magazine 02 PETS 4 LIFE! APRIL 2008 PP15646/01/2009(021043)

Transcription

1 Take Me Home FREE! - 20,000 Copies Scattered Around Town! THE MALAYSIAN NO.1 FREE PET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE magazine 02 PETS 4 LIFE! APRIL 2008 PP15646/01/2009(021043) HamSta GangsTa! Check out what these furries are all about... BITES & SNACKS Home A Pet 2008 a success!!! More details inside... ASK OUR VET Let Dr. Lynnette Low teach you how to pamper your pet! PETS CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a new companion? A better price for a better service! PAW PADS Something to prolong your daily pet discussions! Are you a PETSTER? See pg. 4 for more info. > Many more featured articles inside! Furball Attack! Meet The New Members Of The PETSHOPBOYS! See pg. 5 > Valid Till 30th April 2008!

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5 Editor s Note Content So here we have it. We have finally launched our first issue to the market, and what a way to launch it during our charity event titled Home A Pet Yeap that s right, like its namesake, Home A Pet 2008 was held for the purpose of re-homing unloved pets and also to create awareness for shelters. For this month, unfortunately our magazine is a slight bit thinner than usual. This is because we grow (or reduce) according to the month s advertising value. After all, we are a free magazine so without ads, we will not be able to print. Yes, it sounds rather scary but thats what we have to do to keep this magazine runnning totally free of charge to all pet lovers. Don t worry, our magazine just fluctuates according to those mentioned factors. Something like going on a diet and then eating your heart out the next week. Oh yes, I would like to inform you that we have new members of Da Petshop Boys - Kira, an ultra timid kitty we adopted and also Annie, our new sales executive. Now Kilbbles has new people to dig her claws into. Till the next issue, Cheers peeps, - Joshua Boey This publication is not advice on your pet. It is intended to inform and illustrate. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without first seeking appropriate professional advice that takes into account their own particular circumstances. The publishers and editors give no representation and make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, currency or reliability of any of the material contained in this publication. The publishers and editors expressly disclaim all responsibility for any errors in or omissions from the information contained in this publication, including all liability for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by any person or animal as a result of or arising out of that person placing any reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. No correspondence will be entered into in relation to this publication by the publishers, editors or authors. The publishers do not endorse any company, organisation, person, strategy or technique mentioned in this publication unless expressly stated otherwise. The publishers do not endorse any advertisements or special advertising features in this publication, nor does the publisher endorse any advertiser(s) or their products / services unless expressly states to the contrary. Articles are published in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the authors of the articles and without our knowledge of any infringement of any third party copyright. The publishers and editors do not authorise, sanction, approve or countenance any copyright infringement. Da PetShopBoys William Tan Joshua Boey Mike Cheng Annie features BITES & SNACKS Animal news from around town! CREATURE FEATURE The furry little creature called Hamster ASK OUR VET Stumped on what s wrong with your furry/finned/feathered friend? Our shrink might be some help... (Dr. Lynnette Low) PET SHOPPERS Pet products from all over. Pets need toys too, you know! regular roams PAW PADS Our feathered friend s column. THE DOG S BLOG It s all about man s best friend. CHIT CHAT CAT Articles on all thats meow! OUR FURRY FRIENDS Little four-legged friendly friends... where to look PET CLASSIFIEDS! If you decide that a pet would be in your life, try taking a look here first to find your perfect companion! THE PET INDEX Our guide to products and services. Joseph Fancy being part of the PetShopBoys? Send in your resume to petstermagazine@gmail.com now!!! Kibbles Kira Managing Editor William Tan managing_editor@petstermagazine.com Editor Joshua Boey editor@petstermagazine.com Advertising Sales Mike Cheng Annie Ooi sales@petstermagazine.com Distribution JWWT Advertising ( A) distribution@petstermagazine.com Creative Designers Kibbles, Kira and Joseph creative_designer@petstermagazine.com Interpet petstermagazine@gmail.com Publisher JWWT Advertising ( A) Main Kennel No. 1A, Jalan Balam, Taman Milion, Batu 3, Jalan Ipoh, 51100, K.L. Tel: (03) / Fax: (03) Production Den A-107, Jalan Tuanku 2, Taman Salak Selatan, Wilayah Persekutuan. Tel: (03) / Fax: (03) Colour Separator Radiant Works 22A, Jln SS25/28, Tmn.Mayang, Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E. Printer Percetakan Lai Sdn Bhd No1, Persiaran 2/118C, Kawasan Perindustrian Desa Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000, K.L. 05

