Dog Lovers Book Club - June 2023

Here are our top picks for the June 2023 Dog Lovers Book Club with a mix of new book releases and some old favourites to kick off your winter reading season! Time to grab your favourite cuppa to snuggle up under a warm blanket in front of the fire with your dogs (or cat, we won't judge)!

THE FLYING VET
by Ameliah Scott, David Brewster (As told to)

The inspiring story of the intrepid Dr Ameliah Scott, the Flying Vet extraordinaire.

Ameliah isn't your average vet - flying solo over a staggering territory of 200,000 square kilometres of red dirt and bush to tend to animals of all shapes and sizes, she's a rare combination of female flying vet and fifth generation farmer in remote Australia. 

She brings much needed solace, care and reassurance to remote farming communities in the heart of the country, while also raising her own young family.

With charm, honesty and wit, Ameliah tells stories from a life on the road and the skies, from attending the School of the Air and becoming a vet, to operating her mobile service in some of the most remote parts of the country. 

Her story spreads as far as her clients are scattered across the Outback, from far western New South Wales to northern Victoria, from the southwest of Queensland to eastern South Australia, treating valuable stock animals and beloved pets, and providing a precious lifeline for their owners.

Funny, moving and uplifting, Ameliah tells us about the diverse community she serves and the animals she treats, and celebrates the bush and the people of the outback - and Ameliah's passion for animal welfare. From treating animals in distress, wrangling hot-blooded goats to gelding biting horses and treating pregnant and calving cattle, Ameliah also battles the changing conditions of the bush, and the scourge of feral animals and plagues - all while navigating vast distances from the air, and raising her own young family on her own 120,000-acre cattle and sheep farm.

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 21st June 2023

Price: $28.50 (Pre-order) at www.booktopia.com.au

WONDERDOG
The Science of Dogs and their unique Friendship with Humans
by Jules Howard

A celebration of dogs, the scientists who've lived alongside them, and how canines have been key to advancements in science for the betterment of all species.

Almost everywhere there are humans on planet Earth, there are dogs. But what do dogs know and understand of the world? Do their emotions feel like our own? Do they love like we do? What do they think of us?

Since our alliance first began on the hunt and on the farm, our relationship with dogs has evolved considerably. And with domestic dog population rising twenty per cent in the last decade alone, it is a bond that will continue to evolve. 

In order to gauge where our relationship with dogs goes from here, author and zoologist Jules Howard takes a look at the historical paths we have trod together, and at the many scientists before him who turned their analytic eye on their own four-legged companions.

Charles Darwin and his contemporaries toyed with dog sign language and made special puzzle boxes and elaborate sniff tests using old socks. Later, the same questions drove Pavlov and Pasteur to unspeakable cruelty in their search for knowledge. Since then, leagues of psychologists and animal behaviourists have built upon the study of dogs and their much-improved methods have fetched increasingly important results: dogs have episodic memory similar to ours; they recognise themselves as individuals; and, in addition to their expert sense of smell, dogs' noses can even detect thermal radiation.

With the help of vets, ethologists, neurologists, historians and, naturally, his own dogs, Wonderdog reveals the study of dogs to be key in the advancement of compassion in scientific research, and crucial to making life on Earth better for all species.

Hardcover, 409 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 8th June 2023

RRP: $26.99 (Pre-order) from www.bloomsbury.com

A LITTLE DOG’S ADVENTURES IN A BIG DOG’S WORLD
by Suzanne Catalano

In A Little Dog's Adventures in a Big Dog's World, the author recounts the heart-warming story of her bond with her Pug-Beagle mix, Winnie, as they trained together to become a detection team in the sport of Nose Work.

This book not only shares the joys and challenges of this hobby, but also delves into the unique bond between dog and owner, offering insight and understanding into the world of dogs. For those who love animals or have always wondered why their dog is so focused on their every move, this book is a must-read. 

With honest and personal anecdotes, the author's story of how Nose Work has impacted her life will be sure to inspire you to look at your own relationship with your dog in a new light.

Paperback, 204 pages
Published: 20th March 2023

Price: $23.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

HOW TO FOSTER A RESCUE DOG
Training for You and Training for Your Foster Dog (from Selecting a Rescue to Adoption)
by Wendy Blanda

Are you interested in fostering a rescue dog but don’t know where to get started? Here you go!

