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 …
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 …
Dog day-care centre or puppy crèche are not really novel concepts internationally but a time has arisen in this country for considering the implementation of these necessary facilities for the owners of canine companions. There are many positive benefits for pets and people. The gregarious nature of the dog is conducive to attending the day-care …
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 »
The conflict between two rival bitches meets all the definitions that this term, bitchiness, describes which is being “bad-tempered” or “spiteful”. Although this word does not exist in the Oxford dictionary it is used as a household, sometimes derogatory, term in human society and would be anthropomorphic in its true definition if referred to as …
Bitchiness (Rivalry between female dogs is very serious business!) Read More »
In this category one considers rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and hamsters which parents often bestow upon children as a foundation and grooming in the pet-owning responsibilities department. These creatures are mostly regarded in nature as prey and as vermin or laboratory animals in human society. However, these relatively inexpensive lagomorphs and rodents make the …
It will always remain a sensitive personal and social issue when dogs are found loitering around, begging or eating at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table. As recent as five decades ago it was almost unheard of to encounter animals in the house unless it was a caged bird, reptile or a fish in a …
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 …