6 Bites & Snacks News and info bits from around town and the world! Home A Pet Ikano, Mutiara Damansara On the 9th of March 2008, The public was treated to a one of a kind event called Home A Pet It is a 1 day Charity Adoption Drive held for the purpose of educating and creating awareness of stray and unloved animals, particularly for our local shelters. In conjunction with this event, we at Petster Magazine finally launched our very first issue to the public. Participating exhibitors consisted of groomers, pet stores, pet supply distributors and also dog agility groups. This event s main objective is to give our local animal welfare homes an opportunity to re-home pets, interact with the general public, create brand awareness and to also raise charity funds for the welfare of the animals under their care. The turnout of the day was much more than we have expected and by mid-day, it was as packed as a sardine can in Ikano s Courtyard. Just imagine dogs, cats and other smaller furry creatures trying to squeeze around, while dragging their owners. Not to mention that children were also running around, petting and playing with all sorts of pets they have not seen before. The Petster pets - Kibbles and Kira the cats, and Joseph the sugar glider are all happy to have met you (though it was such an exhausting day for them). To keep the tempo up, a spectacular demonstration by the people and dogs of Pet-N-You wowed the crowd with their show of animal agility and obedience. This showed those whom didn t know what dog training is all about - fun. We would also like to announce that a total of more than 10 animals were successfully re-homed by SPCA and PAWS during the event. Now thats one objective that we are really proud of achieving. We at Petster Magazine would like to give many, many thanks to our exhibitors and also the people whom attended Home A Pet With your help, several dogs and cats have found themselves loving new owners and a new place they can call home. Hope to see all of you again in next Home A Pet! 06

7 News and info bits from around town and the world! Photos of Home A Pet 2008 Bites & Snacks Inter-pet Watch If you are in to cats and all other manners of the animal kingdom caught on candid camera - Check out this hilarious website! Petworld Malaysia MVEC, Midvalley Megamall Recently on the 28th of March 2008, all kinds of companion animals (and their owners) crowded Midvalley Megamall for the Petworld Malaysia 2008 exhibition held up in Midvalley Convention Centre (MVEC). The event stretched over 3 days bundled with fun programs for all to enjoy such as grooming demos, dog agility and obedience challenges, cat cage decor and feline grooming. The once spacious hall was soon jammed with people and pets as the weekend rolled in. There were 30 participating exhibitors including ourselves. Exhibitors consist of a myriad of pet supply stores, shops, pet food distributors, groomers and even pet gourmet food specialists.

8 Bites & Snacks News and info bits from around town and the world! This event allowed exhibitors to showcase their products at special promotional prices only available for the 3 days to the general public. The 3 days was also something unique as within the 3 days, animals were allowed within Midvalley Megamall s grounds (albeit only in MVEC but its still something different). Petworld Malaysia 2008 is organised by Fairs and Events Management Sdn. Bhd. Though tired from the 3 days of standing, walking, talking and chasing animals, Da Petshop boys had tons of fun and it was well worth the effort. Good job organisers! Our pets are all looking forward to the next one!... or maybe not. deep somewhere in the pacific ocean we see a school of fish! Even dogs know where to make themselves look good! From Old Klang Road KFC / Pizza Hut JALAN KUCHAI LAMA NPE From PJ / KL Restoran Chuai Heng From Salak South SERVICES Professional Dog Grooming Boarding Pet Food & Accessories Pet Clothing & Trendy Fashion KUAN PET SALON Your Professional Pets Grooming Centre 42A, Jln. Kuchai Maju 6, Kuchai Lama, K.L. Tel : (Business Hours : 10am - 8pm, Closed On Monday) We are here! JALAN KUCHAI MAJU 6 Restoran Ibrahim Maju BHP Station Island Cafe MBB Alliance Bank Dynasty Central Please Call Mr. Stanley or Ms. Kuan For Appointment!

