Animal Advice & Welfare
PET TALK with Glenda Gouws,
WISCA Animal Advocate.
PET TALK - January, 2022.
WISCA’s ten things we can learn from our pets.
Animals can be our greatest teachers. Animals want to play, learn and explore. Play is a basic human need too.
1. If you love someone, let them know.
Showing emotion makes us feel special and is infectious. So be like a puppy, don’t hold back, show it and share it.
2. Be present.
Animals live in the moment, not thinking about the past or the future – their happiness is tied up in their reality. Studies show that people who practice mindfulness, experience more contentment than those with wandering or overthinking minds.
3. Forgive.
One of the noblest traits of an animal is the ability to forgive. So many pets are rescued from situations that have scarred them, yet they are easily able to trust a new human who offers them love. The heaviness of anger or holding a grudge can manifest in physical disease, so it’s in our best interest to be like our pets – quick to trust and slow to be resentful.
4. Less multi-tasking.
When a pet has a task, they give it their undivided attention. We experience better memory and sense of accomplishment when we concentrate on one thing at a time and don’t juggle too much.
5. Exercise and stretch.
Nature existed before pharmacies, so ‘movement is medicine’ is not new to the animal kingdom and our pets instinctively keep active and stretch to release pent up energy and shake off the blues. Resting, Netflix and social media, sadly don’t give us the workout we need.
6. Play and enrichment.
Animals want to play, learn and explore. Play is a basic human need too and enhances creativity and problem-solving, so we need to make time for activities that are fun and stimulating.
7. Drink water.
Animals love water and drink like their lives depend on it, because well, they do. Every cell in the animal and human body needs water for optimal function and dehydration manifests in so many ways including headaches, muscle stiffness and brain sluggishness. Be like your pet, choose water as your energy drink.
8. Spend time in nature.
A change of scenery does wonders, your dog knows it, your cat knows it, so when life becomes too overwhelming, escape into nature. A drive in the country, walk in the forest or stroll on the beach benefits the body, mind and soul and puts a new perspective on things.
8. Practice selfcare.
Animals keep themselves groomed and nap when they’re tired. One of the signs of a sick animal is lack of self-grooming and when we don’t look after ourselves, it’s a sign that something is not right. Good hygiene and taking pride in our appearance and surroundings is vital to self-esteem and has many positive effects in all aspects of life.
9. Good Vibes.
Dogs and cats are experts at reading body language, taking cues from each other and humans, and giving off a vibe to others. When we learn to read the signs, their intentions are obvious and the same is true for human relationships. The more we take notice of the body language of others and act accordingly, the more harmony we will have in our interactions with people.
10. Animals can be our greatest teachers.
If we put ourselves in their paws and see things through their eyes, we may find that life can be a whole lot simpler, healthier and happier.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - December, 2021.
Food for thought.
Since the festive season is mostly about food, let’s chat about the naughty and nice of feeding your pets.
Nutrition is the key to good health, we all know that, and when it comes to animals, they also need a well-balanced, consistent diet to live their best life.
Everyone loves a treat or indulgence sometimes, however, when we overindulge or replace balanced meals with foods that are good to eat rather than good for us, the tummy may be full, but full does not mean well-fed.
You may have heard the saying “food is fuel”, which basically means the goal of eating is to provide the body with the nutrients needed to function, therefore eating is actually about keeping the “engine” running and pleasure is secondary. Enjoying a meal is important and we like seeing our pets tuck into a bowl of food with gusto, however when marketing says, “food your pet will love”, remember eating is not all about taste.
So how do we choose a well-balanced diet? Firstly, be species-specific. People, dogs, and cats have different nutritional needs and process ingredients differently. It’s essential to feed according to species and especially at Christmas time, keep pets away from human food scraps, fatty meats, bones, grapes, nuts, chocolate, and pavlova!
