All Creatures Animal Services (ACAS)

12/06/2024

Please keep eyes open 👀 if camping / hiking, for this lost little one 🥺

10/06/2024

Cat caregivers can successfully use the Feline Grimace Scale as a tool to spot acute pain in cats, study shows

02/06/2024

Just back from Penfold park and it’s officially that time of year. Far too hot. We stayed 10 mins.
I really hope in the development plans somewhere they put way more shade in place and water fountains - as at a guess the amount of heatstroke cases is going to skyrocket if they don’t…… 😢🥵
Dogs diving into the Lepto ponds (as I call them) to try and find somewhere cool, distressed breathing, brachycephalics struggling, and high energy breeds bounding around to the point of dropping 😢
Just not worth the risk.
Please please mind your dogs - it may seem like a good idea - but can turn into a serious emergency real quick 😢

06:00-09:00 🐾
16:00 onwards 🐾
Anything in the middle - just don’t!!! ❌‼️🥵🙇🏼‍♀️

31/05/2024

*Sai Kung Neighbours Cat Mural: Photo collection*

A “purrfect” photo spot in Sai Kung for cat lovers!🐱

To create an iconic and photo-worthy landmark for residents and tourists📸, the Sai Kung District Office and Sai Kung Kai Fong Committee will invite local artists🎨 to paint a “Sai Kung Neighbours Cat Mural” on a building sidewall in Sai Kung town centre. *Want your cats❤️to be a part of the mural? Here comes the chance! Send us a photo of your pet cats, and let them be the stars of Sai Kung town centre!*

‼️ *Photo collection:*
Deadline: *21/06/2024*

🖼️ *Photo format:*
Colour & File size not smaller than 1MB

📩 *How to submit:*
Email to *[email protected]*

☎️ *For enquiry:*
2792 1240

29/05/2024

🔈👀‼️ Please keep eyes open around Tai Tam for Ginger ‼️👀🔈

⚠️ GINGER IS STILL MISSING ⚠️

GINGER ran to Tai Tam Reservoir from North Point. According to her owner, she is heading to Repulse Bay.
If you spot her anywhere on southern Hong Kong Island, please call or text Natalie 6475 8218 or Francis 9726 9273.🙏🏻🙏🏻

P.S. Please forward this post to friends living in the area🙏🏻🙏🏻

15/05/2024

All available walkies and pet sitting slots filled for June 2024! Please get in touch asap if you have needs in July or for further enquires 👍🏼



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

12/05/2024

These are some examples of displacement behaviours and serve as indicators of the dog's internal state which can provide valuable insights into their emotional well-being.

Displacement behaviours arise when an animal faces conflicting motivations/ feelings for two or more behaviours, leading to an unrelated action. For instance, birds might peck at grass when torn between attacking or fleeing from a threat, while humans may scratch their heads when indecisive.

Context matters when interpreting animal behaviour. EG: Sniffing and scratching could be due to various reasons like being itchy, exploring scents. Understanding the environment and situation helps in accurately deciphering the dog’s actions.

In interpreting body language, subtle cues matter too. A relaxed dog typically has ‘loose’ muscles, a ‘soft’ eye, and their tail held in the breeds natural carriage, and may pant gently. A stressed dog might have tense muscles, mouth shut, a lowered/ ‘stiff’ tail, flattened ears, and avoid eye contact. Understanding body language in canine communication helps distinguish between comfort and discomfort in the dogs demeanour.

These behaviours can also occur when an animal is hindered from engaging in a highly desired behaviour. Often, out-of-context behaviours provide comfort to the animal, like scratching, grooming, or sniffing.

In animal behaviour evaluations, displacement activities serve as indicators of unmet behavioural needs. For example, humans display self-directed behaviours like fidgeting in stressful situations, indicating negative emotions.

When a dog displays displacement behaviours, these are actions that seem out of place. These behaviours are often seen when a dog is unsure how to react in a particular situation.

This typically happens when the dog experiences conflicting emotions like anxiety, stress, or frustration, and serves as a way for the dog to release tension, or cope with the mixed feelings they are experiencing.