Fostering a rescue dog can be rewarding both to the volunteer and to the dog. It is a way to help dogs in need, reduce the pet overpopulation problem, and have a loving four legged house guest on a short-term basis.

But how do you get started in dog fostering?
How do you pick a good rescue to work with? What do you need to do to begin? How do you select the right dog and the right adoption application? Isn’t it too hard to let them go? Don’t you want to keep them all?

“How to Foster a Rescue Dog” answers all of these questions, and more. 

• Why foster? The benefits of fostering
• Evaluating what kind of dog you’d like to foster and what you can give
• Selecting a rescue
• Bringing home and caring for your foster
• The adoption-ready dog
• Meet and greets with potential adopters
• After the adoption
• Other ways to give back besides fostering

This book goes into detail and gives advice far beyond what you will find on websites or what you will find in typical foster training.

Paperback (Large Print), 168 pages
Publisher: Indy Pub, 18th May 2023

Price: $24.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

DOGGED OPTIMISM
Lessons in Joy from a Disaster-Prone Dog
by Belinda Pollard

For anyone who ever loved a pet or needed a laugh...

In this humorous and uplifting read, Belinda recounts how her scruffy Aussie terrier Killarney has helped her through the toughest of days - and taught her to make the most of life.

Killarney is not afraid of anything that sub-tropical Australia can throw at her: venomous creatures, cancer, very large dogs. She becomes Belinda's furry comforter and cheer squad through job loss, grief, and failed romance.

You will be inspired by Killarney's motto: grab life by the throat and shake every last drop of joy out of it. Wrestle it, if you have to.

Belinda Pollard is a multi-award-winning Australian mystery author and former journalist who used to chuckle about people who treated their pets like children – until it happened to her. Her hobbies now include dog-walking in the rain and failing dog training classes.

Paperback, 262 pages
Publisher: Small Blue Dog Publishing Pty Ltd, 8th December 2018

Price: $33.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

A DOG WITHOUT HOPE
Neglected, unloved and abandoned, the puppy that just wanted to be loved
by Barby Keel

A moving, heart-warming and redemptive true story from the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, celebrating the healing power of love between humans and animals.

A tiny puppy, neglected and abused, and the foster carer determined to heal him.

When tiny puppy Duke is dumped at the doors of the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary by his young owners, the brown and white Boxer is suffering from horrendous injuries resulting from a car accident. Having been operated on by an incompetent vet, his back leg has been amputated in a botched surgery, leaving him weak and barely able to stand.

With gentle love and care, Barby and her team at the Sanctuary work hard to give this brave little dog a second lease of life.

Playful and loving, despite his difficult start in life, Duke is desperate for a forever family to call his own. But put off by his terrible injury, Barby is heartbroken as she watches Duke get rejected over and over again by potential owners.

Will Duke ever find someone to love him?

Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: Hachette, Imprint: Seven Dials, 26th May 2020

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

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

A DOG’S FIGHT
by Keegan, Fuqua (Illustrator)

A Dog's Fight is a gripping tale based on actual events, that is ultimately the story of the loving bond between and boy and his dog. 

Knox's journey of abduction to the perils of organized dog fighting, and the happy reunification will make you laugh, cry and rejoice as the story unfolds. 

Readers will connect with Knox and share in the realisation that dogs can and often do experience the same feelings and emotions as their human companions.

Paperback, 82 pages
Publisher: Kids4k9s Inc., 28th February 2023

For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Price: $39.62 from www.booktopia.com.au

LIKE CATS AND DOGS

The Tuckwilla Troubadours
by Richard A. Skeel, David Priesing (Illustrator)

Get ready to join Hugo the cat and Jeremy the dog on a fun and musical adventure in Like Cats and Dogs. 

In this heart-warming children's picture book, not only do Hugo and Jeremy get along, but they become the most dynamic singing duo in Tuckwilla, winning over the hearts of their fans. 

With captivating illustrations that bring their story to life, Like Cats and Dogs is sure to delight children of all ages and inspire them to celebrate friendship and teamwork.

