Latest news with #Anwary
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Top five dog breeds to avoid according to a vet
Amir Anwary does not recommend getting a English Bulldog. Image: Pexels Of course, vets love all animals, but South African veterinarian Amir Anwary has some brutally honest advice for anyone thinking about getting a dog because not every breed is a good fit for every home. While the dog you're considering might be undeniably cute, Anwary warns that some breeds can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. One breed he says he would never own is the Siberian Husky. Siberian Huskies are very hairy and shed a lot. Image: Albina ChamonixDeus / Pexels Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'They have so much energy that they need to be walked regularly. If they don't, they can become destructive. They are escape artists. And they are super hairy, so they shed a lot,' says Anwary. He adds that they are very noisy and vocal and describes them as a 'big stubborn toddler.' He also avoids owning a white Bull Terrier, even though he acknowledges it's a lovely breed. 'They are very strong-willed and have a strong prey drive,' he explains. These dogs are prone to deafness. Image: Kenny Fotos CR / Pexels 'Most of the time, when I see dog fights, it's usually started by a Bull Terrier. They are also prone to deafness and suffer from chronic skin issues. So you can imagine that you are going to have to treat the skin for the rest of their lives,' he adds. Despite their tiny size and big personality, the Chihuahua also makes his no-go list. 'They are prone to fear-based aggression. They are very tiny dogs with a huge dog's personality, and they get very attached to one owner,' says the vet. Because of this intense attachment, he says, 'it makes it difficult for the owner to leave to go on holiday.' Another dog he wouldn't choose to own is the English Bulldog, even though he loves their temperament. Unfortunately, he says, their unique physical structure leads to major health problems. 'Because of their squished noses, they suffer respiratory diseases as well as being exercise and heat-intolerant.' He adds that they are also prone to allergies, which require chronic treatment, which means expensive vet bills. Their unique physical structure leads to major health problems. Image: Creative Workshop / Pexels Last on his list is the Belgian Malinois, a breed he feels is completely misunderstood by many. 'This is not a pet, guys. This is a machine. They need constant physical and mental stimulation,' he says. Anwary stresses that they require a particular kind of owner. 'They don't need an owner but a leader, and if not given that, they become destructive and can make your life a living hell.' The Belgian Malinois need constant physical and mental stimulation. Image: wirestock / Freepik So, next time you're thinking about adding a dog to your family, consider more than just how cute the breed is. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Irish Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Vet shares 'three things he'd do to prolong a cat's life' - but some are risky
A vet has shared his top three tips for extending a cat's life, if he were to own one. Pet owners are always eager to learn how they can ensure their furry friends live long and healthy lives. The typical lifespan of a cat ranges from 13 to 17 years, as per PetMD. The pet advice site also mentions that some fortunate cats have been known to live beyond 20 years. The world record holder for the oldest cat ever, Creme Puff, reached the ripe old age of 38. South African vet Amir Anwary regularly imparts pet care wisdom on social media. He recently posted a TikTok video outlining the three things he would do if he had a cat. In the video, he explains: "So I don't actually own a cat, but if I did own a cat these are a few things that I would do to make sure that it lives for as long as possible, and was as healthy as possible. Keep in mind some of these might be a bit controversial but this is my opinion as a vet," reports the Express. Firstly, Anwary suggests hydrating your cat's pellets. He believes cats are designed to get most of their hydration from their prey and are "not very efficient drinkers, so their ancestors, the desert cats, got about 80 per cent of their water from the prey that they actually wanted." This implies that adding moisture to your cat's food is essential. The vet offers sage advice for keeping feline friends hydrated, suggesting the introduction of bone broth or incorporating wet food into their current meals. Highlighting a widespread concern, the vet cautioned: "Most cats end up being in states of chronic dehydration because they're not drinking enough water, and this can lead to bladder problems and kidney issues, which are two of the most common issues we see in cats so definitely start hydrating your cat's food." In another insightful tip, Anwary recommends reducing vaccinations for cats after they hit the ripe old age of 9, possibly lowering it to once every three years, rather than the annual jab. He bases his opinion on research claiming that some cat vaccines include anti-kidney antibodies that could potentially harm the organs. With deep concerns for kidney health, he admits, "I fear the kidney disease more than I fear those other diseases that we are vaccinating against." In contrast, PetMD insists on its site that a host of lethal diseases threaten our whiskered companions, emphasizing that vaccines remain the premier preventative strategy against many illnesses such as feline leukaemia (FeLV), rabies, and panleukopenia. He pointed out that kidney issues are rife among felines, though the root cause remains a mystery. However, he noted multiple contributing factors, with vaccine-derived antibodies being a key one. Anwary advised: "So when my cat gets older, if it's had all of its vaccines when it was young, I would actually stop vaccinating it at nine-years-old. "But remember, this is merely the perspective of one veterinarian. While there might be some leeway in adjusting vaccination schedules for cats based on their individual health and lifestyle, the standard recommendation is to maintain regular vaccinations throughout a cat's life. It's a topic worth seeking further guidance on. Anwary then touched on the benefits of omega 3 supplements: "And thirdly I would supplement my cat with a good quality omega 3 supplement with high levels of EPA and DHA without a doubt. Now the reason for this is your normal cat pellets don't contain good quality omega 3." He elaborated on the lack of regulation regarding omega 3 in cat food, stating, "There is no regulation stating what kind of omega 3 needs to be in your cat pellets, so most companies will use cheaper sources of omega that don't contain high levels of EPA and DHA. There's often not even enough of it for it to actually have a therapeutic effect for your cats and omega 3 is so important. " EPA and DHA, the powerhouse long chain omega 3 fatty acids, have been spotlighted by a vet who emphasised their significance for maintaining healthy skin, reducing inflammation, supporting kidney and brain functions. Anwary chimed in on the matter: "Omega 3 is so, so essential but it is so deficient in your pelleted cat foods." Anwary also added: "It is without a doubt something I would add to my cat's food every single day. I add it to my dog's food now currently and that is simply the way it's going to be for the foreseeable future." He advised cat lovers to pick a top-notch omega 3 supplement that's abundant in EPA and DHA. For those pondering dietary or lifestyle changes for their feline friends, it's wise to consult with your vet before proceeding.
