IOL Pets - June 2021 - Snug as a bug...

IOL

PETS JUNE 2021

Snug as a bug ...

Chilling out with your fur babies this winter? We’ve got all the essentials covered

How to choose the right food for your pet Meet Bunny – the talking dog of TikTok Home alone: How to help pets deal with stress 7 fun TikTok challenges to try with your dog A cold-weather guide for your pet How a beagle used in a test lab opened my heart Hidden dangers around the home pet parents need to know about Crazy for catnip

PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com PETS EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

FROM THE EDITOR

HEROES FOR ANIMALS https://jhbspca.co.za/ http://www.spcadbn.org.za/ https://capespca.co.za/

JOHANNESBURG https://www.kittypuppyhaven. org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ http://animalallies.co.za/ http://4ourpaws.org.za/ http://www.huskyrescue.org.za/ https://www.anewhopedogrescue. com/ https://www.sarac.co.za/ https://tranquilityrc.co.za/ https://www.aacl.co.za/ https://woodrockanimalrescue. co.za/ https://barkingmad.co.za/ https://nspca.co.za/find-your-spca/ https://www.wetnose.co.za/ https://dog.rescueme.org/za https://www.adoptapet.co.za/

By clicking on any of these links

DURBAN https://stray-paws.business.site/ https://mazaratanimalrescue.webs.com/ https://montclair-animal-hospital.business.site/ https://www.huskyrescuekzn.com/ https://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/ http://darg.org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.four-paws.org.za/ http://pugrescue.co.za/ https://www.adoptapet.co.za/ https://www.safehavenanimalrescue.org/ WESTERN CAPE https://www.pawsofcapetown.com/ https://www.kittenscapetown.co.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.fallenangels.org.za/ http://darg.org.za/ http://uitsig.org.za/ https://oscarsarc.org/ https://dassenbergrescue.org/ http://townshipanimalrescue.co.za/ https://www.hartteamsa.com/ https://www.animalrescue.org.za/ https://www.change4thebetter.org/ https://megsmutts.co.za/

I KNOW winter is coming when Toby, my cocker spaniel, burrows his way under the duvet to find a spot to sleep. His warm body snuggled up close to me negates the need for an electric blanket during the bitterly cold Highveld nights – a huge blessing in a time of scheduled service delivery failure.

His little sister, Lily, pictured bottom, prefers to curl up in the crook of my neck. A rescue pup, she struggles with bad dreams. She often needs reassuring hugs, kisses and even songs (that I’ve made up) to bring her out of nightmares – reminders that she is home and safe.

Unfortunately, across South Africa tonight thousands of homeless animals will not have someone to kiss away the pain.

As winter’s might grows, so do the number of destitute animals at animal shelters, rescue organisations and SPCAs across the country. Fur babies also feel the bitter cold. Perhaps, even harder.

Many of these heroes-for-animals organisations are listed on the left and IOL Pets encourages our readers to open their hearts to animals in need this winter.

In our first issue of 2021, we look at pet well-being and nutrition. Our pets are our babies, only the best for them.

We tell you just what that is – from food to behaviour to TikTok! Someone special we’d like you to meet is Bunny, the talking dog who is baffling scientists and amazing her TikTok followers as they track her amazing journey online.

As offices reopen, more and more pets are being left home alone after over a year of constant company.

Read our useful tips on helping your pet get through these stressful times.

Our cold-weather guide for fur babies is sure to warm your heart and they will love the interesting ideas Kedibone Modise has come up with to keep them snuggly through winter. The team at IOL Pets thanks our readers for your wonderful feedback. Please continue to write, nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za.

We ask that you keep your hearts open to animals and support any of the many organisations doing excellent work caring for those in need.

Nelandri

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR PET Your pet’s diet is vital to his or her well-being VUYOLWETHU FUNDAM

WITH the variety of pet foods available, choosing the right one can be tricky. According to experts, your pet’s diet is vital to his or her well-being, and it’s essential to feed your pet nutritional food.

