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Virbac has created a space where we can all share important and fun information about our Pets and Pet Care. Learn about amazing products that will take care of your beloved pets. Share your stories, experiences, photos, videos and above all, your love for your pets and companions. Share your journey with us. We invite you to be part of this amazing community.

29/04/2026

SHARING SMILES & LOVE, ONE TREAT AT A TIME
There’s nothing quite like seeing a happy dog’s tail wag… and there are a lot more wagging tails at the ,

Dr Ginelle Vivier, Technical Product Manager - Virbac Companion Animals donated Veggident dental treats, spoiling the pooches at Wollies Animal Shelter — turning an ordinary day into something truly special.

For these precious rescues, it’s more than just a treat.
It’s a moment of comfort.
A moment of care.
A reminder that they are loved
Because every rescue deserves a little spoil… and a lot of love.

🐾

The importance of kidney care in dogs and catsThe kidneys are vital organs for our pets’ health, as they are responsible...
27/04/2026

The importance of kidney care in dogs and cats

The kidneys are vital organs for our pets’ health, as they are responsible for filtering toxins, maintaining fluid balance and regulating various bodily functions. That’s why looking after their kidney health is key to their long-term wellbeing.
Here are some important points to bear in mind regarding the kidney health of our animal companions👇

✅ A good diet makes all the difference
Providing food containing high-quality animal proteins, tailored to your dog or cat’s age and specific needs, will help ensure healthy kidney function.

✅ Encourage water intake
Hydration is essential for kidney function. Ensure your dog or cat always has clean, fresh water available at all times. Water fountains are great for encouraging them, especially cats, to drink more.

✅ Warning signs of a possible kidney problem:
Drinking more water than usual
Urinating more frequently and in greater quantities
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy or reduced energy
Bad breath or vomiting in some cases

✅ Early detection is key
Kidney disease often progresses slowly and its early signs may go unnoticed at first. That’s why it’s important to watch out for any changes in your pet’s behaviour or habits, and to consult your vet as soon as possible.

Visit your vet!
Especially in animals over 7 years old, regular veterinary check-ups will be key to detecting kidney problems early on, even before symptoms appear.

If it’s been a while since you took your dog or cat to the vet, now is the time.

25/04/2026

World Veterinary Day

Every year, World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April, and in 2026, it’s today!
Why don’t we take this opportunity to thank the veterinary profession for their great work in looking after animal health – and, by extension, our own?

Here are some of their most important professional roles:

🩺 They look after our companions
Vets are there to prevent diseases, treat health problems, advise and guide us on nutrition and care, and, of course, to support our animals at every stage of their lives.

🩺 They also protect public health
Many diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans. Thanks to the work of vets, these risks are monitored, prevented and controlled.

🩺 They ensure food safety
From farms to the supermarket, the health checks carried out by vets are essential to ensure that the food reaching our tables is safe.

🩺 Care for wildlife and the environment
Many veterinary professionals work in the conservation, research or protection of wild species.

Being a vet requires knowledge, experience, dedication and, above all, a deep passion and love for animals. Thank you to all veterinary professionals for your work, your commitment, and for looking after our animal companions and us!

Before adopting: 4 questions you should ask yourselfAdopting a stray animal is one of the most rewarding decisions you c...
24/04/2026

Before adopting: 4 questions you should ask yourself

Adopting a stray animal is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make in life, but it is also a very important decision that must be taken with full responsibility. Adopting means committing to caring for a living being for the rest of its life, so before you commit, you need to ask yourself a few questions to be absolutely certain that your current lifestyle allows for it, and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to care for the animal as it deserves.

1️⃣ Do I have time to devote to them every day?
Animals need more than just food and a place to sleep. They need company, playtime, several daily walks, time spent on their training, and for you to be there for them.
2️⃣ Am I ready for a long-term commitment?
A dog or cat can live for between 10 and 20 years. Adopting means accompanying them through every stage of their life, and adapting their environment and care to each one. Whatever happens in your life, moving house, having children, break-ups, etc. You have to be there for them.
3️⃣ Can I cover their care and expenses?
The daily care of a pet involves a financial investment: food, walking accessories, grooming, vet check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, potential treatments if they fall ill, emergency vet visits… Taking good care of a pet also means planning for these costs, so they never lack the essentials.
4️⃣ Is my lifestyle compatible?
Every animal has a different personality and different needs. Some animals are more active, others more sedentary; it is important to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle, so that it can become your best companion.