9 Creature FEATURE A Furball called Hamster by: Yoong Yuin hun edited by: Joan Pet Shack A hamster is a rodent belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. There are typically 5 types of hamsters that people keep as pets, mainly the Syrian, the Winter White dwarf, the Russian Campbell dwarf, the Chinese hamster and the Roborovski hamsters. Syrians (Mesocricetus auratus) They are the best known species in the pet industry. Syrians are also known as Golden Hamsters or Teddy Bear hamsters. This species is also known as the fancy hamsters of all the hamster species since they come in a variety of coats and colours. These include the short coated, long coated, satin variety, rex and even the hairless. Both the long and short coated Syrians are typically available at our local pet shops. There are however, some shops which carry the satins. Common variety colours available locally include the bandeds, dominant spots and solids. The fundamental rule about Syrians is that they are SOLITARY creatures. One should never house two Syrians together as they tend to ferociously guard their territory. If there is intention to breed them, there is a way where the female is placed into the male s cage only when the female is on heat. It is very risky and dangerous to house two Syrians together at any time as they are very well known to fight to the death. Thus, if you treasure the life of your hamster, never put two Syrians together. Syrians are large and comfortable to hold. They do make suitable pets for children but under adult supervision. Winter White Hamster (Phodopus sungorus) Winter Whites are hamsters that can change their coat colour when we minimise their daylight. It is not because of the cold so do not try and keep them in an air conditioned room. Their coats will change from their normal colours to a white coat but with their dorsal stripe and side arches visible. Winter whites come in three colours, which are Agouti, Sapphire and Pearl. The Pearl does not change its coat colour at all; they remain in its white coat colour for life. A general misconception is that Winter Golds are an acceptable colour but they are in reality not pure Winter Whites. Winter Golds are actually hybrids from crossbreeding with Russian Campbells. The common name for these orangey coloured crossbreeds is Pudding while the pearl coat is called a Pudding Pearl. Winter Whites are different from Campbells. Their eyes are bigger, fur is thicker, the body is more bullet shaped and their ears are less conspicuous. The differences between the two are more evident when they are placed side by side. Winter Whites are easier to handle for they have better temperaments than Campbells but they do not do very well in groups. Winter Whites prefer to live alone as they are more territorial than the other dwarf species. They can tolerate sibling groups but they may squabble often so they do require a big tank or cage. In captivity, Winter Whites rarely change into their winter coats. Therefore, one should not tamper with nature by starving the hamster or placing the habitat in a cold environment. The ability to change into their winter coats is highly dependent on the hamster itself. chinese dwarf roborovski Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovski) Roborovskis are the smallest species of all hamsters. Adult are only 2 inches in length. Unlike other dwarfs, Roborovskis do not have a dorsal stripe and they have slightly longer legs. This species is easily identifiable due to their size as well as the sandy colour and white belly. Roborovskis have very comical appearances for they have white patches over their eyes making them look as if they have large expressive eye brows. Yes, the smallest and also the fastest, this species is very well known for their speed and hyper activeness. This makes them not very handle friendly as they are likely to jump or run off your palm. Some may sit on your palm for a bit but generally Roborovskis do not like to sit quietly in the open. Roborovskis enjoy sand baths and a wheel. The sand bath helps to condition their coat for they are prone to greasy fur. Being so small in size, one would need to house them in a glass/plastic tank or cages with small bars. syrian winter white Chinese Hamster (Cricetulus griseus) The Chinese hamster is known for their mousy looks. Yes, they were discovered in China long ago. It has been said that Chinese hamsters are hard to breed in captivity and difficult to raise. Fighting problems occur and therefore, it is highly advisable to house them separately. The Chinese hamster is also referred to as a mouse-like hamster because of its short nose, thin body, stocky legs and longer tail. They do make great pets if they are bred by a proper breeder and handled often when young. Campbell s Hamster (Phodopus campbelli) Campbells are probably the most popular of all dwarf hamsters since they come in many colour varieties, making them highly attractive. They look somewhat similar to Winter White hamsters but they are in fact, a different subspecies. It is inadvisable to keep them together with Winter Whites as this is abnormal for them. Campbells are dwarfs, which means small hamsters. Although small, they are actually very active and fun to have, especially in a small group. You can recognise them with their thin dorsal stripe down their back and they are only 4 inches in length when fully grown. Campbells actually do well in a single sexed pair or a small group of the same sex. They are playful hamsters which are quite sociable although they do tend to build their own hierarchy. Squabbles may happen occasionally. They only get along if they were introduced at a young age. If one were to group them russian campbell as adults, serious fighting leading to fatality can occur. These dwarfs may not be suitable for young children as they do bite when they feel threatened or have been handled roughly. Their smaller size also makes it harder for children to handle correctly. Campbells are not aggressive biters; they are just not as patient with handling unlike other hamsters. 09

10 A Basic Guide to keeping Hammies * Hamsters are very active creatures so they do need their exercise. Naturally energetic, hamster love to run so it is best to provide a good solid wheel for them. Make sure it is a solid wheel and not those mesh wheels since those gaps can cause injuries. Syrians should have 8 inch diameter wheels while dwarfs can have smaller ones. * Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are mostly active at night. During the day, they would need some peace and quiet to sleep so it is highly recommended to place the cage or tank away from direct sunlight and provide them with a hide such as a clay flower pot or aroma burner or any solid looking hamster house available at pet shops. * Hamsters need a layer of quality bedding in their tanks. You can always get the wood shaving variety but you would need to change the bedding often. Avoid using pine and cedar wood bedding as this can cause breathing problems later in life due to the phenol oils produced by the wood. One can also use corncob bedding, wood pellets or recycled paper bedding/litter. * Hamsters love to nibble on hay and also build nest in their hide box for comfort. So, providing a bit of hay is good. Any hay is suitable, as long it is fresh looking (greenish). Avoid stale hay (brownish). * Hamsters should have a good amount of food in their food bowls. You do not need to worry about hamsters not finishing their food for they will hoard away old food to eat later. However, make sure fresh foods are cleaned out of the cage or tank after 24 hours. Use good quality hamster foods that have high quality grains and pellets that are good for your hamsters. Avoid getting cheap brands. Additional protein can be given. Quality dry dog kibbles and mealworms can provide some protein and fat into a hamster s diet. Do limit the amount. Good source of fiber would be broccoli, spinach, sawi (choy sum), kangkung and water cress. Sweet potato and normal potato can be given but only give cooked potatoes. No raw ones. Sweet fruits and carrots can be given in small quantities every few days. Hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, cooked chicken and cooked fish can be fed. * Have a good quality bottle for water at hand. Cheap bottles tend to leak. * Wash the hamster cage or tank once in a week. Just wash with some mild soapy water. Clean cages and tanks prevent the risk of getting infections. * Hamsters do not need to bath with water and soap like humans. Hamsters can clean themselves very well and they enjoy having sand baths more than getting a wet bath. A wet hamster can fall sick easily. * Handle your hamster daily. Build a relationship with your hamster. You can hold them, talk to them and pat them. These little gestures will keep your hamster tame and friendly and of course, happy. * Never wake up sleeping hamsters as they can startle easily and give nasty bites to protect themselves. This is an instinct reaction so do not blame a hamster for being aggressive... they bite when there is a reason to bite. * Always wash your hands after handling hamsters for they are still from the rodent family. Keep your self healthy for your hamster. VERY IMPORTANT!!!! - Most hamsters do very well alone. Roborovskis bcan be kept in small groups and best if single sexed but Syrians, Campbells, Winter Whites and Chinese hamsters are best kept on their own. They are always happier that way. - Never breed hamsters if you do not have the space. Hamsters can reproduce every 20 days or so. - Hamster fights are never fun to watch. - Always remember to have food and water available. - The bigger the cage or tank, the more comfortable for the hamster. - Syrians need wheels that are about 8 inches in diameter. Wheels are a necessity and not a luxury for hamsters. A recommended wheel for Syrians would be Wodent Wheels. - NEVER keep different species in 1 cage or tank together... BIG big trouble there, may have some injuries, deaths... and possibility of mixbreeding Campbells with WW... bad idea Hamsters do not have human emotion; they do not feel love or have emotional feelings like humans. So there really is no reason to breed them unless you have a purpose as a true hamster breeder.

