Pet Bucket Blog

Conjunctivitis is an extremely common problem in cats, and it occurs when inflammation develops in the membrane behind the eyelids as well as on the eyeball's surface. It usually has an infectious cause if the symptoms are pronounced, but over the spring and summer months you may notice your cat's eyes reacting to more environmental allergens. Here's what you need to know about looking after a cat with conjunctivitis. In order to treat conjunctivitis, you first need to learn how to identify it. The most obvious signs are watery discharge and a redness of the eye (though both eyes may be red). Some cats will also squint, holding the irritated eye partially closed. If the conjunctivitis is particularly bad, you might also notice your cat pawing at the eye due to itching. However, if it seems like your cat's eye is painful as opposed to merely itchy, you should consider other eye problems (such as glaucoma). If you suspect that your pet has conjunctivitis, it should never be left untreated, as the disease can eventually cause vision loss for the cat. Mild cases of conjunctivitis typically present with a slightly pink and swollen eye, and allergens or irritants (such as pollen, plants or dust) often cause these eye irritations. If your cat has mild conjunctivitis, you can treat it with an over the counter product that is sold for human use in the first instance. Specifically, you should look for something like artificial tears, but you should make an appointment to see your vet if the eye isn't looking better within a day. If your cat has a more pronounced case of conjunctivitis involving deep redness, itching and copious discharge, it's prudent to see your vet immediately. Sometimes, conjunctivitis is related to a more serious infection like chlamydophila or to an infestation of eye worms. Your vet can perform tests to confirm any underlying disease. In addition, look out for crusty eyes or for pus around an inflamed eye. If conjunctivitis presents this way, it is almost guaranteed to be a bacterial infection behind your pet's eye troubles. While you can gently clean the eye area with warm water, your cat will also need an antibiotic ointment. You can obtain this treatment from your vet, and it should be used for at least a week (even though most cats appear to be asymptomatic before this time). Your vet may also prescribe up to a three-week course of eye drops if the underlying cause is revealed to be chlamydophila or mycoplasma, as your cat might otherwise become reinfected with conjunctivitis soon after being cured. When conjunctivitis strikes both eyes at once, the cause is more often viral. If it turns out that a viral infection has caused your cat's eye problems then your vet can offer antiviral medications. This option is especially important if your cat has herpesvirus and lives in a multi-cat household, as other animals can become infected. Feature image credit  

Feral cat populations are a big problem today. By some estimates, there are as many as 58 million stray cats and kittens in the US as of early 2014. Going by these estimates, it's quite likely that you've come across a stray cat or kitten around your home. If you decide to take in that stray kitten and care for it, you'll need to follow a few tips to ensure you are protecting yourself or family and properly caring for the kitten.   1. Observe Before you take a stray kitten into your home, or even approach it, take a moment to sit back and observe the situation. That stray kitten may belong to a mother cat that is hiding out of view or moving her litter to a new location one-by-one. If no adult cat appears, approach the stray kitten to determine its friendliness. Whether or not the kitten has a collar, if no mother cat appears you can take it into your home to provide shelter and care.   2. Prepare a home Kittens don't need much in order to feel comfortable. If you have a spare cardboard box around and some extra blankets or towels, you've got a nice little home for the stray kitten. The kitten should spend the majority of its time in the box with some blankets and a toy or two. Keep the kitten in a quiet area of the house, separated from any other pets you may have, and do not give it free reign of the house.   