Information and articles to help you take care of your pet, and help to avoid some of the common preventable accidents and illnesses that can occur.
Pets can’t tell us when they’re unwell, so spotting early signs like lethargy, appetite loss, or unusual behaviour is key. Australian pets face common illnesses such as parvovirus, urinary tract disease, and tick paralysis. With Vets Choice pet insurance, you can focus on their recovery, not the vet bills.
Just as we humans need regular access to healthcare to ensure our well-being, we also need to consistently look out for our pet’s health too. Among the essentials of pet care, are vaccinations, which play a vital role in protecting our furry friends from a range of diseases that could otherwise lead to severe illness or even prove fatal.
It can be difficult to resist those glossy puppy eyes staring up at you while you enjoy a tasty snack. While we love the idea of sharing everything with our furry best friend, the truth is that sharing your meal could be potentially fatal, if you give them the wrong food. So, before you slide those leftovers from your bowl to theirs, read our quick guide to foods that are (and aren’t) safe for your dog.
Crossed between a Maltese and a Poodle, the Moodle or Maltipoo is a popular choice of dog for a lot of reason. Undeniably adorable, this little pup was first bred in the 1990s as a companion dog and remains as one of Australia’s most popular dogs.
Ever since dogs were domesticated over 10,000 years ago, they’ve been our loving companions. With modern dog breeds such as Schnauzers and Great Danes only existing for roughly 200 years though, you might wonder why such a variety of canines exists. Theodores are one of the newest dog breeds that's come in to the world.
When our puppies hurt, seeing them like that can almost leave us just as sore. Not knowing what to do to help them can leave us feeling even worse, so here are a few tips for when your furry friend is in pain.
Sometimes, on cold winter nights when you’re taking your pup out for a toilet before you both go to bed, shivering in the dark, you’ve probably wondered what your dog could possibly be staring at that’s stopping them from going to the toilet. They might start barking at a tree or running up and down the fence, but there’s nothing there!
Whether it’s your first feline or your penultimate pooch, it’s important to know how to implement key training strategies to set you both up for success and set your relationship off on the right foot.
Crate training is an important part of bringing a dog of any age into your home. Providing a sense of security and safety for your dog – while giving you greater peace of mind – dogs of all ages benefit from proper crate training.
With the silly season at our doorsteps, one thing is certain – fireworks. These spectacular visual displays are cause for awe among the human population but lean toward awful for our pets.
Once designated rat catchers on farms, miniature schnauzers have evolved into popular and beloved household pets. The miniature schnauzer has been recorded as the 10th most popular breed in Australia, with 445 litters birthed in 2020. So, what makes them so sought after?
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned puppy parent, it’s important to be ready for your new dog. While exciting, the process can be overwhelming – with so many boxes to tick, it’s hard to know if you’re fully prepared! Luckily, we’ve curated an easily followed checklist that covers the essentials that your new pup will need.
At a quick glance, a lone hot cross bun sitting unattended on the kitchen counter is hardly a threat to your pet. But for young Scooter the Labradoodle, a moment alone meant an expensive vet visit thanks to the tasty treat.
Do you have a dog that suffers from anxiety? If so, you may be looking for a way to help them feel safe and calm.
Dog owners are presented with an overwhelming array of options when it comes to food for their precious pooch. Choosing the right food can be time consuming, confusing, and expensive.
The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most important stabilizers inside the canine or feline stifle (also called ‘knee’) joint, the middle joint in the back leg.
With almost 5 million pet dogs in Australia, what are your responsibilities when you have a furry friend?
Dental disease is the most common disease of adult dogs and cats and is a primary cause of bad breath. What’s more, it is often a silent process that progresses without detection.
Periodontal disease is easily preventable and yet it’s one of the most common problems that vets diagnose. More importantly, if it goes untreated, it can lead to other serious health problems such as infections in the kidney, heart and liver.
What is canine parvovirus, and what are the symptoms of parvovirus?
In some areas of Australia, the paralysis tick is a familiar foe to pet owners. Found along the east coast, paralysis ticks can cause a debilitating and often deadly paralysis in pets that encounter the parasites
Heartworm in Cats and Dogs - Prevention, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Vaccination is a key component of responsible pet ownership and helps reduce the risk of your pet becoming unwell from some severe, life-threatening diseases.
Spring has sprung and so too have fleas, ticks and other warm-weather skin irritators. As it warms up, your pet will naturally spend more time outside, which means more contact with these parasites and more exposure to other skin allergens.
Booking your pet in to visit the vet is vital for the overall health of your pet and is an excellent time to receive a thorough check-up, regular vaccinations and sound advice.
Almost half of Australian dogs, and one-third of Australian cats are overweight or obese. Being obese affects multiple body systems and can put your pet at risk of suffering from a number of serious health issues.
As a pet owner, there is a lot to consider when planning a holiday. Whichever option you decide, travel safely and enjoy the ability to explore a new location with your pet!
The festive season is upon us. While enjoyable, the festive season can present challenges for our pets. Here are some tips to help to protect your pets from hazards and keep them safe this Christmas period.
Your pets’ skin, especially sparsely haired areas, can become itchy and irritable after time outside, especially in warmer weather. With a few simple tips, we can ensure our pets enjoy the outdoors without itchy summer skin.
Heat stress can develop quickly in pets and livestock, and can be life threatening. Heat stress occurs when an animal’s body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature.
With most of the workforce shifting to working from home in 2020, family pets across Australia rejoiced. However, with the situation in Australia gradually settling into a new normal, this brings with it more time spent away from home doing the things we used to do.
Our modern-day lifestyles can contribute to our pets being overweight. Obesity is the most common nutritional condition in Australian pets, with national surveys reporting that 41% of dogs and 32% of cats in Australia are either overweight or obese (PFIAA, January 2020).
If you’re thinking of taking out a pet insurance policy, there are many variables to take into account. One of these factors that can be easily overlooked by those of us who are less familiar with insurance is sublimits. These can catch pet owners by surprise in certain circumstances when the unexpected happens – and not in a pleasant way.
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Adopting and bringing home a new puppy or kitten can be a big change for both your new pet and your family. While they can be very excitable, they are often easily scared and nervous about new situations. Luckily, some planning and preparation of your home and routine can help smooth the transition process for you both.
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Pet ownership is a huge responsibility. Pets enrich our lives in so many ways, but we are solely responsible for their food, exercise, housing and health care needs. As their owners, we must commit to caring for them and enriching their lives, too.
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Deciding what breed of dog to get is as important a decision as choosing whether to get a dog in the first place, for people considering pet ownership.
Just like us, our dogs can get anxious from time to time. Below are some commons signs of anxiety in dogs and situations where they can occur.
Where you get your new puppy or kitten from is important. Dogs and cats inherit genetic and behavioural traits from their parents, and the research time you invest upfront can pay dividends in the long run for a happy, healthy pet.
Dental disease is one of the most common problems diagnosed in our pets and, if left untreated, can cause them significant pain and suffering.
Visiting a vet clinic can be a real problem for some of our pets, especially if they have had previous bad experiences. New smells, other animals, bright lights and different noises can all add to the tension.