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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.

21/11/2025

😺🪵 Cat scratching posts: much more than just a toy

If you think that a scratching post is just a toy to entertain your cat, or even that your feline companion doesn't need one (or several!), we encourage you to read on.

Scratching is a natural need for cats, so we must offer them that opportunity in our homes. We can't have large trees inside the house, which is what they use in nature, but with scratching posts, especially those with a sturdy base and different heights, we can greatly improve our friend's well-being.

Here are 5 reasons why it is essential for your cat to have at least one large scratching post:

1️⃣ It keeps their claws healthy
Scratching helps to remove old layers of claws, keeping them strong and in good condition.

2️⃣ It releases stress and energy
It is a natural way to release tension, especially in cats that live indoors and do not have as many resources and distractions as they might have outdoors.

3️⃣ It marks their territory
When cats scratch, they mark their territory through pheromones and scent that other cats can perceive, and through the visual signals left by the scratches.

4️⃣ Encourages exercise and play
Scratching posts, especially if they have different heights and platforms, allow cats to jump, climb, stretch, and stay active, preventing a sedentary lifestyle and offering them better physical and emotional well-being.

5️⃣ Protects your furniture (although never completely)
If your feline companion has at least one large, well-placed scratching post in the room where you spend time as a family, such as the living room, your sofa, armchairs, chairs and furniture in general will thank you for it!

A good scratching post makes all the difference
Help your cat with items that benefit their emotional state

Tell us, what is your cat's favourite scratching post like? Do they use it regularly, or do they prefer to use your furniture to scratch their claws? 😄

20/11/2025

🎉 HUNTER IS HOME! 🎉

Thank you to every single person who helped bring Hunter home.
He was found this morning and is now safely back with his humans — exactly where he belongs.

We are so grateful to everyone who shared, searched, cared, and refused to give up.
Because of you, another precious life is safe and sound.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💛

19/11/2025

🚨 URGENT: MISSING PET – PLEASE HELP FIND HUNTER 🚨

Hunter has gone missing from Merrivale, Howick and was last seen on 18 November. His family is heartbroken and desperately searching for him.

📍 Area: Merrivale, Howick
👤 Owners: Jeanne & Carl Pretorius
📞 Contact: 078 423 8990
🆔 Microchipped: Yes – Backhome Microchip

If you live in or around the area, please check your yard, garage, and surrounding spaces. Share this post to help bring Hunter home safely.

Every sighting helps. Let’s get Hunter back to his family.

Thank you for caring and sharing
‼️

18/11/2025

5 benefits of daily walks for your dog

Taking your dog out for a walk isn't just about letting them do their business, so we need to forget about those five-minute walks where we rush home as soon as our dog has urinated and defecated.

Dogs need to go for walks to exercise their bodies, interact with other dogs, explore their surroundings, stimulate their minds, etc. It's one of the most important parts of their day, so we need to dedicate time to it and make sure it's stimulating and beneficial for them.

Would you like to know some of the benefits of walking for dogs? We'll tell you! ⬇️
1️⃣ It stimulates their mind
New smells, sounds and different stimuli keep their brain active and curious. Every walk is a new world to discover!

2️⃣ Reduces stress and anxiety
Walking, sniffing and socialising with other dogs releases endorphins that contribute to their emotional well-being and happiness.

3️⃣ Strengthens their bond with you
The time spent together and playing during the walk reinforces the connection between you. Remember that this is your dog's favourite time with you!

4️⃣ Improves their behaviour at home
When a dog has quality walks, their emotional well-being increases, which usually contributes to them being more relaxed at home, avoiding possible anxiety or unwanted behaviour. You and your dog are a team; they need you to feel safe and balanced.

5️⃣ Healthy mind, healthy body!
Daily walks not only help with emotional health, but also physical health: they help with weight control and strengthen their muscles, bones and joints.

A quality walk is mental health for your dog

Although our daily lives can be exhausting, always make time for your best friend and give them quality walks with you. They will thank you with all their love!