3. Call a vet Once you've got the stray kitten situated in your home, you should call your local vet to get an idea of what type of feeding schedule it requires. The vet may ask you to bring the kitten in immediately to get a rough estimate of its age. A kitten's age determines its entire feeding schedule. According to the ASPCA, kittens under one month require milk replacers four to six times each day. Older kittens need to be transitioned away from milk replacers and introduced, slowly, to solid kitten food. Feedings should still take place four times each day, gradually decreasing to three meals a day.   4. Socialize with the stray Kittens need to be socialized as soon as possible, for the benefit of your family and other pets you may have. Properly socialized animals pose less of a threat to humans and are easier to relocate to new homes. While the kitten should spend its time in the home you created for it, it is also important to take it out and play with it from time to time. This socialization helps the kitten develop a bond with you and will improve its ability to bond with others in the future. Socializing the kitten is particularly important if you only plan to care for it on a temporary basis. If you help the kitten form positive bonds, it will be easier for a rescue organization to find a permanent home for it later.   5. Make the tough decisions Welcoming a stray kitten into your home requires making a few tough decisions. The steps above will help you integrate that kitten into your home quickly, but if you plan on keeping the kitten on a permanent basis you'll need to make some decisions. Kittens are expensive when they are young, and stray kittens come with some added expenses. For starters, if the stray kitten came from a feral litter it will need to have its initial immunizations to ensure it is healthy as it grows. It is also a good idea to have the stray spayed/neutered to ensure it does not add to the cat population in the future. Last but not least, adult cats are independent, but kittens need your attention. If you or your family do not have the time to devote to the kitten, it might be best to make this situation temporary. Feature image credit    

After being trapped inside for the majority of the winter months, your pet is just as eager as you are to get outside and get some fresh air. Every dog owner should be taking the family pet for a walk as often as possible, but the typical walk around the neighborhood can get boring in a hurry. If you are lucky enough to live along a coastline, now is the time to hit the beach and bring your dog with you. It is not uncommon to see individuals and families enjoying a day at the beach with their four-legged friends. Dogs love the water and the open spaces on the beach give them plenty of room to run. Before heading out the door, make sure to read the following tips to ensure that you and your dog enjoy the beach safely this summer.   1. Watch the temperature Warm summer temperatures pose the same health risks for your dog that they do for you. When you are packing up for a day at the beach, remember to bring plenty of cool water, a doggie dish, and a towel for your dog. If you have a beach umbrella, bring that along too - your dog is going to need shade to relax in. Spread out a towel for your dog to relax on under the shade of the umbrella to give them comfort and relaxation away from the sand. If you don't have an umbrella, then it is important to set up shop under a pavilion or tree. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating. If your dog begins panting rapidly, drooling, has coordination problems, or suffers diarrhea, you need to get them home and cooled off immediately. Provide your dog with plenty of water breaks while playing, and keep its bowl in the shade to ensure the water remains cool.   2. Master the recall command If your dog is struggling with the "come" command, a day at the beach could turn into a nightmare. Dogs with a tendency to run away or poor training with the recall command should not be allowed off their leashes at the beach. Many pet retailers sell long leashes (up to 30ft in length) that will allow your dog a sense of freedom without giving it free reign to wander too far.   3. Follow the beach rules Many beaches have rules that apply to public use. No two beaches are guaranteed to have the same set of rules governing behavior and usage. It is always wise to bring your dog's leash, ensure it is wearing a collar and/or ID tag, and stock up on waste bags so you can clean up after your dog. In addition to written rules, try to keep some of the unwritten rules in mind so you and your dog are polite at the beach. If your dog is a digger, the beach is the perfect place to let it get the urge out of its system. However, make sure you fill in any holes it leaves out of consideration for other beachgoers. Don't allow your dog to harass other dogs or beachgoers. If it is barking too much, it is probably time to call it a day.   4. Avoid hazards The beach is a natural environment, and as such it comes with some natural hazards that can harm your pet. Keep a close eye on your pet to ensure it isn't trying to eat any strange creatures crawling along the beach or drinking saltwater. Your dog could become seriously ill if it ingests wild animals, and saltwater can induce vomiting or diarrhea. Remember to give your dog a quick rinse with freshwater before leaving the beach. Some dogs suffer from rashes or general discomfort on their skin and paws after coming in contact with saltwater.   