Megan Wylie, who is a canine behaviourist and trainer, recommends using a vet food brand.

All vet food brands, according to Wylie, are created with highquality ingredients and have strict quality control.

What to look out for on the ingredients?

Because cats are obligate

carnivores, high-protein foods are ideal. Avoid foods that are high in sodium or salt. These ingredients will have a long-term effect on their kidneys.

Also, make sure the protein in your dog’s food is animal protein.

Is dry or wet food better?

According to Wylie, you should always include wet food in your boy cat’s diet while still feeding dry food.

Boys need extra moisture to ensure they have good urinary health. For girls, wet food is not necessary.

Wylie says that dogs don’t need wet food as it can be harmful to their dental health.

The nutrients guide Carbohydrates Ingredients like barley, soy and oats will help provide your pet with energy and fibre.

Proteins Ingredients like chicken, beef or lamb will help your pet grow strong and have lean muscles.

Mineral and vitamin supplements Minerals and vitamins are vital for the health of pets’ metabolic, digestive and immune systems.

Can my pet get bored of eating the same food?

Experts say that pets can eat the same food for their whole lives as long as it is a high-quality, well-balanced diet.

Meet

BUNNY

the talking dog of TikTok

“

Inspired by my love for dogs, I’m showing the world whay dogs can say when given the opportunity to learn.

Christina Hunger Speech pathologist

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

BUNNY the talking dog is baffling scintists and amazing her TikTok followers as they follow her amazing journey online.

Have you ever looked into the eyes of your family pet and wished you could read their mind? Or perhaps, like most pet parents, you long for a way to tell your favourite furry friend just how much you love them. For Alexis Devine, a 40-year old artist and jewellery designer based in Tacoma, Washington, it’s possible.

Devine’s TikTok videos featuring her almost-two-year-old sheepadoodle named Bunny have received viral attention across multiple platforms. Using a selection of buttons with pre-recorded phrases, the shaggy-haired dog is able to push on them with her paws and convey her wants, needs and emotions. From adorable affirmations like “love you” to existential questions like “why dog?” hinting at the possibility of some degree of self-awareness, the level at which Bunny communicates is capturing the attention of the world. The videos are such a marvel, the duo has gained an audience of over 6.6 million followers.

Perhaps it was the way her ears would twitch when being showered with praise or the way she tilted her head when given instructions, whatever it was, Devine seemed to instinctively know that Bunny was destined to communicate with people on a far more complex level. In the month’s leading up to Bunny’s arrival, Devine made sure to do her research too, reading everything she could on canine cognition

and training.

Whilst scouring the web, Devine came across a speech pathologist named Christina Hunger. This how she came to learn about ‘soundboards’, a tool used to develop an English vocabulary with dogs. The contraption can be personalised and contains circular buttons that play words and sounds when pushed. In her work as a speech pathologist, Hunger used augmentative communication (AAC) devices to aid nonverbal children with their communication skills. This is a similar technology that she has created for her pet using a four-pack of recordable answer buzzers which she bought online.

On Instagram, Hunger declared that her passion for dogs and language is what spurred her on. “Inspired by my passion for AAC, and by my love of dogs, I’m showing the world what dogs can say when given the opportunity to learn,” she said.

Today, her chocolate-coated pooch is able to tap away at an array of buttons to string together loosely structured sentences.

Beginning with the words “outside”, Hunger placed the button near the front door and taught Stella how to use it. In no time, the pup was house trained and was able to use the button as a signal. Today, Stella makes use of over 45 buttons to voice her daily thoughts, feelings and requests while Bunny has learnt around 90 plus words in her training.

One stand out moment that Devine managed to capture with Bunny played out as follows: “Mad.”

“Why mad?” Devine asks.

“Ouch.”

“Where is your ouch? Where ouch?”

Devine says.

“Stranger, paw,” answers back.

