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22 http://www.petsmagazine.com.au
PETS | News
SUGAR, SUGAR
One of our favourite small Aussie animals
is the Sugar Glider. This cute little critter
can come in between 24cm and 30cm when
measured from the nose to the tip of the tail,
weighing 115-140g — that’s about the same
as eight Freddo Frogs (and we all know how
light they are to carry!).
Of course, that’s not the only thing we love
about this gorgeous creature. As the name
suggests, Sugar Gliders can glide by stretching
their fore and hind limbs out at right angles
to their body with their feet fl exed upwards,
resulting in a glide that can last 50m or more.
But for every 1.82m they glide horizontally, a
Sugar Glider will fall approximately 1m.
The Sugar Glider is omnivorous, with adiet consisting largely of plant life in the
forest where it lives, as well as insects and the
occasional small lizard. It drinks rainwater and
gets other liquid from the food it eats.
Sugar Gliders are able to be kept as pets
in some places, but we love them for being a
beautiful animal at home in the wild on the east
coast of Australia and throughout Tasmania.
For more information on this little cutie,
visit australianwildlife.orgdietconsistingl l f l tlif i hPhoto: Life on White/BigStock.comSKIN CANCER
AND CANINES
It’s something we’re all too aware of as
humans, but how often have you thought about
protecting your pet from skin cancer? As Pet
Insurance Australia says, it’s something we need
to be more aware of, particularly living in this
beautiful sunburnt country in today’s climate.
“Skin cancer can be a problem with some pets
and being prepared early is key to preventing your
pet from being a victim,” Nadia Crighton from Pet
Insurance Australia says. “We need to give our pets’
skin the same consideration we do our own.”
In 2016, there were approximately 1500
claims Australia-wide for skin cancer in dogs.Cats also suff er the eff ects of skin cancer but
statistics indicate not as much as dogs. “This is
also just a snapshot of those pets that actually
have pet insurance,” Nadia says. “Understandably,
the number could be much higher.”
Dr Ken Wyatt, a registered specialist in veterinary
oncology from Perth Veterinary Oncology
in Western Australia, knows fi rst-hand the
consequence of too much sun. “Sunlight-induced
skin cancer is far more common in dogs and cats
with pale skin, as it is in people,” Dr Ken says. “White
cats are at a very high risk for carcinoma of the
face. Bull Terriers commonly develop carcinoma
on the belly as they seem to enjoy sunbaking on
their back and their bellies have pale skin.”
Of course, prevention is better than cure.
To keep your pooch safe, Pet Insurance
Australia recommends:
Keeping pets with pale skin inside during
the heat of the day
Ensuring your dog has ample shady areas
Using specially designed pet sunscreens
Using a pet sun suit
UV-protecting windows for indoor cats
Ensuring cat runs are completely in the shade
If you suspect your pet has a cancer problem,
visit your local veterinarian immediately to fi nd
out more. Our fur-babies are part of the family,
too — let’s make sure they stay as safe as we do.Photo: Javier Brosch/BigStock.com