Pet Encyclopedia - Page 2 of 4 - BC Pets 寵物用品中心

Dog Joint Care Guide: When to Start Glucosamine and 4 Vet-Recommended Keys

Post published:2026-06-03
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia Pet Product Database

As a devoted dog owner, you have probably seen fellow owners on Facebook or in your neighbourhood saying: "Start your dog on glucosamine early to protect the joints!" But when you look at your lively 2 or 3-year-old bouncing around the flat, you are bound to wonder: "Isn't it too early at that age? When is the best time to start a dog on joint supplements?" Homes in Hong Kong tend to be tall and narrow, and many are finished with polished tiles or wooden floors, so dogs charging around the flat are constantly slipping. Add in all the jumping on and off sofas and beds, and the strain on their joints is greater than you might imagine. This article breaks down the best time to start joint care for your dog, the ingredients that actually work, and how to pick the right joint supplement for your pet. 5-second summary: when should a dog start taking glucosamine? The precise answer: As a general rule, every dog should start supplementing with glucosamine by 7 years old (as it enters its senior years). However, if you have a large breed, a breed prone to joint problems (such as a Corgi, Dachshund or…

Home Pet Grooming Guide: Bathing, Brushing, Nail Clipping and Ear Care

Post published:2026-05-02
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Home pet grooming saves money, builds a closer bond with your pet, and helps you spot skin problems early. This article walks through the full process of bathing, brushing, nail clipping and ear and eye cleaning for dogs and cats - ideal for beginners who want to get started quickly. Bathing Frequency and Choosing Products How often you bathe a dog or cat depends on the breed and living environment. Generally 1-2 times a month is enough, as over-washing strips away the protective oils on the skin. Choose a pH-neutral, sulphate-free pet-specific wash and avoid human products, which irritate the skin. Recommended frequency: Short-haired dogs: every 2-4 weeks Long-haired dogs / cats: every 4-6 weeks Oily skin: increase to every 10 days Essential supplies: SuppliesRecommended ingredientsBenefitsShampooNatural probiotics / lavender / coconut oilSoothing and low-allergen, gently cleans dirt from the skin surface and balances the skin's oil levelsConditionerCoconut oil / herbal vitamin E / lemongrassMakes the coat smooth and glossy, repairs split hairs and makes brushing easierHair dryerLow heat, two speedsDries quicklyNon-slip matRubber materialKeeps your pet safely in place Brushing and Shedding Tips Daily brushing spreads the natural skin oils and reduces hairballs, and is a must 3-5 times a week…

New Cat Owner Guide Hong Kong: Costs, Essential Supplies and Monthly Budget

Post published:2026-04-22
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Getting ready to welcome your first cat is exciting, but the first question most new cat owners ask is: how much does it cost to keep a cat in Hong Kong? In reality, owning a cat is not just about buying food and cat litter - you also need to think about start-up supplies, medical care, day-to-day spending and long-term care arrangements. Budgeting early is what keeps your cat comfortable and lets you enjoy the experience with peace of mind. This article sets out, in the most practical way possible, the start-up costs of keeping a cat in Hong Kong, the monthly spending, an essential supplies checklist, and the difference between adopting and buying. Whether you are about to bring a cat home or still comparing your options, you can take in all the key points in one go. If you are searching for beginner information on cat care, this article is written for you. By the end you will know not only what to buy, but also how to plan your budget, so you avoid that moment after bringing your cat home when you realise there are still several things you need. What do new cat owners need to prepare?…

Types of Cat Litter Compared: Which One Should You Choose?

Post published:2026-04-14
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia Pet Product Database

With more and more types of cat litter on the market, new cat owners often get lost among tofu litter, clumping clay litter, wood litter, paper litter and crystal litter: which cat litter is best? Which one suits my home and my cat's preferences? This guide, "Types of cat litter compared: which one should you choose?", uses a simple question-and-answer format to help you understand the pros and cons of each type, then draws on the best-selling cat litters in the BC Pets online store to show you how to pick the right one based on your cat's personality, the size of your home and your odour-control needs. Whether you are about to get a cat, buying cat litter for the first time, or looking for a Hong Kong cat litter recommendation to upgrade what you use now, start here. What types of cat litter are there? The 5 main types explained According to the BC Pets cat care column, common cat litters fall broadly into 5 types: tofu litter, paper litter, wood litter, mineral litter (silica clay / bentonite) and crystal litter, each performing differently in absorbency, odour control and environmental friendliness. Outside cat litter comparisons also focus mainly…

Grain-Free Dog Food in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide to Switching

Post published:2026-04-09
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Dog Food Database Pet Encyclopedia

Have you ever watched your dog get an upset stomach again and again, scratch at itchy skin, or lose the shine in their coat, and wondered whether their current food just is not right for them? Hong Kong's humid weather means more and more dogs have sensitive stomachs, which is why grain-free dog food has become such a popular switch. This kind of quality dog food replaces grain fillers with plenty of meat, making it easier for pets to digest and cutting down on allergic reactions. This guide is written for Hong Kong dog owners who are thinking about switching food. It walks you through what grain-free dog food is really worth, and through the popular options available on the BC Pets website. Whether you are a first-timer or an old hand, you will learn how to match a grain-free food to your dog's age and constitution so they eat well and stay full of energy. By the end you will understand the pros and cons of grain-free dog food, which dogs it suits, and get practical recommendations on BC Pets' selected brands such as Fromm, Orijen, Acana, Farmina N&D and Oven-Baked Tradition - so you can buy with confidence.…