“Let me see your paw,” Devine says, only to discover a thorn.

Dogs and humans have a long history that delves 27 000 to 40 000 years back, during the ice age.

Hunter-gatherers had a surplus of meat that was more than what could be eaten so they shared the excess with wolves.

As a result, the animals soon became domesticated, forming a bond. Today, dogs have evolved to become one of man’s greatest companions in life, being trained in the military, as service animals, in search-and-rescue and numerous other avenues. From this, it’s evident that dogs have learnt to respond to the teachings of humans by grasping the message behind certain body language, gestures, tone and

commands. Nevertheless many people, scientists included, are sceptical of Bunny and Stella’s capabilities.

But, according to the journal ‘Frontiers in Neuroscience’, scientists have discovered evidence that dogs possess language processing abilities that enable them to have a basic understanding of the words taught to them by humans. Claudia Fugazza, a researcher in animal behaviour said in an article published by The New York Times that, “Domestication is likely to have affected dogs’ brain positions so they can interact and socialize with humans better. They are probably more predisposed to interact with humans as social partners.”

So, whether these two magnificent dogs can actually “talk” remains to be confirmed, but one thing is for certain, researchers will continue to do studies and follow the dogs closely along with their millions of fans from across the globe.

HOME ALONE? HOW TO HELP PETS DEAL WITH THE STRESS PEOPLE around the world have been spending more time at home since the start of 2020. For many of these people, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get a pet.

This sudden increase in pet ownership raises concerns about pet welfare.

Puppies acquired during lockdown have been missing out on socialisation experiences and training, which is known to be associated with stressinduced behaviours ranging from nervousness to fear-based aggression.

It isn’t just the pandemic pets that may be showing signs of stress. Life hasn’t been normal for many of our dogs for most of the past year. They’ve had less interaction with other dogs, fewer visitors coming into the home and little time alone.

This has led to a noticeable change in dog behaviour. Growling, snapping or nipping children when approached and handled by them increased by 57% during lockdown.

Stressors range from a physical threat, such as a predator, to an unpredictable environment, which our pets might be experiencing now lockdown restrictions ease. This isn’t limited to dogs and cats.

Changes to routine, particularly feeding schedule, have been shown to induce stress in birds, sheep and horses.

Is your pet stressed?

Signs of stress in your pet may be obvious, such as destructive behaviour or vocalising. But, there are also more subtle signs of anxiety, such as panting or drooling, pacing, or chewing or scratching themselves.

Lockdown may have a long-term impact on pets’ ability to cope when left home alone.

Dogs that had separation anxiety before the restrictions started are likely to get worse when left again as owners head back to work.

But we also expect to see new cases developing, because other dogs, and particularly puppies, have learnt to expect company all day.

Research last year showed 82% of owners surveyed noticed an increase in their dog whining or barking when a household member was busy.

There was a 41% increase in reports of dogs being clingy or following people around the house.

All of these can be indicators of separation anxiety developing.

THE TIPS

The good news is, it’s not too late to prepare your dog for lockdown easing, and to teach them vital skills that they can apply in any situation.

If you’re starting to spend more time outside of the house, you need to remember that this change in routine is stressful for your pets. Start preventative measures now to avoid future problems.

If you have a dog who was previously used to being left alone, make sure you maintain their ability to cope with this by introducing periods of separation during the day when you are in the house – such as placing them behind a baby gate whilst you are working from home. Leave your dog at home for short periods of time.

Build up the amount of time your dog is separated from family members gradually and associate it with something positive, such as a long-lasting treat.

Where dogs are already showing signs of separation anxiety (such as barking, howling, toileting or being destructive when left), seek help from your vet in the first instance.

Avoid looking for “quick fix” solutions like anti-bark collars or punishing your dog on return. These approaches will likely exacerbate the problem.