30/04/2024

LANGUAGE OF THE LICK

Dogs usually lick their lips when food is about to be served, when a tasty treat is imminent, when those soulful eyes are begging you to share whatever you’re putting in your mouth, or when that last morsel of food stuck on their nose needs to be captured.

Maybe it’s just an itchy nose or a pesky bug that’s irritating them, but sometimes lip licking can be an important sign that there’s something else going on.

The amazing vocabulary that is dog body language is often spoken through subtle signs that are so easy to miss, but when noticed can provide us with important information as to how our dogs are feeling.

Lip licking is part of a group of calming signals that dogs use in an attempt to avoid conflict, calm themselves and others down and generally indicate that they’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable about something.

We also often use this type of body language without even being aware of it. Fiddling with our hair, nails or ears, biting the end of a pencil, tapping feet - may all happen when we’re feeling uncomfortable in a situation.

Sometimes lip licking can provide a warning that there’s an underlying medical condition like gastrointestinal issues, dental or mouth problems or pain somewhere in the body.

Take note of lip licking in different situations. It may be as simple as seeing a lip lick when you just can’t resist kissing that adorable face, but your dog is telling you that they really don’t feel comfortable with your way of expressing affection.

Take note, listen to their language and do what you can to improve their emotional state.

25/04/2024

Brilliant infographic from That Dog Geek

13/04/2024

10/04/2024

When we focus on making dogs happy, it’s better for them and us.

03/04/2024

Dog training isn't just about training a dog. A dog's owner must also learn certain behaviors that help cue their dog's responses.

03/04/2024

If you have been learning from me, you will know that I love coming up with simple sayings to explain complex behavior concepts.

"When in doubt, scatter it out."
"Focus on healing, not heeling."
"Distraction is not action."
"You can't change introverts into extroverts by taking them to parties."
"Dogs thrive on connection, not cues."

This sentence has been tumbling around in the back of my mind for the last year or so, but as with most complex subjects, I needed time to gather my thoughts.

Effectiveness in altering behavior, particularly in dogs, is deeply subjective and multifaceted. From a neurobiological perspective, behaviors in dogs (as in humans) are driven by the reward system in the brain, particularly the dopamine pathway, which reinforces behaviors that the brain perceives as beneficial for survival or joy.

The brain either avoids pain (discomfort) or seeks pleasure.

When training methods or techniques produce a behavior change through punishment, they might indeed be "effective" in the short term by leveraging the dog's natural aversion to unpleasant stimuli (aka avoiding pain).

HOWEVER, from a psychological standpoint, these methods have a high probability of harming the dog's well-being.

Learning can occur from a single or repeated event.

You may have heard the term learned helplessness. This occurs when an individual, after experiencing adverse events they have no control over, starts to feel they cannot change or escape their situation, even when opportunities exist.

Exposure to unsolvable problems or teaching methods can lead to "shutdown," a condition where the dog becomes passive and disengaged, appearing to give up trying.

A misnomer is that a shutdown dog acts shutdown.

These dogs can still present as "normal" dogs.

Behaviors not normally attributed to shutdown:

- Difficulty in learning new things
- Difficulty solving problems
- Not engaging in innate behavior
- Increased anxiety
- Hyperactivity / restlessness
- Physical illness (skin, gut)
- Fixations (OCD-like behavior)

So, while certain techniques may yield immediate results for you, your dog's long-term welfare is very much at risk - even if you do not see it.

02/04/2024

People often think about how it’s good for children to have a pet dog around. But what about the dog?

02/04/2024

PREPARING DOGS FOR A BABY
Babies bring big changes for everyone in the family, but the changes this brings for a dog are often underestimated or overlooked.

The arrival of this “strange creature” often means less attention, a lack of predictable routines, strange noises and smells, strange equipment and perhaps restricted access to certain areas or even lots of visitors.

Just as it takes time in planning, preparing and getting ready for a baby, time should also be taken in getting a dog ready for changes this will bring.

Change is not always easy. Any stress about how your dog will react will be easier to cope with by knowing you have prepared well in advance.

Think about the different scenarios a dog will need to get used to and gradually introduce these so that dogs don’t negatively associate changes and different routines with a baby’s arrival.

Preparing well beforehand and then closely managing interactions between your dog and baby is really important for safety, peace of mind, building positive associations and creating positive relationships.

