PetzPark Hip + Joint Dog Supplement Review

Every dog ages differently but larger breeds tend to age quicker. We consider ourselves very lucky that our senior Belgian Tervuren Conner did not present any signs of canine arthritis until he was around 11.5 years, unless we missed the first symptoms altogether. 

If there ever was a dog that loved playing a game of fetch, chasing balls or having a good tug game with us or his Malinois siblings, it was Conner. 

He was also famous for jumping on the couch uninvited and turning into a lap dog (in winter time), now matter how uncomfortable we may be… 

But a couple of years ago in the early days of winter he was suddenly hesitant to jump on the bed at night, he needed to take a bit of a run to launch himself and his visits to the couch became rare. 

He started lounging about on the carpet for longer periods during the day and reluctantly sat when offered a treat so clearly something was not quite right…

Joint disorders are one of the most frequent issues affecting our ageing dogs with one in five adult dogs suffering from arthritis or other joint related issues.


We discovered a new Australian company called PetzPark based in Sydney, which specialises in supplements for your dogs and launched the Hip+ Joint for Dogs dietary supplement. Using naturally occurring active ingredients, Hip + Joint is manufactured right here in Australia.

With temps dipping into single digits in May, this was the perfect time to give this powder supplement a trial run with Conner and we monitored his progress closely.

Some background on Canine Arthritis

Cartilage is the major connective tissue which caps the end of the bones around each joint. It acts as the principal shock absorber between bones during everyday activities. 

Cartilage is made up of four major components: collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and water. 

Healthy cartilage requires a steady supply of these nutrients e.g. Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfates, Methylsulfonymethane (MSM), and more. 

These nutrients are transported to the joint via synovial fluid. This viscous liquid which surrounds the joint is responsible for joint flexibility, cushioning and resiliency. These substances naturally occur in our body but as dogs (and humans) age, we start producing significantly less of them.

How does Hip + Joint formula work? 

Hip + Joint formula includes particularly high levels of Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin which all serve a specific function: 

1. Glucosamine supports the structure and function of joints. It also helps strengthen and build healthy cartilage and repair damaged tissue. 

2. MSM has antioxidant, cell rejuvenation and joint healing properties. It restores flexibility in joints and also helps reduce the pain caused by inflammation.

3. Chondroitin Sulfate also supports cartilage health and helps reduce the deterioration of joint tissue. It reduces the inflammation commonly experienced in joint diseases like hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Hip + Joint for Dogs features a higher concentration of these elements than normal, which helps make an actual difference and you should expect to see quicker results.

Our Experience of Petz Park Hip + Joint with Conner

We’re not qualified to conduct a clinical trial, however we endeavour to obtain clear and unbiased results (good or bad) when we try any products from manufacturers. For this reason, Conner was “weaned off” all other supplements and we went back to a standard diet (nothing added) for the best part of 4 weeks. 

Hip + Joint for Dogs comes as a powder supplement (225g) which was simply added to our dog’s food twice a day. We mixed it in a bit of warm water to soak his food but you could just sprinkle it on top. This works for all dogs’ diets: whether you feed raw, home-cooked, wet or kibble.

The powder is labelled ‘Roast Beef Flavour’ which our limited olfactory capabilities could not detect but our dog probably did! To us, it just smelled like medicine...

Most companies advise you to use a loading dose (doubling the quantities for the first 1-2 weeks) but we noticed Petz Park did not, which indicates a lot of confidence in the effectiveness of their product from the start.

For most dogs (up to 27kg), the recommendation is that you only need one scoop (2.5g) once a day so based on 90 scoops per tub, this product could stretch over 3 months. As Conner (30kg) is being fed twice daily, we added a scoop to both his morning and evening meals. 

The first week Conner sadly had one of his (thankfully rare) epileptic seizures so it was hard to tell how he was responding to anything – it usually takes him a couple of days to start acting normal again…

But three weeks in, there was no denying there was a major improvement in his mobility: he was happy to walk up and down the double flight of stairs from the deck into our backyard unaccompanied. The lameness / stiffness in his back legs and hind quarters also appears to have subsided.