Teaching dogs to be relaxed when left takes time and patience, particularly for the pandemic puppies that have rarely been away from their owners. But making the effort to show your dog that being alone is not stressful, can prevent serious problems that are much more difficult to treat later in life.

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

7 fun TikTok challenges to try with your pooch Need a mood booster? Watch these funny TikTok challenges featuring adorable dogs as the main stars

Hot diggety dog!

TIKTOK is home to some of the most viral challenges on the internet where everyone seems to enjoy partaking.

Pets – specifically dogs – have also been getting in on the action, stealing the hearts of their online audience and spreading laughter across the app.

7 fun TikTok challenges to try with your dog:

Call your dog

Ever tried calling your dog when they’re sitting right next to you? This hilarious trend has people tricking their dogs into thinking they can’t see them as their pooches look on confused, licking their owner’s face, leaping in front of them and barking to get their attention.

However, the funniest version of this trend is when the dogs runs off utterly confused to go and look for themselves.

Tell your pet a story

Fetch, walkies, treat, beach … There are certain words that tend to pique our dogs’ interest a little more than others. With that knowledge, a TikTok user came up with one of the most adorable trends to make the rounds on the internet.

From wags to ear perks,

head tilts and slobbery bouts of pure bouncing joy, whenever their owners used one of their favourite words in their story, their precious pets would have the best responses.

My Boo

We all know the 2004 hit song My Boo by Usher and Alicia Keys. Well, it’s recently been rediscovered

by TikTok who are getting rather creative with making the most adorable content using it.

As the lyrics “It started when we were younger “ play in the background, people have been filming their pets as they do something, like sleep in their favourite spot or playing with their favourite toy. It then transitions to their pets doing the exact same thing but as a puppy just to pull on your nostalgic heartstrings.

Happy dog

The wildly popular Happy Dog created by @deejaymoo41 has been used hundreds of thousands of times by TikTokers to share videos of their pooches embracing life – from running into piles of leaves to frolicking on the beach. The original video shows a golden retriever basking in a pool of sunshine with his owner stomping his feet and singing along to his made up jingle.

Patatak dance

This is a weird but thighslappingly funny challenge that has been making its rounds online for some time. The challenge shows people extending each limb outwards one by one to the tune of Patatak by Mine Craciun. The dogs' reactions are all sorts of ways ranging from heart warming to plain hilarious.

Blanket challenge

The Blanket Challenge involves tricking your dog into thinking you've disappeared. Just throw their favourite toy in one direction and while they're running after it, hide under a blanket. The funny art of the video is watching stunned pups look around for their owners that they seem to believe have vanished into thin air.

Doggy diet

Dogs have amazing personalities, and they shine brightest around the people they are most comfortable with. To bring out their more feisty sides, pet owners have been pretending to put their pooches on a diet by only pouring a few pellets into their bowl at dinnertime. Some of the dogs look slightly wounded with their big sad puppy eyes while others begin to growl and bark.

RUBY, the Zipper Nose Doberman is famous on TikTok. | Instagram

KEEP YOUR PET WARM A cold weather guide

WITH the winter season looming we need to keep safe, warm and healthy, so do our fur babies.

While a number of factors contribute to an increase in sickness in the winter season, just like humans, dogs and cats can catch a cold when the temperature drops.

So, we have compiled key pointers that can help keep your four-legged companions warm during the freezing cold winter nights.

Keep your pet’s shelter warm and dry While many pets live inside with their owners or pet parents, there are some who live outdoors, and during those cold winter nights, it’s ideal to bring your pooch or kitty inside.

Make room for your pets somewhere safe to keep them warm.

Remember even if your pet lives inside the house, don’t let them

KEDIBONE MODISE sleep on the floor. If your feet can’t handle the icy cold floors, your pet’s body won’t either.

Ensure that your pet has a comfortable bed and a blanket.

For pets that live outdoors, ensure that their shed or kennel is warm and windproof, add a mattress and thick blankets too.

