Urinary tract problems are not uncommon in our pets. Infection, inflammation, crystals and urinary tract growths are all seen on a regular basis.  Thankfully a small amount of urine can give us plenty of information about your pet's internal health and rule out problems such as kidney disease and diabetes. 

Collecting urine at home might sound a bit scary - we recommend that you catch the urine in a clean and dry shallow container and bring it to us as soon as possible. If you don't succeed we will collect urine using a very small needle (don't worry, your pet won't feel it). This procedure is called a cystocentesis and is necessary if we need to collect urine without contamination - especially when looking for bacteria. 

Signs to look out for at home that may indicate a urinary tract problem include:

• Urinating more than usual
• Straining to urinate
• Urgency urinating
• Urinating in unusual or inappropriate places
• Blood in the urine
• Incontinence

Xrays and ultrasound are further tools we have available to look for abnormalities in the urinary tract and we will advise you if these tests are necessary for your pet. 

Male cats are particularly good at getting themselves in to trouble - due to their anatomy they are prone to urinary obstruction - a potentially life threatening situation.

If you think your pet's urination habits have changed it is best to phone us for advice.

These toilet training tips should help you and your dog survive the training process with as few accidents as possible. Remember - keep a watchful eye and establish a routine that sets your dog up to succeed.

Consider crate training

Using a crate can reinforce the feeding and walking schedule you set for your dog. Dogs instinctively know not to soil their sleeping area so your dog will quickly learn to hold on

Leave a stool in the soiling area

For the first week or two leave one of your dog’s stools in the area you’ve marked for soiling - serves as a scent post. Once your dog can consistently recognise the spot and know what he’s supposed to do toilet training will become easier

Feed your dog a premium quality diet

This tip ensures your dog doesn’t suffer from diarrhoea or constipation both of which can hamper training. Feed a premium quality dog food as recommended by us - this will keep your dog happy and regular

Carry your puppy outside

After a long night of holding on your puppy may be inclined to go as soon as you lead him away from his bed. Carry him outside in the mornings to avoid unnecessary accidents

Always use positive reinforcement

Make a huge fuss when your dog does the right thing - reward him with treats - he'll want to keep pleasing you

A zoo in China recently tried to pass a dog off as a lion in one of its exhibits. The dog - a Tibetan mastiff started barking, alerting the visitors that something was amiss. 

Tibetan mastiffs are a rare breed of dog found in China and other parts of Asia but are imported to Europe and even Australia. A world record was set in 2011 when an 11-month-old Tibetan mastiff male puppy gained the title of the world's most expensive dog after being bought for an astounding 10 million yuan ($1.5 million)!

They are classified as a giant breed and can range from 55 to 80 kgs. The Tibetan mastiff is a member of the working group. They were originally used for guarding villages and monasteries and their livestock. Today they are guard dogs, companions and seen in the show ring.

Given their size, they might be good protectors, but they are also fond of lazing around - much like a lion!