17/11/2025

Your senior pet’s check-ups are essential 🩺

From the age of 7, our furry friends enter their senior stage. During this time, their bodies change, and they need closer monitoring to stay healthy and happy.

Here’s why annual check-ups are so important: 👇

🔹 Early detection of diseases: many conditions (such as kidney, heart, or joint problems) don’t show obvious symptoms at first. A check-up can make all the difference.
🔹 Weight and nutrition control: as pets age, their metabolism slows down. Your vet can adjust their diet to prevent obesity or nutritional deficiencies.
🔹 Adapting their food to their age and health: senior dog and cat food contains fewer calories, more fiber, and nutrients that support joints and the immune system. Good nutrition is the key to aging with energy. 🥣✨
🔹 Dental check-ups: healthy teeth and gums prevent infections and improve their quality of life.
🔹 Mobility assessment: identifying pain or stiffness early helps treat arthritis before it worsens. If your vet diagnoses your best friend with a joint problem, Movoflex Soft Chews can be your greatest ally.
🔹 Updated vaccinations and parasite prevention: even in their senior years, these remain essential for their protection.

A simple annual vet visit can mean more years of healthy, happy life.
Because they give us everything… and they deserve our care in return. 💚

Book a visit with your vet and give your pet the gift of wellbeing!

15/11/2025

How to brush your dog's coat in spring?

Spring is here, and with it... shedding season! 🍁

During this time of year, many dogs change their coats to prepare for the warm weather, and a good brushing can make the difference between a healthy coat and a home full of hair 😅

👩‍⚕️ Here are some tips on how to do it like a pro:

1️⃣ Choose the right brush
Each type of coat has its ideal tool:
Short: rubber brushes or massage gloves.
Medium/long: metal brushes or combs.
Double coat: de-shedding brushes, perfect for removing dead hair.

2️⃣ Brush frequently
In spring, it is best to do this daily or every other day. This will prevent knots, control shedding and keep their skin healthy.

3️⃣ Check their skin while brushing
Take advantage of this time to look for possible irritations, parasites or redness. A good check-up disguised as pampering!

4️⃣ Use gentle, positive movements
Turn brushing into an enjoyable experience: talk calmly and reward their patience with a snack or a pat.

5️⃣ Use quality shampoos
Using a specific shampoo tailored to your pet's needs is essential for keeping their skin and coat shiny during seasonal changes and reducing hair shedding.

Brushing not only improves their appearance, it also strengthens your bond and keeps them healthy.
A few minutes a day... and your dog will feel (and look) great!

💬 Does your dog enjoy being brushed or do you have to convince them with treats? 😄👇

14/11/2025

World Diabetes Day: Did you know that it also affects dogs and cats?

Diabetes is not only a human disease, but can also affect our canine and feline companions. Therefore, knowing the warning signs can make all the difference in terms of how quickly you take your pet to the vet, and thus in the health of your best friend.

Some important signs that may indicate diabetes are:

1️⃣ Drinking a lot of water
If you notice that your dog or cat is going to the water bowl more often, don't ignore it!

2️⃣ Urinates more frequently
Just as water intake increases, so does the amount of urine. If you have noticed an increase in the amount of urine in the litter tray, or that your dog suddenly cannot hold its p*e until the next time it goes outside, it is time to see the vet.

3️⃣ Eats more but loses weight
One of the most striking signs is that our best friend has a voracious appetite, but despite increasing their food intake, they are losing more and more weight.

4️⃣ Lethargy or loss of shine in the coat
Changes in energy or coat appearance can also be a sign that something is wrong with our companion.

Early diagnosis and good veterinary care are key, as well as providing our dog or cat with a proper diet and encouraging them to maintain a healthy weight.

If your pet has diabetes, tell us... What made you suspect it and take them to the vet?

11/11/2025

🧟‍♂️ Does your dog move stiffly like a little zombie? 👀
That stiffness might not just be “old age” — it could be a sign of joint problems!