Adopting is an act of immense love, but it must always be undertaken responsibly. Think carefully beforehand

🏠 Hidden risks at home: what you need to know about zoonotic diseasesLiving with dogs and cats is synonymous with well-b...
21/04/2026

🏠 Hidden risks at home: what you need to know about zoonotic diseases

Living with dogs and cats is synonymous with well-being, companionship and happiness. But it also comes with a key responsibility: understanding and preventing zoonotic diseases, those that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

👉 The good news: most are easily preventable with basic care and veterinary monitoring.
Here are the most important ones 👇

🦠 Intestinal parasites
Some parasites can be transmitted through contact with faeces or contaminated surfaces.
✔️ Regular deworming is essential to break the cycle.

🦟 Fleas and ticks
They don’t just cause discomfort: they can act as disease vectors and also affect the home environment.
✔️ Continuous (year-round) external parasite protection is key.

🧴 Ringworm (dermatophytosis)
A fungal infection transmitted through direct contact.
✔️ It can affect both animals and people, particularly those with immunocompromised sensitive skin.

💉 Rabies
A serious but preventable viral disease.
✔️ Vaccination remains the most effective and responsible measure.

💛 Prevention makes all the difference
A proper plan for vaccination, deworming and veterinary check-ups protects not only your pet… but your whole family.

Because living with them is a gift 🐶🐱
And doing so responsibly means looking after everyone.

5 ways to show your dog or cat you love them, beyond just petting themWe all love to cuddle and stroke our furry friends...
20/04/2026

5 ways to show your dog or cat you love them, beyond just petting them

We all love to cuddle and stroke our furry friends, but love isn’t shown through physical contact alone. The little everyday gestures – the ones that ensure they’re well looked after, that we’re mindful of them, and that they’re part of the family in the broadest sense of the word – are also ways of showing them just how much we love them. Here are a few of them:

✅ Look after their diet
Choosing a high-quality diet, always bearing in mind that it should be rich in animal proteins and suitable for their age, is one of the foundations of long-term health, and therefore essential for their well-being.

✅ Respect their routines and needs
Daily walks, interaction with other dogs, rest periods, or allowing them to have a quiet space at home, are key to their emotional balance.

✅ Stimulate their mind
Did you know that sniffing is essential for your dog to be balanced and happy? Keep their mind active every day, whether by letting them sniff whatever they like during a walk, or at home using interactive toys and mental challenges. They’ll be entertained whilst their brain thinks and exercises.


✅ Look after their hygiene and watch out for small changes
Check their ears, mouth, coat and paw pads every day... Sometimes small wounds, injuries or a bad smell may appear, or even a parasite hiding in their fur, so a daily check-up of your best friend’s body will help you spot any changes quickly.

✅ Don’t skip their vet check-ups
Regular visits to the vet are important for keeping vaccinations up to date and preventing parasites, as well as being key to detecting any chronic illnesses, such as kidney failure or diabetes, at an early stage.

To our pets, we are their whole world.
Look after and protect your life companion every day, with love and affection, and commit to their health and wellbeing in every aspect of their life.

🐾 EAR HEALTH IN PETS: WHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD KNOW 🐾Your pet’s ears play an important role in their comfort and wellbein...
19/04/2026

🐾 EAR HEALTH IN PETS: WHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD KNOW 🐾

Your pet’s ears play an important role in their comfort and wellbeing. Ear problems, such as otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear), are common in dogs and can become serious if not addressed early.

🔍 Signs your pet may have an ear issue:
• Unpleasant odour or discharge from the ears
• Sensitivity or pain when ears are touched
• Frequent head shaking or scratching
• Redness and swelling in the outer ear
• In more severe cases, being off balance, head tilt and nausea due to a middle ear infection

🧼 Why regular ear cleaning matters
Some dogs are more prone to ear issues due to:
• Lifestyle of the pet, some dogs love to swim every day or visit the beach often
• Ear conformation
• Overproduction of ear wax

⚠️ Pay extra attention if your dog:
• Has a history of ear infections
• Suffers from allergies
• Has floppy ears
• Enjoys swimming or frequent bathing

Regular monitoring and cleaning can help prevent infections before they start.

🗓️ How often should you clean?
This depends on your pet’s individual needs. Always speak to your vet for guidance on the correct cleaning routine.

Keeping your pet’s ears clean, dry, and healthy is a simple step that can prevent discomfort and more serious complications.

My cat 🐱 never leaves the house… does it still need parasite protection?It’s one of the most common questions among cat ...
17/04/2026

My cat 🐱 never leaves the house… does it still need parasite protection?

