Animal Care Information

As the Biden family plans their move to the White House with their precious pooches Champ and Major (a rescue!), we decided to put together our top tips to help make a transition to a new home just that little bit easier.  1. Ask the right questionsBefore you get to the part where you’re labelling stacks of boxes with vague words that make sense at the time but will be useless in a few days’ time, it’s important that you are asking the right questions before signing on the dotted line. Does your new home allow dogs? Have you made sure the property is secure and your dogs won’t be able to escape? Are there safe areas around to exercise your dog? Luckily for Major, the White House ticks all three boxes. 2. Google is going to be your best friendBeing a White House regular in Obama’s administration, we’re sure Joe Biden is probably familiar with where to get the…

Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal viral disease that impacts unvaccinated puppies and dogs. It’s important to understand the ins and outs of this virus, so you can protect your pet and other dogs in our community.  (While the term ‘parvovirus’ refers to a family of viruses with many different strains , this blog specifically refers to the canine parvovirus that impacts dogs.)  How does it spread?  Parvovirus is highly contagious and can stay on surfaces and in environments for a long period of time—withstanding heat, cold and humidity. Dogs can contract the virus by interacting with infected dogs, or by coming into contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces or environments.   What are the signs?   The typical incubation period for parvovirus is four to six days. Signs that your dog is infected include (but are not limited to):  Lethargy  Loss of appetite  Severe or repeated vomiting  Diarrhoea (commonly with blood present in the stool)  It’s important to note that parvovirus progresses rapidly. If you notice any of the above signs in your dog or puppy’s behaviour, take them to a veterinary hospital immediately. Your local veterinarian will perform a test to diagnose…

At RSPCA NSW, we’re constantly urging community members to desex their pets. It’s our job to advocate for the health, safety and protection of all animals, after all—and we have it on good authority that desexing our companions is a really great way to tick all three boxes.  This National Desexing Month, we want to take the opportunity to remind you (once again!) why desexing is one of the best things you can do—for your pets, for you and for the wider community.   What is desexing?   Desexing is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove an animal’s reproductive organs and prevent them from breeding. In females, the operation is called ‘spey’ and for males, it’s called ‘castration’, but the procedure is often referred to by many names including ‘neuter’ and ‘sterilisation’.   The benefits to your pet  A desexed cat or dog is generally a healthier and happier pet. They will commonly avoid a lot of health problems associated with breeding, such as mammary and ovarian cancers, as well as uterine infections.   Desexed animals are also less prone to roaming, which means they’re less likely to get…

Chris Humfrey is a zoologist who’s passionate about native Australian animals. He’s the founder of Wild Action, a reptile and animal incursion zoo in Victoria, where him and his team care for over 2,000 different species of animals, many of whom are critically endangered in the wild. We sat down with Chris to learn all about the unique mountain pygmy possum (or MPP for short). He tells us why he thinks the MPP is one of Australia’s most endearing marsupials and why it’s so important to keep them protected! RSPCA NSW: What made you decide to dedicate your life to the conservation of Australian wildlife? Chris: I have always been fascinated by wildlife, and as a kid was always puzzled by the fact that not everyone saw animals as amazing like I did. I grew up in the outer-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and I saw firsthand how suburbia took over the habitat of native Australian animals. To my horror, the…

With many in Australia (and the world) taking part in self-isolation, we thought we’d do our part to keep you, your kids and your pets entertained. Our friends at Animania have rounded up a bunch of DIY dog enrichment activities. Keep scrolling for some pooch-perfect ideas! Puzzle feeders Puzzle feeders are perfect for dogs who love to gobble their dinner. It spaces out their food into more challenging shapes to make sure they eat more slowly. (If you happen to have a gobblemonster of a pup, you’ll know exactly what we mean.) Here are some puzzle feeder ideas: If your dog’s bowl has a rim underneath, like the one above, turn it upside down and put the food in the bottom. Use an empty egg carton to divide your dog’s dry food into the holes. Divide your dog’s usual dry food into the cups of a muffin tray and place tennis balls on top. Food games Unlike humans, it’s not…

Australia’s wildlife is some of the most unique and diverse in the world. From the sweet koala to the curious platypus to the hopping kangaroo, we’re supremely lucky to share a home with so many wonderful animals. But when natural disasters strike, the habitats of our beloved creatures is at risk. The recent bushfires have seen an estimated one billion animals perish, and even more victim to some horrific injuries. As the conversation turns to how the public can preserve and protect our wildlife for many more years to come, we wanted to share some tips on how you can help native animals in your local area. What to do if you see an injured animal If you come across a native animal who appears to be distressed or injured, you should immediately call a local wildlife rescue like WIRES or Sydney Wildlife. Each of these lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Speak to the…

