So you're considering changing your cat from an outdoor cat to an indoor one but haven't got a clue how to start the process. Fear not because your cat can happily live indoors. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started. 1. Increase indoor time If your cat comes home to eat or for cuddles, slowly increase the amount of time he or she is there. You can opt to close the doors and have some play time so they can associate being home as a positive experience rather than something they can't wait to get away from. Do this in short increments and then increase the time slowly. 2. Precautions Make sure you are up to date with flea treatments so that your cat isn't bringing any unwanted friends home with him or her. You may opt for using a flea collar in the weeks leading up to bringing them indoors for good. You should also take them to the vet for a general check-up to make sure they are healthy inside and out. 3. Provide indoor points of interest If you have previously kept your home free of any toys or activities for your kitty then it may be time to change that. Introduce some scratching posts, jungle gyms and some interactive toys so that when they come inside they have new things to explore and play with, thus increasing their interest in spending time indoors. You may also opt for allowing them in rooms they previously have never been in. Cats are curious so if there's something new to check out, they absolutely will. 4. Fresh air and sunshine Your cat is used to being out in the great outdoors so you they should have plenty of access to fresh air and a sunny place to nap in your home. You may choose to get them an outdoor netted playpen so that they can get the best of both worlds. 5. Save your furniture Make sure your cat has plenty of places to scratch so that your furniture isn't torn to shreds. Place the scratching posts near lounges, chairs, and any place you've noticed he or she likes to dig into.  Feature Image Credit

Much like when a baby starts teething, a puppy's teething period can not only be painful and itchy but they also don't know how to solve the problem. This may make them just as irritable and cranky as a teething baby. Your pup will start teething between 12 and 14 weeks where the milk teeth will start fall out and new adult teeth will begin to grow. By five months, a puppy should have all their adult teeth. You might not notice the change unless you see the missing teeth. The easiest way to tell if your pup is teething will be if he or she has gone from chewing on a few toys to chewing on everything and anything. Staircase banisters, window sills, house plants, leashes, table and chair legs, shoes and socks, all are fair game to a teething puppy. You may also notice an increase in drool so get your mops ready. To help your pup during this time you can freeze chicken wings, teething toys or even give them ice cubes to chew on. The cooling effect will sooth their sore gums and also cater to their 'must chew' policy during this time. Remember to be patient, they aren't chewing your stuff to get on your nerves, they are simply doing it to scratch their itchy gums. Make sure your pup has plenty of toys and chewables so that not everything in your home is destroyed. There are some natural remedies to help too. Herbs such as chamomile and lavender can have soothing properties can help calm your pup during tough teething times. You can make a tea using these, let it cool and then pour some over your pets kibble. Freezing the tea into ice cubes can double the effect as the cooling ice will numb the gums. Aloe Vera water that you or I drink is a great way to help your pup's food recover from the irritation of teething. Pour a bit into his or her water bowl, however if they aren't a fan of the taste you may try and conceal it with puppy food. You can get aloe vera water from most supermarkets. If the these tips don't help or you notice infection or bleeding take your pooch to the vet for medical attention.

Out of all things to eat, why the kitty litter? Why?!  The act of dogs eating faeces from cat litter is known as coprophagia. It’s not known exactly why it occurs, but coprophagia is a normal behavior in many species, including dogs and especially in puppies. Luckily most dogs grow out of this habit. Coprophagia is also normal in nursing mothers. Puppies are not able to eliminate on their own until they’re about three weeks old, so a mother dog will lick her very young puppies to activate the defecation reflex. Ingestion of the puppies’ faeces also keeps the nest clean. Faeces left in the nest would cause poor hygiene and attract predators. However there are some dogs that continue to eat faeces from a cat's litter box as adults. Some of these dogs are highly motivated and the behavior seems to become compulsive. Some dogs even follow others around, waiting until they defecate so that they can eat the feces right away. Despite much hypothesizing about nutritional deficiencies, there is no apparent reason for this strange behavior. Some suggest that dogs are more likely to develop this behavior if they live in an impoverished environment. In fact, dogs left for long periods in an area with droppings will often play with the feces by tossing them in the air. This behaviour can contribute to the development of coprophagia. Resolving coprophagia can be challenging. Attempts to discourage any type of contact with faeces are bound to fail because sniffing feces is such a fundamental investigative behavior in dogs. If the behavior has developed into a compulsive disorder, in addition to avoiding access to the litter box or discouraging ingestion, it’s important to provide environmental changes, such as new toys and games to play like fetch and tug as well as adequate physical exercise. If you find that these tips don't help, talk to your vet for a medical approach. They may suggest a behavioural specialist to work with you and your pets.  Feature Image Credit

