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Read the latest blogs by Family Pet Centre
Finding a tick on your pet after a walk in the park happens to most people, even if you have treated your pet against it. But don’t panic. Keep up with your preventative products and get rid of the tick as soon as possible, as these nasties can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis (tick bite fever), which can be fatal.
Rabies used to be a disease that seemed quite ‘far away’ to most South Africans. But in recent years the number of confirmed cases in both animals and people has risen severely, and we need to be more aware, more alert and more careful!
Once this virus takes root in an animal or person’s body, it is almost always fatal. No effective treatment exists, and for that reason alone it is worth taking all the necessary precautions!
Allergies are common this time of the year and occur in both cats and dogs. In most cases, there is not much that we can do about the allergens, but we can get rid of parasites, such as fleas, to an extent.
Affected pets constantly scratch, lick, itch and flap their ears, but the continuous scratching, biting and excessive grooming due to itching often damages the skin. This allows allergens to penetrate the skin more easily, causing secondary skin infections, like the dreaded hotspots.
Irritated skin is not the only discomfort your pet may experience: you may even notice an unpleasant smell or inflamed ears.
Don’t be put off by your dog’s smelly breath – do something about it. It is not only for yourself, but for his health. It is estimated that 80% of domestic dogs over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease. This includes plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, gum recession and pocketing, jawbone damage and tooth loss.
Say yay to warmer weather, but a definite no to ticks in spring. To keep your dog tick-free you will need more than a once-off treatment – depending on the product you are using. Dipping and tick and flea shampoos alone have no residual effect and are not sufficient to protect your pet from these parasites.
It is finally spring, and with the warmer weather, you might see a dramatic increase in fleas. Don’t wait for the scratching to start. If you haven’t treated your pets against fleas, do so now. There is a wide range of flea products available at Family Pet Centre to prevent and treat fleas. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Hamsters are frequently everybody’s first pet. They are small balls of fluff and don’t require an abundant amount of space to live. Hamsters are also distant relatives to mice and rats but have a unique and quirky personality of their own. The most common hamster kept as pets is the Syrian hamster. The Syrian hamster is also commonly known as the Golden hamster, due to his original golden coat. Today, however, the Golden hamster comes in many different colours and variations. If you are considering adding a hamster to your family, it’s super important that you give your hamster everything they need to live a long and happy life.
Although their enclosures don’t require a lot of space, you should be sure it still meets their daily living requirements and should be big enough for them to exercise, feed and nest.
We all love road trips, getaways and family vacations, but it’s always a little bittersweet when having to say goodbye to your pawed pal. Sometimes, however, when the doggy stars align – your pet can come along on the adventure. So, we’ve compiled a list of top do’s and don’ts of travelling with your pet to make sure that the journey is as good as the destination, maybe even a little better.
Reptiles as pets are a stunning addition to any family. Read on as Family Pet Centre compiles our top reptile pets and their qualities.
Bringing a new kitten home is a big transition not only for your own family but your new kitten as well. The tiny ball of fluff is going to be overwhelmed, finding himself in a new and strange place. It’s up to you to make the move as easy and comfortable as possible. Luckily, we’ve got some tips on how to prepare for bringing a new kitten to your home.
Pet Rabbits are a great addition to any family. Read on as Family Pet Centre explores facts to consider before getting your adorable little one.
You know that age-old cliché that says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? We don’t believe it for a second! Training your senior dog might seem like a lot of work, but when done correctly, can prove to be 100% effective. We believe in the power of our furry friends, which is why we’ve compiled a list of dog training tips and techniques that are effective, easy and vet-approved.
