May 10, 2016

Animal

Talk a Comox Valley Record publication

Clinics Grooming Pet Lovers Lane Check it out, lots more inside

Helping Animals in distress

Dogs Cats Birds Horses and more

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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Ducklings and Cats Do Not Mix! Spring has arrived with Nature’s precious gifts of fauna and flora. Among the newborns are the flocks of ducklings scurry about on land and water as they discover their new homes. However, danger may be lurking as cats, racoons, eagles, and others are waiting to strike.

This was evident this week in Comox as I was trying to reunite a lone duckling who was frantically in search of the family. Mom had decided to nest with her babies. As they rested I stood guard to keep predators away from the nearby literally lost sitting duck. When the family resumed their search for food and play

my presence herded them for a successful reunion.

During this mini rescue I saw a cat waiting in the bushes to attack ducklings wandering into shallow waters. I shouted and chased the cat away while Mom did her best to fend for her young. After a few tense moments over 2 hours the owner came and took the cat home.

I volunteer with the Lifeforce Foundation, a animal rights/ecology organization formed in 1981 to raise public awareness of the interrelationship of human, animal, and ecology issues. In this case while wildlife will be wildlife we can prevent human made threats. Loose cats are also

Gelding Soft Tissue Surgery On-site Digital Xray Ultrasound Dental Floats Wellness Exams Parasite Control Vaccines Lameness Exams Pre-Purchase Exams EIA Testing (Coggings)

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susceptible to various diseases when they kill millions of birds. So people can help all life as wildlife protectors if you: 1. Keep cats indoors or on leashes.

2. Keep dogs on leashes.

It’s the law.

3. Do not chase or get close. They may come to

Dr. Andrea Plaxton & Dr. Anne Marie Guillemaud

Photo by Peter Hamilton you if you watch peacefully.

(It is a violation of the BC Wildlife Act to interfere with wildlife. You would be subject to fines.)

Peter Hamilton Lifeforce Founding Director 604-649-5258 lifeforcesociety@hotmail.com www.lifeforcefoundation.org

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

Polly want a potion?

We have a Wall of Fame in our pharmacy. It’s actually a photo collection of many of our furry four-legged patients, and even a two-legged one named Polly - a parrot patient.

Now, why would a parrot need to come to a pharmacy?

There are a number of reasons that pet owners will bring veterinary prescriptions into a compounding pharmacy. One of the most common is - surprise! - pets don’t like taking pills.

Anyone who has tried to convince a cat to swallow a tablet will appreciate the benefits of a well-made compound. Often, a medication can be just as effective when absorbed through skin as it is when swallowed.

A certified compounding pharmacy can grind up measured doses into superfine powder, then mix it into a

cream. It’s then applied inside an animal’s ear where it’s easily absorbed through the skin. Compounding technicians also mix up delicious fish oil concoctions which cleverly cover the taste of unpleasant prescriptions making it much easier to mix into Fido or Fluffy’s food.

O u r 70 year old parrot friend apparently prefers the taste of green beans, and although we were unable to find that particular flavour in our compounding cabinet, she did approve of raspberry. Mixed into a liquid with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, it was just what her doctor ordered to help ease arthritis pain!

So next time you’re given a prescription for an uncooperative pet, consider asking the vet if a compounded formula might help the medicine go down.

Living Room Pharmacy 204-1530 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay 250-338-5665

Canine Conduct.ca Teaching The Human End of The Leash. ©

Puppy Classes & Puppy Classes & Adult Dog Classes Adult Dog Classes Agility • Clicker Training • Workshops Agility Private Training Packages • Behavioural Solutions Clicker Training Workshops Jane M. Neve Private Training Packages Trainer/Behavioural Coach Behavioural Solutions 250.898.3173 • info@canineconduct.ca

7778 Sturgess Rd. Black Creek, BC V9J 1G7 Need answers to behavioural or training questions?

nduct.ca man End of The Leash. nd of The Leash. ©

©

e Human End of The Leash. © Adultof Dog Classes n&End The Leash. ©Jane M. Neve

Call Jane! Make sure to visit her booth at the Pet Lovers Lane Tradeshow, at Simms Millennium Park on June 18th.

