Earlier this year the company threatened to leave the country, so we thought we'd answer some of the most googled questions about pets;

Why do dogs and cats eat grass? Truth be told, we don't really know but there are a couple of theories. Firstly, the medicinal properties of the grass. Some grasses may have chemicals in them that help to alleviate stomach upsets or treat infections. Another idea is that they are looking for extra nutrition in their diet by supplementing with grass eating. The final is reason, they just like eating grass!

Why are dogs noses wet? A dog's nose is covered with a thin layer of mucus which helps capture scents, which the dog will then lick off their nose to transfer to the olfactory (smelling) glands in the roof of their mouth. The nose also acts as a sweat gland to cool down your dog as they can only perspire from the pads on their feet and their noses. Of course, your dog can also have too much nasal discharge which could indicate illness so it is always best to have it checked by one of our veterinarians if concerned.

Do cats and dogs dream? Yes they do. They have similar dream patterns to people and it often occurs within a half hour of them falling asleep. You will notice them twitching their muscles and their breathing pattern change along sometimes with some vocalisation (just like talking in your sleep). What we really want to know is, what are they dreaming about!?

Why do cats purr? Purring is the vocal cords vibrating is due to neurological stimulation in the brain. Purring can occur when the cat is experiencing either pleasure or pain. When a cat is content, by being stroked or nestled in for cuddles with their family, you will often experience their calming purr. Cats will also be found to be purring when injured or unwell which leads some researchers to believe that the vibration is at a level that promotes healing. We think that's true because having being close to a purring cat is very therapeutic.

What function do cats and dogs whiskers have? Whiskers are very important on both dogs and cats. They are both a sensory organ and a form of communication. Through vibrations in the air as well as by physical touch of the whiskers, your cat or dog can tell a lot about their environment, especially in low light situations. The position of the whiskers can also indicate their mood. If the whiskers are forced forward, they may be in pain or nervous and if the whiskers are relaxed and facing back towards their head, they are happy and relaxed.

While Google may be a useful tool for information, you can not always trust the source. Should you have any concerns about your pets health or behaviour, make sure to see your Veterinary team at the Leeton Veterinary Hospital for advice you can trust.