Conner needs to jump up around 54cm every night to land on the mattress and this had become a bit of challenge, to the point where we started questioning if we should get a dog ramp or steps for him. We had to lift him completely a few times last month.

He’s now able to complete a clear jump without hitting his legs on the edge of the bed. He’s also jumped on the main couch for a cuddle a couple of times which was proving too difficult previously and he would just lie down next to us with sad eyes…

He’s still weak as his muscles are suffering from the lack of exercise and his days of chasing tennis balls may be behind him but he’s improved in his overall mobility and he’s displaying more of a zest for life, even skipping through the door recently like a prancing pony, a side of him we had not seen for quite some time!

Looking at our tub after 4 weeks, it looks like we may still have 3 weeks' worth of powder left so Hip + Joint for Dogs not only delivered real results but also offers real value for money so it gets a big thumbs up from a happy dog mum!
As we all need to stretch our budgets at present, this is an important consideration.

The only minus was the short handle of the scoop provided - this only becomes an issue after a few weeks when you start dipping your fingers into the powder. Mentioning this to Petz Park during our trial, they replied saying that they’d changed their order for a longer one from their supplier so they take any feedback from customers very seriously.

So if you’re looking for a new joint supplement to help your dog live a pain-free and active lifestyle, we would highly recommend you give Hip + Joint for Dogs a try to see the difference for yourself. 

Used as a maintenance dose, we can make our 225g pack last a full seven weeks.

Price & Where to Buy

RRP: $49.95* (225g) from www.petzpark.com.au

* You can make 4-interest free payments of $12.49 using Afterpay

Discover Petz Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/petzpark/ or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/petzpark

Disclaimer: A 225g pack of Hip + Joint Dog Supplement was provided to us by Petz Park in order to trial the product over a 2-month period and complete our review.

Dog Lovers Book Club - June 2020

Having spent the last couple of months at home with more time to catch up on reading, your stash of books may have dwindled?

There seems to have been fewer book releases of late for obvious reason but there were a few that caught our attention for our selection of the June 2020 - Dog Lovers Book Club.

ONCE A WOLF 
The Science that Reveals Our Dogs' Genetic Ancestry
by Bryan Sykes

How did wolves evolve into dogs? When did this happen, and what role did humans play? 

Oxford geneticist Bryan Sykes used the full array of modern technology to explore the canine genetic journey when our ancestors first learned to hunt together with wolves. 

In the process, he discovered that only a handful of genes have created the huge range of shapes, sizes, and colours in modern dogs. Providing insight into these adaptive stages in "prose both scientific and poetic" (Booklist), Once a Wolf also focuses attention on how human evolution was enhanced by this most improbable ally. 

Whether examining our obsession with canine purity or delving into the prehistoric past to answer the most fundamental question of all: "Why do we love our dog so much?" 

This book is "a must read for anybody who has ever wondered about the origins of human's best friend" (Library Journal).

Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: WW Norton & Co, 7th April 2020

RRP: $35.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

EAT, PLAY, LOVE (YOUR DOG)
by Lara Shannon 

Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog) is the book that every dog owner needs, to provide their dog with the healthiest and happiest life possible.

Author Lara Shannon has drawn upon her many years of working (and playing!) with dogs as a certified dog trainer and pet food nutritionist, and through her TV show Pooches at Play. Her book is the essential go- to guide covering everything you need to know about caring for your dog from puppyhood until end of life.

Divided into three handy chapters – Eat, Play and Love. 

Lara tackles all the important subjects, from ensuring your dog gets the right diet it needs to thrive, through to how to successfully address common dog behaviour issues. You’ll also find some healthy D.I.Y dog food and treat recipes, brain games and activities to engage with your dog, advice for choosing the right dog for your lifestyle and guidance on overcoming common anxieties.

Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog) will help you to understand why dogs do what they do, and give you the necessary advice to meet the mental and physical needs of your furry friend.

Paperback, 248 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Australia, 1st June 2020

RRP: $29.99​, available where all good books are sold including www.booktopia.com.au

GOOD DOGS DON’T MAKE IT TO THE SOUTH POLE
by Hans-Olav Thyvold 

The wisest, funniest, and most inspiring book on friendship and ageing written by a dog you'll ever read.