250-898-3173 ltTraining Dog&Classes • Workshops lasses Adult Dog Classes Trainer/Behavioural Coach ng • Workshops ages • Dog Behavioural Solutions Clicker Training • Workshops Adult Classes info@canineconduct.ca Behavioural Packages • Solutions Behavioural Solutions aining • Workshops

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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Effective Leash Skills Just keep moving! It seems that many, many dog issues can be de-escalated simply by moving AWAY from whatever caused the issue. Issues such as pulling/lunging on leash; barking; refusing to go forward. Moving away from scary and/or fun thing is one of the kindest ways to help your dog learn self control.

Why move away? It is a safe default movement for your dog to learn. Would you prefer your dog to turn away from a distraction or pull you towards it? If your dog is fearful and you force your dog to “go say hello” and your dog gets to feeling so stressed and frightened that he has to choose a bark/lunge to communicate his fearfulness then you are teaching your dog that the bark/ lunge works. Think about it: your dog wants that scary thing (other dog, person, bike, etc.) to not come any closer. Your dog wants physical distance from that scary (to him) thing. If your dog barks/ lunges and you pull him away or scary thing moves away then your dog has just learned that barking/ lunging creates distance from scary thing. Your dog wanted to be at a distance from scary thing to start with...he has now become trained to bark/lunge because he was rewarded with scary thing moving away and therefore giving him exactly what he wanted. Remember, a reward is

defined by what the DOG wants at that moment.

When to move away?

Just before that very moment you and your dog are no longer emotionally connected. Hanging onto a leash for dear life is not emotionally connected.

Being emotionally connected means you can whisper your dog’s name and your dog will look at you, come into your space, can easily and immediately do a simple behaviour such as “sit” or “touch”. If you find yourself arguing with your dog by saying “sit, sit, sit” then you and your dog are no longer emotionally connected.

Swallow your pride and move away. After you have moved away, ask for that “sit” again; it will probably happen. Be proud of yourself for remembering to help your dog learn how to stay connected with you.

What if fear and distance is not the reason your dog is pulling? If your dog is pulling you over to something he wants and you allow him to pull you to that something he wants...you have just rewarded pulling!

Move away. Allow the leash to slide through your one hand until both hands end up on the handle of the leash. A quiet “this way” or “leave it, let’s go” will teach your dog that when he pulls, you will simply head off in the opposite direction. He will follow you.

Trust your dog! He wants to be with you, he just tem-

A different breed of kennel!

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

Just keep moving porarily forgot that you are the best thing in his life. When he follows you and the leash is loose again stop and praise and tell him “let’s go say hello” and move towards what he wants. Move quickly! Zigzag, avoid moving straight towards what he wants. Remember, you are teaching your dog to stay connected with you even though you are moving towards what he wants.

Start with easy distractions such as sniffing a bush. If your dog disconnects and pulls because he wants to go and sniff that bush then let him know you are changing directions and move away.

Check your connection: can your dog do an easy behaviour such as “sit” or “touch”? If yes, then reward with “let’s go see” and moving quickly to that bush.

Provided by Jane M. Neve Canine Conduct 250-898-3173 info@canineconduct.ca canineconduct.ca

SERVING ALL ANIMALS, large and small of the North Island since 1998

Check us out on Facebook

We welcome you to contact us by phone or to drop into our clinic to say ‘Hi!’ All are welcome. We look forward to meeting you.

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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When it comes to horses there is a lot to consider for their basic care

Robyn Pendak of Hoof Picks Photography

When it comes to horses there is a lot to consider for their basic care. Horses require access to forage such as hay or grass, access to clean water 24/7, regular mucking of their stalls and or paddock areas to help reduce flys and keep a clean living area for them.