Trimming your cat's nails is not an easy task and most people take their cats to the vet or a groomer to do it. However if you are prepared to put in the hard yards it is something you can do in the comfort of your own home. It's best to train your cat to get used to you doing this from a young age.  Firstly it is important that you use a pet specific nail/claw clipper rather than those made for human use. They are designed to cut through the thicker claw and won't get blunt after two or three nails. You'll be able to find the right one for your pet at your local pet shop. Make sure your kitty is resting comfortably on your lap or on a flat table where he or she is comfortable. You might consider putting a towel or blanket on the table to give you a bit more stability from slipping.           The correct way to cut the nail is to hold the clippers at a vertical, cutting top to bottom- not across. This is to avoid any splitting or fraying of the nail and is considered generally more comfortable for the cat. Next, hold a paw in one hand and gently press on the toe pad to extend the claw. Carefully place the clipper on the nail avoiding the pink tissue inside the nail. Aim for the sharp tip to prevent bleeding from occuring.  Repeat for the rest of the claws. However, if your cat becomes impatient give him or her a break then return to the task. Some find that clipping while their cat is asleep works best as they aren't going to bite, claw or scratch at you but do what works for you and your cat. Others have suggested putting a light towel on the cat's face to sheild it from seeing you clip its claws. However if you don't find any of these methods work there is no shame in asking a professional for help, after all, that's what they're there for. Feature Image Credit

Okay, if you're reading this you're probably at your wits end about how to stop this behaviour. You've probably had to farewell your favourite shoes, handbag and even perhaps homewares and furniture. Let's start firstly by telling you it's going to be okay. We can't replace your favourite shoes but we can help you with your pet's destructive behaviour. Firstly, destructive behaviour in animals is not normal but it's also not something your cat is plotting away as he nibbles on his kibble. Destructive behaviour often happens because your pet is bored or understimulated. You might find that this often happens when you are not home or on days when you don't walk your dog. If you are going to be out of the house for the majority of the day leaving your pet home alone, then make sure you get in a long walk before you leave them. If you can, try to throw in some time playing with your pooch too. This is so that they return home tired and leaving any excess nervous energy outdoors where it belongs.  If your pet is still digging, chewing or shredding your belongings then perhaps they are simply bored of being stuck at home alone. Make sure your pet has plenty of interactive toys to play with that can distract him or her from the fact you are not there to play with them. However not all cases are this simple. Some pets need professional intervention from an animal behaviourist who can determine what it is in your pets environment that is causing this behaviour or if there is something else to it. If you feel this is the way you will have to proceed, your vet will be able to refer you to someone they trust.

Some say you're not a pet owner if the majority of your clothing isn't covered in fur. While that doesn't sound too appealling, it can ring some truth. Animals shed fur to get rid of old, damaged or excess fur and of course as they transition from the warmer months to cooler months or vice versa.  However they can also shed fur if they have skin irritations or if their diet is lacking certain vitamins. Here are five tips on how to manage all that fur.   Brushing: This is the key to staying on top of fur getting matted as well as clumps being left around the house. Depending on your dog's or cat's breed, you may need to brush your pet daily or a few times a week. Feeding: A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat, so opt for grain-free protein rich pet food to enrich their diet. After a few weeks you should notice their coat is shinier, healthier and sheds a bit less. Some pet food brands even sell specific food to improve your pets coat, so opt for these. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum: Yes it can be a pain but ultimately this will keep the fur from building up. Opt for a good quality vacuum- there are plenty on the market that are made for homes with pets. They are extra heavy-duty and can handle all the fur your home has hidden away. Bathtime: Remember, washing your dog's fur is good for them and can reduce shedding. Don't forget to only use pet shampoo as human shampoo can be too harsh on their skin and cause dryness and skin irritations which may in turn cause more shedding. A gentle oatmeat shampoo can help their coat become healthier. After bathing, give your pooch a good brush. Depending on their breed they may need to be bathed weekly to monthly. Check-ups: If none of these tips work then consider talking to your vet about the causes of excessive fur shedding. If the shedding is leaving bald patches this is definitely something a vet should see and treat. They will be able to give you the appropriate medical treatment if needed. Remember shedding is normal but if it becomes a cause for concern seek veterinary treatment. Oh, and always buy a lint roller when at the grocery store. Always. Feature Image Credit  

