What Every Dog Owner Should Know About ParvovirusByLaura VissaritisWhen you hear of the disease commonly called Parvo, you have an immediate sense of dread, for it's one of those diseases that we as dog owners believe to be fatal.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sun Protection For PetsByLaura Vissaritis14 November 2019With Aussie’s sun loving approach to life, we all know the importance of the slip, slop, slap. But what about our pets? Category:Pet Health, Behaviour and TrainingRead MoreWrite a Comment
Throwing A Birthday Party For Your DogByLaura VissaritisThere's nothing more fun than celebrating your dog’s gotcha day or birthday. The reality is that dogs make us happy and comfort us during tough times.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Joint and Ligament Injuries in DogsByHIF Australia22 August 2017Just like humans, our pooches are prone to joint and ligament issues. According to Veterinary expert, Dr. Melissa Meehan, "If left untreated, they can cause permanent problems that will affect their overall happiness". In this short clip, Dr. Melissa and Dr. Chris Preston discuss the most commonly found joint injuries and the possible consequences they could have on our pets.Category:Pet Health, Pet Insurance, Vet Visits Read MoreWrite a Comment
Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in DogsByHIF Australia16 August 2017We all know that dogs love to chew on items such as bones, socks, clothing or small toys. Thankfully, it's usually harmless fun; but according to Dr Melissa Meehan, "You'd be surprised at how many dogs end up in the emergency room with something that can't be digested, stuck in their intestine". In this short clip, Dr. Melissa Meehan talks to Veterinarian expert, Dr Chris Preston to discuss the most common foreign objects digested and the possible consequences for our pets.Category:Pet Health, Vet Visits Read MoreWrite a Comment
Road Accidents and TraumaByHIF Australia08 August 2017We all know that it's natural for our pooches to be terrified of loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Regrettably though, these sounds can cause them to become anxious or afraid; even worse they can indirectly pose a risk by causing them to run away. In this short clip, Veterinary experts, Dr Melissa Meehan and Dr Chris Preston discuss the various steps we can take to ensure our pets feel safe, secure and most importantly protected when these situations occur.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Breed Specific AilmentsByHIF Australia26 July 2017Have you ever wondered why some breeds of dog are more prone to certain medical conditions than others? In this short clip from our friends at Pooches at Play, Dr Melissa discusses the different ailments associated with breeds like pugs, cavaliers, staffies, daxons and labradors and offers her advice on how to protect our fur-kid's health. Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Symptoms of Canine CancerByHIF Australia25 July 2017With our pets now living longer, the chances of getting cancer are at all-time high. But did you know that many cancers can be detected through physical examination? In this short video Dr. Melissa Meehan, Veterinary Surgeon discusses the symptoms we need to be aware of and the importance of yearly vet checks.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Gain Pet, Lose WeightByLaura Vissaritis13 July 2017Did you know that obesity is one of the biggest killers of Australians with up to 40% of adults suffering the relentless battle of the bulge. But it’s not just us who are affected. With people attracted to bad eating habits, it’s not uncommon for us to pass our vices onto our children and even dogs! According to animal behaviourist expert, Laura V, "An estimated 30% of dogs are overweight, leaving them at risk of the same sort of chronic diseases as humans. Dogs are more ‘rotund’ than ever before, becoming not just a health issue but a welfare concern as well." In her latest article for HIF, Laura provides her 8 step approach to losing weight and says that in 8 weeks, you’ll be thanking her, but more importantly you'll be thanking your dog.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
How to Tell if Your Dog is Stressed or AnxiousByLaura Vissaritis30 June 2017Did you know that on average, people spend 2 and ½ hours stressing each and every day? According to Animal Behaviourist expert, Laura V, "Life can be tough and at least half of us are reporting to have or have had an experience of overwhelming stress and anxiety. It seems that with this knowledge, humans are the ones who are struck with the highest cases of poor mental health amongst all sentient animals, but then I got to know another species who to this day, I believe suffers far more than we do. These animals are our dogs. Not only are dogs faced with daily stressors such as finding warmth, food, water and companionship, this stress is usually completely uncontrollable as it's the owner who decides on the dog’s daily fate; whether they will eat, explore, be comfortable and engaged in life, and often there is nothing that dog can do about it. Now that’s what I call stress!" In this article, Laura shares her top tips to help you get to know what your dog’s really thinking.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Want to be your best? Here are five ways your dog will help you to be the best you can beByLaura Vissaritis20 June 2017If you could describe your ideal-self, how would it sound? Would you be fitter? Healthier? Wealthier? According to our resident Animal Behaviourist & Psychotherapist, Laura V, "Being your best comes from within. It comes from a sense of self-worth, a positive attitude and an outlook on life that is filled with compassion and resilience. When I think of those around me who are always willing to be their best, despite life’s inevitable drawbacks, I think of my dogs. Dogs have extraordinary resilience and motivation. They are always looking for opportunities to make the most of their lives and seem to bring along a positive outlook wherever they go." So, this got us to thinking about how our dogs can show us the way to self-improvement, simply just by being themselves. Amongst all the life-lessons our dogs can teach us, Laura V has come up with 5 simple ways your dog can lead you on a path towards being your absolute best.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Feeling anxious? Talk to your pet, they know exactly how to help. ByLaura Vissaritis26 May 2017Every now and then, we all experience anxiety. Whether stuck in a traffic jam, preparing for an exam or simply waiting at the doctor's surgery; anxiety is a natural and normal trade-off for survival. Those of us who are hit hard, often find it difficult to mediate unhelpful thoughts, experiencing a range of relentless symptoms that can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. So who do we turn to in times of distress? Who will listen? Who promises not to judge and will offer overwhelming comfort when we need it the most? According to Laura - "She'd say an animal".Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Do pets really help us live longer? ByLaura Vissaritis01 May 2017According to our resident Animal Behaviourist & Psychotherapist, Laura V, the answer is yes. In this article she explains how...Category:Pet Health, Healthy LivingRead MoreWrite a Comment
HIF Dog ‘n’ Health Games Set to Put the Fun Into FundraisingByHIF Australia24 April 2017Perth - have you registered your fur-kid for the HIF Dog 'n' Health Games? Karen Rhodes, President of the Dogs’ Refuge Home says "It’s a fantastic opportunity for animal lovers across Perth to exercise with their canine companion for a great cause and we’re thrilled that our great supporters at HIF are again supporting this fun fundraiser for the second year running.” The fundraiser will take place at Sir James Mitchell Park on Sunday 30 April in the form of a family-friendly day, which includes a fun zone for children, and which is set to see all proceeds being donated to animal welfare charity, the Dogs’ Refuge Home. We hope to see you all there. Category:HIF News, Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
HIF Dog ’n’ Health Games 2017ByMatt Fuller13 April 2017With the second HIF Dog 'n' Health Games just around the corner now, we asked our fitness guru Matt Fuller to explore how pets can have a positive impact on our health and lifestyle in return. Even better, Matt has included short clip of him and Boots working out together in the park. So the next time you're out with your fur-kid why not give it a go? Category:Fitness, Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment