I think we are all familiar with the appetite of a Labrador, with many of us using the line ‘they’re a Lab so they’ll eat anything’. As it turns out, for many Labs this is true and not entirely due to poor eating habits!   Research in 2016 at the University of Cambridge* in the United Kingdom identified an “obesity gene” that refers to a genetic mutation found in certain lines of Labrador Retrievers, particularly those bred for show rather than working purposes. This mutation affects the gene known as POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin), which plays a role in regulating appetite and metabolism ..read more

Early in January my own dog, Pendlebury (14yr old Chinese Crested), had a stroke – needless to say scary for him and for me. Thanks to fast action from our Vets he has recovered almost completely, and with ongoing medication we hope to avoid recurrence. This event sent me on a steep learning curve, and it may be helpful to share what I have learned. Causes – While strokes in dogs are relatively rare compared to humans, they can occur. The causes of strokes in dogs are not always well-understood, and the signs may vary. Some potential causes include: Cerebral Infarction (Ischemic Stroke): Thi ..read more

You’ve done your research, made your travel plans, booked your tickets and all that’s left is to pack. But what about your dog? Preparing them for boarding is essential to ensure their well-being and comfort during your absence. Here are some tips to help you get your dog ready for a positive boarding experience:   Visit the Boarding Facility in advance: arrange a time prior to the boarding date to familiarise your dog with the surroundings and meet the staff. It can help reduce anxiety for your dog, and you too.   Update Vaccinations: ensure that your dog is up-to-date on vaccinati ..read more

Destructive behaviour in pets, like chewing, digging and barking, can be distressing and costly. Preventing and managing these activities requires a combination of training, supervision, and environmental management. Some things to help address and prevent destructive behaviour in dogs include:   Prevention:   Provide Adequate Exercise: Many destructive behaviours stem from excess energy. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise through walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Consider dog daycare for the days that you cannot provide activity.   Proper Training: Basic obedience tr ..read more

Keeping your dog amused is important for their mental and physical well-being. And with the changeable weather here in Melbourne, it can be difficult to find appropriate activities. Here are some ideas to entertain your dog indoors or outdoors, regardless of the weather:   Indoor Activities:   Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them. Interactive Toys: Invest in puzzle toys that dispense treats as your dog plays with them. This stimulates their mind and provides a tasty reward. Snuffle Toys: Roll up treats in an old towel and encourage ..read more

There’s no doubt that we benefit in a myriad of ways from our best canine friends – from the comfort of a snuggly lap dog, to the physical labour of a cattle dog, and the invaluable support of an assistance dog. They can have a positive impact on mental health in various ways too, and their companionship has been associated with several mental health benefits. Here are some ways in which dogs can contribute to our mental well-being:   Companionship and Emotional Support: Dogs are known for their loyalty and unconditional love. The companionship they provide can help reduce feelings of lo ..read more

We all aim to have the best behaved dog possible, but it’s not always easy, and the environment around you and your dog plays a significant role in shaping behaviour. Here are several ways in which the environment can influence your dog:   Socialisation: A well-socialised dog is exposed to various people, animals, and environments during its early developmental stages. A lack of socialisation or negative experiences during this critical period can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in unfamiliar situations.   Training and Reinforcement: The environment in which a dog is trained, a ..read more

Finding great care for your precious dog can seem challenging, and it may be helpful to compare the two main services available – dog boarding and pet sitting. Both services involve taking care of your pet when you cannot, but there are key differences between the two:   Location: Dog Boarding: Dogs are taken to a specific facility, securely designed for boarding multiple dogs. These adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, governed by local councils.   Pet Sitting: The pet sitter comes to the pet owner’s home to spend time with the pets (or they may take pets into their own ho ..read more

Another silly season is upon us, and celebrating Christmas with your dog can be a joyous and festive experience. However accidents can happen! To keep everyone safe here are some tips to ensure a happy Christmas for both you and your furry friend:   Pet-Friendly Tree: Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from falling over if your dog gets curious or playful.   Consider using pet-friendly ornaments and decorations that won’t harm your dog if they decide to investigate! And hang the real treasures higher up and out of reach.   Avoid hanging edible ornaments that might be temp ..read more

We’ve had a couple of ‘summer storms’ recently, and with the weather warming up we are bound to experience more across the coming months. Thunderstorms can be frightening for animals, and in particular domestic dogs, due to the loud noises, changes in air pressure, and static electricity.   Here are some tips to help your dog during a thunderstorm: Create a Safe Space: Identify a safe and comfortable space in your home where your dog can retreat during a storm. This could be a quiet room, a cave bed or a crate covered with blankets to provide a sense of security. Stay Calm: Dogs can pi ..read more