Deciphering pet food, labels can be just as confusing as finding the best food for your pet's health and longevity. You should be able to understand pet food labels and be able to compare pet products with confidence if you look for certain cues and pieces of information. Seeing beyond the marketing hype to find the real substance of the nutrition status within the pet food is a skill that will benefit both you and your pet.   Pet food companies use the product display panel to catch the eye with key pieces of information including the pet food company name, the product identity, the product use, and the net weight of the package. The information panel should provide a guaranteed analysis of what’s in the food, an ingredient list, a nutritional adequacy statement, feeding guidelines, and the manufacturer’s contact information. Please note that the percentages given for protein, fat, and fiber are measurements of the food in its current state on the nutritional information provided. However as a result of different pet foods having different levels of moisture, you can only logically compare pet foods on a dry matter basis when dealing with both dry and wet pet food.   Be sure to read through the ingredients list carefully with a discerning eye. Generally, the first five ingredients will make up the majority of the pet food product. Ideally, meat should be one of the first ingredients on a pet food label. In general, a good-quality dog and cat food will have two quality animal protein sources listed in the first few ingredients. Look for a food that also has two different sources of fat in the ingredient list, for adequate energy and to provide all the essential fatty acids necessary for your pet’s well-being and continued growth. Poultry, turkey, or chicken fat are higher in quality than animal tallow, because they have more unsaturated fatty acids and are more digestible.   Apart from protein, sources of linoleic acid, an important omega-6 fatty acid, is included in most vegetable oils such as soybean, lecithin, corn oil, wheat germ oil, sesame seed oil, and linseed oil. Look for these on the label as the right balance of animal fats and plant oils is important for a glossy hair coat and soft, pliable skin. In addition, look for whole grains, vegetables, and other real-food ingredients on the label, including corn, corn meal, whole wheat, barley, rice which all provide essential energy for the pet and appealing texture to the food.   Be sure to always read the feeding instructions with care to ensure that you are feeding your pet adequately. Every pet food label must have recommendations regarding how much to feed pets of different sizes and types. It is believed that these guidelines can usually overestimate the amount of food a typical pet needs to eat every day.   You will find on the packaging the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor where you can enquire for further information. Manufacturers usually try to cover all contingencies, but ultimately you still need to monitor your own pet's needs, preferences and environmental conditions. As usual seek advice and talk to your vet if you're unsure about your pet food or have any questions about the ingredients. Feature image credit  

We're already at the end of the first month of 2015. Have you been maintaining your new year's resolutions or have you already returned to your old habits? In any case, maybe it's time to turn the attention away from yourself and onto your pets instead by introducing some positive and healthy changes into their routine and make this year their happiest and healthiest yet! Here are our suggestions: Help your pet get more exercise If you're guilty of forfeiting your pet's daily walk when the weather is too hot or too cold, instead replacing it with an extra chew toy or throwing a ball around the yard, try to keep focused on the fact that your pet needs to get in regular exercise, necessary for good health and longetivity. Resolve to commit to daily exercise - rain, hail or shine. Likewise, cats can be enticed into exercising using chase games with string toys or laser pointers. And remember daily exercise for them is daily exercise for you too.   Help your pet eat better and be healthy Rather than indulge your pet with food scraps or unhealthy snacks, take a vested interest in creating healthy treats like frozen green beans, or create healthier alternatives to their everyday kind of pet food. Packaged treats that are high in sugar, salt and fat, as well as human foods and table scraps, so these should be kept to a minimum which will end up benefitting you both. Your pets should resolve to take their monthly heartworm, parasite, flea and tick preventative as prescribed, and keep their vaccinations up to date in the new year. Of course you'll have to be in charge of that! Help your pet learn something new and have fun Training and learning new tricks provides bonding time and mental stimulation for pets and owners. Whether it’s more games, new toys or a weekly brushing, we can all use a little more fun. Seeking to have fun together in the pursuit of new routines and activities is a must for any pet resolution. Help your pet do something different and make new friends For the new year, consider switching things up by finding a different park to visit every now and then, walking on different streets, or bringing them along on a trip to the pet store for treats or normal pick ups. For cats, new toys or a new brushing routine can spice up their day. In 2015, why not resolve for you and your pet to visit the local park and get to know other owners potentially making new friends and new adventures. Help your pet volunteer in the community It is well known that pets are becoming an even larger and more welcome part of many community programs for the aged and ill, so why not help your lovable pet take part in a community program at a local nursing home or hospital that allows animal therapy. You will love your pet endlessly this new year but perhaps it will do the world some good to let someone else love them for a few moments also.   