'The best thing you can aspire to in this world, is company. Whether it's for pleasure or pain, a crowning or an execution: everything is better with company. You might say it all went to hell with Mrs. Thorkildsen, but you know what? It could have been worse, because Mrs. Thorkildsen had me to keep her company. And I had her. That's what we had in common, her and me, what bound us together. We were company.'

"Look at this!" Mrs Thorkildsen says, holding the book open to a certain page, and I again feel the quick jolt of fear that sooner or later she will lose track of daily existence, when I once again have to remind her that: "Dogs can't read."

At a nursing home, The Major, a World War II veteran, breathes his last. Watching over him are his wife and his faithful companion, Tassen, the story's narrator, who is, by his own admission, a couch potato and a one-man dog.

After the Major is gone, Tassen and Mrs Thorkildsen settle into their new life surrounded by books and stories of the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's race with Britain's Captain Robert F Scott to reach the South Pole in 1911. Regular visits to the local library and the bar next door provide all types of enlightenment. And Tassen and Mrs Thorkildsen provide company for each other.

However when Mrs Thorkildsen becomes ill, Tassen's secure world begins to wobble.

Beguiling, poignant, funny and thoughtful, this utterly entertaining novel is destined to become a favourite. 

Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Australia, 4th February 2020 

RRP: $29.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

I AM ABOUT TO LICK YOUR HUMAN
The Ultimate Book for Dogs and Dog Lovers
by Kate Pullen

A book that celebrates how great-and gross-dogs can be.

Do you take your dog to parties so that you know you'll have someone to hang out with? Does your dog eat better than you do? Do you have a doggy daycare report card stuck to your fridge? Do you regularly remove various disgusting things from your dog's mouth and hardly wince? Then this book is for you.

I Am About to Lick Your Human is a hilarious collection of doggo sentiments and situations paired with fun and playful illustrations. It includes a catalogue of all the things you'll pull out of your dog's mouth, confessions of a dog lover, and a checklist for the soon-to-be dog owner (number one: no aversion to bodily fluids). This is the ultimate gift for canine lovers that celebrates all that is good (and bad) about dog ownership.

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Publishing, 1st April 2020

Price: $17.50 at www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS’ CORNER 

BEYOND WORDS
What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel (A Young Reader's Adaptation)
by Carl Safina

Eye-opening, wise, and filled with triumphant and heartbreaking stories about the wolf population at Yellowstone (as well as some personal anecdotes about dogs), Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel accessibly explores the mysteries of animal thought and behaviour for young readers.

Weaving decades of field research with exciting new discoveries about the brain, and complete with astonishing photos, Beyond Words offers an extraordinary look at what makes these animals different from us, but more importantly, what makes them similar, namely, their feelings of joy, grief, anger, and love.

These similarities between human and nonhuman consciousness and empathy allow the reader to reexamine how we interact with animals as well as how we see our own place in the world.

Hardcover, 176 pages
Publisher: Pan MacMillan Australia, Imprint: Roaring Brook Press, 17th June 2020
For Ages: 10+ years old

RRP: $32.99. Pre-order at www.panmacmillan.com.au

CODE WORD COURAGE
Dogs of World War II
by Kirby Larson

Author Kirby Larson delivers a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and courage, and the incredible contributions of Navajo Code-Talkers during WWII.

Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mum passed away and her dad left. Billie's big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the war front. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch.

Billie's surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo -- about losing her best friend and trying to find their father -- but Denny, who is Navajo, or Dine, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other.

Soon enough, it's time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she'll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie -- and Denny -- find what's most important?

A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Media, 7th April 2020
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

RRP: $16.50 at www.booktopia.com.au

RIPLEY DOGS – DOGS WITH JOBS
by Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Did you know that a dog’s nose is 50 times better than yours? 

Easy to read, fun to see, and filled with amazing things, kids (even reluctant readers) will love Ripley Readers - Dogs with Jobs!

With stunning photography and fun, easy-to-read writing, this Level 3 book covers everything from hunting dogs to helping dogs. It's all true and unbelievable!

From the editors of Ripley's Believe It or Not! comes Ripley Readers. Designed to help kids build their reading skills and confidence at any level, this program offers a variety of fun, entertaining, and unbelievable topics to interest even the most reluctant readers. 

