The Pet Industry Association demands exacting standards from our members to ensure the welfare of animals and promote responsible pet ownership.

G2Z Summit 2017 will concentrate on the largest population of incoming animals to any pound and shelter in Australia – those that are lost and stray.

Research shows that 86% of dog intake is through strays, with a 46% reclaim rate. Stray cats made up 81% of the total cat intake with a dismal less than 1% being reclaimed. This category of animals far outweighs those that are surrendered by owners and yet it is an area that has not been in the spotlight for discussion, research and development. It is imperative that we implement strategies targeting both stray and surrendered cats and dogs if we are to make any progress in this field.

Getting Them Home, Keeping Them Home

The theme for G2Z Summit 2017 is Getting Them Home, Keeping Them Home.

Attendance at this conference is essential for everyone involved in companion animal policy and practice -including those working at all levels of government, the not for profit welfare, shelter and rescue sector, the research, academic and veterinary professions and the pet industry.

A summit is a strategic conversation, convening the leaders of the sector, which brings different perspectives within a system together to talk about the big picture and big questions:

• How do lost pets behave?
• What are the barriers to lost pets returning to their original home?
• How can we keep people and their pets together?
• What capacity is needed to be built in the community to reduce intake at pounds and shelters of lost and surrendered pets?

These, and many more questions relating to community welfare, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership will be discussed at this event. Industry and sector leaders from Australia and overseas will lead sessions to explore innovative solutions to guide Australia’s approach to the management of companion animals now and into the future while providing insights on how the challenges are being met elsewhere.

Dates

Workshops: 12th and 16th September 2017
Conference: 13 – 15th September 2017

Venue

Mantra on View Hotel, Gold Coast.

Find out more and register

Arthritis is a human condition that our furry friends sadly also suffer from, especially as they grow older.

Hosted by Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV), a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association, the FASAVA Congress is for veterinarians in the Asia Pacific region who predominantly treat pets. This weekend, small animal surgery specialist, Dr Stephen Fearnside, will discuss the options that are available here and now and what the future might hold to help manage chronic pain in Aussie family pets.

“A significant proportion of the pet population suffers from osteoarthritis. As medical advancements continue, our patients live longer and as a result the number of patients we see with chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis will increase and will require management.

“Fortunately, we’ve become better at recognising the problem and there are plenty of management options for veterinarians to investigate and use,” Dr Fearnside said.

When managing patients with osteoarthritis, veterinarians look to address three key issues:

• reducing pain
• improving mobility and quality of life
• slowing disease progression.

“Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are playing an increasing role in the multi-modal management of chronic pain in dogs and cats.

“Therapies such as massage, joint mobilisation, stretching and targeted exercise programs have become increasingly used in the management of osteoarthritis. Other therapies such as cold laser and therapeutic ultrasound are also being investigated,” Dr Fearnside said.

It’s well understood that obesity plays an important role in contributing to the progression and development of osteoarthritis. Dr Fearnside says that pet owners should discuss weight management strategies with their veterinarian in the effort to combat the disease.

“It’s very hard for pet owners to see their animals suffering and in pain. Providing pets with a healthy and active lifestyle, a nutritious diet, and a preventative health care plan formulated in consultation with a veterinarian gives them the best chance of living long and happy lives.

“While a cure for osteoarthritis is not yet in sight, we do have many management options available to us in our effort to reduce pain and improve the quality of life of our pets suffering with the disease,” he said.

The AVA recommends that pet owners speak to their veterinarian about their pet’s mobility and joint health.