11 Ask Our Vet O Questions to Dr. Lynnette Low Hill Park Veterinary Medical Centre No. 18 & 20, Jln Anggerik Eria AT31/AT Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam Q: What so Hot about heat stroke? Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans are. Never, ever leave a dog in a parked car or in the sun or without water! Contrary to what most people believe, dogs overheat more quickly than humans do. They wear their fur coat all year long and they do not sweat. They cool their bodies by panting, or blowing out heat, which is much less effective than sweating. What happens in heat stroke? Heat stroke happens when heat gain exceeds the body s ability to dissipate heat. High temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue. Liver, brain and intestinal cells are usually the first to be affected and this can occur quickly. Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 F to 102 F. If his temperature reaches 106 F, he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death. Reducing body temp quickly is imperative. A dog who recovers can still have organ damage and lifelong health problems. Temperatures above 106 F are extremely dangerous. Symptoms - Rapid, frantic panting - Wide eyes - Thick saliva - Bright red tongue - Vomiting - Staggering - Diarrhea - Coma First Aid Heat stroke is deadly! Heat stroke is an emergency! Cool the dog, in whatever way you can and get him to a veterinarian immediately! Hose him off, immerse him in cool (not cold) water, use fans, take him to air conditioning, or sponge the groin area, tummy area, wet his tongue, place rolled up wet towels against his head, neck, tummy, and between his legs. When his temperature drops to 104 F or 103 F, stop cooling efforts. Cooling too fast or too much can cause other problems. Prevention - Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car! Not even for a few minutes! Heat inside a parked car can build, in just a few short minutes, to as much as 40 degrees above the outside temperature, especially if the car is in the sun. Leaving the windows cracked helps very little and that s only IF there s a breeze. - For outside dogs, provide shade, ventilation and cool drinking water. Keep in mind that shade moves as the earth rotates. Make sure water containers are large enough to supply water at all times and secure so they cannot be turned over. - Brachycephalic breeds(dogs with short muzzle) are prone to heatstroke due to physical characteristics that impair ventilation and heat dissipation. Q: Eczema on my dog? How on earth did he get that? Summer Sores or Moist Eczema, Hot Spots can seemingly appear spontaneously anywhere on a dog s body and the area involved can rapidly spread. This moist, raw skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is bacteria. Watch for these skin sores and keep your dog well groomed especially in hot seasons. Any dog that has matted, dirty hair coat is at greater risk of developing Hot Spots. By the fur covering any accumulated dampness and not allowing evaporation, the wet skin surface is a perfect environment for bacterial growth and invasion of the skin surface. Many types of skin problems can be avoided if the dog or cat is consuming an optimum diet. If your dog or cat seems to lack good coat and skin health, consider upgrading the diet to a more skin and coat friendly pet food such as lamb, fish or vegetable base ingredient formula pet food. In combination to that by adding Omega Fatty Acid supplement with a number of beneficial ingredients in it would help to improve their skin and coat condition. However once your dog has developed hot spot you should get him to the vet as soon as possible because any delay would cause it to spread and worst if it attracts flies and soon you ll have squirmy maggots eating your dog s flesh away! Moral of the story, spend some time to groom your pets daily so you d be able to notice funny looking lumps and bumps or bold patches or squirmy worms perhaps? Don t have the time? Send it to the groomers please. Prevention is better than cure my dear readers. Trust me you d be spending more money to fix the problem once it has happen and your poor poor dog has to endure the pain! Q: Hairball can harm my pets? It s just hair! Hairballs can cause vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation in your cat. In rare cases, removal may require surgery. Spare your cat from these problems by following these guidelines. Things You ll Need: - Cat Comb and brushes - Cat Foods - Hairball Prevention Preparations Step 1: Brush your cat daily, especially while she s shedding, to help prevent hairballs from forming in the stomach. Less loose fur on the cat equals less fur in its stomach. This brushing should become part of a daily routine when you first get the cat and most cats simply love it. Besides the grooming benefits to the cat, daily brushing can increase the bond between human and cat. Step 2: Use a bristle or rubber brush for shorthaired cats. Step 3: Brush longhaired felines with a wide-toothed comb or wire slicker brush. Step 4: Feed your cat a hairball control cat food high in vegetable fiber, or administer a commercial hairball prevention preparation available from your veterinarian or at pet stores. 11