With stories and information that will spark their curiosity, each book will motivate them to start and keep reading.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 12th May 2020 

For Ages: 6 - 7 years old (Level 3 - for kids that are beginning to read on their own) 

RRP: $10.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

BLUEY: ALL ABOUT BLUEY
by Bluey

Meet Bluey!

Bluey Heeler loves to play, explore and use her imagination to turn everyday life into an amazing adventure. Learn all about Bluey in this fun shaped board book for kids of all ages.

Bluey has been a phenomenal success since airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, amassing legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more. 

It holds the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iView, with over 260 million plays for Series One, and is the winner of an International Emmy for Most Outstanding Children's Programme.

Board Book, 12 pages
Publisher: Penguin Random House, Imprint: Puffin, 2nd June 2020
For Ages: 3 - 5 years old

RRP: $16.99 from all good book resellers and online via www.penguin.com.au

Win 1 of 2 ALQO WASI Dog Jumpers for Winter!

To celebrate the release of our annual "Winter Warmers for Aussie Dogs in 2020", we teamed up with the amazing designers from ALQO WASI for your chance to win your favourite dog jumper from their latest collection, coming to you straight from the Andes!

Since we first discovered them in 2017, we have fallen in love with this brand, which creates timeless and authentic garments for dogs, made of luxurious Alpaca fibre blended with organic pima cotton.

Featuring ALQO WASI Alpaca Embroidered Flower Sweater

In Australia, a selection of their most popular designs is available exclusively from DOGUE Online.

Whether your dog loves to climb every mountain, follows every rainbow, is a wall flower who enjoys staying indoors or an inner city slicker who prefers to lap his puppuccino next to mum on the week-ends, you'll find a design and size to suit your pooches to keep them toasty warm and stylish throughout winter!

Dachshund model is wearing ALQO WASI Alpaca Red Splendor Sweater

Once you've browsed through the Alqo Wasi - Sweater Collection and decided together which one is YOUR favourite, the hardest part is going to be for you to step up and colour co-ordinate, not to ruin their look!

*** Win 1 of 2 ALQO WASI Dog Sweaters ***(excludes luxury collection) 

Total Min. Prize Value is $145 (based on style/size).

HOW TO ENTER IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3:

1) Like our post (29/05/20) AND Facebook page and/or Instagram Account

2) Like the ALQO WASI pages on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alqo_wasi/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alqowasi/ 

3) Comment "which design do you love best and what size would fit your dog?" via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or Instagram page.

Learn more about about ALQO WASI at https://alqowasi.com 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opened on Friday 29th May 2020 (4pm) and closed on Saturday 6th June 2020 (midnight). Open to Australian residents only.

Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive your prize directly from the company (Peru).

Congratulations to our winners this week: S. Sherry and C. Dwyer (via Facebook).

2. To enter, like/share our post and tell us "which design do you love best and which size would fit your dog?

3. This Promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner.

The entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team. The winning entries will be selected based on the most creative, informative or useful statement.

4. Please note you MUST LIKE our Facebook page or FOLLOW @australiandoglover on Instagram to be eligible.

5. Entrants in the competition can only enter once.

6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.

* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Beagle - Breed Profile

There is not much that is cuter than a Beagle puppy, with its long floppy ears and fun loving character. It is very easy to get carried away with buying a cute puppy without first considering its needs as an adult dog.

Small, energetic, low maintenance, the Beagle makes a great family pet as long as you know what you're in for.

History

The Beagle is one of the oldest of purebred hounds, his ancestors being traced back to Greece in about 400 BC. In Britain it has been mentioned in early literature such as Chaucer's 14th Century Canterbury Tales and it was a favourite of several monarchs such as Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles II and Elizabeth I. 

The modern breed was developed in Britain around the 1830s, from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound and possibly the Harrier. The Beagle was originally bred as a scent hound (as opposed to a sight hound). In Britain, they were used as a hunting hound since the 14th century and packs of them were used to hunt hares and foxes until a ban on hunting in 2005.