It's an early learned behaviour of children to give hugs to parents, siblings, friends and even their favourite toys as a way to show love and affection. As such, we equally search for ways to show our four-legged friends how much we love them, but seemingly hugging should not be one of them. The truth is, dogs do not appreciate your warm hugs...but why?   Within the dog world, there is an abundance of behaviours shared between canine parties, including face smelling, rump smelling, tail wagging, licking, but importantly, there is never hugging. Dogs have particular methods of greeting, none of which involve having a foreleg over the shoulder of each other. In actuality, the closest approximation dogs have to hugs as we know it actually means something other than friendship. Dogs standing over each other relates to some form of social status and competition for resources, so hugs are considered a form of power manipulation and control.   Despite hugs being associated with play and not necessarily something aggressive, a hug can be regarded by dog behaviourists as a very assertive, controlling behaviour. It follows suit that many owners and people are most commonly bitten in relation to the benign interactions such as petting, hugging or bending over the dog.   Dogs may manifest their dislike about being hugged in various ways, including subtle uneasiness by licking its lips or turning its head away. Some signs may be quite evident such as growling or seeking to escape. It is an innate response triggered by the dog's self defense system, where they automatically become alarmed and enter into their ''fight or flight mode'', forcing them to react aggressively by giving a warning growl or a straightforward bite because of the restraining nature of a hug.   The reason behind the inherent dislike of human hugging by our dogs lies in the idea that humans and primates appreciate ventral to ventral or chest to chest contact, sub-consciously associated with feelings of pleasure gained through nursing. Dogs do not have this sort of positive association so therefore do not by nature appreciate this form of contact. We wrap our arms around another's shoulders as a sign of affection but in the dog world, a leg over the shoulder is a sign of dominance or assertiveness. Therefore, when we try to hug a new or unknown dog, it is understandable that they may misinterpret that gesture as threatening and will either run away, submit, or return the challenge. Have you noticed this reaction in your dog? Feature image credit

Many dogs learn to get our undivided attention through stereotypical behaviours such as excessive barking, jumping up and pawing, biting the lead, stealing items, tail-chasing, and even aggression. Inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour is a common assessment referred to dog behaviourists, whereby owners unintentionally have given in to their dog's behaviour reinforcing it even more so. As such, these dog behavior problems can become even more difficult to deal with and to extinguish. There are many reasons why attention seeking behaviors start, including lack of physical activities, boredom and nervousness. Some helpful tips about how to handle attention seeking need behavior from your dog are: Understand the behaviours. The hardest part in stopping these attention seeking habits is to be aware of them in the first place. Once you are more aware of your dog’s behaviour, ask yourself, ‘Is my dog trying to get my attention on their terms or mine?’. At times misdiagnosed, hyperactive dogs are just sensitive to sudden environmental changes – overreacting to the presence of a strange person or animal, and apparently unable to adjust to the new stimulus. Recognise your reward system. Dogs learn behaviours, and this learning only takes place when the behaviour is reinforced in some way. It’s helpful if you can recognise the ways in which you reward out-of-control attention-seeking behaviours, especially those which you don’t know you’re reinforcing. Have your dog complete basic training. Generally speaking, dogs should learn and practise the basic obedience exercises, especially the 'sit', 'down', and 'stay' commands. Your dog should especially perform the ‘sit’ command before getting anything they want, whether it’s attention, petting, food or play to help teach them calm emotional restraint around people. By increasing the structure in their environment, those pesky behaviors should start to dwindle. Practice both voice and lead control. Dogs that jump, leap and run out of reach should be kept on a lead during behviour management in anticipation of ensuing problems. In regards to your voice, quiet confidence will effectively get your message across. Most times, ignoring needy behaviours and a lack of acknowledgement can stop unwanted behaviour.  Stimulate your dog to counteract their boredom. Dogs that seek your attention at times lack adequate physical and mental stimulation. Increase their exercise and make it really robust exercise! Attention should be given in little doses and often throughout the day. It advised that all contact with the dog must be initiated and ended by you. Reward your dog fittingly. Dogs learn quickly to behave if 'good' behaviour is rewarded and 'bad' behaviour is ignored. If the problem behaviour still persists or leads to aggression, ask your vet for assistance or for referral to a dog behavioural specialist. With understanding, consistency and patience, you can soon teach your dog to overcome their needy behaviours and to be less dependent on you. Feature Image Credit