5. Know your breed Last but not least, know what genetic factors might make a day at the beach more dangerous for your pooch. Short-muzzled breeds like the English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Pug can overheat quicker than other dogs. If you have one of these breeds, keep a close eye on their comfort level at the beach. Dogs with shorter coats, lighter fur colors, or no hair at all, can suffer from sunburn just like humans. If you have one of these breeds, you'll need to purchase sunscreen made especially for dogs. With all dogs, keep an eye on their nose to ensure it doesn't burn.   If you follow all of these tips, you and your dog can have a day at the beach that is filled with fun and exercise. Best of all, everyone will come home happily worn out and ready for a good night's sleep. Feature image credit

Too many owners lose their best friend each year because they make the sad choice to leave a dog in the car during a shopping trip or road trip. There is never a truly safe time of year to leave a dog behind in the car, but summer is by far the most dangerous time of year. If you've developed this habit or done it once in the past, the following facts might change your mind forever about leaving your dog in the car.   Many dog owners will bring their best friend along as they run errands on a Saturday afternoon. In an attempt to keep their four-legged buddy comfortable at each stop, they roll down the windows and park in the shade. The sad truth is that neither step is effective in preventing health risks or death.   Even with the windows rolled down in your car, the air inside does not circulate well enough to remove the danger. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, and only cool down by panting and sweating from their paws. It can take as little as 15 minutes of breathing hot, stuffy air for your dog to collapse and suffer brain damage, heatstroke, or even death. Parking in the shade does little to alleviate the situation, as warm temperatures outside and a lack of air conditioning inside can create miserable conditions for your pet.   The scary facts It doesn't take excessive heat outside for a car to become a deadly oven on the inside. On a day when the temperature hits 78 degrees, the temperature inside the car can exceed 90 degrees within a few minutes. If, on that same day, the car is left sitting in the sun the temperature inside can easily reach 160 degrees.   Even on a day when the temperature is a seemingly harmless 60 degrees, the temperature inside your car can reach into the danger zone if your car is left parked out in the sun for too long. All it takes is 15 minutes for your dog's internal temperature to climb from a healthy 102.5 degrees to a deadly level.   When your dog's body starts to heat up too much, it can suffer damage to its nervous system, cardiovascular system, become dehydrated, become comatose, and in the worst case scenario, die inside the vehicle.   Take precautions During the summer months it is best to simply leave your dog at home. If you are heading out on a road trip, then it is important to take precautions to ensure that your pet remains comfortable and healthy along the way. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a travel dish for your dog to drink from at stops.   Make space inside the cab of your car or truck for the dog. If you own a truck and absolutely have to put your dog in the bed, do the right thing and secure its crate in the truck bed. Never let your dog ride loose in the bed of the truck. The metal bed can burn its paws and the exposure can result in sunburn or injury from debris. If your dog is riding in the bed, take extra breaks while driving to get them out and offer them some shade and cool water.   Remember, in as little as 15 minutes your dog can die from exposure inside a hot car. The intense heat and stale air make for terrible conditions for your dog, and in some states you can be charged with animal cruelty for leaving your dog in the car for any amount of time.