Reverend Phillip Honeywood established a Beagle pack in Essex in the 1830s and it is believed that this pack formed the basis for the modern Beagle breed. Honeywood’s Beagles were small (about 25 cm) and, according to John Mills in The Sportsman’s Library in 1845, they were pure white.

These dogs were produced primarily for hunting and it was Thomas Johnson who then refined the breeding to produce dogs that were both attractive and capable hunters. Two strains were developed: the rough and smooth-coated varieties.
The rough-coated Beagle survived until the beginning of the 20th century but is now extinct, having been absorbed into the standard Beagle bloodline.

The Beagle is now a very popular pet and show dog. It's worth remembering that it is the breeding that makes the Beagle what it is today, which directly influences its pluses and minuses in a domestic situation. 

Appearance

In Australia, Beagles are about 30-40cm (13-16″) at the shoulder and weigh approximately 11-13kg (24-30lb). They are a small to mid-sized breed, with a short, smooth, weatherproof coat.

There are many variations but the most common is Tricolour (black, tan and white); blue, white and tan; badger pied; hare pied; lemon pied; lemon and white; red and white; tan and white; black and white; all white. 

The Beagle's eyes are dark brown or hazel, fairly large, not deep set or prominent, set well apart with mild appealing expression.

Because of their correct dog shape, they are generally free of the genetic faults that plague many other breeds. 

For the Beagle Breed Standard, please visit Dogs Australia

Temperament & Training

The Beagle is said to be lively, inquisitive, and tolerant of children but most owners admit they are also stubborn and single-minded especially if nose down on a scent! 

Are you prepared to put some time and effort in training your new dog? 
Are you prepared to walk your dog on a lead at all times?

Beagles have been bred with a mild, even temperament, and being hounds, they have a high level of intelligence, which means that given good care and attention, they make wonderful companions.

Because the Beagle was bred as a pack animal, it is important that they receive plenty of company. This can be from their human family or from other dogs. 

If your family and lifestyle is one where nobody is home for long periods during the day then the Beagle is not for you. If you are regularly away from home for long periods and must have a Beagle, then we highly recommend you get another companion dog. 

If left on their own for long periods of time, they will tend to wander or get into mischief, i.e. excessive barking, taking clothes off the line, trying to escape – these are but a few avenues of entertainment for a bored dog.

A Beagle must be able to roam free in a securely fenced backyard and / or in the house.  The yard must have a jump proof, dig proof and chew proof fence that is at least 5 feet high! Wire mesh fences may be climbed, so good solid timber paling fences are suitable. If you can’t provide an escape-proof backyard, then DON’T BUY A BEAGLE. 

Beagles are adept diggers so will be you be happy to live with a back lawn which may resemble a lunar landscape, covered in craters and pot holes?

Are you prepared to make sure all your shoes, toys and anything else you don't want chewed are not left within Beagle range? 

Health & Lifespan

The Beagle is a tough little dog with few health problems. However, they can still develop health conditions. These are some conditions to watch out for:

• Epilepsy: A neurological disease that causes seizures.
• Hypothyroidism: A condition caused by insufficient thyroid hormones.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A condition that occurs when the discs between vertebrae bulge and press on nerves.

Beagles have an immense food drive and are often fed more than they need. As a result, it is often common see an overweight or obese Beagle which will significantly affect their health (it can lead to problems such as back strain) and reduce their lifespan.

Be sure to keep their floppy ears clean to prevent ear infections. Also, remember to trim the dog's nails regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can affect the gait.

Most Beagles live a long and healthy life, the average age being around 12-15 years.

Grooming

Their short, smooth coat only needs an occasional wash and brush. This breed is known to be a seasonal shedder and during that time will require weekly grooming.
Being a small, smooth-coated dog the breed will suit many people as an indoor dog, although they are said to develop a “doggy” odour, even when washed regularly.

Recommended for

Temperament: Friendly but stubborn
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Recommended for: Families, Active Households
Maintenance: Low

If you are have young children and are looking for a family dog, the Beagle is highly recommended as a pet for families with children under the age of 10 years. The Beagle is an ideal breed for active households. 

