I was reading referred to a beagle shaped hotel in Idaho.

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As the world most populated country, China is laying down some rules on dog ownership. On its trial run in a small pocket of the city of Shanghai,  any resident who wish to own a dog (as a pet that is), must obtain a license that requires consensus from a minimum of five other neighbours.

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A recent newspaper article got me thinking about how much animals do for we humans in every field of endeavor.

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The article was about a new memorial for all the brave animals who have served with our armed forces in overseas wars, past and present.

The memorial honors guard dogs and cavalry horses of course, but also the other types of animals that have helped man in foreign wars.

Ok, dogs might never drive cars, but car manufacturers do now  understand that dog lovers do think about their dogs' needs when deciding which car to buy.

element 4.JPGOne of the best examples of this is the recently announced 2009 Honda Element with optional Pet Friendly Features. The US built Honda Element will soon be available with canine specific enhancements to make it one of the most dog friendly vehicles available, according to a recent announcement by Honda Motor Co at the New York International Auto Show.


Owner Jan Griffith said her family were devastated when their cattle dog, Sophie Tucker, fell off the side of their boat in choppy waters off the Mackay coast in north Queensland in late November. A fortnight ago she was reunited with Griffith family thus completing a touching and wonderful tale about strong bond between man and his best friend.

The dog swam five nautical miles to St Bees Island, where she survived until last week by hunting baby goats.


Be Kind...

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Well, I guess that while everyone here at vetshoponline.com and all our customers would agree that every week should be "Be Kind to Animals Week" we whole heartedly support the "Be Kind to Animals Week" campaign by the Humane Society to promote kindness to animals.

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And the winner is....

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The American Kennel Club has once again released its annual league table of America's mostlabrador retriever.jpg popular breeds. And the winner is.... the Labrador Retriever! Again!

This is the 18th consecutive year that the Lab has come in as the most popular purebred dog in America as determined by the AKC's 2008 registration statistics.

The statistics show some interesting differences between regions.

Tragic Losses in Victoria Bushfires

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Australia was hit by the worst bushfires in its history, with more than 330,000 hectares destroyed, and more than 700 homes razed to the ground in Victoria. Several towns were affected and the death toll is rising fast as firefighters and aid workers make the most of the recent cooler weather in the affected areas.

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What Dog for the White House?

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I've just been reading the news stories about what sort of dog Barack Obama should buy.  Sure, the President-Elect has some hard decisions coming up, but right now, he needs to deliver on his promise to his two daughters to give them a puppy to reward their support and patience during his campaign for President! It seems that the USA (and the world!) is joining in the speculation on his choice of breed.

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On Friday, Obama spoke about his dilema at a press conference. He is looking for a dog which will not upset his 10 year old's allergies, but he and his wife are also keen to adopt a shelter dog. With good humor, he did say...


TV Channel for Pets!

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I already worry whether my kids are watching too much TV, soon I may also have to worry about the pets too!

Dutch animal lovers on Tuesday (September 30) launched a national campaign to establish a public TV channel for animals and their owners. The group are hoping to gather enough support to establish a public TV channel which will screen programs that animals will enjoy.

I suppose if the pets do start spending too many hours a day, sitting on the couch, watching Oprah, wildlife docos and pet food ads, maybe Dr Phil will do a show on how they can take control of their TV watching time!
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