Pets at Play

20/08/2024

Tuesday evening to do list:
* Watch the Netflix documentary - Inside the Mind of a Dog
* Listen to the podcast where Tashreeq of Radio 786 reviews it with Dr Aileen
* Tell us what you loved, what you learnt, or what you think is going on inside your dog's mind
https://soundcloud.com/radio-786-100-4fm/review-netflixs-inside-the-mind-of-a-dog-radio-786?si=2c607370f78545fbbad1ab68814feaf5&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

18/07/2024

Our canine patients are indeed allowed on the couch when they come to see us 🤓 We want them to feel as relaxed as possible while we discuss their problems with you and put together an individualised treatment plan. Dan Piraro

24/12/2023

05/05/2023

As always, Taryn so eloquently communicates an important message for all dog owners, especially those who have had the misfortune to work with unqualified 'behaviourists' and 'trainers' who have no respect for the science and the way our understanding of dog cognition, learning, temperament and behaviour has evolved over the past 40 years.

I was sent the most ghastly video yesterday of a "trainer" explaining how we should NEVER respond to dogs asking for attention or affection and should actively intimidate them into moving away from us if they do, to "reclaim our space, as a leader would do". When I recovered from the horror of being exposed to such outdated drivel, I thought it would be a good idea to put something out there to counter such cruel and sad advice, so here is a reminder:

NOTHING has ever been achieved by denying a dog affection or reassurance. There are still sadly many misinformed experts who appear to have been stuck under a rock somewhere for the last thirty years, advising owners to be less affectionate and more "firm" with their dogs or to ignore their dogs when they seek interactions or reassurance.

Let's be clear that there is NO EVIDENCE to support this idea - ignoring and being cold with your dog will NEVER make them more secure or more confident or help them overcome their fears. Denying affection, attention and reassurance is only likely to lead to insecurity, anxiety, frustration or depression. Anxious dogs need constructive help to overcome their fears - they don't need to be ignored!

Remember that fear is an emotion and cannot be reinforced. We also know that there is NO LINK between owners being loving and affectionate with their dogs and separation related distress - studies have even shown that stroking and talking to your dog before leaving them alone makes them less NOT more stressed!

The only reason to ever not give affection is if your dog does not enjoy the particular type of affection - some dogs don't like hugs and kisses and that's fine. But whatever affection they do enjoy, you will do absolutely no harm giving.

The idea of giving a dog affection on your terms only is clearly a remnant of some sort of antiquated dominant-subordinate relationship notion and has absolutely no place in a healthy dog-human bond. While dogs are not humans, we now know that they do form attachments to us similar to parent-child relationships. We also know that a secure attachment leads to confidence, a strong sense of security, better emotional regulation and better coping skills to face the world.

Secure attachment depends on us being AVAILABLE to our dogs and meeting their emotional needs.

04/05/2023

If you've ever thought that cats can't be trained, then you definitely need to read this!

Fun activities for you to try with your feline friend to help you develop a better bond.

08/02/2022

And the winner of this fabulous Egg-Cersizer food dispensing toy for cats is Carla Bothma. Congratulations! Please DM us so that we can arrange delivery.

08/02/2022

And the winner of this gorgeous treat bag by Bobbin Bird ZA is Tara Peacock. Congratulations!! Please DM us so that we can arrange delivery.

04/02/2022

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

To celebrate Dr Aileen’s birthday, we are giving away an awesome mystery prize to one lucky dog parent. All you have to do is like this photo (so that we know whose names to pop in the lucky draw) before 23:59 Friday 4th February, then go give your dog a cuddle and some play time.

Winners will be announced on Monday 7th February.

04/02/2022

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

To celebrate Dr Aileen’s birthday, we are giving away an awesome mystery prize to one lucky cat parent.

All you have to do is like this photo (so that we know whose names to pop in the lucky draw) before 23:59 Friday 4th February, then go give your cat a cuddle and some play time.

Winners will be announced on Monday 7th February.

19/01/2022

Back to school is an exciting time for children (and their parents!) and the impact on our pets is often forgotten.