SPCA Tshwane Veterinarian, Dr Floris Kruger advised cat owners to have a clean litter box that is inside the house because if it’s too cold cats won’t go outside to use a litter box and it will lead to bladder infections.

Minimise bathing in winter Bathe your pets as little as possible during winter. Washing too often removes oils and increase the chance of developing dry skin.

Trim, don’t shave down

their fur coat Never shave your dog down to their skin. In winter leave their long coat as this protects them from the cold. Keep coatless cats indoors.

Dress them up in sweaters and coats Some dogs may not have enough fur to keep them warm, so if your pooch doesn’t have long hair, get them a pet coat or hoodie jacket.

The sweater or jacket will help to retain body heat and prevent their skin from getting dry.

Make sure you get the right size coat or sweater for your pup. A tight jacket can restrict the dog’s movement and possibly cause irritations at pressure points like the back of the neck and armpits.

These clothing items should not be worn inside the house as dogs can overheat easily.

Nutrition plays a vital role in pets during winter Just like humans, we tend to eat more during winter, so does your pet. Feed them a little bit more during the cold weather and making sure they always have plenty of water to drink, to help to keep them well-hydrated.

But it’s important not to go overboard with feeding your pets.

We chatted to Tilana Mare, Nutritional Development Manager at Montego Pet Nutrition about food allergies, particularly as the season changes.

“Pets are like people in more ways than we realise. They love a meal that’s full of flavour and benefit greatly from food made with quality ingredients, and they, too, can be allergic to certain ingredients in their food, which is where protein alternatives in their food become essential,” says Mare.

Below are some of the tips Mare would like to share with pet parents to help identify if their fur baby is allergic to certain foods.

How do I know my pet is allergic to certain foods?

Vomiting, diarrhoea and itchy skin are just some of the concerning symptoms to look out for in both cats and dogs.

More specifically, dogs may land up with ear infections, while cats may experience wheezing, gas and bloating as a result of eating certain foods that don’t agree with them.

It’s often large, giant or specific dog breeds like Great Danes and Boerboels that experience food allergies. In cats, Siamese and Siamese cross-breed have shown more prevalence to food allergies than other breeds.

The power of protein alternatives – especially

for chicken adversity While chicken is a great protein source that provides essential amino acids to support strong muscles and provide energy, up to 25% of dogs can have an adverse reaction to it, so a protein alternative is a must.

In this case, lamb, venison, and beef is a go-to protein alternative for dogs with chicken sensitivities. It’s ironrich and a great source of B vitamins and Zinc. Venison is seen as a novel protein source making it a perfect choice for a hypoallergenic diet.

Chicken is also a common ingredient in cat food and one that tends to cause more allergic reactions in cats.

In this case, trout, for example, is a tasty, highprotein alternative that is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, providing vitamins and minerals essential for your cat.

Other pet food pros and no-no’s For dogs with joint health problems or sensitive skin, consider adding collagen to their diet. Better yet, opt for dog food that already contains collagen. This will support active and growing joints while soothing and repairing the skin.

With a little trial and error, you can find a protein alternative for your pet to help alleviate any pain or discomfort, allowing your fur baby to tuck in at mealtimes without feeling sick later on.

Remember to give it around six to eight weeks before you judge whether the new food has made a difference or not.

A limited-ingredient diet for adult dogs and cats experiencing digestive disorders and intolerances, delicate stomachs, or skin sensitivities can make the world of a difference.

MELANIE KAPLAN

How a beagle used in a test lab opened my heart

MY partner, James, recently surprised me with an illustration from a local artist titled “Hammy the Superdog.” The picture shows my beagle, Hamilton, standing on his hind legs, arms akimbo, sporting little red shorts, what looks like a blue rash guard, matching blue boots and a red cape. At any moment, it seems, he could take off and soar over a cartoon city.

