Each species has had its fair share of animals called upon to keep down vermin (the modern day Yorkshire terrier is surely best ratter around).

When it wasn’t a head-on crash of cats versus dogs, both were well able to deal with other forms of life. Long, long before cats became domesticated they were employed to fight and kill snakes.

Spiked collars are not new

During the middle ages dogs were collared for boarhunting. Shepherd dogs wore spiked collars to protect their necks from wolf attack. But these collars served a dual purpose in that they could also be used to attack predators. Spiked collars are still seen today, now unfortunately in the hands of youths and others with evil intent.

Padlocked collars were a status symbol usually placed on large, impressive dogs. Because no-one but the owner could open the lock these collars, the sight of them told the public at large that these dogs were worth a fortune..

Importance of grooming

Grooming is important to any pet. Regular brushing of cats, dogs, horses and any long-haired animal enables the owner to remove burrs, ticks and tangles. More importantly, it also provides an opportunity to feel the animal all over and check for any unusual cuts, bumps or bruises.

Yes, we know all that can be done at the pet grooming parlour.

But why go to the trouble and expense of visiting a professional groomer when your four-legged friend will enjoy every minute of having it done at home?

Do it yourself. He’ll probably roll over to say thank you and ask for more.

Volunteering at Christmas

Most cat and dog rescue centres are crying out for volunteers to help them out at Christmas when there is always the possibility that their regular volunteers will be otherwise engaged looking after families and even helping Father Christmas with those all-important seasonal deliveries.

While some rescue centres may have organised themselves months in advance, others may not have, so it is well worth doing a quick telephone call.

Cat fight ..

Do cats fight? Of course they do, but surelly never as badly, or as fatally as the legendary Kilkenny cats from Ireland where the expression ‘to fight like a Kilkenny cat’ is known all over the country. According to folklore, the expression dates back to a time when two local cats fought to the death, then ate each other until there was nothing left but their tails.

… or dog fight?

The dog fight refers to something entirely different.

This refers to aerial combat of the type first seen during the First World War when those ‘magnificent men in their flying machines’ enjoyed having a go at each other. The type of combat continued into the Second World War and later, though today the techniques are much more sophisticated. And probably not half as much fun for any little boys who might happen to be watching… and to those dads who still enjoy playing with their airfix models

‘Cairn terrier, crossed with a Border terrier…she’s had very little exercise and far too much food. She’s a bit on the portly side…’

A bit on the portly side, indeed. It made me sound like a fat-bellied old man suffering from gout. Honestly, the cheek…

I am not – repeat not – crossed with a Border terrier. I’m just cross with them. Every time I meet one of the yappy little things, it brings out the devil in me. I want to race them round the park but when I try to run I get breathless.

More exercise, less food

‘I think I’ve found you a new friend,’ the rescue centre lady told me. ‘If you like each other you’ll be going to a family with lots of lovely people whose last little friend has gone to doggie heaven. D’you think you could love them like their other dog did?’

I wagged my tail, gave the lady a big licky kiss and two days later met my new family.

The human who was to be all mine saw me, went gooey-eyed and tickled my ears. She told me I was beautiful – which, of course, I am.

She promised to give me lots of exercise and to put me on a diet.

Squeaky toys, fleecy bed

She popped me in her car and took me home to meet the rest of her family. They all thought I was wonderful, led me to a box of squeaky and other toys, showed me my fleecy-lined bed. I investigated the house first, then the garden.

Next stop, the vet, for a full-body check… heart, lungs, teeth, ears, paws, tail, undercarriage. Everything was fine and dandy until…

He put me on the scales and found that I weighed 15 kilos, when I should only have weighed 12.

‘I’m going to put Suzie on a diet of High Oats,’ he said. ‘It’s a complete dried food, free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Perfect for little fatties. Give her 80 kg a day, two good walks and bring her back in a month. We’ll soon have her slim.”

Fit and healthy

Flash forward a month.

The vet has just weighed me again and yippee I’ve lost two kilos. By Christmas I’ll be right on target and all ready for a taste of turkey.

I’m not breathless any more and I don’t pant when I run uphill. I’m fit, healthy and raring to go.

Border terriers, watch out. Here I come…

The above case is an extreme one, there are many situations that don’t require us to call the vet. We just need to make sure that we arm ourselves with knowledge. That way, when the unexpected arises, we will be able to handle it. To learn more about how to care for your dog and when to call the veterinarian, please visit www.DogTipsDaily.com today.