Many cat servants will remember the alarm of the first time they witnessed their beloved feline cough up a hairball. The distress of watching your pet seemingly struggle as they hack and retch, followed by the putrid appearance of the hairball itself, is hard to forget. Funnily enough, hairballs are rarely ball-shaped and usually more closely resemble a cylinder of damp, tangled hair. They’re also rarely something to worry about, but why do they occur in the first place and can they be prevented? Fortunately, hairballs are usually a sign of a cat that meticulously grooms itself. With every lic ..read more

Love them or loathe them, dog kisses can be a little smelly. There are a number of reasons why a dog’s breath might be on the nose, and they range from harmless to serious. If you suspect the smell is more than just the aftermath of a meaty meal, you should seek advice from a vet. Underlying illnesses, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can cause bad breath and need to be ruled out by a professional. The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is dental disease. Dental disease is a term used by veterinarians to describe a group of dental issues including gingivitis, periodontal disease, absc ..read more

If you’ve ever had an earache, you know how painful it can be. Our pets also experience ear pain that can be caused by everything from infections to blockages. In fact, dogs and cats can be predisposed to ear problems because of their J and L-shaped ear canals. Particular ‘floppy-eared’ breeds such as hounds, spaniels, and poodles, are also more likely to experience ear problems. But, with a little extra attention, astute owners can work to prevent ear pain in their pets, recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment. As with any health problem, prevention is always better than treat ..read more

Just like humans, dogs are living longer thanks to modern medicine. The plus side is we get more time with our beloved pets, but one of the downsides is a higher chance they will experience a multitude of health issues including cognitive decline. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), colloquially known as ‘doggy dementia’ is common in senior pets. Not all dogs will experience CDS, but statistics show it will affect one-third of dogs aged 12, and 40 per cent over the age of 14. Signs of cognitive decline Symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome can include: Sleep disturbance (particu ..read more

Is there any greater mood-booster than being greeted at the door by a four-legged, waggly-tailed friend who can barely contain their excitement to see you? Daily walks with our dogs make the physical benefits of pet ownership seem obvious, but there’s a growing body of evidence that also proves animal companionship can greatly improve our mental health.  Here are some of the ways pets contribute to the mental wellbeing of humans: Pets give purpose Most pets rely on their owners for survival. This can mean providing food, water, shelter, exercise and hygienic care. Those duties and the rew ..read more

An alternative option in finding the perfect pet training solution, the PetSafe® Audible Bark Collar uses SoundBurst™ technology to identify a dog’s barking and immediately releases a sound to distract him. The sound resembles the spray of an aerosol can. The collar also deters barking safely and consistently. This audible bark collar discourages barking quickly and consistently, and it really works. In fact, 70% of users report their dog barking less within the first few days of wearing the audible collar. This bark collar automatically adjusts for your dog by adapting to how frequently you ..read more

You’re the proud new owner of a pet bird, and you can’t wait to bond by handling your feathered friend. But it’s important to take things slowly when attempting to connect with an avian ally. It’s all about building trust and the earlier you can start, the better. Young birds are the best choice, and they’re easier to tame one-at-a-time. Older birds and those with cage buddies can still be tamed, but beware that they will require more of your time and patience. Ask the experts at your local Just For Pets store for advice, and follow these basic steps to hand-tame your bird: Choose a safe posi ..read more

Have you ever seen a dog literally drag its butt across the ground? It’s sometimes called ‘scooting’ and it can look comical, but it’s a dog’s way of indicating something isn’t quite right around its rear end. If you notice your dog butt-dragging, it’s usually because of an itch, irritation, pain or other discomfort. In many cases, ‘scooting’ can be a one-off event that’s no cause for concern. But, it’s worth keeping an eye on your dog to see if the behaviour continues. It’s also worth checking your dog’s behind yourself for visual clues such as redness or swelling. If anything looks out of th ..read more

Did you know, your local Just For Pets Independent Pet Shop is part of a large network of Pet Stores across Australia (almost 50 stores nationally)? This network is known as Just For Pets, a buying and marketing group, dedicated to the longevity and success for family owned, independent pet stores in Australia. Offering them smarter ways to do business, helping them by doing the stuff we know best, marketing to you the customer and allowing them opportunities for great pricing so they in turn can pass this onto, you their valued pet parents. Not only does Just For Pets offering buying and mark ..read more

Back-to-school time can bring a wave of emotions from anxiety to excitement – and that’s just for the humans in the family. Spare a thought for pets who may be about to lose the company of some of their favourite companions throughout the day, while adjusting to potentially reduced attention and new daily routines. Here are some tips to help your pets adjust to this necessary part of life: Ease into the change School holidays often mean extra time and attention for our pets, so it’s understandable that they may suffer from separation anxiety when suddenly left alone for extended periods. You c ..read more