Horses digestive systems are sensitive and they require adequate amounts of feed based on their work load. For example and trail horse may not require the same feed/grain as a show horse. Though they do require a minimum of 2% of their body weight in hay a day to maintain a basic body condition. A hard working horse requires this plus grain, supplements and depending on the horses workload an increase of the hay. Keeping a safe paddock/stall area is also important ensuring fencing is always in good

repair and always checking the horses paddock/stall area daily to ensure there are no places that they can hurt themselves on such as nails sticking out, fencing down, etc. Horses also require regular farrier work to keep their feet trimmed and or shod generally this is every 6-8 weeks depending on a horses hoof growth. Before and after every ride we will clean the horses full body with a variety of brushes and check for scratches or any other possible injuries. We also pick out their hooves with a hoof pick ensuring they are clean and free of debris especially rocks. Owning a horse and caring for them is a full time job but one that is truly rewarding every day!

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It may surprise you that birds as pets are the third most popular choice for pet lovers. Large parrots can live up to 60-90 years; even the smaller ones cockatiels and conures live over 20 years.

Parrots are long-lived and it takes commitment to welcome one into the rest of your life. Of course, many will outlive us. A well-loved parrot will need four or more good homes in its life. That is why we encourage you to “adopt don’t shop”. Our role as caregivers is to provide safety, security, balanced nutrition, enrichment in independent

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

Parrot Tales

play and socialization with people and other parrots.

F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S., an informal group that welcomes visitors and parrots, with members from Campbell River to Victoria.

We “supports parrots and their people”. They meet

monthly in Nanaimo. been captured in the first All events are posted place. on FB (feathersinbc) and If you have time, some www.feathersinbc.com. disposable income, paAt each meeting we share tience and willingness to our knowledge of diet, learn and grow into the recipes, training tips and wonder of their world, you many funny stories. will be richly rewarded!

If you are interested in a Parrot passion is a parrot check out the vari- soul-enhancing experious species to see which ence, which promises to one would fit your life- bring you laughter, constyle. nection, joy and love with Parrot ownership is each new day. sometimes like enterProvided by taining a toddler - boisDiana Slater terous, messy and if unToo Crazy Birdy Hotel Parrot supervised destructive!

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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9th Annual Pet Lovers Lane “Pets and their People”

Saturday, June 18, 2016 from10am to 3pm

Simms Millennium Park, 50 Old Island Hwy. in Courtenay (near 5th St. bridge)

“Furr

y

Music All Day

e” n o Z Fun

ed anner come m l l We ets Wel ed P Leash

Furry Fun Zone Games and prizes...

Join in on the fun!!!

FREE Admission

FREE Draws All Day

ed By:

Organiz

Canine Conduct.ca Teaching The Human End of The Leash. ©

2016 marks the 9th year for Pet Lovers Lane! What is it, you ask? Pet Lovers Lane is the largest Pet Trade Show of the year. For the shopper in you, many vendors set up to tell you all about their products and services. For the fun-loving you, all kinds of games sponsored by our very generous local businesses. For the dancer in you, Russ & Lori from Audio Xcellence will be providing the music and entertainment. Prizes, surprises, games, and fun all day. The Trade Show opens up at 10am with 200 bags stuffed with goodies ready to be given out. There is even a place to sit down and have lunch. Bring your pets, your family and friends and have a wonderful time! See you there!

Thanks To Our Community Partnerships:

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

Exhibitor spaces are still available (deadline is fast approaching) and volunteers are always welcome.

Contact Jane at 250-898-3173. See you June 18!

Simms Millennium Park

Parking Lot

Old Island Highway

Non-Profit Societies

Exhibitor Lane

Playground Area Furry Fun Zone Speakers Corner

Exhibitor Lane 5th Street Bridge

This map not to scale... many more exhibitors!

Audio Xcellence DJ Services

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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To Shave or Not to Shave pets should be able to regulate their temperature whether they have a short or long coat.

Certain breeds of dogs and cats are built for naturally cooler climates and have much heavier, denser coats, or coats that mat easily, which may make it more difficult for them to cool down naturally with a full coat. Other breeds have a naturally stockier body build which will also make it more difficult to cool off even with a short coat.

Every pet will tolerate warm weather differently, so the best way to decide whether to shave your pet is to pay attention to how they handle the heat. Many sources suggest that if you do plan on shaving your pet try to leave at least an inch of hair to protect from sunburn, as well as chilly nights.

