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Pets

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>The roundworms of dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (Toxocara cati) can cause hard-to-diagnose disease in people</p>

outdoors

Parks and playgrounds are a hotspot for dangerous dog parasite

Dog and cat roundworms have been linked to loss of vision, difficulty breathing, asthma, epilepsy and cognitive decline in people

<p>Scientists estimate that the global production of dry pet food adds up to around 26.6 million tonnes every year. Picture: iStock</p>

outdoors

Carbon pawprint of pets: Are our dogs and cats secret climate culprits?

<p>Shelters are inundated with pets being surrendered for various reasons, including bans from rental accommodation and returning to work.</p>

news

'Heartbreaking': Elderly people being forced to give up pets to allow carers work in homes

Small and exotic animals to be cared for in new rescue house in Dublin

news

Small and exotic animals to be cared for in new rescue house in Dublin

Michael Clifford

Mick Clifford: For the love of dog on Father's Day

Paralysed dog walks again with pioneering 3D-printed spine

people

Paralysed dog walks again with pioneering 3D-printed spine

dog worrying sheep

Remote-controlled shock collars for cats and dogs to be banned

Owners who currently use these collars will be able to register for an exemption for their dog with the department

Tue, 07 May, 2024

West Cork couple complete mission to save dogs abandoned on islands off Hong Kong

West Cork couple complete mission to save dogs abandoned on islands off Hong Kong

A kayaking trip led to an extraordinary effort to neuter and rehome pets in a story that has parallels with the Wes Anderson movie 'Isle of Dogs'

Mon, 04 Mar, 2024

How having a pet can benefit children and teach skills for life

How having a pet can benefit children and teach skills for life

From companionship to an emotional life to empathy, having dogs and cats in the house has untold benefits for all the family

Sun, 04 Feb, 2024

Dramatic image of a small territorial chihuahua dog defending his ground .

Pete the Vet: Tackling bad behaviour and biting in dogs

Many people get it wrong about dogs and some methods touted by so-called professionals can do more harm than good

Thu, 05 Oct, 2023

'Unprecedented number' of dogs being abandoned and taken into shelters

'Unprecedented number' of dogs being abandoned and taken into shelters

The ISPCA says it rescued some 724 dogs between January and the end of August this year

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

Barking dog

Sarah Harte: Rather than ban certain breeds, can people just control their dogs?

Yes, dogs can be life-enhancing in a myriad of ways. They just need responsible owners with a modicum of cop-on and consideration for others

Wed, 20 Sep, 2023

'We recognise that pain of loss': Pet memorial garden to open in Dublin

'We recognise that pain of loss': Pet memorial garden to open in Dublin

The country’s largest memorial garden where animal lovers can remember their beloved pets will officially be opened by the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Friday.

Wed, 06 Sep, 2023

Pics: Limerick dog who helped owner through cancer diagnosis named 2023 Nose of Tralee

Pics: Limerick dog who helped owner through cancer diagnosis named 2023 Nose of Tralee

The Maltichon came into his owner's life three months after they were diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma

Thu, 24 Aug, 2023

Happy dog sits near owner using laptop and watches him work

Pete the Vet: Our new understanding of animal consciousness

All animals — pets, horses, farm livestock and others — must be allowed to enjoy the 'five freedoms': freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour (including having a social life); and freedom from fear and distress

Sat, 17 Jun, 2023

Young woman with Beagle dog in the park

Pete the Vet: I let my dog off the lead in a park near our house — is this okay?

The Irish Examiner's resident animal expert answers reader questions — plus, how to get in touch with pet peeves of your own

Sat, 10 Jun, 2023

Pet owners warned to keep animals away from lakes and ponds after death of dogs

Pet owners warned to keep animals away from lakes and ponds after death of dogs

People and their pets should not make any contact with blue-green algae which can appear on standing or stagnant water in summertime

Fri, 02 Jun, 2023

jack russell dog and blue domestic cat lying together in the garden

How often should you clean your pet’s belongings?

It’s crucial to use pet-safe detergents to ensure no harmful chemicals are ingested

Wed, 03 May, 2023

Dogs understand commands better when asked in a gentler voice, report finds

Dogs understand commands better when asked in a gentler voice, report finds

Expert dog behaviourist and trainer Suzi Walsh said she is not surprised with these results, which she has implemented into her daily work

Thu, 20 Apr, 2023

Young pit bull terrier dog in harness

Irish Examiner View: Stringent enforcement needed on new dog laws

Earlier this week Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue brought proposals to the Cabinet on this matter which look promising

Thu, 30 Mar, 2023

Dog Stock

Children living with pet cats or dogs ‘less likely to develop food allergies’

Being exposed to dogs is linked to a reduced risk of egg, milk and nut allergies, while cat exposure is tied to a lower risk of egg, wheat and soybean allergies

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

Woman suing pet shop denies tripping over her own dog

Woman suing pet shop denies tripping over her own dog

The owners of the Petzone store in Coolock deny negligence after woman claimed she tripped on a lip at the pet shop's door

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

Down from my doggy pulpit as Badger gives me lesson in humility

You think you know it all. I certainly did. I wasn’t slow to share my “expertise” in this column, or to criticise others for how they might have gone about their doggy business.

Fri, 17 Mar, 2023

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

I used to feel like a canine oracle — I am now far more humble (and exhausted)

Fri, 17 Mar, 2023

Best Friends

Having a pet dog or cat is associated with poor sleep quality

Scientists found that having a dog is associated with greater odds of having a sleep disorder, while cat owners have a higher chance of having leg jerks, also known as restless leg syndrome, according to scientists

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Looking down at three cats eating from a bowl

Pete the Vet: Managing pet temperaments, food dilemmas, pain issues, and more

Pete the Vet offers expert advice to cat and dog owners

Sat, 04 Mar, 2023

Pit bulls, alsations, and rottweilers seized in Co Limerick

Pit bulls, alsations, and rottweilers seized in Co Limerick

The dogs are currently receiving medical attention at a dog shelter in the Southern region

Tue, 17 Jan, 2023

Pensioner who fought to keep dog after biting incident passes away

Pensioner who fought to keep dog after biting incident passes away

A pensioner who won a last-minute reprieve to stop his pet dog from being put down after she allegedly bit a passing pedestrian passed away on Christmas Day. Donal Rogers came to prominence this year amid a fight to save the life of his dog, Kim.

Tue, 27 Dec, 2022

Young French Bulldog on the visit to the vet.

Pete the Vet: Exciting news as a second vet school planned for Ireland

This is an ideal time to carefully reflect on the role and responsibilities of the profession over the next ten years

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland asked to leave pets behind

Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Ireland are being asked to leave their pets behind as the accommodation crisis sharpens this winter.

Thu, 24 Nov, 2022

A dog dressed as a witch for Halloween. A golden retriever sits in a park in autumn with orange pumpkins and a large spider for

Pete the Vet: Is it fair to dress up pets at Halloween?

Dogs in costumes may provide superficial visual entertainment, but at what cost to the animal’s physical comfort and emotional state?

Sat, 29 Oct, 2022

Dog with sign 'Please don't buy fireworks. I am scared' hiding under blanket

Pete the Vet: How to protect your pet at Halloween

As with many challenges, the details of fireworks phobia are complex, and they are worth sharing

Thu, 27 Oct, 2022

Are Jack Russell owners the friendliest? And which pet owner is most likely to stick to the rules?

Are Jack Russell owners the friendliest? And which pet owner is most likely to stick to the rules?

New research shows that pet owners often unconsciously pick dog breeds that match their own personality and traits that they value

Mon, 10 Oct, 2022

Walking my dog on a rainy day

Pete the Vet: Wet pets are messy pets — keep your best friend safe, clean, and dry this autumn

High-vis collars and harnesses are handy as evenings get darker and dog jumpers aren't just cool-looking, they can have a real purpose — plus here's what to do if your pet is spooked by wind

Sat, 17 Sep, 2022

human bandage a shetland sheepdog in bathroom

Pete the Vet: My pet is injured - what should I do?

If your pet has an accident, when do you need to drop everything, and get them to the vet at once?Sometimes, these decisions are simple. There are many examples when it is very obvious that an animal needs urgent veterinary attention.

Mon, 12 Sep, 2022

Do animals have emotions or are we merely projecting our own?

Do animals have emotions or are we merely projecting our own?

When a dog growls at you, is it angry? When a squirrel flees up a tree at your approach, is it fearful? When an elephant stands for days on a spot where another has died, is it grieving?

Mon, 05 Sep, 2022

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Animal-loving Ukrainian sniper rescues abandoned pets from battlefield

The rescued animals include dogs, cats, birds rabbits and even a herd of pigs

Tue, 30 Aug, 2022

Time to Get Up!

Pete the vet: Crate training doesn't put your canine in the doghouse

Crate training, when done with sensitivity and awareness can be a really positive experience for dogs who enjoy some alone time

Sat, 27 Aug, 2022

Woman at home holding her lovely Devon Rex cat on lap and gives it a pill.

Pete the Vet: Does my pet need a nutritional supplement?

The pet supplement market is a booming industry with fish oils, probiotics, supplements and the like readily available but is it all just a marketing ploy?

Mon, 15 Aug, 2022

Netherland dwarf rabbit

Pete the Vet: How to treat dementia, dermatitis, and other pet problems

Pete the Vet answers your questions

Mon, 01 Aug, 2022

One-eyed blind cat and dog, isolated on white

Pete the Vet: Sight loss and blindness in pets - how to spot the signs and what to do

Blindness can be disorienting but it doesn't need to be debilitating for animals who rely more heavily on other senses

Mon, 11 Jul, 2022

Menu: Look after your best friend with a puppucino while you enjoy brunch

Menu: Look after your best friend with a puppucino while you enjoy brunch

And World Chocolate Day is on July 7 — celebrate with a cacao block from Nibbed

Sat, 02 Jul, 2022

Frenchie puppy licking her nose on her bed

Pete the Vet: My dog is licking his paws - is he stressed?

Paw licking can be a distraction that dogs do when they are bored or anxious

Sat, 04 Jun, 2022

You want me to pack ?

Pete the Vet: The fuss-free approach to taking your pets on holiday

Pets on a plane, train and automobile. Oh My!

Mon, 30 May, 2022

A Gold fish

Don't release goldfish into the wild, pet owners warned

According to a new report, invasive species are one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss, and the pet trade is responsible for about a third of all aquatic invasive species.

Wed, 25 May, 2022

A small striped kitten sleeps on balls of yarn and thread

Pete the Vet: Here's how you can be a more sustainable pet owner

Peter Wedderburn shares ten tips to make pet keeping more eco-friendly

Mon, 16 May, 2022

State struggling to accommodate the pets of Ukrainian refugees

State struggling to accommodate the pets of Ukrainian refugees

A shortage of kennel and cattery spaces nationwide is posing a challenge when it comes to accommodating pets which need to be quarantined upon arrival for a time

Wed, 11 May, 2022

Alison O'Connor: Maxi helped heal my broken heart but now we have to say goodbye

Alison O'Connor: Maxi helped heal my broken heart but now we have to say goodbye

'No more of the familiar tap tap of small terrier paws around the house' — sixteen years on, our much-loved dog is gone

Fri, 08 Apr, 2022

Future-proofing petcare: a new initiative shows kids the basics

Future-proofing petcare: a new initiative shows kids the basics

DSPCA is running free educational programmes for young children, the pet owners of tomorrow

Tue, 15 Mar, 2022

old dog keep crying

From yaps to howls: how to interpret your dog’s bark — and how to get them to tone it down

With the rise in dog ownership has come a rise in doggy noise. Could figuring out their growls and yelps make life more harmonious? And how do you stop them barking at delivery drivers?

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022