In real life, Alexander Hamilton is an 11-year-old beagle who spent his first four years in a testing laboratory. Not to ruin your day, but you should know that university and private labs still experiment on tens of thousands of dogs. Many of them are beagles, and many of the beagles arrive as puppies. The majority come from breeders who sell directly to the testing facilities, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Imagine taking the softest, most innocent and compliant being and putting him in a caged prison for years.

Hammy and I met in 2013.

Years after I lost my beagle, Darwin, I had signed up with a non-profit organisation to foster a former laboratory dog; it was months later when I got the call asking if I was available the following week.

On a hot day in July, I gathered with six other volunteers in a suburban Maryland backyard and waited for seven beagles. They arrived in a van, directly from a laboratory in Virginia. We weren’t told the name of the lab or the kinds of testing they underwent.

But we were told that this was their first time walking on grass and sniffing in sunshine.

At home, Hammy was petrified, rarely leaving his bed and scared of everything. He had the naivete of a toddler and the frights of a prisoner of war.

After years in a cage, his legs were so undeveloped that I had to teach him to climb stairs and

hop on a couch. He couldn’t bark because, I was told by the nonprofit group, his vocal cords had been cut – apparently a common practice in some labs to prevent howling. Even his sense of smell (a beagle’s superpower) was weak, so I hid treats, encouraging him to exercise his sniffer muscles.

On one of our first car outings, he ducked when we drove beneath an underpass and again when I turned on the windshield wipers.

The six beagles released from the lab with Hammy (all named after Founding Fathers) were similarly scarred and scared. Some wouldn’t walk through doorways for years; others tried escaping.

Through the years, Hammy has largely gotten used to life in the free world – proving wrong those in the testing industry who say dogs used in experiments can’t later thrive as pets (the vast majority of laboratory animals are euthanized, according to the Humane Society).

He stops at the neighborhood firehouse for treats and delights me with flashes of playfulness. His vocal cords grew back, and he now howls, joyfully, before every meal.

He can smell an open jar of peanut butter through a brick wall.

Before the pandemic, Hammy had a stint as a therapy dog. We started at a hospital, where he sat on patients’ beds, trembling, making eye contact only with half-eaten trays of food. Next we volunteered at a women’s shelter and a juvenile detention center, facilities that were quieter but yielded their own startling sounds. Then we visited classrooms, where I talked about animal testing as my gentle companion went desk to desk, inhaling a carrot slice from each student. Inquisitive and earnest, the students vowed to write their representatives. They lifted Hammy’s left ear to see the crude, blue tattooed number that identified him at the laboratory – before he had a name.

They tried to pet away his shakes.

Hammy remains fearful and sensitive – as flappable as they come.

He lifts off the ground like a rocket

when a leaf drops in his path, cowers walking under scaffolding and flinches when pigeons take flight.

He’d rather leap off a tall building than listen to a bicycle bell. When he is out of earshot, I call him Anxiety Dog. And every day, I praise him for enduring even the most ordinary of events.

Once, a couple of his toes became stuck like he was crossing them for good luck. He sat on the couch and raised his paw, showing me his predicament. “Fix this?” he seemed to be saying. I uncrossed his toes and whispered in his ear, “You are so brave.” I chuckled, thinking about how long he would survive in the wild.

And yet, he’s a survivor. At times, I see his blank stare and wish I knew more about his life as a young dog. At best, a technician may have embraced him. I try not to think about the worst.

One day a couple of years ago, Hammy scurried from the room at the chime of an incoming text.

What traumatic memory did that trigger? This new reaction to the sound came on quickly.

At first, I tried to console him with edible love, but the little oyster cracker-sized treats fell from his quivering lips. So I began shielding him from digital chimes; around friends, I’d ask them, like a librarian, to please silence their phones.

After months of trying to comfort him with treats, a notable victory: He began coming to me for a reward when he heard the offending sound. But the episodes remained upsetting and stressful – for both of us.

To this day, hearing a text sound triggers something in me.