12 Pet $hoppers Wodent Wheel A safer wheel for critters to play in! Wodent Wheels are made to be easily disassembled for cleaning and are constructed of tough, safe plastic with a stable base of heavygauge painted steel. Wodent Wheels offer a much safer and quieter operation compared to conventional wire exercise wheels. Find Pet Shack - 102, Block A, Mentari Business Park, Jalan PJS 8/2, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: Sugar Glider bonding and sleeping pouch Suggies need a nice warm place to rest and feel safe in. There is no better place than keeping them near you at all times! Handwoven from fleece and reverse inside stitching to keep your glider s claws from getting stuck. Also includes a peekaboo window for your glider to watch the outside world. Now your little companion can follow you to your yum cha sessions too! Find Pet Shack - 102, Block A, Mentari Business Park, Jalan PJS 8/2, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: Maruken Bathing Sand for hammies & chinchillas (Type-MR49) Thought hammies and chinchillas never take a bath? Well they do! All you need to do is put this specially formulated bathing sand in this cute box and the critters will do the rest! What the sand does is it removes smell and dirt trapped in their fur. As soon as the sand starts to harden, it is time to change. Good for 3-5 days if it is used regularly. Find PLC Pet Safari (KL) Sdn. Bhd. S1, IKANO Power Centre, No. 2, Jalan PJU 7-2, (Level 2), Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya Tel:

13 Smart Wall Aquarium Auto Feeding Auto Oxygen Supply Auto Carbon Dioxide Supply Aluminium Alloy Material Auto Bio-Filter Unique Illusory Effect Expanding Space and View 5.5 Feet in Length Items include: A Fully automatic water planted aquarium, Installation, set up, and transport within 60 km from our store in Kuchai Lama (KL), Aquarium content ADA products and lay out, Twice monthly maintenance services, One year warranty for the smart wall aquarium the control chip. We at Ocean Life International (OLI) Malaysia have come up with a very unique concept where you need not worry about spending time on maintenance, disposal, hidden costs and other headaches of owning an aquarium. RENT a TANK is suitable for all kinds of corporate offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, shopping complexes, recreation parks, factories, community centers, religious centers, restaurants, business and shop boutiques. So all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your finned pets and we shall take care of the rest! CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION & PRICING! ALSO AVAILABLE: Standard Aquarium Sizes include 2, 3 or 4 feet in length 19 items included in package! Items include: OLI-Aquarium, OF Cabinet, Blue or Black Background, EHEIM Canister Filter, EHEIM Substrate pro, Tropic Activated Carbon, Dolphin Double Light, Gravel Sand, NS Air Pump, Check Valve, Transportation within radius of 60kms, setting ups and installations, Twice monthly services, and more! 50, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: , oli9307@gmail.com For other information, kindly visit our official websites at:

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15 Paw Pads Pet Spas - Grooming on a whole new level Pet Spas are a relatively new venture in Malaysia. Within the last 7 years, it was a practically unheard of practice to pamper your pet with a spa (correct me if I am wrong please). When the word spa is mentioned, visions of rocks, masseurs, steam and bathing mud comes into play. For us humans, we take spas as a means to de-stress, unwind and reward ourselves for all the hard work we slog through each day. Looking and feeling good about yourself is the first step to good health and this also applies to our furry four-legged friends. You wouldn t want your pet to go around smelling like a thrash can do you? Pet spas also help maintain your pet s health and emotional well being, helping them calm down, re-adjust their senses and enjoy a little bit more tender loving care (not that you don t give it enough, I am sure you do). The first thing that usually happens the first time you bring your pet to a spa would be a lengthy (or not so lengthy) consultation session. This is important as with that the groomers or pet masseurs will be able know your pet s temperament or skin allergies (if any) and pin-point the best and most effective route to take with your pet. Pet spa treatments vary from the normal bath, trim and snip, to the more extravagant mud massages, herbal skin soaks and pedicures. Your pet will also get a full grooming service from an ear clean-up to getting rid of that ugly looking tear stain on its face. Groomers are the only people besides vets that get a real hands-on look at your pet s physical condition; and they can do so even better as they spend more time with your pet compared to the vets. They are able to locate most skin and body problems that your pet may have during the many spa sessions it goes through. They can also point out old injuries or ailments that can be a problem in the future and can also direct you to the best possible kind of therapy to rectify it. Spas are usually done in stages. First off will be the prepping and trimming, to get rid of hardened hair so that there is less wash, blow dry and comb. Stage two is when your pooch will be given a throughout bath before preparing them for the relaxing herbal skin and mud treatments, finishing off with a steam (just like how us human counterparts enjoy the steam room). Lastly, your dog will enjoy a finishing trim, along with ear cleaning, fragrance, or even some extra wardrobe if you ask for it. Try it once and you will see that the benefits of pet spas far surpass the price tag it carries. If you feel like rewarding your pet something it well deserves, take it to the nearest grooming outlet that offers spa services. Even though your pet can t speak your language, they will definitely thank you for it. 15

16 Paw Pads The Pet Safari: Tons and tons of fun! hmm... this is not Nemo... Pet lovers of all kinds can now shop with ease and find almost everything they want for their beloved animal friends all in one place. The Pet Safari megastore is a jungle of pet products, accessories, toys and many other pet supplies for one to browse through. If you didn t know, the Pet safari is actually a collection of stores all under one roof that caters to the needs of your pets, of any kind. From the average hamster to the exotic reptilian kind, Pet Safari has it all. Stores like Tobypets and Toby Cats, East Aqua and Pets DE park all occupy their own select place in this 10,000 square feet pet megastore. The Pet Safari carries over more than 50 brands, including décor, medications and even organic foods. What they aim to do is to provide the widest choice of products and excellent service to give shoppers a one of a kind experience that will definitely get you and your pet coming back for more. Oh so cute! This is just one of the many cute dogs here... Wah! So many clothes to choose from! Lucky my girlfriend ain t here The Pet Safari not only carries products and livestock but also provides a pet hotel where you can board your pets and know that they are safe while you are away. Also within Pet Safari, a veterinary clinic headed by professional and experienced veterinarians caters to all your pet s medical needs. With this, regular checkups at Pet Safari would not be such a chore for your pets as there are many things awaiting them in the store after sessions with the doc! Jam packed with tons of products. Managed to pick up something for your pet to wear but the fur and smell just don t seem right? If looking good is what you want for your pet, look no further as Pet Safari also has an in-house grooming salon! Baths and full on cuts and snips offered at very affordable prices depending on the size of your pet. Ooh...They have a Veterinary Clinic here too! 16 Hedgehogs for sale! The best part is that the Pet Safari is located in Ikano, Mutiara Damansara a pet friendly shopping mall! Bringing your pets here will be no problem at all, just make sure they don t run loose! Dogs that misbehave can be put into boot camp at Pet Safari s training centre for some disciplinary lessons too. Hey even old dogs can learn new tricks! So what are your waiting for? If you have not been here before, do remember to pay them a visit! Don t forget to bring your pet along too! PLC Pet Safari (KL) Sdn. Bhd. S1, IKANO Power Centre, No. 2, Jalan PJU 7-2, (Level 2), Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: Fax: Operating Hours 10am - 10pm

17 Paw Pads Pet Emotions Sometimes we look at our pets and just can t help but wonder what is on their minds. Do they feel the same things we do? Are they sad when we leave for work each day? Do they get frustrated when their meals are not given on time? Do they feel jealous when the attention given to them is diverted to something else? What do they feel when we shift residences or change environments? (move into a new house or neighbourhood perhaps?) Stories of perfectly fine and loved pets turned anti-social and aggressive have been told before. Why is this so one may ask? I love and shower my pets with attention and love but their change in behaviour is so sudden? One must understand that the way our pets behave is usually a byproduct of how their owners behave. What we do in our daily lives will greatly affect how our pets feel and what our pets do. Dogs for instance, treat the family they are in as a pack. If there are any changes to the pack; an addition, or a subtraction, the dog may act aggressively to protect, or sad for loss. Changes in routine may also upset your pet. Example: You take your dog out for walks everyday, feed it food on time, spend time with it daily and then suddenly you take a month long overseas trip, leaving pooch with your parents to care for. Your dog may feel abandoned, making it less trustful of the people around it knowing that it may be abandoned again. People sometimes do not realize that their pet problems actually are in direct relation to what is happening to them. A change of furniture to the house perhaps may set the cat s territorial radar off. There have been stories of cats spraying and destroying new furniture as soon as they realize that their surroundings have changed. Unfamiliarity of the new structures causes them to reaffirm their territorial space, thus making them mark the new objects. Our pets behave in a way direct relation manner; I do this, this happens to me. This is how most animals learn how to react to situations and others. Never reproof your pet for something without solid fact or catching it in the act. It may not understand what it is being reprimanded for. On a small note, before we find that our pet problems are too much to handle, stop and ask ourselves what we have been doing first. More than often it s actually what we do that makes them behave like that. To solve our pet problems we must first train ourselves to behave differently so that our pets will follow suit. 17