Adolescence happens to all of us, your dog included! Adolescence usually occurs in dogs between six and eighteen months and is an exciting but testing time as they transition from a puppy into a fully grown adult dog. It can be a difficult period for everyone in the household, and sadly it's during this age that many people give their dog up for adoption - but don't despair, if you are prepared and strong-willed you can completely survive doggy adolescence and end up with a wonderfully mature and grown up dog. Be prepared, know the signs! Preparation is the best way to combat your dog's adolescence. Start to get to know the signs that commonly present during this period and know how to deal with them. If you can get on top of your dog's adolescence from the beginning you should be able to limit how crazy things can get! Signs of adolescence include:     •    Destructive behaviour: jumping on the couch, excessive digging and barking and trying to escape     •    No longer listening to commands they have been able to carry out previously     •    Pushing boundaries     •    Hyperactivity     •    Adult teeth have come in but still needs to chew on hard toys     •    Puppy coat is falling out to make way for the adult one     •    Just about adult height If you dog hasn't been spayed or neutered this is also the time dogs reach sexual maturity which brings about it's own unique behaviour:     •    Females will have their first heat cycle     •    Males will begin to lift their legs to show interest in females     •    Increased indoor urination     •    Agression You should really consider spaying/neutering your dog between two and six months of age to avoid these hormonal displays, not to mention unwanted preganancies. Tips to help overcome doggy adolescence     •    Give your dog plenty of exercise as it helps with mental stimulation as well as calm and tire out an over-active dog.     •    Find other dog owners with dogs going through adolescence at the same time. Let them run together in a safe and supervised environment so they can run-ragged together!     •    Be firm handed. If your dog is not obeying a command you have given it, go to them immediately.     •    Interactive toys, like a Kong, are good for keeping dogs entertained for hours and uses up lots of mental stimulation.     •    Extra grooming sessions help to keep dogs calm (and looking nice and neat!)     •    If your dog has forgotten simple commands - don't get upset - they really can't help it. Simply, just re-teach the command again and include plenty of positive reinforcement.     •    Include a quick obedience class into your routine to really engrave those simple commands. It's really important to get to know your dog - how much exercise it needs and what it's favourite toys are to help you get a handle on curbing destructive behaviour. Remember, adolescence won't last forever. Embrace the last days of puppyhood! Feature image credit

Pets touch our lives and our hearts in ways that some people will never fully understand. The reality is, as pet owners, a dog or cat's lifespan is no match for a humans so we stand to potentially loose a number of pets in the course of our own life. Even so, the loss of any pet is never easy and for many of us feel it is equal to the loss of another human. Similarly, the grieving process for a pet can be no different to loosing a human loved one. Everyone grieves differently and expresses grief differently - there's simply no right or wrong way to do it. For some people grief will present itself in high and low waves, where time will heal the frequency and intensity of the lows. For others, they'll experience various stages of grief: denial, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance. How you grieve for your pet will not only depend on who you are as a person emotionally but what sort of bond or impact you had with that pet and perhaps how that death came about. Was it sudden or traumatic? Were they old? Did they have a long-term or debilitating illness? Were they an assistance animal? Did you live only with them? Factors such as these will greatly impact how your grieve and the significance and impact the loss can play on your life. It must be noted however, that you can also experience grief if your pet has run away or become lost. In any case, you should never be made to feel silly, guilty or ashamed for feeling the loss of your pet or wishing to grieve for that loss. The reality is, some friends, family or co-workers may never fully understand your loss or be able to offer you sympathy. Again, that shouldn't deter you from grieving that way you want to. Because as pet owners, we often don't think of our pets as simply a dog or a cat, but a loved one, compantion, confidant and much valued family member. Tips for coping with the loss of a pet     •    Acknowledge the grief you are feeling and don't be afraid to express it.     •    Don't rush the grieving process - let it happen naturally and let it run its course.     •    Being open about your feelings of grief should be encouraged.     •    Ignoring or 'bottling up' your grief is not a healthy way to deal with your feelings.     •    If it's easier, write down how you are feeling.     •    If you are not receiving much support from those closet to you, turn to online forums, acquaintances, bereavement hotlines or counsellors to give you the support you need.     •    Don't let others dictate your feelings. Only you know how you feel and when you feel like you're over the grieving process.     •    Holding a funeral or memorial service can really help with your healing. Similarly, planting a tree, or creating a photo album are nice ways to remember your pet and is somewhere to channel your feelings. It's also nice to remember happier times.     •    Continue with your routine: eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep, meditate. Not only is it important to keep going with your routine but these methods also help relieve stress and improve your mood - not only yours but your children and other pets if you have them.     •    Fill the void your pet has left but occupying that time with a hobby or other social activities. It's important to keep in touch with those you are closest too as it can help keep depression away. It can also help you discover new loves and interests.     •    Don't rush out and buy a new pet to fill the void your departed pet has left. Take the time to go through the grieving process and only consider a new pet when you are truly ready. Remember, your departed pet will never be truly replaced. If you need help with a child coping with the loss of a pet, look at our previous article on the subject.  

