The sims 3 Pets download or update?

After treating myself to the sims 3 pets I downloaded and of to play after l launching the game an update appeared witch I promptly did.

Now when playing the colors seem pale and I sometimes have problems with sims freezing when told to go to the horse.

I also had a problem with my sims id box I clicked on one then another an the first one was still lit.

Have loaded an reloaded but still having problems.

Help I have been playing since 2006 and would love to continue

Debs