Author: Susan

We’ve all been tempted to sneak a morsel of meat to our wide-eyed, lip-licking, four-legged best friend under the table at dinner time. But are we doing more harm than good in giving them leftovers?

Animal Medicines Australia research reveals that a quarter of dog owners and one in ten cat owners give their pets leftover human food. Women are pegged as the main culprits of feeding table scraps to canine friends, particularly those in larger households and owners of medium-sized dogs.

But of course, the question remains… should we, or shouldn’t we? While overfeeding our pet-pals leftovers or making it a daily occurrence can have negative effects, Dr Simone Maher has said that it’s ok to give our pets leftovers if it’s more of a treat on a special occasion.

Of course, there are things we must consider when giving our pets leftovers. Specifically, if the food contains ingredients that are toxic to animals, such as onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts, caffeine, sultanas and grapes.

Studies suggest that more education and information needs to be available for pet owners to learn about the quantities and types of foods pet owners are feeding their pets.

When leftovers become a daily meal for pets or added to their meal routine, this can have significant health impacts, including leading to obesity, diabetes or pancreatitis.

Many of us want to share celebratory meals with our fur friends. Occasions such as Christmas, birthdays and New Year’s are all times when excess food might make it to Benny’s dog bowl. However, rich, fatty foods can’t always be handled by the gastrointestinal systems of our pet friends, which can lead to pancreatitis – a severe inflammatory disease.

When you notice that your fur-friend has increased in kilos and needs to go on a diet, eliminating the routine of feeding them leftovers is usually a good place to start. Speak with your vet about following a calorie-controlled diet that suits your pet’s breed and size to ensure they are on track for a healthy, long life.

Always seek advice from your vet if you have any health concerns about your pet.

When engaging a pet sitter, ensure all health-related information is shared and outlined to the pet sitter before they start the position to ensure your pet can keep to their usual routine.

Sources:

• AMA Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people
• https://aristopet.com.au/tips-and-advice/is-it-safe-to-feed-my-dog-table-scraps/
• https://www.mamamia.com.au/dog-food-advice-leftovers/
• https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/6/7195/htm

When our pets look unwell, injured or take a sudden turn for the worst, it’s the actions we take in the moments after realising that something’s not right that could end up saving our pet’s life.

We can face a range of emergency situations with our pets. They may have been involved in an accident with a vehicle, swallowed a toxic plant or substance, have something lodged in their airway, may be bleeding or burned, or experiencing heat stroke.

One of the first actions to take is to identify the severity of the situation.

• Life-threatening – your pet requires immediate attention and assistance.
• Serious but not life-threatening – your pet needs immediate attention at the vet.
• Minor emergency

Australian Dog Lover provides a quick guide to pet first aid, which might be helpful to review.

The Australian Red Cross recommends regular health checks at home, so you understand when all is good with your pet and when you might need to take action.

• Temperature – Cats and dogs generally have normal body temperature of between 37.5 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. A higher body temperature could indicate a serious health issue and it’s time to take them to the vet.
• Heart rate – Watch your cat or dog and note how many times their chest rises and falls in one minute. This will give you a baseline for what is normal for your pet and when they may be having trouble breathing.
• Checking hydration levels – Some parts of Australia can experience sweltering heat. To check whether your pet is dehydrated, The Australian Red Cross recommends: ‘pulling up on the skin between their shoulder blades. When you let go, the skin should spring right back in place. If it stays tented this can be a sign of dehydration.’

There are several first aid courses and resources available. The Australian Red Cross offers pet first aid courses. There are also courses through TAFE and online and face-to-face options through the RSPCA. It’s best to check availability in your state or territory.

If you’re wanting a go-to guide when you’re out and about, there is also a first aid for pets Australia app that’s free.

Learning first aid for pets is a vital skill for both pet owners and pet sitters. Knowing what to do in an emergency will ensure you have the confidence to step up and take action which could prevent serious injury, long-term illness or even save a pet pal’s life.

Sources:

https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/03/dog-first-aid-quick-reference-guide.html

https://www.redcross.org.au/firstaid/pet-first-aid/blog-pet-first-aid/

https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/03/dog-first-aid-quick-reference-guide.html

https://www.moorabbinvet.com.au/first-aid-for-pets-australia/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boehringer.FirstAidForPets

https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/training/basic-animal-first-aid/

Wind, dirt, and dust can all irritate our pet’s eyes. While it may be hard to identify eye problems in our pets, it’s important to monitor for signs and get advice from a vet as soon as symptoms appear.

Signs that things may not be quite right with your pet’s eyesight include redness, frequent blinking or squinting, or yellow or green discharge from the eyes. Perhaps you have noticed your pet has a new sensitivity to light, or is bumping into things more often – this could also indicate a problem with your pet’s vision.

Eye disorders can be minor to very serious. Here are some ailments that can impact our furry, four-legged friends.

General irritation: Environmental conditions could lead to eye irritation for dogs and cats. Windy days can carry dust and dirt through the air and cause irritation in the eyes. Perfumes, cleaning chemicals, and smoke can also irritate our pet’s eyes. If your pet is rubbing its eyes more than usual, seek advice for treatment.

Eye infections: Like humans, pets can get conjunctivitis, which is contagious and can be passed to other pets. Discharge, puffy, and red eyes are all signs of conjunctivitis, which is best assessed and treated by a vet.

Dry eye: Dry eye can be a disorder of the immune system, which occurs when the tear glands become inflamed and are unable to produce the normal amount of tears that the eyes need to stay lubricated and healthy.[1] Dry eye can be painful and can worsen if left untreated. Seek advice from your pet for medication or treatment options.

Serious eye problems: Our pets can also be prone to eye health issues such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can be hereditary but can also be due to other factors. Underlying health issues such as diabetes could contribute to cataracts. If you notice cloudiness in your pet’s eyes, seek advice on the next steps. Glaucoma occurs when there is a build-up of pressure inside the eye that eventually damages the eye structure (the optic nerve and retina).[2] Eye examinations by a qualified vet will be able to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment for your pet.

Note: The above is guidance only and not to be used as medical advice. Always seek expert advice from a qualified vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

[1] https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/caring-for-your-dogs-eye-health/

[2] https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/caring-for-your-dogs-eye-health/