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Caring for your pet ๐Ÿฉบ

Happy pets are healthy pets. Practical, vet-reviewed advice for the everyday care of your best mate.

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Your new pet

The first week at home โ€” settling in, safe spaces, and building trust one treat at a time.

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Training & behaviour

Positive reinforcement basics, toilet training, lead manners and solving common behaviour hiccups.

Training toys & puzzle feeders โ†’
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Desexing

What desexing involves, when to do it, and the health and behaviour benefits for your pet.

Desexing costs & timing guide โ†’
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Grooming

Brushing, bathing, nails and ears โ€” simple routines that keep coats shiny and pets comfortable.

Shop grooming supplies โ†’
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Diet & exercise

Choosing the right food, portion sizes, toxic foods to avoid, and keeping your pet fit for life.

โš ๏ธ Toxic foods danger list โ†’  Dog foods โ†’  Cat foods โ†’
โš–๏ธ Dog weight loss guide โ†’  โš–๏ธ Cat weight loss guide โ†’
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Everyday living

Pet-proofing your home, travelling safely, and daily habits that make life together easy.

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Healthcare & wellbeing

Vaccinations, parasite control, dental care and knowing when it's time to see the vet.

๐Ÿฆท Pet dental care guide โ†’
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Breeding

Things to consider before breeding your dog โ€” health testing, costs and responsibilities.

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Apartment living

The ultimate guide to keeping dogs and cats comfortable and content in smaller spaces.

Beds & cat trees for small spaces โ†’

How we researched this guide ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Our pet care advice follows Australian Veterinary Association and RSPCA guidance, cross-checked against current Australian vet fee schedules and the PetSure Pet Health Monitor. Training and behaviour content reflects force-free, reward-based methods only, and animal-care content is reviewed by a registered Australian veterinarian before publication.

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โœ… Fact-checked September 2026 ยท Re-reviewed quarterly ยท Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it fast.

Sources & further reading ๐Ÿ“š

Common questions

Pet care โ€” FAQs

How often should I take my pet to the vet?

Healthy adult dogs and cats need a check-up at least once a year. Puppies, kittens and senior pets (7+ years) should visit every six months, along with keeping vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date.

What foods are toxic to dogs and cats?

Never feed pets chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol (in sugar-free products), alcohol or cooked bones. If your pet eats any of these, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately.

How much exercise does my dog need each day?

Most dogs need 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily, depending on breed, age and health. Working breeds like Kelpies and Border Collies need the most โ€” plus mental enrichment like training games and puzzle feeders.

When should my pet be desexed?

Most dogs and cats are desexed around six months of age, though the ideal timing varies by breed and size โ€” large dog breeds may benefit from waiting longer. Your vet can recommend the best timing for your pet.