There there, pet

Sunday Mirror, Feb 22, 1998 by Nick Mays

Owning a pet is a great way to reduce your stress levels. But how many people are aware that animals can become stressed-out too?

For instance, did you know that when your cat brings home a mouse and you fail to graciously accept the gift, your stressed-out pet, so anxious to please, is likely to rush out and bring back lots more?

Many factors can trigger stress in pets, but the most common is a change in routine. For example, many fish become so stressed during transportation that they actually die.

And many a brave animal turns into a shivering wreck in the vet's waiting room. Brighton vet Gordon Richards says: "Because the most common cause of illness is stress, the first things vets ask when enquiring into the history of an animal's illness is about any changes in its environment - a change of home, a stay in kennels or a cattery, the introduction of a new pet or person into the house, or dietary changes."

Pets can also sense a potentially dangerous situation - like the two pigs that went walkabout from a slaughterhouse last month.

"An important stress factor for cats is a challenge to their territory - when a new neighbour moves in with a great big prowling tom, it doesn't take much working out why your own cat gets highly agitated," says Mr Richards.

If you can't remove the source of stress, you have to treat the results.

Tranquillisers may be prescribed occasionally, sometimes hormone treatment, and some vets are trying homeopathic treatments. One, the Bach Rescue Remedy, is available at health food stores.

"It's important for owners to identify the cause of stress and devote more time to their pet," says Mr Richards.

"Just like stressed-out humans, stressed animals benefit from an extra dose of tender loving care."

Best book buy

DALMATIANS TODAY by Patches Silverstone, published by Ringpress, price pounds 19.95. This is a concise and informative book, written by one of the top dalmatian breeders in the country. Patches takes the reader through the whole process of locating, buying, training, feeding and caring for a dalmatian.

There's plenty for the general dalmatian owner, as well as the more serious enthusiast. One of my favourite chapters was the extremely informative one on the History of the Breed. An excellent book - a must-read for all dalmatian fans.

Bird Watch

African Grey Parrot

LATIN NAME: Psittacus erithacus

RANGE: Western Africa

SIZE: 13in (33cm)

GENERAL CARE: Possibly the most popular parrot in the world, famed for its mimicry and exuberant character. The price of these birds varies, but they're relatively cheap to keep, eating a mixture of sunflower seeds, boiled maize and peanut kernels, with fruit and vegetables.

The African Gray is a one-person parrot, usually attaching itself to a human being of the opposite sex!

Animal Oscars

Does your pet deserve a medal? Here's a chance to nominate your cat or dog for a prestigious W.A.G. award! The categories are Bravery, Companionship, Talent, and Best Children's Companion. Winning owners receive pounds 250, a year's Petplan insurance, and a trip to the April awards ceremony. Just write 150 words in praise of your pet and post, with photo or video if possible, to WAGs, 3 Bedfordbury, London WC2 4BP. Hurry - closing date is February 27.