Summer is just around the corner, and as the weather warms up and we start switching to shorts and sandals we also have to think about how best to keep our pets comfortable, aside from putting their adorable winter jackets back in the closet.

With the multitude of different breeds, shapes, and sizes of dogs and cats out there the question is: Should I shave my pets to keep them cool in the summer?

Many breeds of dogs, such as poodles, need to be shaved and groomed year round due to the nature of their coats. But what about our long haired pets, or even pets with shorter hair

that tend to get matted easily?

In general an animal’s coat is designed by nature to protect it from all the elements. They are designed not only as a barrier to prevent sunburn, but also to help keep them warm in the cooler months, as well as to keep them cool in the warmer months.

The fur coat acts as an insulator for all types of weather but it must be kept healthy in order to properly insulate.

Matted fur, or fur with a lot of undercoat that has not been brushed out, will not insulate properly as the air cannot circulate through the hair. If a coat is kept healthy with regular grooming most

Other ways to help keep your pets cool in the summer are: Brush your pets – this will help prevent/remove any thick undercoat or mats, which will allow the air to circulate, helping your pet regulate temperature naturally.

Provide unlimited access to clean, cool water.

Provide access to a shaded shelter at all times.

Keep your pets inside when it’s really hot outside.

Never leave your pet in a parked car – the inside of a vehicle can become very hot, very fast, even on days that don’t seem very hot, which can become life threatening very quickly.

Provided by Candice Pacholuk info@vanislevet.com vanislevet.com

1380 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2K4

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

Helping an animal in distress Saving a Life and Giving Healing Touch

Did you know there is such a thing as Pet First Aid? I wonder how many people reading this never really thought that they might one day come across an animal in distress and not have a clue what to do to help them. Believe it or not, knowing pet first aid can actually save an animal’s life!

I was out hiking one day when I came across the sound of a faint whimper in the bushes ahead. As I approached cautiously, there was a small dog tied to a tree lying on his side. As I stepped slowly and calmly closer (you learn this in pet first aid), I was astonished to find a huge gash on his throat. He was bleeding profusely! Quick yet calm thinking and actions had me applying pressure to the wound and treating him for shock. Before I knew it I was transporting him safely to the vet for help!

Once at the vet, I stayed with the dog and applied healing touch techniques of Trauma Release and Etheric Heartbeat to

help him to let go of the whole traumatic experience. Last I heard is that the dog had found a new forever home and was happily living out his life!

Had I not known these techniques, that dog may not be alive today, and if he did live through it all, he may have suffered continual fear and pain from the whole traumatic experience. I am so glad I knew what to do!

Healing Pets & Their People Through Each Other

kindredssoulconnections.com Tracey Kehler, BSW

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Proud Sponsor of the 9th Annual Pet Lovers Lane Specializing in small business branding and book design for self-publishing authors

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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Tips for prospective horse owners Children often dream of waking up one morning and finding their own horse or pony in their yards. Some people are able to make this dream a reality and own these beautiful animals.

Whether raising a horse for pleasure or profession, it is important to know that caring for horses can be labor-intensive. The reward for properly taking care of a horse is a healthy and welltrained animal. But horse ownership is a significant and expensive responsibility, so it is important that prospective owners understand what they are getting into before they make any final decisions.

Breed The first to consider when mulling horse ownership is the breed. If you are unfamiliar with horses, it is best

to research different breeds online and visit horse breeders and owners. Perhaps workers at a stable or farm nearby can guide your choice. There also are forums devoted to horses and care. Some recommended breeds for first-time owners include quarter horses, paints, and morgans. However, all horses are individuals and may have their own unique personality traits.

Acreage and housing Horses are large animals and will need room to exercise and roam. They require a corral or pasture to stretch their legs, so a potential horse owner will need a relatively large property to give a horse the space it needs.

In addition to the corral, the horse will require a shelter from the elements. A shed or stable should be at least

10 to 12 feet in both width and length. The height of the stable should be a minimum of 8 feet. This stable will provide shelter in both the cold and heat.

When establishing a pasture, be sure it is fenced in with a highly visible fence that is tall enough so that the horse cannot easily jump it.