Secondly, go for nutrient-dense foods and quality ingredients. When ingredients are more processed, the food contains less nutrients which means your pet needs to eat more to obtain the amount of fuel the body is craving.
This is why we recommend a trusted pet food like Hill’s, with a long history of establishing exactly what constitutes optimal health and providing a complete, well-balanced diet for pets. Hill’s is dedicated to ongoing research, with over 200 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians and Ph.D. nutritionists working with a team of over 900 much loved and cared for dogs and cats, to make sure pets approve the smell, taste, texture, size and shape of the food.
The research that goes into making pet food both nutritious and palatable is comprehensive and scientists even consider the pressure needed to crush kibble at different life stages and analyse the gas output, which many owners would appreciate!
As Hill’s say, “we want our foods to be as pleasant going out as they are going in”.
So, this Christmas, give your pet the gift of good health. Remember, if food is packed with high quality nutrients, a smaller meal is needed to satisfy the body’s needs which means a bag of food lasts longer. Therefore, changing to a top quality pet food is not only the healthiest but also the most cost-effective decision you can make this New Year.
As Hill’s nutritional philosophy sums it up – “The Right Nutrition Can Change Everything”.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - November, 2021.
Take time to ‘PAWS’.
As Thanksgiving makes way for the festive season, there’s no better time to pause and think about the things we are thankful for.
When times are tough, it takes conscious effort to have an attitude of thankfulness even though we, as pet owners, are so fortunate. As our wharf wall says: “All you need is love”, and we have it, always and unconditionally from our pets. Yet we take so much for granted, and the wag of a tail, a sneaky lick, a rumbling purr and the excited welcoming bark, meow or chirp that greets us day in and day out, becomes normal instead of the most incredible expression of affection from a species so different from our own.
There’s scientific evidence and no doubt about it, animals enrich our lives.
Pets don’t care what we look like or what we do for a living; they don’t judge our moods or mistakes. Pets just love us. So we owe it to them and ourselves to “paws” and take a moment to be thankful for the little ways they impact our lives every day.
As a dog mum, I am thankful for the privilege of being my boy’s “person”, for the endearing habits and crazy antics that bring a smile in unexpected moments and for the way he hides behind me when he’s frightened and makes me feel like. I’m his real mum.
I’m thankful he keeps me company when I’m alone, warms my bed on a cold winter’s night, nudges me to have a cuddle when I’ve been working too long and ignoring him, convinces me to take a walk in the fresh air, finds utter joy in being in the sea and shows me it’s always a good time to do the things you love.
I’m thankful when my world is sad and he is right by my side, oblivious but comforting and when he shows control when those around him are losing it and makes me proud.
I’m thankful for all the beautiful places I’ve seen and people I’ve met in our pursuit of dog-friendly adventures.
Having a dog as a best friend reminds me to live in the moment, love unconditionally and catch balls like there’s no tomorrow!
Maybe life is less about us training our pets and more about us learning from them. Either way, every time you see your pet’s paws, remember to pause and be thankful for the blessings they bring to your life.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - October, 2021.
Get pet-ready for summer.
Summer is here and our pets rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable as we begin our seasonal activities.
Much of our human summer lifestyle presents hazards for our pets. From things that can be ingested, to insects, beach days, gardens, swimming pools, cars and fireworks.
During summer, vets see an increase in stomach upsets and toxicity, as pets eat anything from left over barbecue, picnic and festive foods, to citronella candles, rodenticides, insects coils, garden fertilisers, pool chemicals and firefighter blocks.
We can never assume that, just because it’s not food, its not edible to an animal, and pet owners need to be especially vigilant.
It pays to remember that summer vegetation and insects are different, therefore, so are the hazards. Allergies, grass-seeds, fleas, bees and wasps, increase during summer and new risks arrive with skin reactions to grasses and ground cover, plus prickles and grass seeds are a common cause of limping during the drier months.