Paperback, 72 pages
Publisher: Austin Macauley, 7th April 2023
For Ages: 6 - 8 years old

Price: $21.50 from www.booktopia.com.au

10 DOGS
by Emily Gravett

Ten gorgeous dogs chase, hide and play with ten juicy sausages in this funny, original book about numbers by the multi-award-winning, bestselling Emily Gravett. 

Bursting with energy and fun, children will love to count the dogs and the sausages, as well as looking out for all the funny details on each page. 

The book explores numbers one going up to ten, and ten going down to zero, touching on several simple concepts like half, all, more, less along the way. 

A brilliant companion to Emily's book about counting, colours and cats, 10 Cats.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK, Imprint: Two Hoots, 11th May 2023
For Ages: 3+ years old

RRP: $32.95 from www.booktopia.com.au

SAM FRANCISCO AND THE CAT DISCO
by Sarah Tagholm, illustrated by Binny Talib

"The beats were loud, the lights were bright.
The cats drank milk and danced all night."

Superstar DJ Sam Francisco wants to throw the disco of the year, but he won't if their crabby neighbour has his way. Luckily, it's the people (or in this case cats) who make a party, and these guys are the best.

Reminiscent of Hairy Maclary but with a unique beat and bursting with sass, this is a picture book for children and their grown-ups.

Hardcover: 32 pages
Imprint: Affirm Kids
For Ages: 2 – 7 years old

RRP: $19.99 from all good book stores and online at affirmpress.com.au

THE GARDENING DOG
by Cindy Wume

Meet two very special friends in this heart-warming and beautifully illustrated tale. Watch as a boy and a dog who don't quite fit in learn that a friendship, like a garden, takes time to grow - but that both are always worth the wait.

The Gardening Dog is never chosen to go home with anyone who visits the rescue centre where she lives. Instead she spends her time quietly growing beautiful plants. Then one day she meets a boy called Lewis, who much prefers drawing to running around with all the other children. 

Working together, Lewis and The Gardening Dog create a wonderful community garden for everyone to share – and as new shoots grow outside, they build a deep friendship that leads to a new start for them both.

Format: Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK, 30th May 2023
For Ages: 3+ years old

Price: $14.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

KNITTING FOR DOGS
by Laurel Molk

A funny and creative look at how to turn a problem into a solution.

Max is a big dog who lives with Izzy, a medium-sized girl, who has big ideas. Izzy can build anything-a birdhouse, a wooden swing, a tent, and even a catapult that really works. So when Izzy takes up knitting, she expects to be able to knit anything. But trying to make a sweater seems impossible.

While scarves and hats knit up quickly, her sweaters always come out too big, too small, or with too many mistakes. As Izzy's knitting nightmares pile up, it takes a trip with Max to the dog park to figure out what she can do with them. Maybe these aren't mistakes after all!

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Random House US Children's Books, 28th February 2023

Price: $28.90 from www.booktopia.com.au

Cancer in Boxer Dogs identified as a health priority

New RVC study identifies cancers as health priority in Boxer dogs

In the largest ever study of Boxer dogs using veterinary records, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College have identified the most common health disorders in the breed in the UK.

Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found the most common health conditions in UK Boxer dogs are ear problems, tumours and eye ulcers. These results will help owners and vets provide breed-focused targeted preventative healthcare and better inform and prepare potential owners for what to expect from the unique breed.

The Boxer dog has long been a popular dog breed in the UK, with this study finding that one in every 100 dogs in the UK are Boxers. Previous to this study, there were concerns that their relatively flattened faces (moderate brachycephaly) might mean Boxers were more likely to suffer from the problems commonly associated with flat face breeds such as breathing problems and skin fold infections. However, despite these concerns, until now, there has been limited evidence on the overall health status of Boxers.

This study, led by the RVC’s VetCompass programme, aimed to explore these and other important health concerns in Boxers. They did so via analysis of the clinical records of a random sample of 3,219 Boxer dogs who received veterinary care in 2016.

Disproving some false narratives about the breed’s health risks, the study found that many of the common disorders that Boxers experience are typical of all dog breeds, including ear infections, dental problems and obesity. 

So in that sense, many of the health issues of Boxers are just typical dog problems overall. 