Photo Credit: Jaroslaw Knapek on Unsplash

For more information on the Beagle, please contact one of the local Clubs:

The Beagle Club of NSW Inc.
Beagle Club of Queensland Inc
Beagle Club of Victoria Inc
Beagle Club of South Australia Inc
WA Beagle Club Inc (Facebook Group)

Most Clubs also have their re-homing service and may have dogs available for adoption.

What is the Right Age for Kids to Have a Dog?

Parents reveal the age they believe kids can have a family pet with 1 in 4 saying it’s safe to have a pet at any age

Pet ownership rates in Australia are among the highest in the world, with 61 per cent of Australian households owning an animal.[1] Around two thirds of dog and cat owners refer to their pet as a member of the family,[2] but how many parents feel it’s safe to have their newborn, toddler or primary-school aged child around their ‘fur baby’? 

New research reveals one in four parents believe newborns are perfectly safe around cats or dogs, however large.

Leading online insurance comparison service comparethemarket.com.au commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1002 Australian parents [3] to find out at what age they think is appropriate for their children to have a pet (both cats and dogs). On top of this, parents were questioned whether the size of the pet matters, and what would be the reasons for not allowing kids to have pets at an earlier age.

1) Newborns

Interestingly, a quarter of parents (25 per cent) think it is safe to have a pet with a newborn baby. Furthermore, when it came to the size of the dog in particular, this didn’t seem to alter their views. Twenty-eight (28) per cent of respondents think it is safe to own a small family dog with a newborn, an equal 25 per cent agree in the case of a medium-sized dog, and 24 per cent said having a large family dog wouldn’t be an issue. A quarter (25 per cent) were also comfortable owning a cat with a newborn baby.

While it’s not recommended that young children are left unattended with pets, there are benefits to having a furry friend around the house with a newborn. A child who gains exposure to pets during infancy may develop a sturdier immune system and a lower chance of allergies.[4]

2) Babies up to age 1

Comparethemarket.com.au also found that more than a third of parents (34 per cent) are comfortable bringing a pet into the family when a baby is younger than one. 

Photo: Picsea / Unsplash

When it comes to canines - as long as it is small in size - 38 per cent of parents think it’s safe when the child is younger than one. 

This compared with 35 per cent if it’s a medium-sized dog, and 31 per cent when it comes to large dogs. Meanwhile, 36 per cent of parents think it’s safe for a cat to join the household when a baby is under one. 

Pets can be more than just companions, they can provide a soothing presence and non-judgemental support for children too. This is particularly the case when animals are used as part of a treatment plan to help children develop communication skills, along with medical, developmental and emotional disorders.[5]

3) Primary-school aged children

Nearly a third of parents (30 per cent) believe children need to be older than five before having a pet in the house. Forty-four per cent of parents think this in relation to introducing a large family dog, 31 per cent in relation to a medium-sized dog, and 22 per cent for a small dog. On top of this, 21 per cent think children need to be five years of age or older to introduce a cat safely into the home.

Regardless of age, children who have four-legged friends are found to benefit in various ways, such as gaining greater self-esteem, better social skills and are less likely to experience loneliness.[6] 

So much so that the NSW Government has implemented three programs – Living Safely with Pets, Living Safely with Dogs, and We Are Family [7] – in primary schools to teach children how to be responsible pet owners and ensure children and pets can live harmoniously together.[8] 

It’s important for parents to teach kids how to behave appropriately around pets once they are old enough to interact with them independently, for the safety of both parties. 

Kids should also be taught to recognise the signs of when their pet is unhappy or unwell, and how to practice good hygiene with animals too.

Photo: Mali Desha / Unsplash

Reasons why parents don’t introduce pets to younger children

Comparethemarket.com.au also asked respondents the reasons why they would not allow children to have pets at an earlier age and presented four scenarios: the pet might harm the child, the child might harm the pet, not wanting the added responsibility of looking after a pet, and not liking pets in general. 

The most common reason, chosen by more than half (54 per cent) of parents was that the pet might harm their child, followed by 40 per cent who were concerned the child might harm the pet. 

Knowing the task of looking after the pet would rest on their hands, 34 per cent of parents said they didn’t want the extra responsibility.

A further quarter (25 per cent) of parents said they think it’s safe for their children to have a pet at any age, while a mere six (6) per cent of respondents don’t like pets in general.