Fleas hatch when it’s humid, bees are abundant and bacteria thrives in moist, warm areas, so there’s also greater chance of “the itches”, allergic reactions to stings, infected ears and hotspots.
It goes without saying that heat is the biggest hazard of summer and an animals’s life can be saved by regaining symptoms of overheating including excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and breathing rate, drooling, lethargy, collapse or seizures. Heatstroke is common and overlooked.
Our pets, depend on us to protect them all year round. Here are some of the best things you can do for them this sumer.
Provide cool, shady, ventilated areas for them to relax, with access to fresh water in various locations and when out, always have pet water and offer dogs water often.
Never leave pets in the car.
Exercise in the cool of the day and ease into high intensity exercise to avoid injures.
Brush and clip long-haired pets, rinse dogs with fresh water and towel dry after swimming in the sea or pool.
Get all pets microchipped and flea treated.
Do body and paw checks for rashes and grass seeds after beach walks.
Pet-proof your pool and pack away food and chemicals.
Expect fireworks at any time of day or night,
Have a plan for anxious pets and remember to brief pet-sitters on all the above.
Wishing you and your pets a safe, fun, healthy and hazard-free Summer!
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - August, 2021
Why does my pet do that.
Like humans, many pets will experience anxiety at some point in their lives and understanding what triggers behaviour is the fi rst step in helping your pet and family have a stress-free life.
A trigger is a stimulus that sets off an instinctive positive or negative emotion that prompts a reaction. It tells us to be prepared because something uncomfortable, scary, interesting or exciting is about to happen. Intense or erratic behaviour is nature’s way of giving a warning sign that something is out of balance, so should never be ignored.
When animals respond to a trigger, the thinking brain gives way to an emotion, learned behaviour is gone, and your pet acts instinctively, absorbed by the moment, no longer hearing or noticing anything else.
To control undesirable triggers, it’s important to know the pet’s threshold and to pay attention to your pet’s body language. Knowing when your pet is about to get excited, uncomfortable or scared can help you work on avoiding, desensitising or counterconditioning triggers to the point where the trigger is removed or results in a different emotional response from the pet.
Triggers can be a good or bad, for example the sound of car keys may make a dog very happy and come quickly if they associate keys with going to the beach or very unhappy and retreat, if they associate keys with being left home alone.
Triggers can also be obvious, like the car keys or thunder, or subtle reasons for a change in behaviour. This requires a thorough investigation to establish socialisation, physical, mental, emotional, environmental and situational factors, negative experiences and most importantly, what changes have occurred.
Pets are creatures of habit, so change is very unsettling and frequently the cause of misdirected energy resulting in uncharacteristic behaviour. Mood can be affected by illness, injuries, aging (eyesight, arthritis, teeth), changes in eating habits, type of food or medications.
Also ask questions like:
Are exercising, playing, cuddling and sleeping habits the same and enough?
Have there been any changes of ownership? House moves?
Have adult, babies, children or animals been added to or subtracted from the household?
Is there any tension in the house? Are pets receiving more or less attention?
Are there new animals in the neighbourhood or pack?
Are they sharing a life with or limited by an animal that has aged or become more vulnerable? Has the human or animal’s daily routine changed?
By asking these and more questions, we can identify potential reasons for the development of triggers, habits and behaviour patterns and work with our pets to create a stress-free life.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - July, 2021.
A winter’s tail.
Just like people, an animal’s cold tolerance varies, depending on their coat, fat stores, activity level, age and health.
Very young, senior and unwell pets have a harder time regulating their body temperature and are more at risk when the outside temperature plummets. Also compromised are short-haired and short-legged pets who tend to get cold quicker as their skin and bellies are more likely to come into contact with freezing air and wet ground cover.
We all rest better when we are comfortable, and providing safe indoor options for pets allows them to choose a bed according to their basic instinct for more or less warmth.