🐾 Don’t wait until it gets worse — talk to your veterinarian to identify the cause and take action early.

Give your dog the support they need with MOVOFLEX® Soft Chews — just 1 chew a day helps support healthy joints and keeps tails wagging longer!

✅ For dogs of all sizes, ages, and activity levels
✅ Tasty, easy-to-give soft chew
✅ Helps maintain mobility and flexibility

Let your best friend move like themselves again — not like a zombie! 🐶💪

10/11/2025

How to choose the best food bowl or water bowl for your dog or cat?

It may seem like an insignificant detail, but did you know that choosing the right food bowl or water bowl for your dog or cat can make a difference to their health and well-being?

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing:

1️⃣ Appropriate size and height
The bowl should be adapted to the size of your pet. For cats, we recommend shallow, wide bowls to avoid discomfort to their whiskers while they eat or drink. In terms of height, especially for large dogs, it is advisable to use raised bowls to avoid digestive discomfort.

2️⃣ Safe and easy-to-clean material
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are the most recommended, as they are durable, hygienic and do not retain odours. As far as possible, avoid plastic, as it is not easy to clean and retains bacteria, and is also more likely to cause feline acne or allergic reactions.

3️⃣ Non-slip and stable design
Some bowls have a non-slip base, which prevents them from moving or tipping over while the animal is eating, especially in the case of more anxious dogs!

4️⃣ Automatic water dispensers or fountains
Cats, in particular, love moving water. Fountains help them drink more, which is essential for improving their hydration and preventing kidney problems.

And remember! Wash the bowls daily and make sure you change the water every day. It's a simple gesture that takes very little time, but it's essential for the hygiene and health of our best friends.

Choose the right accessories for your best friend
It will make all the difference, along with a good diet

Have you ever thought that choosing the right food or water bowl could be important? We're listening!

07/11/2025

Breed of the month: The Bengal cat

If you've ever dreamed of owning a domesticated wild cat... you'll love the Bengal 😍

Elegant, curious and full of energy, this cat combines exotic beauty with a charming personality.

👩‍⚕️ Here are some interesting facts about its origin, character and care:

1️⃣ Origin with a wild spirit
The Bengal was born from a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat 🐆. That's why it has such spectacular spotted fur. It takes its name from the Bengal tiger, as its coat resembles that of its distant cousin.

2️⃣ Full of energy
This is not a couch cat. It loves to jump, climb and explore every corner. It needs daily activity to be happy and balanced!

3️⃣ Super intelligent and curious
It learns quickly and can open doors or solve interactive games. Ideal if you like to share time and challenges with your cat.

4️⃣ One of the newest breeds
The Bengal cat is one of the newest breeds, having been created in 1963 and recognised by the International Cat Association in 1983.
The Bengal is a lively cat, ideal for active people who enjoy the company of a feline with character and lots of personality.

✅ Origin: United States
✅ Female weight: 3.5-4.5 kg
✅ Male weight: 4.5-7 kg
✅ Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Did you know about this fascinating breed? Would you like to live with a mini leopard? Tell us👇

06/11/2025

🐾 Ever wondered how your cat’s magical purr works?

That soothing, rumbling sound isn’t just cute — it’s a little scientific miracle!

When your cat purrs, tiny muscles in their throat and diaphragm twitch up to 150 times a second! This rapid movement makes air vibrate over their vocal cords, creating that gentle “brrrrr” we all love.

It’s like your cat’s built-in motor — one that runs both when they breathe in and out.

And here’s a fun fact: lions and tigers can’t purr the same way! They can make purr-like sounds, but only smaller cats can keep that steady hum going.

So next time your kitty curls up and purrs on your lap, know that you’re hearing a masterpiece of feline engineering — and pure contentment. 💛

Address

38 Landmarks Avenue, Samrand Business Park

0157

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27126576000

Website

https://za.virbac.com/

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