18 The Dog s Blog Excessive Pooch Noise Pollution Before one asks why in the world is your pooch barking it s head off all the time, one must assess and observe what could the possible source be for your dog s barking problem. In most cases, a dog who barks excessively do it out of frustration or loneliness as dogs are social animals and do require much attention. If they do not receive the needed attention, they will find means to attract it, or vent out frustration. Dogs are not dumb and will not bark for no reason at all. What makes your dog tick? Dogs bark when they feel uneasy especially when they are put in an unfavourable place or situation. An example for short; sometimes your dog will spot something of interest and and wants to get it there but can t because it is behind bars (probably your house gate), it will get frustrated and vent it. I am sure some of you out there would have seen a poor dog being tied up in the house compound for hours to end, without any attention given. This will spur the dog s barking problem as it does not know how else to attain its freedom. Working with your dog to curb its noise pollution problems is the first thing you should do. What steps should I take you may ask. One thing you can do first is to limit your dog s access to areas that may frustrate or cause it to bark; one being the house compound. Mr. Postman, the electric meter guy, and the pizza delivery boys might be your pooch s worst enemy and will cause your dog to actively give warning barks. Your dog will associate them going away after the barking with boy, these guys go away after my awesome barking and will keep doing so to almost anyone whom so happens to stray in front of your house. Setting up a scene The second thing you should do is to not shout at your dog. Sometimes when you start shouting, your dog may start thinking that you are barking too, and thinks that you have joined it in its quest to get rid of the visitor. Teaching your dogs can be done with the help of some set up situations and a little bit of bribery. Have a friend pretend to be a visitor at the door and come by sometimes. Make your friend pass it treats and you must assure your dog and give it lots of encouragement and praise that. Pass your dog treats when it sees that you and the visitor are near each other and talking. Arrange for another meeting with a visitor but this time do not give treats and do not meet the stranger. If you place your dog in this situation after a while this will make your dog associate that when you meet the visitor - it is A-OK, and when you don t - it is alright to give warning barks. Try this out, but I stress that all dogs are different and the manner of conducting these situations may differ. Positive Reactions: Promotes change Remember to always reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement and encouragement is much, much more effective than negative reactions. As time goes by, reduce the amount of food treats and just give a good pat on the head or a belly rub (or what ever way you normally affectionately reward your dog). Dogs bark. Its their own natural way of communicating with each other and to the world outside. Changing what is inherently natural to them can be hard but it can be done. Just remember, trying to curb your dog s problem with force will make things even worse. Last but not least, do seek expert advice if you find it hard to control. Animal trainers or even your local veterinarian can give you valuable tips on helping you solve the your barking problem. 18

19 ChitChatCat Outdoor Cat? Indoor Cat? by: Alicia Pet Epicure contact: In Or Out? Many Malaysians opt to let their cat roam as they please but there is a growing number who chose to confine their cats indoors completely. Here s the lowdown on the pros and cons of both options. Unlimited outdoor access - The benefits of letting your cat have outdoor access - Appropriate outlet for natural behaviours Cats are hunter and can spend up to six hours a day stalking, chasing and hunting. - Exercise Have you seen an obese outdoor cat? - You don t have to clean your cat s toilet (however, this means you ll not be able to observe his output which can be a critical indication to his health). Cats that go outside probably have the most fulfilling lifestyles but are in turn subject to the dangers and risks associated with the great outdoors. - Injury - Many cats die because they are hit by cars or motorcycles. Dogs, other cats, local wildlife and people also pose a risk to your cat. - Poisoning- Cats can be exposed to poison by eating poisoned prey or coming into contact with chemicals used in gardens etc. - Parasites and disease Cats may spread disease such as FIV, FeLV and enteritis viruses while fighting or mating, or may pick up fleas and other parasites from prey and other cats. - Loss Cats may get lost, adopted by another family or even get driven away by accident. - Stress Timid cats may find the great outdoors overwhelming. Cute but deadly... Indoors only - The benefits of keeping your cats indoors - Fewer risks to physical health - Cats that are kept inside can live very long lives because they are not exposed to disease and danger. - Parasite free Being free of parasites means better health for your cat and your family, particularly your children. Accidents CAN happen. R.I.P. Escape is Imminent! Too much love = fat cat While this option can be safer, it is not for all cats. Some of the drawbacks include: - Behavioural problems, frustration and boredom Cats are kept totally indoors have higher tendencies of inappropriate soiling, indoor marking and other psychological problems. - Obesity Cats who don t need to hunt may become fat. Furthermore, the boredom on being indoors may lead your cat to eat even when its not hungry. - Anxiety Cats confined indoors can be become over accustomed to their static environment and resent and resist new cats and even people - Maintenence - Cleaning litter tray often as it will be used much more - Escape Routes - May be impossible to keep doors and windows shut at all times if there are children about. Escape can be deadly as they may not have the skills and street savvy to survive and even find their way home. At the end of the day, it is entirely up to you to make the decision that is best for you and your cat. Afterall, all cats and their owners are different with different ways of living life. 19