However, the study did identify some specific conditions that Boxers were at a substantially higher risk of developing. These included tumours/cancers (neoplasia), gum mass (epulis) and eye ulceration. These show that the Boxer also has some important health concerns that are specific to the breed.

The study found that 14.2 per cent (one in seven) of Boxers were diagnosed with cancer (neoplasia) each year. Cancer was also found to be the most common cause of death (12.43% of all deaths), suggesting cancer should be considered a health priority for the breed. 

Following neoplasia, the next most common causes of death identified were brain disorders (9.54%) and mass lesions (lumps) (8.38%). The most commonly reported overall groups of disorders alongside neoplasia, were skin disorders (17.74%) and ear disorders (10.41%).

The most commonly recorded specific disorders of Boxers included otitis externa (ear infection, being diagnosed in 7.15% of Boxers in 2016), epulis (fleshy lump on the gum) (5.84%); corneal ulceration (eye ulcer) (5.00%); periodontal disease (gum disease) (4.63%); heart murmur (abnormal sound in heartbeat) (4.29%); and skin mass (abnormal skin growth/lump) (4.29%).

Boxers were shown to be quite large dogs, weighing on average 30.4kg, which owners should take into account when considering acquiring a Boxer dog (e.g. cost of feeding, issues around handling). Female Boxers (27.6kg) on average weighed quite a bit less than males (33.0kg).

Honey (Female Boxer, 7) - Credit Emily Stretch 

Additional findings include:

✔️ The most common colours of Boxer dogs were brindle (23%) and dark red (23%) but 11% of Boxer dogs were white. Despite previous concerns, there was little evidence of major health differences between white and non-white Boxers.

✔️ Among the 34 most common specific disorders, females had a higher risk of periodontal disease, skin masses, and urinary incontinence than males, while males had a higher probability of heart murmurs, aggression and aural (ear) discharge than females.

✔️ Among the 22 most common groups of disorders, females were more likely to be diagnosed with mass lesions (lumps), dental disorders, and urinary system disorders, while males were more likely to be diagnosed with behavioural disorders.

✔️ White and non-white dogs did not differ in the risk for any of the 34 most common specific disorders.

✔️ The average lifespan of Boxer dogs overall was 10.46 years. There was no difference in the average lifespan of females (10.41 years) and males (10.53 years).

These results will assist veterinary surgeons to identify preventative health priorities for Boxers and provide prospective and current Boxer owners with information on health issues to look out for.

Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said:

“Boxer dogs are an iconic breed with a long and rich history. This study provides modern evidence to help owners to choose and care for their Boxer dogs today based on a solid scientific grounding that should ensure better lives for both the dogs and their owners.”

Alison Skipper, Researcher in Canine Health Research at the RVC, and co- author of the paper, said:

“This study provides useful evidence that the Boxer, which is a moderately brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, has fewer common health problems directly related to its body shape than the extreme brachycephalic breeds investigated by previous VetCompass studies. This both suggests that less extreme brachycephalic conformation has less impact on health and also shows how disease patterns may vary considerably between breeds, supporting the value of breed-specific health data.”

Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeding Services Executive at The Kennel Club, added:

“This widescale research, supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, enables better understanding of breed-specific health concerns, and these findings will feed into the breed’s Health and Conservation Plans, managed by The Kennel Club to identify and monitor any concerns, and continue to improve health.

“We’re pleased this study indicates that most disorders faced by Boxers are fairly common for all dogs, and that there don’t seem to be any prevalent extreme health conditions, including those which can be associated with other Brachycephalic breeds. It remains crucial that puppy buyers do thorough research regarding breed health and go to a responsible breeder; this plays an important part in improving the health and welfare of all breeds, now and in generations to come.”

Reference:

O’Neill et al. (2023) “Demography, common disorders and mortality of Boxer dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK”. Canine Medicine and Genetics.
The DOI for the paper is: 10.1186/s40575-023-00129-w
The full paper is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-023-00129-w

About the Royal Veterinary College

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London.
It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with reciprocal recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada.
The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2023.

· The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
· The RVC is a research-led institution, with 88% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
· The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.

