Taronga Zoo has to make a special effort to ensure its animals are healthy. The exhibits range from Asiatic sun bears and Asian elephants to African lions and giraffes and each has its own specific health routine – just like your pets.

Sun bears have fortnightly treatment against tick paralysis and so should your dog, if you are in a tick area. Your dog should also have regular heartworm prevention. Lions are big cats so they’re vaccinated against feline enteritis and cat flu complex – just as yours needs to be. Giraffes work for their food, searching high in the tree canopy, and tearing it out of a wire basket. Always give your pets nutritionally balanced food but provide challenges in their feeding routine, instead of just serving it in a bowl. The elephants have a daily scrub and massage to keep their skin healthy. Our pets need similar attention – plus grooming increases the bond between you and your pet.