Dogs generally adapt well to the arrival of a baby but it’s important to plan in advance to make this transition as stress free as possible for your dog.

For more detailed information - here are some links to some specialists in this field -
https://poochparenting.net/
https://cooperandkids.com/preparing-dog-new-baby/
https://www.familypaws.com/resources/
https://babyandpet.com.au/about-the-book-tell-your-dog-youre-pregnant/
by Dr Lewis Kirkham – Preparing your dog for new sounds with a step-by-step guide and baby and toy noises

26/03/2024

IF DOGS COULD WRITE ….A BILL OF RIGHTS

Dogs are held captive in our human world but and are not born to understand our human ways.

We expect so much of them. We expect them to know, conform and behave in ways that are “acceptable” to us.

So many dogs are subjected to force, punishment, intimidation, aversive tools or outdated training methods as humans attempt to change and control them.

There is nothing admirable, ethical or intelligent in physically or emotionally forcing any sentient being to comply.

Take the time to learn and understand how they communicate, their emotions, their needs and use updated, modern, scientifically based methods to modify unwanted behaviour.

Guide them with understanding, with patience, with compassion and kindness.

If dogs could write a Bill of Rights, these are some of the things I believe they would want us to know.

23/03/2024

Some of the beautiful felines from a family of 14!! 🐈



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

19/03/2024

ARE YOU WORTH COMING BACK TO?

I often cringe when I watch people trying to get their dogs to come back when they call.

They call and call and get increasingly angry and frustrated as their dog keeps ignoring them.

When their dog eventually does come back, or has been chased and "captured” by the now really angry person, they get screamed at, yanked about, smacked or punished in some way for taking so long and not listening.

Why on earth would a dog want to return to someone who does this to them!

Genetics may play a big part in this when an environment is far more stimulating and exciting.

Coming back to you is often the last thing a dog may want to do when genetic instinct is triggered.

An exciting scent or seeing something to chase can all override a response to recall.

Genetics aside, the most common reason that dogs don’t come back when called is because it’s not a positive experience.

Make coming back to you worth it by always making it a rewarding experience and keep practicing this throughout a dog’s life.

Have a little patience if it takes longer than you would like, let your dog finish what they’re doing before calling them, practice in different locations and environments and never reprimand or punish them for coming back.

There is never a guarantee of a perfect recall each and every time, but making it a rewarding experience will greatly improve the rate of success.

14/03/2024

I made this fuelled on oxytocin whilst handrearing a Twig 😂 we expect so much of puppies and take them away from everything they know and expect them to fit in our world with minimal fuss. In reality, we should be striving to understand and meet their needs as actually it’s not that difficult if you have the right mindset ❤️

04/03/2024

All the feels today 😂🤯💦

12/02/2024

Suns out!!! ☀️ And great to be so blessed with such gorgeous walks where we are 🥰 and great company!
Happy Dragon Year so far! 🐲



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

09/02/2024

Wishing all our clients and friends a wonderful Chinese New Year 🐲🎉🥰

Hoping the Year of the Dragon brings good health, happiness and lots of positives for you and your furry, scaly or feathered companions! 🩷



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

07/02/2024

⚠️❌😩🎇🧨🥺

Annual post about the trauma of fireworks 💥 likely starting from Friday evening all through the weekend

Impossible to escape and a ‘tradition’ at this time of year, but for pet guardians, the start of stress and anxiety at the trauma they cause to not only our companions, but also wildlife and strays.

PLEASE secure your pets NOW and keep them safe from (ILLEGAL) fireworks and firecrackers this evening.

Prevention of escapes and fear bolters, is preferable over loosing animals, so do act now to secure your animals.

There will be runners and lost terrified animals, but we can be extra vigilant and alert to try and prevent some of the annual mayhem fireworks and firecrackers bring

✅ ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash during CNY. It is impossible to predict when these things will go off, so don’t take the risk. Use a long line of your dog needs more freedom, but keep them attached

✅ Keep cats indoors where possible. Generally, keep your pet inside, in a secure room where they can neither escape nor hurt themselves.