It’s one of the most common questions among cat owners. If your cat lives strictly indoors, it might seem like parasite prevention isn’t necessary… but the reality is quite different. Let’s break it down 👇

🔺 Parasites can enter your home without you noticing
Fleas, eggs, or larvae can easily hitch a ride on your shoes, clothes, or everyday objects.

🔺 Other pets can bring them inside
If you share your home with dogs or other animals that go outdoors, they may unknowingly introduce parasites.

🔺 Insects are silent carriers
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can access indoor spaces, especially if your cat has access to balconies, terraces, patios, or gardens.

🔺 Natural feline behaviour increases risk
Cats are curious hunters by nature. Playing with lizzards, geckos, flies or other insects can expose them to internal parasites.

🔺 Prevention is always the safest strategy
Even indoor cats benefit from regular parasite control. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate plan based on your cat’s lifestyle.

👉 Indoor doesn’t mean risk-free
Protecting your cat all year round helps ensure their long-term health and wellbeing.
Complete protection, indoors and out!
Talk to your vet and choose the right protection plan.

16/04/2026

THE SILENT KILLER YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
What is Spirocerca lupi… and why should it matter to you as a pet owner?

Spirocerca lupi is a dangerous parasite that affects dogs — often without obvious signs in the early stages. That’s what makes it so serious. By the time symptoms appear, the damage can already be severe.

This parasite has a complex life cycle involving intermediate hosts like beetles, and sometimes even reptiles or birds. Dogs become infected when they ingest these hosts, allowing the parasite to develop inside their bodies, causing damage to the oesophagus, blood vessels, and other organs.

Understanding this life cycle is key to protecting your dog’s health. Prevention is always better than cure.

Watch our video to learn more about how Spirocerca lupi spreads and why it is often called the “silent killer.”

How can you protect your dog?
Regular, consistent deworming is essential.

Deworming your dog every 28 days with Milpro helps to break the parasite’s life cycle and reduce the risk of infection.

Protect your pet. Stay informed. Stay consistent.

The importance of proper teeth brushing 🦷🐶🐱 for dogs and catsDid you know that many dogs and cats can develop dental pro...
15/04/2026

The importance of proper teeth brushing 🦷🐶🐱 for dogs and cats

Did you know that many dogs and cats can develop dental problems from the age of 3? Plaque and tartar not only cause bad breath, they can also seriously affect their health. That’s why teeth brushing is a very important part of their daily care 💛

We’ll tell you why and how to do it 👇

✅ Start slowly
If your pet has never had their teeth brushed before, start gradually: let them sniff the brush and taste the toothpaste, and begin by gently cleaning just a few teeth at a time.

✅ Choose quiet moments
Do it when they’re relaxed and associate brushing with something positive, such as a cuddle or a small treat afterwards.

✅ Consistency makes all the difference
Ideally, brush their teeth several times a week, or even daily if your pet tolerates it well.

✅ Always use products specifically designed for pets
Never use human toothpaste. Toothpastes for dogs and cats are formulated to be safe if swallowed and usually come in flavours they find more pleasant.

✅ What can happen if we don’t look after their oral hygiene?
• Persistent bad breath
• Tartar build-up
• Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• Pain when eating
• Tooth loss
• Even infections that can affect other organs

💛 A small gesture that prevents many problems
With a simple routine and regular vet check-ups, we can help ensure our furry friends have a healthy mouth throughout their lives.

🐾 Share this post with your friends!

13/04/2026

Are You Choosing the Right Parasite Protection for Your Pet?

When it comes to protecting your dog or cat from parasites, the right choice is not always as simple as it seems. Let’s break it down:

The most important factor is not your pet’s coat colour or just their age — it’s their lifestyle.
Where they go, who they interact with, and the environment they live in all play a major role in their risk of parasite exposure.

For example, dogs that enjoy walks in parks, open fields, or rural areas are at a higher risk of picking up both internal and external parasites. Contact with tall grass, soil, and even farm animals increases exposure significantly.

And what about indoor cats?
It is a common misconception that they are completely safe. In reality, parasites can still find their way into your home through clothing, shoes, or even other visiting animals. This means indoor cats may still need protection.

So, who should guide your decision?
While advice from friends or social media may be well-meaning, the best person to consult is your veterinarian. They will assess your pet’s age, lifestyle, environment, and level of exposure to recommend the most suitable parasite treatment.

Every pet is different.
And effective protection starts with understanding their unique needs.

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38 Landmarks Avenue, Samrand Business Park
Centurion
0157

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