The responsibility of owning a pet also comes with rising vet bills, an expense that Aussies are forking out for more than ever. Our national veterinary expenditure increased by $414 million since 2016 – hitting $2.6 billion in 2019.[9] Last year, the average annual household spend on veterinary services for dogs hit $470, with 84 per cent of dog owners saying they had taken a trip to the vet in the past 12 months.[10]

Check-ups and vaccinations are among the most common reasons we visit the vet,[11] starting from around $80 and up to $90.[12] Meanwhile, puppy vaccinations can cost anywhere between $170-250.[13] The rates of microchipping and desexing have also increased over time, with 86 per cent of dogs and cats now microchipped, and 81 per cent of canines desexed.[14]

Comparethemarket.com.au spokesperson Hannah Twiggs says: “It’s common for parents to be hesitant about bringing a pet into the home around young children, as kids and animals are both notoriously unpredictable! 

Photo by Cecily Chenault / Unsplash

However, being prepared and doing your research around the most suitable pet for your situation is important – taking into account the personality and size of the dog or cat you choose. 

With pets often viewed as part of the family, looking after their health and protecting them from harm could prove costly if something were to happen. Households may want to consider getting pet insurance for peace of mind. 

Comparison services such as comparethemarket.com.au can help find an appropriate level of cover at a competitive price to help protect your furry friend – both big and small.”

Case Study: Erin, parent to a 6-year old daughter and Pug

Erin and her husband introduced their pet Pug, Blaze, into the family when their daughter Avery was just three years old. Having grown up with dogs themselves, they wanted Avery to have the same positive experiences they had. 

Erin intentionally chose a smaller breed as Avery was sometimes frightened by larger dogs. While it took around a month to adjust to the new four-legged family member, Avery now refers to Blaze as her brother, reads books to him regularly and even plays dress-ups with him. 

Erin admits they would have introduced a dog earlier if it wasn’t for the added responsibility, alongside juggling work and taking care of their first-born toddler. 

Now, Blaze is very much a part of the family and travels interstate on holidays too. 

Blaze is even having a party thrown for his third birthday next month, with party hats included!

Cost of common veterinary procedures without pet insurance[15]

Veterinary procedure	Cost of treatment for dogs	Cost of treatment for cats
Annual vaccinations and veterinary check	$90	From $80
Puppy/kitten vaccinations	$170-250	$170-200
Desexing	$200-500[16]	$115-300 (male or female)
Microchipping	$60-80	$60
Flea and worming treatment, and heartworm prevention (the first year)	$120-300	$100
Annual flea and worming treatment (ongoing)	$120	$100-150

Costs associated with pet ownership - average annual household spend[17]

Product or service	Cost for dogs	Cost for cats
Boarding/minding	$108	$96
Clipping/grooming	$154	$45
Training/behavior/therapy	$70	$36
Pet healthcare products	$224	$147
Alternative healthcare treatments	$57	$44
Pet insurance	$147	$69

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References

[1][2] Animal Medicines Australia, 2019, https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_high-res.pdf

[3] Survey commissioned by Pureprofile, February 2020, of parents who have children aged 16 and under.
[4] RSPCA Australia, 2019 https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pet-ownership/
[5] Raising Children Network Australia (supported by Australian Government Department of Social Services) https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/animal-assisted-therapy
[6] Australian Dog Lover, 2017 https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/04/national-kids-and-pets-day-april-26.html
[7] NSW Government, https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-and-cats/responsible-pet-ownership-program/promoting-responsible-pet-ownership
[8] NSW Government, https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Living%20safely%20with%20pets.pdf
[9] Animal Medicines Australia, 2019 p. 40 https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_high-res.pdf
[10] Animal Medicines Australia, 2019 p. 34-44 https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_high-res.pdf
[11] Ibid, p.41
[12] [15]RSPCA NSW, https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/owning-a-pet/costs/

[13] Ibid
[14] Animal Medicines Australia, 2019 p.43 - 44 https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_high-res.pdf
[16] Depending on age, gender and size
[17] Animal Medicines Australia, 2019, p.35 https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_high-res.pdf

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