No pet should be living outdoors in winter, but if they are, they need to be protected by a solid, dry, warm, draft-free shelter that is large enough for them to move comfortably, and small enough to hold in body heat.
The floor of the shelter should be raised from the ground and covered with cedar shavings, straw or thick bedding that is changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds and be covered with a waterproof flap.
The common belief that pets are resistant to cold because of their fur is untrue. Long and thick-coated dog breeds may be more insulated, but wetness and windchill can still threaten any pet’s life.
During a cold snap, cars can become like refrigerators and pets should never be left inside a car. On the flipside, cats often find a warm engine to be an appealing heat source, so it’s important to check underneath cars and on wheels, bang on the hood, and make a noise before starting the engine, to allow them time to escape. Winter is the time a pet’s arthritis may flare up or joint and mobility issues might be noticed for the first time.
Including a gentle warm up massage or stroll, shortening dog walks and limiting explosive jumping and swimming, will reduce strain on cold muscles and joints.
Moderate exercise helps humans and animals stay in shape, manages stress and energy levels, and boosts the immunity by improving circulation.
The immune system requires extra support during winter so maintaining a well-balanced diet, monitoring their weight and adding a joint supplement is wise.
Extra fat may add protection from the cold, but it also increases health risks, especially if they are walking less due to bad weather. Rather keep them warm with a cosy, indoor bed than a fat belly!
Pets are family and families stay indoors together - because if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - June, 2021.
Keep cats safe and save bird lives.
Living on an island, we get to enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna and our paradise relies on us to make lifestyle and pet choices which will support a thriving, pest-free environment and create a safe haven for our birds and animals.
There may be a perception that restoring bird-life is a project best tackled by avid birders and wildlife trusts, however, the responsibility to preserve the environment begins with every pet owner. When we become pet owners, whether we want to or not, we instantly join the conservation circle, by virtue of the fact that our precious fur-babies have the ability to threaten another species.
Cats more than dogs are under the spotlight, especially when it comes to our native birds.
A few sensible practices can help to reduce our stray and feral cat populations and put a lid on the adventures of our domestic, bird-loving cats.
Firstly, think carefully before adopting a kitten. They are cute and cuddly, but they are also free-range hunters. All cats are predators and hunting is a natural instinct with good and bad outcomes. Mostly people are quite happy for cats to help decrease the rat and rabbit populations, however, they are much less popular when it comes to threatening bird-life. Decreased bird numbers due to preying cats sadly diminishes the success of costly pest eradication programmes.
Secondly, always get kittens desexed early, to prevent unwanted litters.
By giving away or abandoning kittens which have not been desexed, there is a direct risk of ongoing breeding and potentially adding to feral and stray cat populations.
Thirdly, reconsider adopting if you are renting. Pet-friendly properties are hard to come by and many cat owners are forced to rehome their beloved cats or cats run away and become stray due to the unsettledness of multiple house moves.
If you already have a cat, be responsible: microchip and register your cat on the NZ Companion Animal Register, so we can easily identify and reunite runaways, thereby reducing the time the cat has to fend for itself and prey on birds.
Dress your cat in a quick-release collar with a bell and bird-warning collar.
Keep your cat indoors at night from before dusk until after dawn, as this not only helps to cut down on night-time hunting, but also reduces the chance of your cat getting hurt by other mischievous cats.
A hungry cat is more likely to be on the prowl, so feed a well-balanced, cat-appropriate diet.
To many of us, cats are family and it’s up to us to be informed and take responsibility for their role in our environment. Remember WISCA offers free desexing and will take unwanted kittens no questions asked. There’s never a reason to abandon a cat. We are here to help.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - May, 2021.
Speaking dog.
So often I hear people calling their dog, first in gentle tones, then maybe more stern or excitable, then with increasing volume and intensity…Max, Max, Max, MAX, MAXXXXX!!!!!!