For more information, head to http://www.rvc.ac.uk

Related Stories:

Boxer Dog Breed Profile

WSVA warns of emerging crisis caused by the popularity of Brachycephalic breeds

Why people choose flat-faced dogs despite major health risks

Managing Bella's Canine Lymphoma Diagnosis

Managing a pet cancer diagnosis is possible with right resources and support

A retired policeman’s quest to improve his dog’s quantity and quality of life. 

As a pet owner, hearing the news that your furry companion has been diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. Retired Melbourne police officer Michael Ferdinand knows the heartbreak when his 7-year-old dog Bella was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the B-cell and has no cure.

In a video interview to help other pet owners navigate their pet’s diagnosis, Mr Ferdinand shares his family’s journey managing the cancer of their beloved Labrador – from diagnosis, prognosis and options for treatment to finding an anti-cancer drug trial that gave Bella more time with her family and quality of life that she deserved, until it was time to say goodbye.

Bella, lying next to the family's new dog Teddy Bear.  "Bella was like a mum to Teddy and
she loved playing with him. They slept together nearly every night. "

Dr Kathleen O’Connell, specialist veterinary oncologist from Animal Referral Hospital Brisbane (QLD), notes that about 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer¹. 

Also, canine lymphoma is one of the most common and aggressive types of cancer diagnosed in dogs, accounting for around 7 to 14% of all cancers diagnosed².

“B cell lymphoma is the more common type of lymphoma and comprises around 60 to 80%³ of cases seen,” she says.

“Symptoms can include swellings (enlarged lymph nodes), lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite.”

One of the most significant effects of managing a pet cancer diagnosis is the emotional toll it can take on the owners.

“Pets are often considered family members, and the thought of losing them can be distressing. Add to this the daily management of the disease, which can create feelings of overwhelm, fear and uncertainty,” says Dr O’Connell. “However, managing your pet’s cancer diagnosis is possible with the right resources and support for pet parents.”

Bella’s diagnosis was by chance

It all began when Michael took Bella down to the beach for a run, and she tore the cruciate ligament in her right back leg. She had reconstructive surgery, and a month later, their vet found lymphoma in the back of her knees and under her chin.

Bella after her first scan in Albury and she's like:
"Don't take a photo of me with no hair on my tummy!" 

“Poor Bella, to go from a knee operation to lymphoma in such a short time was the worst news we could receive,” says Michael.

“The one positive was that if she hadn’t injured her knee, she probably would not have been visiting the vet. I did not notice the lumps were there on her hind legs until the vet showed me. Her diagnosis would have been severely delayed to the point where we may have lost her in a very short amount of time.”

Upon Bella’s cancer diagnosis, Mr Ferdinand was referred to a veterinary oncologist who presented options to manage Bella’s cancer.

Dr O’Connell explains, “Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are highly recommended, but they can cause side effects, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

“Currently, the mainstay of canine B cell lymphoma treatment is chemotherapy. Without further therapy, it has a very poor prognosis and survival time is short. Not every owner may opt to pursue chemo and are left looking for other options to help improve quality of life and extend survival time.”

A second commonly chosen option, palliative care, means your dog may need to take steroids and may only have a short time to live.

“Palliative care may be chosen alongside a more aggressive treatment, or it may be reserved for patients when the cancer is advanced or has spread extensively, and the prognosis for long-term survival is poor,” says Dr O’Connell.

“There may also be treatment limitations due to concurrent health concerns and the owner may decide that, due to incurable cancer, they want to improve quality of life and minimise side effects of treatment.”

Anti-cancer drug trials also treatment option

After weighing the options, Mr Ferdinand investigated a third alternative – an anti-cancer drug trial run by biotech company PharmAust, and Bella was eligible!

Dr O’Connell is one of the vets from around Australia, New Zealand and United States evaluating the drug Monepantel (MPL) in dogs that have been newly diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and have not started any treatment.

The 28-day drug trial includes three veterinary check-ups ­– at the start, at 14 days and 28 days of the trial. Although this meant Mr Ferdinand had to travel from his home in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula to the nearest trial centre in Albury, NSW, he says it was worth it for Bella to have a good quality of life.

Bella living her best life during the Monepantel anti-cancer drug trial run by PharmAust

“I looked at the quality of life with PharmAust’s MPL trial against the quantity of life with chemotherapy ­– because chemo can give you one to two years’ life extension, but it only puts cancer into remission and it will come back,” he says.