As the weather warms up, it is more important than ever to make sure your furry friends are protected against deadly ticks. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring urgent veterinary attention. Tick paralysis is one of the most common preventable causes of death in dogs and cats along the east coast of Australia. It is important to be aware of paralysis ticks and to actively protect your pets by following our top tips, including knowing how to search your pet thoroughly for ticks. What are paralysis ticks and how do they cause paralysis? Paralysis ticks are dangerous parasites that can attach to an animal and consume blood from them. As they drain the blood, they secrete a toxin which affects the animal’s nervous system. The toxin causes serious illness and is potentially fatal. What do paralysis ticks look like? Image: Creature Clinic Australia The paralysis tick can look different depending on whether they are engorged with…

Our pets rely on us for all their basic needs: adequate food, water and shelter, but also to ensure they’re in the best physical health possible via flea and worming treatment and vaccinations. To make sure your pet is the happiest and healthiest they can be – physically and psychologically – you need to make sure you’re ticking all the following boxes. Flea and worming treatment Properly taking care of your pet includes providing them with treatment to prevent against parasites like fleas, heartworm and worms. Parasites like these are painful, uncomfortable and potentially fatal to our pets so preventing them is crucial.  RSPCA NSW proudly recommends Advocate’s parasite protection as it is a kind treatment for dogs and cats. Watch this video for more detailed information on how Advocate works. You can also watch our videos below for an in-depth demonstration from one of our veterinarians, Dr. Margie Wong, on how to apply Advocate. It’s super easy! Thank you…

Australian magpies have to be one of our country’s most misunderstood birds. As majestic as they are musical as they are feared, the native black and white bird has drummed up a reputation over the years for being aggressive and vengeful. We simply think this is untrue! Magpies are wonderful and unique birds who, in regards to their tendency to swoop, are just looking out for their families. (But more on that later.) Here are some important magpie facts we wish everyone would remember. Magpies have one of the world’s most complex songs The unique warble, orble, chirpy, oodle of the magpie is one of the most lovely sounds to start your day to. Did you know that tibicen, from the scientific name for an Australian magpie cracticus tibicen, literally means ‘flautist’ in Latin? Some scientists have even said that their call is one of the most complex in the world! They’re master communicators, our intelligent maggies. They mate for…

You may not be in your backyard every day, but there are plenty of Australian wildlife that are! Some of your visitors will sneak in and out without your knowledge, but others might be a bit louder upon arrival. If you need to call someone about Australian wildlife, contact WIRES Wildlife Rescue. In the meantime, here are some tips on our regular visitors! Blue-tongue lizardsDid that lizard look at you funny and stick his tongue out at you? If his tongue was bright blue, then he’s probably a blue-tongued lizard. He’s not poisonous or threatening and likes to slowly waddle through Aussie gardens while flicking out his tongue. Blue-tongue lizards are more active during the day, pretty easy to spot and are not aggressive. They like to sunbake too! When you see a blue-tongue lizard in your backyard, make sure you just watch and don’t touch. If you pick them up incorrectly, they might bite you or you might pull off…

Barking is a normal instinct for dogs and a natural way for them to communicate. Dogs can bark excessively for many reasons, including anxiety, boredom, distress, excitement, fear and in defence of their territory. That means there’s no single solution to all barking problems because every dog is different! Any training should be based on positive reinforcement. So only reward ‘good’ behaviours (e.g., when your dog is quiet, give them a treat or pat on the head) and avoid rewarding ‘unwanted’ actions (e.g., when your dog barks, ignore the action completely). Training shouldn’t include punishment. In fact, punishment will most likely make the barking problem worse!Any training should be based on positive reinforcement. So only reward ‘good’ behaviours (e.g., when your dog is quiet, give them a treat or pat on the head) and avoid rewarding ‘unwanted’ actions (e.g., when your dog barks, ignore the action completely). Training shouldn’t include punishment. In fact, punishment will most likely make the barking…

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia is home to many animals found nowhere else on Earth. So it’s safe to say that Australian native animals are diverse, unique and should be protected at all costs. If you agree, maybe you’ve heard of our friends – WIRES, Native Animal Trust Fund and Sydney Wildlife? They’re all committed to the protection and preservation of native animals! These organisations have been assisting with the care of Australia’s wildlife for years. They also provide information and educate the Australian community, while actively rescuing and caring for wildlife across NSW. They’re the ones you call when you find an injured or sick native animal. But what else can you do? Keep reading to find out! What do I do if I find an injured or sick native animal? 1. If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned animal, remove any threat to the animal. Make sure to keep all people and pets away from the animal….

Ferrets are members of the weasel family, and their mischievous personalities make them amusing and interesting pets. So what’s the best way of looking after these inquisitive and intelligent animals? From food to housing, enrichment to health, RSPCA NSW will help you keep your ferret friend happy and safe with our six-point guide. Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, speak to your veterinarian.   Companionship Ferrets are very social animals and should be kept in compatible pairs or groups. Appropriate steps should be taken to avoid any unwanted or unintended litters of ferrets. Talk to your veterinarian for advice. In the wild, ferrets are predators, so don’t mix your ferrets with any other small species of animal. Desexing Desexing your ferret is vital. This is particularly important for female ferrets, who remain on heat until they mate. Not desexing your ferret can lead to complications including anaemia and ovarian cancer, which can be fatal. It can be performed from…