Many dog owners, especially those with larger breeds, like to play fight with their dogs. It can be lots of fun, but also dangerous if it goes too far.   Play fighting or roughhousing can include wrestling, rolling around, or tug-of-war games in which your dog may play-bite, lunge, and bark at you. When you participate in this kind of play, you’re basically mimicking how dogs interact together.   If you choose to play fight with your dog, there are certain things you need to take into consideration. In general, you need to understand what behaviors you are encouraging, and what the consequences may be. For example, if you allow your dog to play with you like he would with another dog, your dog may try to play that way with all humans. This could be risky when there are toddlers or elderly people around.   In order to keep the situation under control here are some rules for roughhousing:   You should initiate the play fighting. Teach your dog that its okay to roughhouse, or jump on you, only when given a cue to do so. This will prevent your dog from trying to play rough with others. This is also beneficial for the times you may be wearing clothes you’d prefer to stay in one piece. Without training, you can’t expect your dog to understand when it is a good time or bad time to roughhouse. Teach your dog a cue that will indicate that playtime is over such as “game over” or “settle.” This command is good for anytime rough play gets too intense or there is excessive mouthing or nipping. Your dog needs to know those behaviors are not acceptable. Look for signs that your dog is stressed so you can spot aggression before it escalates. Supervise your dog closely when around other people like children, those with disabilities, and the elderly Avoid chasing your dog as part of play, this could make it difficult to get a hold of him in an emergency situation. Take short breaks or timeouts to allow your dog to calm down.   There are plenty of fun and dynamic ways to play with your dog that will not encourage behaviors that may have problematic consequences. Whatever you decide is right for you and your dog, make sure to be consistent so your dog understands the rules.   Feature image credit

Moving overseas requires a lot of organisation and can be an anxious time for pets who don’t quite understand what is happening and why. Tiptop planning is absolutely vital when transporting animals from country to country to make the trip as smooth as possible both for their welfare and your stress levels.   Here are our tips for making sure your journey to your new home is as simple as possible for you and your four-legged family member:   1. Check the rules   Image credit   The first thing you need to do is look up the specific rules the country you are moving to requires of entering pets. Things like quarantine periods vary dramatically between nations, with some requiring over 180 day periods and others none at all. Vaccination requirements also vary so check exactly what your dog or cat needs before showing up at the airport.    Timing is also important. Nations sometimes have a very specific timelines as to what needs to be done and by what point. For example, Japan asks that dogs and cats are microchipped and have their rabies vaccinations and blood tests at specified stages. Save yourself a headache and check early on.   PetRelocation is a fantastic site for helping you get a preliminary idea of what different countries require of travelling pets.     2. Visit the vet    Image credit  It is vital your pet has a clean bill of health before they can be cleared to go on an overseas flight. A trip to your vet is therefore essential. Be sure to get all of your vaccinations and worming up to date as well as any new shots your destination country asks that travelling pet’s possess.    You also need to ask for all the documentation of your dog or cat’s prior vaccinations and medical history they have on file so you can back up your statements as to your pet’s state of health to officials.     3. Find your airline    Image credit  Not all airlines transport pets and those that do require a booking process be followed, so don’t assume you can just show up with your pet and get easily on the plane.   Whenever possible, it is recommended you book a direct, one-way flight to avoid additional stress on stop overs during plane changes and during a time when the weather is mild, as cargo holds are not as well regulated as the cabin.     4. Get a perfect pet crate   Your pet might be inside their crate for some time, so making sure it is the right fit is important. A carrier that is too cramped might make your dog even more uncomfortable on their flight though alternatively one that is too big may create additional charges. A crate should allow your pet to turn around easily and lie down.   Image Credit    Airlines also tend to have specific requirements as to how long and wide a crate should be so be sure the ask before you buy. Sometimes airlines allow rentals of their crates.     Remember   Image credit Travelling can be frightening for animals with many new sights and sounds they encounter. But at the same time, pets are pretty much willing to go to the ends of the earth to be with their humans, so it is worth all the trouble.   Happy travelling!   Feature Image Credit 

