Animal Health
There is no reason your pet should be left out of your natural lifestyle. We cover common conditions and give advice on behavioral and health concerns to keep your pet in top shape.
A wee-wee face and cystitis in cats
Cystitis is inflammation and/or infection of the bladder and is more common in cats than in dogs. This painful condition can result in death if left untreated. In this engaging excerpt from his book, The Cow at the Window, Dr Alex Niven introduces Thleeng and explains how best to treat feline cystitis.
Pets and Parasites – a natural approach
Fleas can be effectively managed using a combination of powders, shampoo, and sprays or ointments. Here's a comprehensive guide to treating external parasites on pets, using natural remedies.
Herbal Remedies and First Aid for Pets
Holistic pet care rests on the notion that the best way to cure a sick animal is to help the animal cure itself. We are not the true healers of our pets – they are.
Joint Problems in Dogs
Most of us dog owners have, many a time, watched our older dogs slowly become less mobile as joint problems set in. By focusing on the right exercise, diet and supplementation programme, you can do a lot to relieve your best friend’s pain and discomfort.
Keep Your Dog Fit in Winter
It’s cold and damp outside and a walk or run is the last thing on your or Fido’s mind. But exercise for the mind and body is as important for your dog as it is for you during the chilly months.
8 Common Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make
Getting a new puppy is an exciting journey, but it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s also a long-term commitment! Your new companion is going to be with you for the better part of 10 years, at least, and in the excitement of puppyhood, it’s easy to forget to keep the long-term plan in mind.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis, affects as many as one in five dogs. The disease cannot be cured, but there are several treatment options available to help ease pain and improve mobility.
An Update on Biliary
It is summer time and along with those lovely long days and walks with our best friends we have to contend with the ticks that come out of hiding at this time of year. So it’s definitely time for an update on on biliary.
How to stop cats from scratching
Cats are fluffy and fun, but they do love to scratch. Here are some tips on how to keep your most prized pieces of furniture away from those claws
Holidays, travel and fireworks – how to care for our pets
The holiday season is traditionally a joyous time, but it can be a very stressful one for our pets. Paul Jacobson gives some hints on how to handle the situations that can arise.
How to Introduce your Cat to a New Cat
When introducing a new cat (or cats) to a resident cat’s household, it is very important to be realistic when doing the introduction. Take into consideration the breed, age, socialisation history and temperament of both cats.
Is your Pet at Risk for Sunburn?
Summer is here and we are all spending more time outdoors with our four-legged friends. This means that we must make sure they do not get too much sun and run the risk of sunburn or, worse, skin cancer.
Joint Disease in the Working Animal
Joint disease causes severe pain and limitation of movement in many working dogs and horses. Homoeopathic treatment offers a humane, non-toxic and economic approach to the maintenance and restoration of function. Dr Alex Niven describes some basic joint problems and indicates which remedies should be considered in their alleviation.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Discipline begins at home. That’s a familiar saying when we discuss disciplining our children, but the same really applies to our four legged friends. Globally, millions of people suffer from dog bites and many of these are children. According to Cesar Millan, there are five reasons why dogs bite.
Why do Dogs Eat Grass?
No one really knows why dogs eat grass. Theories range from behaviour to nutrient deficiencies to illness or simply because they like it. Read on to find out more about why your pooch prefers the green stuff.
Allergies in Dogs & Cats
Just as with people, allergies are not uncommon in our pets and any cat or dog can develop allergies at any time during their lives. However, some dog breeds are more predisposed than others.
Our Allergic Pet Epidemic
More dogs visit the vet for skin allergies than for any other health problem. In fact, some vets have gone so far as to call it an allergy epidemic.
Every Dog Has Its Day!
Dog-lover Ann Gadd digs into what acceptable dog-walking behaviour on SA beaches entails, and offers advice on how to make your pooch a top (beach) dog.
Ear Disease in Dogs
Dr Alex Niven outlines the causes, symptoms and treatment of outer ear infection in dogs so that you can be prepared if your best friend is afflicted with this common condition.
Understanding Canine Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in dogs. Understanding what causes seizures and knowing how best to cope with them and how epilepsy can be treated in the longer term will help you deal with the shock of discovering that your pet is affected.
Get Social