In the distance Max carries on doing what he’s doing, seemingly oblivious to or not hearing his owner’s desperate plea to come. Eventually Max is chased down or wanders back and his owner is frustrated because “Max never listens”.
Actually, Max WAS listening the entire time and doing exactly what he had been told to do, nothing. He was never asked to COME. All he heard was his name and he was thinking, ‘yep, that’s me, that’s me, that’s me!’.
To understand dogs, we must realise that we are communicating with a different species that doesn’t understand the world the way we do. They don’t have emotional reasoning to purposefully not comply, so what we see as disobedience or rebellion, is often their response to a lack of communication or guidance.
A dog will not ‘do as he is told’ if he isn’t ‘told’ what to do.
According to research, the number one reason that dogs end up in shelters is because of behavioral problems. Sadly, a lack of understanding of the needs of the breed and mistakes in fundamental training end up classifying a compliant dog as a problem dog.
A dog will understand, if he is understood.
Learning, for all of us, is a 24/7 thing. Training is both conscious (planned) and unconscious (unplanned – ignoring unacceptable behavior reinforces it) and it pays to remember that dogs learn from what they observe, experience and are allowed, not only from what they have been specifically taught.
A dog will not do it, if he hasn’t been taught properly, how to do it.
The key to successful training is to encourage the action and then add the cue word (instruction). This means you teach your dog what he is doing, when he is doing it, not when he is not doing it. Once the association has clicked, he is able to do the action on cue. Without that association, it is difficult for the dog to know what is expected and words will be meaningless.
Dogs rely on us to make them the best version of themselves, so whenever there is a setback, review the situation, the fears, triggers and distractions and go back to basics in a safe space. English is not their first language and you have to be patient, speak clearly, give them time to process a response and most of all, remember your dog’s name is not an instruction, so next time Max doesn’t come when you call him, try saying Come!
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - April, 2021.
Match-making our seniors!
When it comes to the twilight years, having a companion animal at your side can be more than a cure for loneliness.
We all need purpose and connections, especially when life is winding down, loved ones move or pass away and leaving the house or participating in social activities becomes a thing of the past. For the elderly, senior cats make the perfect partner and provide a much-needed sense of purpose.
The responsibility of caring for a pet keeps the aging mind alert and active, plus having a conversation with a cat is way better and more accepted than talking to yourself!
Studies show that seniors who live with a cat feel mentally, emotionally and physically better and animals even have the ability to prompt clearer memory recall in their elderly owners. Cats live in the present, which tends to rub off on people by bringing the focus to themselves and this is just want we need when the future is looking short. Having someone other than self and preoccupation with aging or boredom to think about, plus needing to follow a routine – simple things like remembering to buy food, feed the cat and clean the litter tray – helps a senior keep busy and use their memory throughout the day.
Cats love routine, they are predictable, low maintenance and less demanding than dogs, not needing a yard, walks or bathing and are generally not much fuss.
There are some disadvantages to seniors owning a cat in terms of tripping hazards, hygiene and ability to provide the care needed, however if the life-stage and temperament of the cat is match-made with the person, it’s a two-way affair.
The quality of life for both human and animal improves as they are able to offer each other unconditional love and attention, not to mention the therapeutic value of “touch”, which is often a major loss for seniors who live alone.
All older cats ask for is a warm, safe place where they can simply be close to their person.
The contentment from a cat curled up on a lap or nearby brings calm and comfort to the owner and the physical benefits go as far as helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and stimulate the release of happy hormones thereby reducing stress and boosting emotional well-being.
In the end, as long as there is a contingency plan in place when match-making our seniors, whether it’s about giving an older cat a home or an older person a cat, everyone gets a new friend.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - March, 2021.
No one gets left behind.
Most pet parents would do anything for their animals and are devastated if they run off or pass away. Yet how many of us have a plan for our pets in the event of the unexpected or inevitable happening to us, leaving our pets behind?
