Kids are like sponges; they absorb what they are taught so the best way to bring up a child that cares for animals is to teach him at any early age how to be kind and gentle towards animals. That’s the philosophy the Cottage Vet team took to Danie Ackermann Primary School where, together with…
Pregnancy in pets demands special considerations so before breeding with your pet, consider the following: Pregnancy in pets: the basics DOGS go on heat from the age of 7-9 months for 2-3 weeks. They are fertile in the last week of the heat. If you don’t want a pregnant pet, have them sterilised before they…
Raw food: can I give it to my pets? This is a question vets are often asked because raw food diets, whether home made or manufactured, have become increasingly popular among pet owners shying away from store bought kibble for fear of preservatives. But how safe is it to feed raw food to your pet…
When should I sterilise my pets is a question pet owners should discuss only with their veterinarians, rather than be influenced by the myriad opinions floating around social media; opinions that are largely ignorant of the latest science. Dr MornĂ© has looked at the latest research and here’s what he says: The overwhelming evidence still…
Planning a holiday is usually lots of fun for families but don’t leave arrangements for your pets to the last minute. Â They have very specific needs which you must prepare for before heading off to the beach. Start by having your pet microchipped, whether he’s going to kennels, staying at home or accompanying you on…
Snail bait is dangerous for dogs; it is a poison (Metaldehyde) that can lead to respiratory failure and death if eaten and the dog is not treated urgently. We understand that as buds and bulbs spring into life with the warmer weather, gardeners are eager to keep their plants safe from these marauding pets. But,…
What to expect from a shelter pet is important to know before you bring the animal home. Being properly prepared will go a long way to making your relationship an enjoyable and long-lasting one. Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful act of compassion. There are thousands of animals abandoned, surrendered or confiscated…
Euthanasia is one of the toughest decisions any pet owner has to make. For some parents the fear of how their children will react means they put off making the euthanasia decision longer than is good for the pet. We asked veterinary and child psychology experts for tips on how to break the news to a…
Obesity in dogs and cats is the number one health problem experienced by pets around the world, including South Africa. Yet few pet owners are consciously aware of their pets’ weight issues. “It’s just a cookie, Mom…” “It’s just a piece of sausage off the braai…” “Just look at that face…” We have all been…
My pet is vomiting. When should I panic? Vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms and though they are not diseases in themselves, are symptoms of underlying illness and disease. It is important to look at the pet and other possible symptoms in order to make a diagnosis and choose the correct treatment. My pet is…
