Big Bang!

Loud firework bangs and flashes in the sky can be particularly terrifying to animals. In order to keep your pet safe during firework displays, follow these tips:

• If your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises, ask your veterinary surgeon for advice on medication. There are some homeopathic remedies available to relieve stress.
• Provide a litter tray for cats if they are used to having garden access.
• Remember to secure doors and windows.
• If you are having a firework display, warn neighbours in advance so they can take precautions. Ideally go to your local community display.
• Ensure your pets' identification is current so if they do get away local authorities are better able to help return them to you.
• You pet may find toys and treats comforting and distracting so ensure you have a supply.
• Put your pet inside and draw the curtains, and put the TV or radio on to drown out noise.

• Never let off fireworks near any animal!

Pet Care Essentials

It is important to ensure that your pet has all the essentials required to lead a healthy and happy life. Ensure that your pet always has fresh drinking water. Give your pets food that’s made especially for them. Dogs should eat dog food; cats need cat food. Ensure that your pet has appropriate shelter to protect it from rain, cold and heat. Some animals need protection from noise, wind and other conditions. Exercise improves the physical and mental health of dogs. Be sure to give your pets the love they need. Pets also need vaccinations to protect them from disease, veterinary care is important to your pet’s health – and life. Use proper pet care products to control ticks and fleas. Make sure that your dog wears a collar and identity disc. You should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s collar and his neck. Cats should only wear special cat collars with a quick release clip, to ensure that they do not strangle themselves.

The African Grey Parrot

A family relative of mine has what I think is the most tame parrot in the world. The parrot she has is called an African Grey - its wings are grey with red tips or edges to it. Like most parrots, the African Grey is highly intelligent, and can repeat sounds and speech patterns. This particular parrot, however, has been with its owner since a very young age so they’ve had a long time to bond with each other. So tame is this parrot that it allows its owner to place it on its back and tickle its stomach! I’ve never seen anything like it. Most people can barely go near the parrot for fear of being bitten by its powerful beak. But the parrot loves and trusts its owner so much that it always allows her to do anything to it. Such is the trust that our pets can give us.

Taking care of senior pets

It is a fact of life that we all age as time goes by, and our pets too age with time and your once boisterous and inquisitive puppy will turn into a matured and loving adult dog who in turn will become a senior pet and staple member of the family. A marked change in cats and dogs as they join the ranks of senior pets is that they start sleeping more – if you thought that your kitten who sleeps most of his or her day away could not sleep more if they tried, well, your senior cat will have a run for your money. But as they get older your cat is also likely to start enjoying just being in your company and will sneak a lot of this sleeping on your lap and in their favourite sunny spots in the house.

A senior pet however can be as full of life and vigour as they were when they were puppies and kittens. Senior pets if in good health and offered lots of love and attention will only need the very necessary changes in lifestyle. Senior pets are generally well settled into their homes and families but can still adapt well to change. One change that is a good idea to talk to your vet about is a change in diet. Many pet food companies make ranges that are specifically designed for senior pets and these foods can add zest to and the right balance of nutrition to your pets well being.