Then Hammy became sensitive to other jangles, clinks, tings and pings – the padlocked chain being pulled off my neighbour’s gate, two steel necklaces faintly tapping each other on my neck, a typewriter bell on a podcast. Last year, James and I streamed shows that surprised us all with elevator dings and front desk bell rings; Hammy clearly viewed them as horror movies.

The shaking set off by these sounds can be intense.

When it happens, I smother Hammy with kisses and wrap my body around his, trying to simulate the hug machine, a contraption invented by autism and animal behavior expert Temple Grandin to relieve stress. Imagine a yogi in child’s pose over a furry jackhammer.

Curling up with my brave little guy on his bed, I picture him donning that artist-drawn superdog outfit. Yet I wonder whether Hammy sees me as the one in the cape, swooping in when evil sounds strike.

I think, “How lucky I am to be his therapy human.” Deeply loving a being who faces this world with fear and hesitation has unleashed superpowers in me. I’ve discovered unlimited reserves of patience and tenderness for this tricolored creature with a tail tipped in white and ears like velvet. Some days, I can sit and just watch him sleep, which calms me.

I’m more aware of the needs of others – including humans – and my heart is more open. My edges have softened.

After I soothe his tremors, Hammy rolls onto his back. His brown eyes speak, and I translate: “Rub my belly?” His legs stick up in the air and flail with the final round of trembles. I caress his stomach and stare into his eyes, speaking back. For the moment, all is right in the world.

In the cartoon sky, we soar without fear, our capes flapping gloriously in the wind. Silently, of course.

HIDDEN DANGERS

AROUND THE HOME PET PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT From cinnamon to plants and bugs, there are certain foods that your dog or cat should not be eating

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

“

But what about those hidden dangers that aren’t so obvious?

Guy Fyvie

Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s veterinary adviser

PET parents all know the look of a pleading pet at mealtime. Big begging eyes, head lowered and the occasional nudge and whine.

Although we try to resist the urge to offer them a few scraps as part of sticking to a strict training routine, the dangers of feeding dogs and cats your food go far beyond the fear of teaching them poor table manners.

We all know about the common foods, like chocolate for example, that aren’t good for animals. But the list is longer than that. Popular human snacks like raisins, certain fruits and junk foods that are high in salt and sugar can have a devastating effect on your dog.

While you might be loving your plate of bobotie, chips or biscuits, it’s best you keep every morsel to yourself.

What foods are poisonous to dogs?

Dr Guy Fyvie, a Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s veterinary adviser, said most pet owners were aware of only the most common dangers to their animals – keeping them on a leash when walking through traffic or making sure they’re up to date on all their vaccinations.

“But what about those hidden dangers that aren’t that obvious?” he says.

Fyvie outlines some of the foods that pose a danger to cats and dogs:◆ Raisins and grapes are poisonous for dogs and cats. If ingested in large enough quantities, it can cause kidney failure. The amount needed to be eaten to result in this is variable, so it’s best to completely avoid these items.◆ There are several common plants in many gardens and houses in South Africa that pet parents may not know present a danger to their cats and dogs. These include lilies, azalea, oleander, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, aloe vera, begonia, English ivy, hydrangea, tomato plants and delicious monsters.

Especially dangerous is the cycad, and its seeds, which can cause liver failure even in small doses.◆ All medicine and household cleaning supplies should be stored in a cupboard out of your pets’ reach or secured so they can’t access them.◆ Cockroaches, crickets, and beetles can

also be harmful to your pet as they may carry parasites or be toxic themselves. Cat parents should be particularly aware as cats love bringing their pet parents gifts in all shapes and forms.

If you, as a pet owner, are unsure of what is safe for your pet to consume, do a quick Google search or call a vet.

Some of the most common search results:◆ Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol (found in chewing gum and sweets): even a tiny amount can result in low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure or even death.◆ Garlic and onions: these foods contain thiosulfate, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia.◆ Nuts: not all of them, but the ones most high in fat (like macadamia) can cause obesity and pancreatic issues in dogs.