Dog Food Buying Guide Hong Kong: 5 Things to Check + 10 Brands Compared

Post published:2026-04-05
Post last modified:2026-07-20
Post category:Dog Food Database Pet Encyclopedia

Quick answer: When buying dog food in Hong Kong, check these 5 things - (1) confirm it meets AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional standards, (2) a named meat sits first on the ingredients list, (3) protein content is no lower than 25%, (4) the formula matches your dog's age, and (5) you are buying genuine stock through an authorised channel. According to 6W Research, Hong Kong's pet care products market keeps expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%, with consumers shifting from price-driven to quality-driven buying. Key Takeaways TL;DR Certification first: choose brands that meet the nutritional standards of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) Read the ingredients: a named meat should come first (such as "fresh chicken"), protein should be at least 25%, and avoid products containing BHA/BHT preservatives Match the age: puppies need high protein (28%+), adult dogs need a balanced formula (25%+), senior dogs need low fat + joint support Hong Kong's climate: average annual humidity is 78%, so finish dry food within 4-6 weeks of opening and store it in a sealed container in a cool spot Top 10 brand recommendations: Orijen (highest protein), Acana (best value),…

Pet Symptom Quick Checker (Dog/Cat Edition)

Post published:2026-03-26
Post last modified:2026-08-29
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Welcome to BC PETS' 'Pet Symptom Quick Checker' tool. This tool helps owners quickly tick off the common symptoms their dog or cat is currently showing. Based on the combination of symptoms, the system provides a reference level of 'See a vet as soon as possible / See a vet early or observe closely / Observe first', along with a brief explanation. Please note: This tool provides general information for reference only. It has no diagnostic or medical function and cannot replace the clinical examination and judgement of a professional veterinarian. If your pet shows severe or persistent symptoms, please contact a veterinary hospital or emergency centre as soon as possible to obtain appropriate treatment.

A Complete Guide to Applying for and Renewing a Hong Kong Dog Licence

Post published:2026-03-18
Post last modified:2026-08-29
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Hong Kong dog licences are issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). All dogs aged 3 months can be vaccinated, microchipped and licensed, and the first application must be completed before they turn 5 months old; the licence is valid for 3 years. Dog Licence Application Process From 3 months of age a dog can be given the rabies vaccination, implanted with a microchip and licensed, and this must be done before it turns 5 months old. No appointment is needed — you can attend an AFCD district Animal Management Centre, a vaccination and licensing station, a private veterinary clinic or an SPCA centre. Steps at a glance: Bring your dog and the required documents to the service location in person. Have the vaccination given on-site (first-time or renewal) and the microchip implanted (first-time). After paying the $80 fee (AFCD service), collect the dog licence on the spot or by post. If you apply online, bring your dog to a centre for verification within 14 days, providing the application reference number. Service locations (Animal Management Centres across Hong Kong, open on Sundays and public holidays): New Territories North：上水石湖墟馬會道13號（2672 4563） New Territories South：沙田多石徑11號（2691 2269） Kowloon：啟德承佑街16號（2362 6988） Hong Kong Island：域多利道688號（2550…

Hong Kong Pet-Friendly Mall Guide (2026 Update)

Post published:2025-10-09
Post last modified:2026-07-16
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Dear pet parents, Hong Kong's pet economy is booming more and more. By 2025, over 50 shopping malls across the city will upgrade to pet-friendly models. Not only will there be dogs playing on the ground, exclusive parks and stroller rentals, but also markets and cafes where you can shop with your pets—perfect for escaping the hot weather! Each area has pet-friendly malls, each with its own unique features. Whether it's the open-air Dog Parking at Stanley Plaza on Hong Kong Island or the 7,600-square-foot pet adventure zone at YOHO Mall in the New Territories, it's super convenient to take your dog out. Remember to check the mall's official website in advance or call their customer service hotline to check the latest pet-friendly policies. Remember to follow FEHD regulations, supervise your pets to avoid conflicts, and bring your own cleaning supplies to ensure everyone is safe and happy! Additionally, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has announced the list of restaurants where Hong Kong dogs are allowed, so everyone can consider planning their trips together. ✅ Accessible throughout: We Go Mall, The Mills, Stanley Plaza, Mikiki⚠️ Accessible in designated areas: Airside, K11 MUSEA, D2 Place, The Southside❌ Pet stroller/carrier required:…

How long can a dog hold it before it poops? Do you even know that?

Post published:2025-06-11
Post last modified:2026-07-17
Post category:Pet Encyclopedia

Nowadays, with people living at such a fast pace and busy commuting to work or going out to work, sometimes I worry whether leaving my dog at home for so long might cause it to poop urgently. So the question arises: how long can dogs actually hold their pee? What is the relationship between their poop habits and their health status? This time, we'll explain everything clearly so you can be more confident in caring for your furry friend! 🕒 How long can an adult dog generally go without pooping? Most healthy adult dogs usually want to go to the bathroom about an hour after eating. But if they really have to endure, they can actually hold out for 12 hours or even longer. That means even if you're stuck in traffic or work late, it doesn't mean something will happen right away. But keep in mind: just because your dog can hold it doesn't mean they're comfortable. Think about how tough it is to be unable to find a bathroom in a hurry. Dogs can also struggle, but they don't know when you'll come back and let them out. If you always have to be out for long periods,…