fun questions
PETTA LK
Sniff, sniff
Should I allow my dog to
sniff around when we go for
a walk in the park?
D
ogs first and foremost ‘see’ the world through
their noses, exploring, investigating and learning
through olfaction. Taking a dog for a walk and not
allowing him to smell is the equivalent of taking a friend
to a movie blindfolded. It’s easy for your dog to walk
from scent to scent when off lead; if you are on a leashed
walk you will need to compromise, allowing your dog his
own ‘sniffari’, which is highly stimulating and positively
impacts well-being.
Samantha Walpole, behaviouristIdeal treat sizes
How big should the treats be that
I use when training my dog?Guppies have been deliberately
released in the waters of some Asian
countries in an attempt to stop the
spread of malaria. Guppies like to
munch on mosquito larvae, reducing the number of malaria-
spreading mozzies.REQUIRED HEALTH CHECKS
FOR SENIOR PETS1
Senior pets require a full
physical exam every six
months.2
They should be monitored for
weight changes.3
The vet should discuss age-
related diet changes.4
Chest and abdominal x-rays,
an electrocardiogram and
a blood pressure measurement
(especially with cats) should be
done yearly along with full blood
work so that age-related diseases
like kidney and heart disease
and arthritis can be identified
early and treatment can be
implemented.5
Dental cleaning as needed
should also be performed at
each visit.6
Vaccinations should still
continue as normal.7
Regular deworming and tick
and flea control programmes
should be maintained.FA S T FAC T S
DID YOU KNOW?
If your cat loses her appetite, it
might be a sign that she is in pain.P
ea-sized soft treats are ideal for most dogs. You
can make them slightly bigger for large dogs
and smaller for little dogs. Smaller sized treats mean
you can reward your dog more often during a training
session without overfeeding him. Treats should be
small enough for the dog to chew and swallow quickly.