“I didn’t want Bella to go through the trauma of every week for 12 to 16 weeks, potentially experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or incontinence. On Monepantel, Bella’s quality of life was as close to normal as it could be.

“Being on the trial eased my emotions quite a lot because of Bella's lack of side effects while on the drug. It would have been extremely upsetting for me to watch Bella experiencing the side effects that come while being on chemotherapy.

“I would recommend owners to take a step back once they receive their pet’s diagnosis and do some research. Call other local vets for more information and see if any drug trials are available in the area. Take a day or two to consider your options, but don't take too long, as lymphoma is a quick-acting cancer.”

Sadly, Bella passed away on April 6, just a few days after Mr Ferdinand finished filming the video interview, Bella’s legacy. You can also read Mr Ferdinand’s testimonial about the drug trial here.

Managing pet cancer diagnosis requires a team effort

Ultimately, managing a pet cancer diagnosis requires a team effort, says Dr O’Connell.

“Veterinarians, pet owners and support systems must work together to ensure that pets receive the care they need. While a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, resources and support are available to help dog owners navigate this journey,” she says.

“The first and most important step would be to contact their veterinarian; this can be with their local general practitioner or specialist. Both will be able to offer guidance and support by discussing their concerns.

“If owners find the process daunting, reaching out to support groups or an online community will connect them to other owners that have experienced similar challenges, which can be immensely helpful.”

If an owner is struggling with their own mental health, then getting support during this time is essential.

“Therapy and counselling services can provide some people with an improved ability to deal with stress and help develop improved coping mechanisms while going through these difficult challenges,” she says.

About PharmAust Monepantel anti-cancer drug trial

Working towards a successful alternative treatment for canine lymphoma, PharmAust is continuing the recruitment of pet dogs in Australia, New Zealand and the United States with untreated B cell lymphoma to finalise the evaluation of Monepantel (MPL).

MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication and species, and PharmAust aims to repurpose MPL as a safe and effective cancer treatment. During Phase 2a and Phase 2b trials, Monepantel demonstrated effective anti-cancer activity and minimal side effects, which supports continued development into Phase 3 registration trials.

In Australia, participating veterinary trial centres have been set up in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

For trial eligibility, participant case studies and veterinary trial centre locations, visit www.pharmaust.com/petdogtrial

written by Kylie Baracz, Content by Kylie, May 2023

About PharmAust Limited

PharmAust (PAA) is a clinical-stage company developing targeted cancer therapeutics for both humans and animals. The company specialises in repurposing marketed drugs lowering the risks and costs of development. These efforts are supported by PAA’s subsidiary, Epichem, a highly successful contract synthetic drug manufacturer which generated $3.4 million in sales of goods & services in FY 2022.

PAA’s lead drug candidate is monepantel (MPL), a novel, potent and safe inhibitor of the mTOR pathway - a key driver of cancer. MPL has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials in humans and dogs. MPL treatment was well-tolerated in humans, demonstrating preliminary evidence of anticancer activity. MPL demonstrated objective anticancer activity in dogs. PAA is uniquely positioned to commercialise MPL for treatment of human and veterinary cancers as it advances the drug into Phase 2b clinical trial. 

To discover more, visit www.pharmaust.com  

Related Stories:

Treating Canine Lymphoma: Why you should check your dog for lumps

Update on PharmAust Canine Cancer Trials

New survey investigates how we view our pets

Are our pets seen as equally as important as human children and other loved ones?

• New Compare the Market survey reveals roughly half of all pet owners say their pet is just as important as human children and loved ones.
• Almost one-in-two pet owners call their pets ‘fur-babies’.
• Women and younger generations are more likely to call their pets fur-babies and view them as equally as important as human loved ones.

Pets are often seen as part of the family, and a new survey shows such sentiment is only growing as younger generations become pet owners.

According to Compare the Market, roughly half of pet owners in Australia, Canada and the USA view their pets as equally as important as their own human children.

This was highest in America, where 55.5% of pet parents agreed with this statement. Canadian pet owners followed at 49.6%, and slightly less Australians agreed at 48.2%.