✅ Keep eyes open for community animals and politely remind guardians to mind their pets and keep them safe, especially ‘free roaming’ or tied up outdoor animals

✅ Speak to your vet today if you animal really suffers, medication can in some cases help

✅ Make sure companions have tags and ID with your name and number in case of an escape

✅ Be vigilant if your dog or cat is a ‘door dasher’ and brief guests before they come to your home

✅ Make a safe space within your home, use ‘white noise’ to distract or ‘thunder shirts’ may also help alleviate some of the terror

✅ Flashes of light and noise are scary to pets, so close all windows and blinds to help block out noise and light.

✅ Be mindful of festive treats / flowers - some are highly toxic to our companions

✅ Thoroughly exercise your dog before dusk to help tire them out and a walk before the fireworks allows your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet

✅ Offer safe haven or help if you spot any animals bolting, fearful or in trouble and reach out for help if needed 👍🏼

We hope you have a positive CNY and the 💥 and 🧨 don’t cause harm, tragedy or heartbreak 🙏🏼🥺

If you see animals needing help, you can drop Kaz a PM or call the SPCA 27111000.

01/02/2024

THE BEHAVIOUR PUZZLE

Changing behaviour is like building a puzzle.

All the different pieces need to be looked at and put together for the result to be successful.

Trying to stop a behaviour with a quick fix, is unlikely to have lasting results last and often results in an unwanted behaviour surfacing in a different way.

Behaviour needs to be looked at holistically.
Understanding what the function of the behaviour is, what a dog is trying to communicate, using management to prevent the behaviour from being rehearsed or practiced, ensuring that a dog’s needs are being met and showing dogs what to do instead of what not to do are some of the important parts of solving the behaviour puzzle.

Changing behaviour takes time, it’s not a quick fix, it requires understanding, consistency, patience and commitment, but the results of solving the puzzle properly are worth it.

24/01/2024

BE A DOPAMINE DEALER NOT A CORTISOL CREATOR

Although there are other chemicals that have an effect on behaviour, the neurotransmitter dopamine and the hormone cortisol are important ones to understand.

Force free, positive reinforcement, reward-based methods result in a release of Dopamine which provides important motivation to seek out rewards, increases attention, memory and reinforces a behaviour. Behaviour is far more likely to be repeated when Dopamine is released.

Using punishment or aversive, old fashioned methods causes stress which increases the release of cortisol. Cortisol inhibits learning, affects memory, decreases motivation and can cause emotional, psychological and even physical damage.

Some ways to increase Dopamine levels and lower Cortisol levels –

Only using positive reinforcement, force free, reward-based techniques.

Slow, sniffing walks in a quiet area, interactive play, puzzle toys, lick mats, snuffle mats, foraging, providing mental stimulation activities, routine and predictability, enough rest and sleep and a balanced and nutritious diet.

Give your dog a “cortisol holiday”. Cortisol levels can take between two to six days to return to normal after stress.

This “holiday” could look like stopping walks for a week or changing the time of day you walk to a quieter time, covering or blocking access to a gate, fence or window, avoiding visitors or generally just taking a break from anything that may be causing stress.

24/01/2024

Whether we're talking about wild or domestic animals, paying for a guaranteed interaction with an animal is NEVER ok.

The reason varies slightly by species, but in essence is the same: when someone can profit off an animal interaction, the animal's freedom, well-being, and interests will always come second.

These practices are prevalent in roadside zoos, petting zoos, pseudo-sanctuaries, and tourist attractions.

At best, it depicts the animal as a tractable object for entertainment, rather than a sentient individual with their own rights and interests, setting the stage for problematic behavior.

At worst, it guarantees abuse or neglect, in the form of repeated sedation to ensure compliant behavior, illicit trade to ensure a steady availability of babies or desired species, private ownership of wildlife, isolation, stress, improper care, and a total loss of freedom.

If you see an organization or venue offering animal interactions for a price, you are not at a true sanctuary. True sanctuaries NEVER allow direct contact with wildlife. For domestic animals, the animals' history, temperament and wishes with regard to human interaction are respected. Baby animals are not bred for petting opportunities.

If you want to be sure you are visiting a true sanctuary, check our listings at https://sanctuaryfederation.org/find-a-sanctuary/