While some dogs and cats may enjoy the additional rest, some may experience boredom. One of the best ways to keep your dog (or cat) busy is by using feeding enrichment such as food dispensing toys and puzzles to keep their brains busy.

14/01/2022

Dr Aileen spoke to John Maytham on Cape Talk this morning about feline dementia. If you missed it, you can listen here https://omny.fm/shows/capetalk-breakfast/feline-dementia-is-a-real-thing

10/01/2022

Prioritise your health and your pet’s health - don’t skip annual health checks!
https://www.hillspet.co.za/dog-care/routine-care/vet-visit-tips-for-scared-dogs

Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.

10/01/2022

Prioritise your health and your pet’s health - don’t skip annual health checks!
https://icatcare.org/advice/taking-your-cat-to-the-vet/

07/01/2022

Reduce your stress
https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/5-tips-for-reducing-your-cats-stress

07/01/2022

Reduce your stress
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/your-dog-can-make-you-feel-better-and-heres-why/2016/09/19/fde4aeec-6a2a-11e6-8225-fbb8a6fc65bc_story.html

Pets can be good for your health and relieve stress.

06/01/2022

Learn something new every day - it’s good for your brain!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu-hRtkaVLc

Your cat needs positive, daily interaction with you to live a healthy and enriched life. Training your cat does just that! One short session per day is an ex...

06/01/2022

Learn something new every day - it’s good for your brain!
https://thebark.com/content/eight-useful-tricks-teach-your-dog

Most dog trainers love the process of teaching dogs new skills as much as they love the results. That’s why so many of us have dogs who are better than a résumé at showing what we can do. Our dogs sit, lie down, heel, stay and come on cue; wait patiently at the house or car door until told to pr...

05/01/2022

Make better food choices for you and your cat
https://petslimmer.co.za/articles-and-latest-news/healthy-cat-treat-options-for-your-feline-friend

Does your cat love their treats? Find out how to treat your cat without making her fat with some healthy treats.

05/01/2022

Make better food choices for you and your dog
https://www.aspca.org/news/healthy-safe-snacks-help-your-pet-slim-down

Did your pet enter the New Year with a few extra holiday pounds? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has provided a list of safe, healthy snacks to help them slim down in 2017. Read our simple snack guide today!

04/01/2022

Sleep more (and give your cat a safe place to do the same)
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/11/hiding-places-for-your-cat.html

The best ways to provide cats with safe spaces in the home, from cat caves to cat trees and DIY options.

04/01/2022

Sleep more (and encourage your dog to as well)
https://www.burgesspetcare.com/blog/dogs/how-to-teach-your-dog-that-its-chill-out-time/

Are you struggling to find your dog’s off button? While some canines are natural couch potatoes, others need a little encouragement to learn to settle down and be calm. Our expert step-by-step training plan can help

03/01/2022

Practice mindfulness with your cat
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/02/well/mind/how-to-be-mindful-with-your-cat.html

Take a moment for yourself while your cat is on your lap.

03/01/2022

Practice mindfulness by taking your dog for sniffaris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipyeLVepE5I

Stuck at home? Crazy dog energy distracting you from work? Burn off some of your dog's energy by going on a fun sniffari dog walk. Not only is it easy, but i...

01/01/2022

Get more exercise with your cat (this means increasing play time)
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/exercise-for-your-cat

Playtime is one of the best ways to help your cat get all their exercise!

01/01/2022

Get more exercise with your dog https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/wellness/best-ways-to-exercise-with-dogs

Dogs make the best workout partners! Learn the 9 best ways to exercise with your dog, including the workouts best suited to their breed and personality type.

31/12/2021

Every year we make resolutions to improve our lives, give us goals to strive for and ultimately help us be healthy and happier. Instead of making the same resolutions again that you may not keep beyond the 31st January, why not make some combined resolutions for you and your favourite pooch(es) and feline(s)?

To help you, we will be posting ideas every day this week. Let us know in the comments, what resolutions you have committed to.