More and more, we find that when a pet owner’s circumstances change, much-loved companion animals are being left to fend for themselves or ending up with someone who is unable to provide the care they are accustomed to or deserve.
Subconsciously, we may believe we will outlive our children and pets or even that “it won’t happen to us”, but we are living in a time where our life plan, physical and mental health is challenged and a country where threat of natural disasters is a reality.
Added to that, our home is an island which could easily be cut off leaving us stranded on mainland away from our pets, so being complacent is not an option, being prepared is.
As pet owners, we have a 24/7 responsibility to meet the needs of our chosen animals.
We are bound by love and law to provide our pets with the five freedoms outlined in the Animal Welfare Act including being prepared for short and long-term separation from our pets. Whether they run off or we leave them alone due to a change in work location or hours, relationship breakup, hospitalisation, disaster or death, there must be a plan in place.
This plan includes identification, registration, an emergency pack, a pet support crew and a will or succession agreement for ongoing care if we are not around.
The first step to emergency planning is simple. Keep a card in your wallet, on your keyring and on your fridge that says, “MY PETS ARE HOME ALONE, if I am ill, injured or missing, please call the person on this card to take care of my pets. The card should include their name and phone number, your name, your pet names and descriptions and the total number of pets on the property.
This is a sure way to get immediate care in the event of an emergency. If you have no one able to provide the same level of pet care that your pet is used to, list WISCA as the contact and we will be happy to ensure your pet receives the best temporary or permanent care.
Taking care of our animals is a team effort and senior pet owners may need your help, so chat to your grandparents and your elderly family and neighbours who live alone and help them to choose a caregiver and display this emergency notification.
Reuniting and rehoming is made easy when the above is in place and when pets are microchipped and registered. If nothing else, this month, make or buy and display this emergency card and keyring tag, check your pet’s microchip is working, register the microchip and update your details at the vet, on the NZ Companion Animal Register and at the council (for dogs).
Be proactive and prepared, so no one gets left behind..
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
PET TALK - February, 2021.
Time for restoration.
No doubt about it, we are living in challenging times and the impact of the struggle humanity has faced is far-reaching, going beyond ourselves to the animals we share our lives with.
We are so interconnected with our pets and they are so dependent on us for EVERYTHING, that even the slightest change to how much time they spend with or without their family, when and how they are exercised and fed, and whether there is tension or peace in the home, will affect them.
Nature is all about balance and animals thrive on routine and consistency. They like things to be normal, but I’m sure we all agree that “normal” went out the window over the last year!
When an animal is taken out of its comfort zone, it responds according to three core instincts – fight, flight or freeze.
So when we see an increase in anxiety or “misbehaviour” in our dogs, wandering and lost cats, animals who are subdued and “not themselves” and we consider what an unsettling time this has been for us, we shouldn’t be surprised that behavioural issues have popped up in our animals and they are responding the only way they know how – by protesting against, running, and withdrawing from situations which have upset their sense of normal. We could even go as far as saying that since we share such a strong bond with our animals, they are merely mirroring their humans who may be agitated, wanting to escape or hide from the world.
“Normal” may have fled the building and stress may have taken our time and attention away from our pets but on the bright side, the human-animal bond is one of the strongest relationships we have in life and our pets are called companion animals for a reason. It’s a symbiotic connection where both human and animal benefit from the company of each other and as such, balance is restored when we are able to meet each other’s needs.
So, it’s up to us to help our pets (and ourselves) find contentment.
Re-establish comfort zones, minimise change and unpredictability, reinforce routines and basic training and create a calm, safe space in the home. Be kind, be patient, recognise triggers and eliminate them and support your pets in replacing bad habits with good ones, as you do the same for yourself.
Life is all about meeting needs and in the end we all need someone to be there for us.
Whether human, animal or both, if we fully set out to meet the needs of another, the positive ripple effect will be further-reaching than the struggles ever were.
GLENDA GOUWS
WISCA Animal Advocate
