Dr Jo's blog

Chilli at beach

Today I walked my dog at the beach. She was loving it, chasing sticks into the water. Swimming, running, digging. Pure doggy pleasure.

The day was warm (for late winter) and there was a cool breeze. To watch Chilli dig a hole in the sand, lie in it with her favourite stick in her mouth and utter a sigh of relaxation, as the breeze whisked through her floppy, long-haired ears – made me think… the best things in life are free. Especially if you are a dog.

Beach relaxation

Then I thought, well I’m really not much different. Give me a towel on a beach, wind through my hair and a cocktail in my mouth and well… I’m happy too!!

Pets give us that reality check. Slow down. Take time to feel the heat of the sun, the warmth of the breeze. Chill out.

My cat Ginger is an expert at ‘chilling’, especially if you put a blanket on your knee. (We now time how long it takes “Ging” to appear when we shake a blanket – around 2 secs!)

Ginger's favourite spot

Sometimes, you just have to take a leaf out of your pet’s relaxation book. Go with it. Chill out. Less loose…

And then sometimes it’s just not such a pretty site

sleeping dad, sleeping kitten

How do you relax with or like your pet?

Kids and pets go together. Yes, life would be simpler without either but the rewards from having them outweigh the disadvantages. Having both more than doubles the lifetime of pleasure at watching them interact.

Pets like children. When brought up together, dogs and cats will actively seek out children to cuddle up to, to play with. While some people worry about the pet’s proximity to a baby, adequate adult supervision means there is little danger, if the pet has been socialised with young children prior to a baby coming into the family.

Families often acquire a pet when their children are young. While this may not be the best time, as so much time and energy is directed towards the children (and how much can be left for the pet?), it is a time when our nurturing desires are to the fore. As humans, we have so much love to give, so it makes sense to have both.

Sometimes it is difficult to give, give, give and the pets do get ignored for a little while while the children are small but most families come back on board and return to showering their pets with affection. While we should never employ the pet to be a babysitter, they do make excellent companion, They never seem to tire of the fun and games that children provide.

Pets can also teach children about nurturing an the responsibility of caring for them.Most kids love the opportunity to feed a pet or give it cuddles. Few, however, like to deal with picking up the poo or emptying the litter box. Then the responsibility falls back to mum or dad. Perhaps this will teach the children not to acquire a pet themselves until they are fully responsible for all aspects of their care.

One of the great joys of being a parent is when a child receives a pet of their own. My boys have each been given a cat (by us – never a good idea to give a pet as a present unless you are the one who’ll be responsible) on their 8th birthday, as I was (man, many years ago!!). The joy on their faces is indescribable.

Watching children grow up and still care for their pets is truly amazing. It may not be cool to hug your parents and you have to be ultra-cool with your mates but with your pet you can be yourself. Teenagers give their pets hugs and tell them secrets, just as they did when they were small.

And then one day, all too soon, the last day of the pet’s life arrives. Just like you, your child sobs. And you know you have brought up a child who will care for the creatures of the world. that has to be a good thing. Children and pets go together.

but I still feel like a winner!

Just watching the stars prepare for the Oscars and thinking how lucky I am to be sitting at home with a cat on my lap and a dog at my feet.

…Unlike the stars who, not only have to excel at whatever art they choose (acting, presenting, singing, modelling) but have to think about their appearance every moment of the day. After all, in these ‘valued’ professions, it’s not only being able to perform at the job but it’s about showing that you are controlled (ie. no chocolate, false smiles) and always looking acceptable by today’s standards (AU size 8 and below!).

Well, guess what – my pets don’t care. They don’t care when I have a bad hair day. They don’t care that I put on a few kilos or lose some. And I have even more benefits living with pets – I am healthier (less chance of cardiovascular disease), I have kids who are more popular with their peers; I am less stressed.

So no I won’t be watching Oscar night except for a sneak peak at the red carpet (always hopeful that someone’s outfit will be covered in dog/cat hair!). I’ll be walking my dog. I’ll be answering my cats’ meows. And in their eyes I’m the winner – every year

So you think you have pet problems…

Now’s your chance to come along and discuss them. For now, it’s only for those of you in Sydney or willing to come here (everyone else will get a chance in time I hope, if this one goes well). I have just organised (well my friend Cameron from Family Activities) has organised a new event.

I will be talking at Bankstown Sports Centre on April 20th from 6-9pm. Everything you have ever wanted to know about your pet’s behaviour – come and ask me. When you register you will get a chance to tell me exactly what you’d like to know. It should be fun. I will get to meet lots of you and we can all talk pets together.

More here

You can also let me know here is there is any particular topics you are keen to find out more about.

Look forward to seeing you soon. Please pass on to any mates you think might enjoy it.

Jo

Other events here

Life’s a circus and I’m the juggler.

Ever wonder what you’d do if you didn’t have pets? And if you also have two legged little creatures, how would it be if they weren’t around? I’ve found myself wondering just that over these summer holidays as I juggle work and life (never a balance).

Who’s going where with who? – seems to be the never ending topic. Who needs picked up? Who’s got time to take the dog for a walk? Has anyone remembered to make that appointment to get the cats vaccinated? What do you mean our youngest child has to come to work with me?!

Then you have an evening when the cats are all asleep, eldest son has taken dog for a walk, younger sons staying with friends. The house is peaceful – and… it’s boring! Bring back the chaos. Bring back the noise.

So while I complain about trying to fit everything in and give everyone enough attention – and who’s giving me attention, I wouldn’t swap it. Just got to perfect that juggling

Check out my website.

Which breed of dog is best for kids? A question I am often asked.

Choosing a breed of dog is not easy and most people opt for the breed they grew up with. The ‘Oodle’ varieties seem to be gaining in popularity but are they the best for families with young children? Traditionally the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Labrador and the Golden Retriever are suggested as good family pets. But what do you think?

Which dogs do you think are best for families? Any why? (Comment below)

More reading
Top ten pets for kids
Dr Jo’s website

What did you consider before choosing a pet? My list of factors to consider is here. Here’s the quick list:

1. Time
2. Energy
3. Finances
4. Space
5. Experience
6. Other family members
7. Other pets
8. Stage of life
9. Expectations
10. Which pet?

What other factors did you think about before you acquired your pet?
What else would you like people to think about before they get a pet?

Please leave your comments below…

Read the expanded list
Read more top tens

Lightning asleep

People expect my pets to be perfect.

I tell them there is no such thing as the perfect pet (just as there is no such thing as the perfect human!). They don’t believe me. They think I say that just to make them feel better about their misbehaving cat/ dog/ budgie/ turtle. I wish

I have lost of pets. My life revolves around them and work fits in wherever possible. Two years ago Thunder and Lightning arrived. Yes it was a bolt, a flash and any other way you want to describe mayhem. Thunder and Lightning are two ferrets. Ferrets arrive and cats, dogs and husband are packing their bags ready to move out!

Luckily ferrets sleep around 80% of the day. The ideal pet in many ways. When they are awake they are fun, fun, fun. The rest of the time they sleep in their palatial mansion. We let them out to run around when we are home. Generally we confine them to where we can keep an eye on them and they can’t steal (Lightning likes to steal soap and hides her cache under my bed!)

Last night we let them out and the usual ferreting party began. All other pets have to be kept away from Lightning who terrorises them.  Chilli dog and Thunder love to play (watch video). Suddenly  it went quiet. Like little kids you worry when things go quiet…

Investigation revealed that Lightning was nowhere to be seen. The cat flap was spotted – OPEN!  So Lightning had ventured into the great outdoors onto our deck and down the stairs to the garden or beyond.

I armed myself with a squeaky toy and a torch and went out into the black night. “Lightning! Lightning” I yelled. Yes I could hear the neighbours wondering what the madwoman was doing now, summing up atmospheric disturbances from the gods. Ten minutes of calling and frantic squeaking brought nothing except a very frustrated Thunder from indoors.

Next there was a knock at the door. There stood my two neighbours ferret in hand. “Yours?” they asked, already knowing what the answer would be. Apparently Lightning had turned up at their doorstep and not being a shy individual had demanded their full attention.

We were pleased to see her. Thunder was pleased to see her. You can get attached to ferrets.

More about ferrets

More about behaviour

How much does your pet cost you? Scared to work it out? And just how much would you be willing to spend should your pet need special care?

Recent reports in the news have commented on just how much pet owners will spend on their pets:

• Cat lover pays $7000 to remove a tumour form their cat’s head (read)
• Brisbane couple spent over $100,000 on their dogs (read)
• Pet owners hounded by veterinary fees (Miranda Devine article)

If you love your pet then chances are you will spend whatever you can. Most other pet owners will approve. What happens when you talk to non-pet lovers?

“Are you mad?!” they shriek. “All these starving kids in the world….”

Just because you love your pet does not mean you will not fund charitable work elsewhere. In fact pet lovers are more empathic with people in general. Chances are they are helping feed people in poverty.

Choosing to spend money on your pet’s medical care can raise all sorts of moral and ethical dilemmas. How much is too much? Chemotherapy may cost $4000 per session and you may need 6 sessions. Can you afford it?

It is not easy to decide to end your pet’s life. To make that decision based on your finances can be especially guilt-provoking. What if your partner does not want to? Perhaps this is a deal breaker we should discuss prior to acquiring a pet (but most of us would hate to picture this dilemma).

The easiest way to make this decision I have found after having clients face this, is to consider the quality of life of your pet. Do they have many years left to live their life? Will they face years of discomfort or even pain?

One thing is certain – the joy your pet gives you can never be measured in financial terms.

Please share your thoughts and experiences. Leave a comment below.

More from Dr Jo at www.petproblemsolved.com.au

I am compiling a list of the weird and wonderful things that pets eat. A  habit known as Pica, it is more common than most pet owners think! Please let me know what your pet has a culinary passion for (leave a comment) and I’ll add it to the list. Here are some of the ones I’ve heard about so far…

Questions to Dr Jo on this topic

Dr Jo’s website