20 Our Furry Friends Chiny Chin Chinchilla! Chinchillas basically look like a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel, and will grow up to roughly the size of a rabbit. These furry fellows originate from South America and were first used not as pets, but as clothes and food. Chinchilla means little chinta in indian after the Chincha people of the Andes. Chins were at the brink of extinction due to the excessive killing for their ultra soft fur. Only in 1918, Chins started to be re-bred in controlled environments and became a protected species thanks to some dude named Mathias F. Chapman. By the 1960 s, Chinchillas were successfully re-bred and raised as domesticated animals. Chinchillas belong to the Chinchillidae family which is also part of the rodent family. Like their cousins (hamsters, mice and other members of the rodent family), Chins are nocturnal animals. They spend most of their time during the day sleeping and will only become active after sundown. Chinchillas are intelligent and very social creatures. They require lots of attention and bonding time with their owners or else they will tend get anti-social and be harder to handle. Keeping them means understanding their unique temperaments. Chins vary in temperaments from the gentle, hyperactive or mischievous. Getting one that behaves in one particular way means it will probably remain the same throughout its life as they are very temperament. When obtaining a pet Chinchilla, choose wisely. Keeping a Chinchilla Chinchilla living quarters must be made of wire or anything stronger as they can chew their way to freedom. Wired cages like the ones people use for hamsters and gerbils will do just fine but do make sure the cage can accommodate your little Chin s size. They can grow up as big as 30 cm. Bedding or a pull out tray should be used to absorb their waste and keep their home dry. The bedding or tray should be changed once a week if you have more than one Chin. Though Chinchillas are odour free, they tend to get smelly very fast if their environment is moist and dirty due to their thick soft fur. Their cages should be kept in a cool, dry place where there is ambient air as they are prone to heatstroke. A baby Chinchilla Chinchilla proofing your home should be the first thing you do when bringing one home. They LOVE to chew on things which also includes wires, plants, couches, pillows, etc. Cover wires with a tough plastic hose and keep expensive furniture away from areas where you plan to let your Chin loose. Proofing your house also means keeping your Chin safe as it can potentially kill itself with electrical wires or other hazardous home appliances. Feeding Chinchillas feed on pellets, rolled oats, nuts, raisins, etc. Any changes in food choice should be introduced slowly by mixing the new food in with the old. The feeding bowl should always be heavy or attached to something to prevent any spillage. Chinchillas can get quite hyper during feeding time. Your Chin should get its water from a metal spouted bottle that hangs on the side of the cage. A normal water bowl will cause the water to get dirty fast because of all the bedding. 20

21 PET CLASSIFIEDS Miniature Schnauzer, male & female, dewormed & vaccinated, without MKA & microchip, salt & pepper color. RM 800. Junnie Sugar Glider for sale, 2-3 months old, RM300 each, buy a pair get a discount! Jin Hoe / Maltese puppies, 7 weeks old, male, dewormed & vaccinated, with MKA & microchip. RM Junnie Shih Tzu puppies, 7 weeks old, male, dewormed and vaccinated, with MKA and microchip. RM 850. Junnie Deep Red/Pure White Toy Poodle puppies, 7-9 weeks old, male & female, dewormed & vaccinated, no MKA/microchip. RM 900. Junnie West Highland White Terrier puppies, 4 months old, male, dewormed & vaccinated, with MKA & microchip. RM 1800neg. Junnie ONLY RM30.00 NOW TO PUT YOUR PETS FOR SALE!!! RM30.00 Interested in giving your pet a new owner? Advertise with us for only RM30.00 to put your pet up for sale. Do provide some general descriptions which can include: what breed your pet is, what name does it respond to, where are you located, contact info and price. We also provide photography services if you would require any. For those interested, please fill out the form below, attach a photo of your pet (softcopies are welcomed), cut this page out and mail it over to Petster Magazine Main Kennel, No. 1A, Jalan Balam, Taman Milion, Batu 3, Jalan Ipoh, K.L. or to sales@petstermagazine.com for softcopies. ONLY! Name : Address : Mobile / Tel. : Pet Breed : Description : (Max. 16 words) Baby Ferrets available! Very playful, healthy and makes a super cute companion! Seri Kembangan. Call - Cathy Payment Method : Cash Cheque Bank Transfer PBB If you want us to assist you in taking photos, please tick here Signature : Date : *You will be contacted for further payment assistance as soon as we receive this form. THE MALAYSIAN NO.1 FREE PET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE magazine

22 The Pet Index Our products & service guide to all in the pet industry. Find what your pet needs right here! Pet Grooming & Clipping Kuan Pet Salon - 42A, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6, Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: IPETS Salon - No. C-G-3, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: DeniseDylan Grooming & Pets - E-45-G, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Tel: Doggie House Sdn. Bhd. - No. 29GF, Plaza Crystalville 1, Jalan 22A/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: Pet Fashion Trading - No. 1503B, Lower Ground Floor, Jalan Besar, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Tel: Meow-Meow Pet Saloon Sdn. Bhd & 514, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: Pet Food Suppliers Blackwood Trading Sdn. Bhd. - No. 4, Jalan Kasturi 3, Off Jalan Balakong, Batu 11, Cheras, Selangor. Tel: DKHS Pet Supplies Sdn. Bhd. - 30, Jalan PJU 3/48, Sunway Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: Pet Stores PLC Pet Lovers Centre Sdn. Bhd. - S1, IKANO Power Centre, Level 2, No. 2, Jalan PJU 7-2, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: Ocean Life International Sdn. Bhd. - 50, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: Buddy Pet Wagon - 66, Jalan PJU 3/20C, Damansara Indah, Petaling Jaya. Tel: Big Bone Pet Centre - 23, Jalan 21/12, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: Pet Shack - 102, Block A, Mentari Business Park, Jalan PJS 8/2, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: Qian Hu - The Pet Family - Lot 10991, Jalan SS24/8, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: Petaboom Pet Supplies Tel: Veterinarians Hand N Paws Veterinary Clinic & Pet Centre - C-17G, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Tel: Hill Park Veterinary Medical Centre - No. 18 & 20, Jalan Anggerik Eria AT 31/AT, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam. Tel :

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