Rats are affectionate and intelligent animals. They often form strong bonds with their owners, and will thrive when given plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Keep reading to find out the best way to care for them. RSPCA NSW’s six-point guide will help you care for your rat. Just remember, if you have any concerns or questions, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Companionship Rats are very sociable, so are happiest when kept with other rats. However, you should be careful when keeping two male rats together, as they may fight. And if you keep males and females together, make sure at least one gender has been desexed. Diet Rats are omnivores, so eat both animal and plant materials. They need a protein level of at least 16 per cent, no more than four per cent fat and a fibre content of at least 18 per cent. To ensure your rat stays happy and healthy, you should feed him:…

Pets don’t have to be fluffy or furry. Many people prefer to have scaly best friends instead. But reptiles need very special care and most importantly, you must have a licence before you bring one into your home. Read on to find out more about the legal implications of owning a reptile. As with any new pet, reptiles need very specific care, including food, water, housing and temperature control. Before bringing a reptile into your family, you could join a reptile group. This will help you learn more information about caring for a reptile. Once you have decided that you would definitely like a scaly friend, you must get a licence from the Office of Environment and Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife Service). RSPCA NSW’s list of frequently asked questions, below, will help you do this. 1. Which species of reptiles can I own? You can keep some native dragons, geckos, lizards, snakes and turtles as pets. However, under NSW…

Mice are inquisitive and love human companionship. So if you’ve chosen to adopt a mouse, what’s the best way of caring for these gentle little animals? Read on to find out. RSPCA NSW’s six-point guide will help you ensure your mouse stays happy and healthy. Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. 1. Companionship Mice are very sociable, so enjoy being kept with other mice. However, if you do keep males and females together, make sure both animals are the same sex or at least one gender has been desexed. Paired females tend to get on better than paired males. 2. Diet Mice are omnivores, so eat both animal and plant materials. They need a protein level of at least 16 per cent and a fat content of four to five per cent. To ensure your mouse stays happy and healthy, you should feed him: fresh fruit and vegetables, such as…

  Just because a dog is deaf doesn’t mean he won’t be a fantastic pet. You’ll just need lots of empathy, patience, and some good training skills. RSPCA NSW spoke to renowned animal trainer Kerrie Haynes-Lovell, owner and trainer of two deaf French Bulldogs about living with and training deaf dogs. Read on to find out more. Our seven-point guide will help you understand and train your deaf dog. A big thank you to Kerrie Haynes-Lovell for all her advice. Just remember that routine and consistency are key. 1. Making your dog feel secure Deaf dogs need to feel secure in their environment, and they have to be able to trust their owners not to put them in a position that would worry them. For this reason, you should always keep your dog informed of your whereabouts. It’s also important not to come up behind them quickly, as this could startle them. 2. Remembering your body language Trainer Kerrie says…

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly and inquisitive pets. However, they need commitment and regular attention to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Read on to find out how to care for your pocketful of sunshine. Guinea pigs are sociable pocket pets, are easily tamed, and can live for up to ten years. Their friendly nature makes them fantastic pets. They’re also very intelligent. 1. Companionship Guinea pigs are happiest when kept with other guinea pigs. However, if you do keep males and females together, make sure both animals are the same sex or at least one gender has been desexed. RSPCA NSW does not recommend keeping guinea pigs and rabbits together. Rabbits can pass on diseases to guinea pigs, and they may bully each other. 2. Food Guinea pigs are herbivores. To keep them healthy and happy, they need: a constant source of good quality fresh grass or grass hay, such as Meadow, Oaten, Pasture, Ryegrass, Timothy…

Horses are athletic and graceful, and their beautiful nature makes them incredible companions. But owning one of these magnificent animals is hard work, and requires a huge amount of dedicated time and care. Read on for RSPCA NSW’s guide to looking after your horse. Healthy horses are alert, inquisitive and love interacting with other horses. From dental care to exercise, food to shelter, here’s how to ensure your majestic friend stays happy and well. Just remember: before adding a horse to your family, ensure you are confident and competent in handling them. This is really important, as horses can be dangerous when not handled appropriately, even when they don’t mean to be. Dental care Horses aged two to five years old need their teeth checked by a veterinarian or qualified equine dentist every six months. After the age of five years old (when they have their full set of permanent teeth), they need a dental check once a year. Some…

Cute and fluffy, rabbits make for great pets. But these sociable pocket pets need just as much attention and care as large companion animals. Read on to learn how to look after them. Whether you decide to keep your rabbit outdoors or housetrain her, creating a loving, safe environment for her will ensure she lives a long and happy life. Desexed house rabbits usually live to be between eight and 12 years old, and the oldest rabbit in the world lived to be 18! RSPCA NSW’s seven top tips will help you care for your own curious, gentle herbivore, and maybe even beat that record. 1. Companionship Rabbits are very social and enjoy having a buddy around, so having a pair of females works well. However, always separate rabbits of the opposite sex if they aren’t desexed. Otherwise, you’ll soon have a lot of unwanted baby bunnies on your hands! RSPCA NSW does not recommend keeping guinea pigs and rabbits…