The home of Dr Platzhund
The advancements in veterinary medicine, the quality of scientifically formulated pet foods, the increase in devoted ownership and modern city dwellings where animals are far more restricted has improved the longevity of companion animals to the extent that geriatric care has become a major aspect of veterinary science where proactive senior programmes are in place …
A “canine good citizen” is a well-behaved dog, around people, as well as amongst other dogs, at home and in public. Everyone should want to own or strive for the nature of such a companion animal, a pet that is safe with children and one that any person would welcome as a neighbour – a …
In the enormous number of behaviour consultations I attend to on a monthly basis the majority of the problems in pets is based on the lack of structured schooling in the early impressionable years which is eight to twenty weeks in a puppy. Any canine lacking social skills will develop a multitude of behaviour disorders …
An alarming percentage of city dog owners complain to veterinarians regularly about the phobic panic behaviour exhibited by their pets during thunderstorms and fireworks displays. Thunderstorms are obviously the most severe and frequent in the highveld region and fireworks will never be banned due to economic reasons and the pleasure it affords certain people. Fireworks …
Castration is the same surgical procedure as neutering or sterilization where both testes are removed. In technical terms it is referred to as an orchidectomy and is a minor operation carried out only by a qualified veterinarian, under general anaesthetic, under strict aseptic conditions. The basic principle of this technique is to remove 99% of …
The Behavioural Effects and Health Benefits of Castrating Dogs Read More »
When a subject such as heat-related stress is raised, concerning companion animals, one has to specify and confirm that the heat referred to is by no means the attractiveness of a bitch in season, or oestrus, towards the dog. The heat alluded to in this article is related to the exposure of the pet dog …
Puppy socialization classes has been in the media and on the lips of everyone involved in canine activities for over two decades. While those pet owners who fail to socialize, let alone train, their dogs live their lives expounding excuses for their animals’ unruly, unpredictable and unsociable behaviour – and they will, out of sheer …
There is an impression that cats are nothing more than small dogs when it comes to the public consideration for nutritional requirements, behaviour and medication. Although cats and dogs are both carnivores, cats are at the highest evolutionary level from a predatory carnivorous diet’s point of view whereas dogs are more versatile as predators and …
When any dog is noticed wandering in the street or on the pavement there are numerous factors to be taken in to serious consideration. Are you driving in a rabies endemic area? Will the dog bite me? How do I find its owner? What is the law regarding stray dogs? Every stray dog should immediately …
The rate at which the human population is expanding in cities throughout the country has created a high density development bonanza. While property developers, architects, architectural designers and builders are reaping the harvest pets are receiving the short end of the stick. There is a clear dichotomy approach from body corporate management committees and tenants …