BLog

BY TRACY MCQUARRIE Let’s be honest, dogs are royalty. Always have been. Always will be. From the moment they strut into our lives with that confident “I own this couch now” attitude, they remind us of their noble heritage. Some wore jewelled collars in royal courts; others herded sheep with the precision of a general. But make no mistake, every dog carries the bloodline of greatness. Think about it. Every

BY TRACY MCQUARRIE They say a dog’s love is loyal, unwavering, the stuff of legends. Cats, too, have held royal courts on windowsills for centuries, quietly ruling our hearts with a twitch of the tail. And yet, across South Africa, thousands of these “royal” family members are being forced from their castles, not because their families don’t love them, but because of outdated rules written by people who’ve forgotten what

Every pet deserves care that feels a little royal. Veterinary physiotherapy might sound like a luxury, but in truth, it’s one of the most practical and effective ways to keep animals comfortable, active, and pain-free. Like a tailor fitting a bespoke garment, a physiotherapist designs each treatment plan to match the unique needs of every animal — ensuring the perfect fit for lifelong movement, comfort, and wellbeing. Physiotherapy isn’t reserved

By Bryony Van Niekerk I am pretty sure I am preaching to the choir here. If you are reading Pet Prints then chances are your pets are living a life of luxury. And if we are really being honest, our pets already think they are royalty. The cat who sits on the counter staring you down until you fill their (already full) bowl? Royalty. The handbag sized dog who takes

A passion born from purpose. For me, veterinary medicine has always been more than a profession, it’s a calling. From my early days working with community animals to building a modern, full-service practice, my goal has remained consistent and that is to deliver quality, affordable veterinary care that strengthens the bond between pets and their families. When I started Royal Veterinary Clinic, I wanted it to be a space where

By Jenni Davies From scruffy scrappy-doos to glossy champions, dogs come in all shapes and sizes – and we adore them all. But, behind the wagging tails is an ever-growing debate: how should breeding and regulation be managed – and who gets to decide what’s best for the dogs. At the centre of this complex conversation is the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA), our only internationally recognised national canine

By Tracy McQuarrie Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “You have it all—walks, food, toys… so why do you still seem restless?” I’ve been there. And the truth is, a dog’s well-being isn’t just about the basics. It’s about balance—meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs, plus making sure their body feels good.Let’s chat about what this really means and how you can bring more harmony (and

By Jenni Davies One minute, your dog is winning at being World’s Best Couch Potato. The next – kaboom! – thunder in the distance, and they’re a fearful furry rocket zooming under the bed. Fear is a survival mechanism, hardwired into us – and our pets – to keep us alive. But, when the threat isn’t really dangerous, that system can backfire. Here’s why: when danger hits the panic button,

Balance and symmetry are vital for your pet’s mobility, comfort, and long-term health. Whether a young athlete or a senior companion, maintaining these elements helps protect joints, prevent injury, and support an active lifestyle. UNDERSTANDING BALANCE Good balance allows a pet to distribute weight evenly and adjust smoothly to movement or changes in terrain. When stability is compromised — from injury, ageing, or neurological issues — other parts of the

From Witbank Veterinary Hospital I grew up on a farm close to Ventersdorp in the North West province. I am the youngest of three children and being exposed to the farm environment from such a young age, the biggest excitement this young girl could have asked for is the opportunity to interact with any of the farm animals daily. From raising 12 lambs, and applying the colours of the rainbow

Pet Express Launches on Mr D Because Your Pets Deserve Instant Care Too Pet lovers, rejoice. Pet Express has launched on South Africa’s most loved delivery app, Mr D, a new offering dedicated entirely to the needs of pets and their people. This latest retail offering innovation on the Mr D platform brings trusted pet care essentials straight to your door, fast. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials, keeping mealtimes

Hi, my name is Travis and I’m a vet at a referral practice in Cape Town, dealing exclusively with dogs and cats. I’m a catlover, and proud cat-dad to two rescues named Natsu and Falcon. In a world filled with conflicting veterinary information, Pet Prints has given me a chance to try and make sense of some of the muddle. So, if you have anything you want to ask, send