The fence should be clearly visible so the horse does not mistakenly try to go through it, risking entanglement or injury.

Feeding The average saddle horse weighs roughly 1,000 pounds if not more. The animal can eat anywhere from 17 to 26 pounds of feed per day. Feed is a combination of grain, hay and pasture, but salt also should be made available to the horse. If the weather prevents grazing,

supplemental hay will be needed.

Keep in mind hay bails can weigh up to 85 pounds.

They also will take up considerable space. This is something that needs to be factored into the space requirement for a horse.

Feed and water troughs can be purchased at livestock supply stores or be made from repurposed buckets and barrels. Horses need plenty of fresh water to drink and the water trough should be checked and cleaned regularly to maintain a sanitary environment.

Tack and saddles Depending on how you use the horse, you will need saddles, reins, bits, stirrups, cinches, spurs, ropes, and collars. Saddle bags and cushions may be needed if you will be on the horse

Compounding for pets Pet owners are faced with a unique problem when trying to medicate their animals. We custom make drugs to suit each animal’s taste.

Preparation of specialized veterinary drugs requires chemicals and equipment that are not available at most pharmacies.

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

for long periods of time. If a horse tack retailer is not nearby, many items can be ordered online and shipped to your home.

In addition, pitchforks, shovels, brushes and grooming supplies will be needed to keep the stable and horse clean and comfortable.

Manure A large animal who eats several pounds of food per day will produce a lot of waste. It’s key to have a plan in place to manage manure. You may want to convert manure into organic fertilizer. Check to see if there is a way to dispose of manure in your area or donate it to be used for gardening or vegetable cooperatives. Some people will purchase manure to use in their private landscapes.

Establish a strategy for manure usage or disposal before buying a horse, as manure can accumulate rapidly and attract flies and other insects.

Veterinary care Research and develop a relationship with a veterinarian prior to purchasing a horse. Horses require routine vaccinations and examinations, and deworming is necessary to control internal parasites. Hooves will need to be trimmed regularly, so

If you are a committed horse person, getting a horse is an investment in your happiness.

it behooves owners to establish a relationship with a qualified farrier. The vet may recommend farriers in your area.

Horses are magnificent animals that can bring joy and companionship. But those interested in owning a horse must recognize that such ownership is a significant responsibility unlike more traditional pet ownership.

250-337-5207

PROVIDING QUALITY, SAFE LESSON AND LEASE HORSES TO THE COMOX VALLEY

KIDS CAMPS • 1 day camps $75 • 3 day camps $175 • 5 day camp $400 (specialized program) * registration form along with a deposit is required, the registration form must be completed and sent in with deposit or full payment prior to camp start date. * minimum 5 kids required for camps to run

2016 DATES

See you at this years’ Pet Lover’s Lane!

March 21 - 25: Horse Show Prep Camp: 9a-2p daily (must be coursing 2’ plus) March 28 - 30: Three Day Kids Camp: 11a-3p daily July 5-7: Three Day Kids Camp: 11a-3p daily July 19: One Day Kids Camp: 11a-2p July 26-28: Three Day Kids Camp: 11a-3p daily August 9-11: Three Day Kids Camp: 11a-3p daily August 16 : One Day Kids Camp: 11a-2p

NEW PARENT AND TOT RIDING LESSONS

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

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ecoDaisy Orthopedic Dog Mattresses I was tired of going through one dog bed after another that offered little support for my aging coonhound, I set out to make an ultra-durable and supportive dog bed that would last. After a ton of research and logistical hurdles, I launched the ecoDaisy orthopedic dog mattress – a luxurious eco-friendly dog bed that provides the support and durability of a pillow-top mattress….support that will actually last!

Developed as a solution to the disposable nature of most dog beds on the market, the ecoDaisy bed is made from thick, pillow-top mattress foam upcycled from major mattress manufacturers. The supportive pillow-top foam eliminates pressure points alleviating joint issues, a huge relief for dogs with arthritis.