Others that are small and can be scarfed down in seconds are a choking hazard.◆ Cinnamon: although it is not poisonous and ingestion may not have an immediate reaction, it can irritate the lining of their mouths and result in inflammation which can lead to bleeding gums. Large amounts of the spice and small amounts of the essential oil can lead to liver disease, vomiting, diarrhoea and changes in heart rate. Inhalation of the powder can result in choking and lung irritation.

Symptoms of poisoning: l Agitation l Breathing difficulty l Tremors l Convulsions l Excessive drooling l VomitingAbnormal heart rate l Seizures l Diarrhoea If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms or they have ingested something you know is poisonous to them (or is disagreeing with them physically), take them to a vet.

If you want to show your pets love, then spend time with them, playing games, taking them for a walk and feeding them healthy nutritious food.

Fyvie says that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is not good for your pets.

Dogfighting is a Dogfighting is a CRIME! CRIME! Join our fight against

dogfighting And buy our Join our fight against “The loser is NEVER the dog” dogfighting And buy our shirt.

“The loser is NEVER the dog” Available Online NOW! shirt.

Available Online NOW! VISIT: www.shopcapespca.co.za

Crazy for Catnip

THERE are many valid theories to explain the global appeal of cats, including our obsession with watching videos of them online. In terms of cats’ pure entertainment value, however, our fascinations are probably attributable to their seemingly endless repertoire of bizarre behaviours.

When it comes to their seemingly weird reactions to things, their response to an unassuming plant belonging to the mint family is no exception.

Nepeta cataria or catnip is well known for its craze-inducing properties among cats and other felines, including lions, leopards and jaguars. Responses to catnip include sniffing, licking, biting, rubbing or rolling on the plant, head shaking, drooling, vocalising and even kicking with the hind feet.

Catnip’s status as kitty kryptonite is due to a chemical compound called nepalacatlone that the plant releases when its leaves or stem are bruised. This chemical is thought to bind to protein receptors within the cat’s nose which then stimulate sensory neurons that lead to changes in brain activity.

THE CONVERSATION These mind-altering effects can typically last between five and 15 minutes, although some cats will respond much more intensely and for longer than others.

Is catnip a drug for cats?

Many cats are very attracted to catnip and will actively seek it out in their environment. For these reasons, catnip is often used (in its dried form) to encourage cats to use their scratching post. It’s also commonly placed within cat toys or planted in gardens as a source of enrichment for cats.

In humans, smoking catnip has been described as inducing sensations akin to those of marijuana or LSD. It’s possible that cats may experience similar effects. A recent study indicates that exposure of cats to nepalactalone leads to increases in a peptide hormone associated with pleasure.

This suggests that catnip could have some pretty powerful feel-good properties for kitties.

Is it cruel to give a cat catnip?

Although evidence suggests

catnip does have pleasurable side effects, not everything we like – or are at least attracted to – is good for us. The heightened arousal and altered state of consciousness that probably occurs among active responders may not always be a welcome experience.

In situations where cats feel anxious, unsure or not fully in control, they tend to seek out sources of safety rather than stimulation. Under these circumstances, the last thing cats probably want is to go on some sort of mind-bending hallucinogenic trip.

While it may certainly be fun for us to watch their catnip-induced antics, we should think carefully about if we are doing this for the cats’ benefit, or simply for our entertainment. We should also avoid disturbing or trying to stroke cats that are under the influence.

If we want to give cats catnip, it’s best that we place it somewhere quiet, away from their core areas in the home – avoid locations where they usually eat and sleep – and let them decide if they feel like taking a hit, in their own time.

Have you discovered these DIGITAL MAGAZINES yet?

Click here to read our magazines now.

To receive all our FREE digital magazines directly to your mailbox, email iol.magazines@inl.co.za with the word Digital.

Advertising Sales queries: Charl Reineke | charl.reineke@inl.co.za