Perhaps shockingly, almost one-in-ten pet owners said their pets were more important than their own children or other loved ones.

Women with pets were more likely than men to say that their pets were equally as important as children and loved ones. Younger generations were also more likely to agree with this statement than older generations – except in America where every generation agreed with the statement that pets are equally as important as human loved ones.


Pet parent is an increasingly apt term. Just under 50% of pet owners use/have used this term to refer to their own beloved pets. This was most common in Canada, where 48.9% of pet owners use the endearing phrase, followed by 47.6% of American pet owners and 42.1% of Australian pet owners.

As before, female pet owners were more likely to use the phrase fur-baby than male pet owners, and younger pet owners were more likely to use the term than older pet owners. Both of these trends were seen in all three nations surveyed.

While most pet owners didn’t have pet insurance for their pets, those who call their pets fur-babies or think their pets are more important than their children or loved ones are most likely to have cover.

Compare the Market’s General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, explains how pet insurance can help pet owners look after the wellbeing of their furry family members, noting that vet bills can be very expensive.

“Pet insurance can help cover a significant proportion of a vet bill, reducing the amount you’ll be charged if you need to take your cat or dog to the vet for urgent care,” Mr Taylor says.

“Top of the range pet insurance policies also cover routine care like vaccinations, check-ups, deworming, microchipping and even behaviour classes. This helps add a lot of value for owners and can help improve the wellness of our pets.”

To view the full range of data tables and breakdowns, visit: www.comparethemarket.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th May 2023

Related Topics:

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Australians love for their pets skyrockets!

Top 10 Insured Dog Breeds in Australia (and Top Claims)

Huge Increase in Australian Pet Spending in the last 3 years

Win 2 Pet-Mat Pet Heating Pads for your dogs

Our Malinois Aramis & Porthos and our cat Arya are heat-seeking missiles at this time of year and will claim 'first dibs' on our couch or the bed! On those frosty winter mornings and early nights, we never seem to have enough mats, blankets or heating!

But when you’re looking for a safe and cost effective way to keep your pets warm this year, check out Pet Mat™. It’s an easy way to provide on-demand warmth for your dog/s all winter!

Pet Mat™ uses a unique touch-activated technology that warms only when the pet is on the mat. It heats within 5 minutes of contact, and cools when the pet moves on. Your pooch can come and go and always has warm place to come back to.

With very low energy consumption, Pet Mat™ is an eco-friendly and economical pet heating solution too. You can run Pet Mat™ 24/7 with similar energy use as a computer on screensaver. With rising electricity costs, it’s a smart choice this winter.

No need to worry about overheating either. Pet Mat™ will warm between 20-30 degrees above room temperature with a maximum range of 40 degrees. It’s easy to clean, easy to store and when properly cared for, can be used year in and year out.

Whether you care for one puppy or an entire litter, a senior dog suffering from osteoarthritis or a chronic illness, or your pet is recovering from an injury, it is essential to keep them warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

** Win 1 of 2 Pet-Mat™ Heated  Animal Pads **

(Both Large size; Total Prize Pool: $259.00)

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Like our Post (29/05/2023) and our Facebook page or Instagram account.

2) Like the Pet-Mat Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PetMatAu/ or Instagram page @petmat_au

3) Comment "why does your dog need this extra warmth over winter?" 

NB: photo or video entries are encouraged via our Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or on Instagram (simply tag us in your post* - your account must be set to public).

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opened on Monday 29th May 2023 (4:30pm) and will closed (extended) on Saturday 10th June, 2023 (11:59pm, A.E.S.T.). 

Congratulations this week to: Nix Page, Sharmaine Mccauley (via Facebook).

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your prize to be delivered directly from the company.

2. To Enter, Like both Accounts and our Post (29/05/23) + Tell us "why does your dog need extra warmth this winter?" (photos/videos welcome) via our Australian Dog Lover Facebook page  or Instagram @australiandoglover.

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 BOTH our Facebook page and the Pet-Mat:Heated Animal Pads pages to be eligible for a prize.

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.

Related Topics:

Win 1 of 2 Pet-Mat Heated Pads (Medium) for your Cats 

Canine Arthritis & Joint Mobility Issues