Dog, Cat, and Pet Care Tips

Should Cats Drink Milk

We see cats drinking milk in commercials, old tv shows and the like. But the fact of the matter is that most cats are lactose intolerant. That means that they can’t digest the sugars in milk. Milk also has very little to no nutritional value for cats. The fact of the matter is that a cat fed only on milk will die of malnutrition. However most cats LOVE the taste of milk, so what do you do?

As a staple cats should always have fresh, cool water available to them. As long as your cat isn’t lactose intolerant, milk is not bad for cats if it is given as an occasional treat (think of it as kitty junk food). The first step is to determine if your cat likes milk. If your cat does like milk then determine is he or she is lactose intolerant. If your cat is lactose intolerant then he/she will have a little diarrhea and a little stomach problems for a few days after drinking the milk. In this case you will definitely want to give your kitty a milk substitute created for cats. Such a substitute is created to have some nutritional value for cats while not upsetting their stomachs as real milk can. A good substitute is Cat’s Sip, it can be found in your local pet store or grocery store. Many veterinarians suggest that if your cat does like milk and even if he/she isn’t lactose intolerant that you should get him/her used to a milk substitute anyhow as it is better for the cat.

Cost of Owning a Dog

Research has proven that sharing our homes with animal companions is good for both our physical and emotional health. But, depending on our choice of companion, pet care can be expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to stretch your pet care budget. Here are some suggestions from a penny-pinching pet owner:

Spay or Neuter—NOW!
Not only does spaying or neutering your pet make good common sense, it makes good financial sense too! A spayed or neutered pet is less likely to roam and fight, and far easier to train. Because they are happier to be homebodies, they are less likely to need costly emergency veterinary care resulting from street fights, car accidents, etc.
Altered pets are also less likely to suffer cancer of the reproductive organs later in life. This can save you money in the long run.

Altered dogs and cats may also qualify for a reduced annual licence fee in your area. This will save you the entire cost of the spay/neuter surgery over the pet’s lifetime—and then some!

Invest in Proper I.D.
Now that you have saved money on your dog licence fee, by spaying or neutering your canine companion, be aware that you can save time and money and reduce stress by ensuring your dog wears his licence tag. When your local Animal Services Officer picks up a dog, the first thing he will do is check for identification. If your dog is wearing his licence, the Officer can attempt to bring him right home to you. If a dog is NOT wearing a licence, he must be transported to the Animal Shelter or Impoundment Centre, and you may have to pay more to release him.

The cost of a microchip implant and/or tattoo is also invaluable, especially for cats, which are not required to be licenced in many municipalities and less likely to wear a collar and tags. In the event that your pet strays, there is far more likelihood that he will be promptly returned if he properly identified.
The more quickly your lost pet is safely off the streets and back home, the less likely you are to have to pay emergency vet bills or impoundment and boarding fees. Think of pet identification as a low-cost investment in “lost pet insurance.”

Brush Up on Grooming
Have your veterinarian show you how to clip your pet’s nails and check his or her ears for infections. Clipping nails at home can save you upwards of $50 a year. Catching an ear infection early usually requires minimal treatment at a minimal cost. Be aware that dogs with folded ears are more susceptible to suffer reoccurring ear infections. Left untreated, ear infections can be painful to your pet and your pocketbook.

You should also take time every few days to run your hands all over your pet’s body to check for tender spots, lumps and bumps, cuts, or abrasions. Again, early detection of medical problems often results in less stress on both your pet and your budget.

And don’t forget your pet’s teeth. Regular brushing can lessen the need for costly dental care.

If you have a pet that requires professional grooming every month or two, you can reduce this cost by diligently brushing your pet between appointments. Because it takes more time and effort to bathe, clip, and style matted fur, pet groomers must charge more for ill-kempt coats. As a bonus, regularly grooming your pet can also lower your blood pressure!

Shop Smart
Be sure to do price comparisons when buying pet food and pet supplies. There can often be a significant difference in prices from one store to another. (Be certain, however, that you are comparing the exact same brand and package size.) You should also ask each store what kinds of loyalty programs are offered. Some stores offer frequent shopper discounts on everything but pet food. Some manufacturers have a program where if you buy ten bags of food, the next one is free. Simply saving UPC codes and using “cents-off” coupons can save you the cost of your pet’s meals for a month or more! Don’t be afraid to ask.

Also, when possible, buy in bulk. Biscuits, treats, and food are less costly if you buy a larger package and store leftovers in an airtight container. Canned pet food can be stored for months, so case-lot sales are always a good bargain.

Think Positive!
Yes, owning a pet can be expensive, but the financial sacrifice is worth it! For the price of a meal, a warm, safe place to sleep, and little attention, our pets offer unconditional love. This alone makes the privilege of owning a pet priceless!

Breeding/Reproduction
This breed is born white with whatever color patches that will be present in the final coat. Average litter size is 4-8 puppies..

Common Health Problems
Australian Cattle Dogs are susceptible to deafness, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Some early signs of deafness in dogs include biting harder than their siblings, since they cannot hear their yelps, and waking up late for feeding time. Some veterinarians are not supportive of deaf dogs, so it is important to find one who is. Hip displasia, caused by looseness in the hip joint, can cause discomfort after exercise, an altered gait, and even an inability to walk. A veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe treatment for this disease, which may include weight management, exercise, massage, supplements, and surgery.
Progressive retinal atrophy causes night blindness first, and then day blindness. There is no treatment for this disease, but many dogs adapt well to blindness, with few signs of the ailment, as long as they are in a familiar setting.

Availability
Australian Cattle Dog breeders can be found on the internet or locally. Prices range from approximately $150 for an adult, $300-$750 for a puppy of pet quality and $1200+ for a puppy of show or breeding quality.