We think of our cats as adorable and cuddly but the truth is that they are natural predators, experts at hunting birds and small animals. Cats have excellent eyesight, hearing and sense of smell and are adept at silently stalking their prey. Unfortunately attacks on wildlife are common and cats have been blamed for the global extinction of up to 33 species.   According to Australian Geographic, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy estimates that each free-ranging cat can hunt between 5-30 animals a night and "cats are the biggest human-linked cause of death for native animals in the US, with a bigger impact than habitat destruction, pesticides, pollution and collisions with cars… free-ranging pet and feral cats in the USA kill perhaps 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals each year, most of which are natives, rather than introduced species such as brown rats.” It is up to us as responsible cat owners to make sure that we protect wildlife, especially native species that are protected or already endangered. There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the number of attacks - Bells and mirrors The simplest way to protect wildlife is to add a bell and mirror to your cat’s collar. The bell will warn wildlife that your cat is approaching and give them a chance to get away. A mirror will also give advance warning by reflecting light. You can also use collars with a sonar beeper that produces high-pitched tones that alerts birds but does not bother us or cats. Neutering Neutering or desexing your cat will make them less likely to roam, fight and hunt. Night-time Cats are mostly nocturnal hunters who can and will travel fair distances when looking for prey. Keep your cat indoors or enclosed during the night and for the hour before dusk and hour after dawn. Enclosures and confinement Even though pet cats are not hunting as their source of food, some cats will still want to hunt more than others. Also, you may live in an area where a lot of wildlife is present. If either is the case, you should consider keeping your cat indoors during the day as well, or having a suitably sized enclosed area outside on a verandah or in the garden. You will need to provide water, litter trays, shelter from the weather, bedding, perches, toys and activities for the cat.   Discipline and training This may have limited success as hunting, stalking and pouncing are instinctual for cats but it will help discourage them. Spray your cat with water or use special scented deterrent sprays when you notice your cat hunting wildlife.   Image credit   Feature image credit      

Would you drink from a glass of water that had been sitting outside for a week? Or a cup that hadn’t been washed in a month? Dog bowls need to be kept clean just as much as our bowls, with unwashed bowls becoming a brew of bacteria and other nasties which don’t do your pet’s health any favours.   Image credit In a 2011 study conducted by NSF International, of the homes of 22 families, pet bowls were found to be the fourth dirtiest household item. They were found to contain high levels of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria (which includes Salmonella and E. coli). Eww! So how often should you clean your dog or cat’s water bowl? This depends on where it is kept and how many animals are drinking from it daily. Daily washing for an indoor pet bowl is ideal, especially after you pet has taken a drink after mealtimes.   Image credit If your water bowl is kept outside it should be cleaned more often – twice daily – as there is a much higher chance of contamination from insects and plant debris. Use by multiple animals also means the amount of washing you do should increase proportionally, with a greater amount of saliva bound to find its way into the bowl. Hand washing with a gentle detergent in hot water works well. A mixture of salt and baking soda is also a great solution, as it is kinder to dog or cat’s insides if any residue is left behind. A run through the dishwasher is also highly recommended.   Image Credit Bowl choice is also important when it comes to keeping your dog’s water squeaky clean. Ceramic and plastic bowls are porous, which means they absorb a certain amount of water they contain. This can mean they suck up bacteria and germs as well, and become secret breeding grounds that may affect your dog’s health. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are a better option as their finish prevents absorption.    Feature Image Credit