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Given its unique upcycled nature, each bed is handmade with care right here in the Comox Valley in Cum-

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ANIMAL TALK 2016

How to litter box train your bunny Rabbits can make wonderful pets. If you want a pet but cats and dogs aren’t for you, a rabbit can fill the void. Although rabbits may need less interaction than a dog, they still require a lot of responsibility and commitment. The task of caring for a rabbit is made easier by training your rabbit to use a litter box.

Many people have pet rabbits, and after a little training, these animals can roam the house just like other pets.

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits aren’t dirty. In fact, this reputation often stems from inattentiveness and lack of cleaning on the part of the pet parent. In reality, rabbits are “prey” animals who will instinctively keep a clean home to prevent the build up of odor that would reveal the location of their dens to potential predators.

Rabbits can be raised as social animals that like to interact with human handlers.

Whether a rabbit is sociable is not breed-specific. This is largely dependent on the care and handling from the owner. Raised from a kit, rabbits can be accustomed to handling any human interaction and be very companionable pets. What deters many people from rabbits is unfamiliarity with one as a pet and the prospect of many droppings being left around the house.

Unlike other mammals, rabbits and other lagomorphs produce two types of droppings. Fecal pellets are the commonly found ones that are round and dry. These can be seen in piles and can number in the dozens. Rabbits will also produce cecotropes, which are formed in a region of the rabbit’s digestive tract. These cecotropes contain important nutrients and healthy bacteria and fungi, which are essential to the health of a rabbit. Rabbits will eat the

cecotropes as they exit the body. Fecal pellets are not usually eaten and are the droppings that will need to be contained.

It has been said that rabbits can often be litter box trained and seldom have accidents outside of the box.

Rabbits prefer one or two places to put their waste.

To start the process you will need patience.

• Buy a litter box that the rabbit can easily access. Standard cat litter boxes often work well.

• Confine the rabbit to one room and place the litter box in the cage with the rabbit.

• Observe where the rabbit likes to relieve itself. If it’s in the litter box, this is a great first step. If not, simply move the litter box where the rabbit is doing its business.

• Once successful, give the rabbit a little bit of freedom at a time. Try letting the rabbit out of the cage in the confined room with the litter box nearby.

• Gradually give the rabbit more freedom, luring it to the box with treats and praise. Make sure the pet is aware of the litter box’s location.

• If the bunny continually makes mistakes, it could be a signal that the rabbit would like the litter box moved to a different spot closer to where the accidents are occurring.

• It may take locating a few boxes around a large space before a rabbit grows acclimated to using the litter box. Then you can gradually reduce the number of boxes.

Rabbits can take time to catch on to litter box training, and even when you’re fairly certain the training is complete, you may still find a few pellets left near the box.

Some people overlook rabbits as pets because of fear of the unknown and the idea of droppings all over the home. However, rabbits can make affectionate and agreeable pets for families that have the time to devote to training.

Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, making it easier to care for this cuddly pet.

Vancouver Island

Animal Crematorium ~Compassionate, Caring & Respectful ~

• Private Cremation • General Cremation • Memorial Products

Ph: 250.338.6481 Toll Free: 1.866.540.6481

vipetcremation.ca

16

ANIMAL TALK 2016

comoxvalleyrecord.com

THE LARGEST PET FOOD SELECTION

33nd Anniversary

on the North Island www.woofys.ca ALL ENGRAVED

DOG TAGS $ 00

5.

Shaggy

Peewee

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF $50. ONE COUPON PER PERSON. CUSTOMER MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON.

5

C A M P B E L L R I V E R • C O U RT E N AY • C O M OX

$

TOWARDS ANY ONE PURCHASE

5

VA L I D AT A L L W O O F Y ’ S L O C AT I O N S . E X P I R E S A U G U S T 1, 2 0 1 6

GIFT COUPON

Based on regular price • Expires AUGUST 1, 2016.

DD

WOOFY’S CURRENCY • 4 LOCATIONS NEAR YOU

4 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER! CAMPBELL RIVER 2056 N. Island Hwy. 250-923-5881 COURTENAY 2400 Cliffe Avenue 250-338-0455 #12-795 Ryan Road next to Superstore) 250-338-0424 COMOX #46-1760 Comox Ave. (Comox Mall) • 250-339-2272