Bad Excuses for Giving Pets Away!

/in , , /by

Bad escuses for giving a pet away

Animal welfare organisations have heard it all, no jokes!

Surrendering animals is an all-year-round thing, but especially the first few weeks into the new year, shelters and rescues are overwhelmed, so much, that some have to say “we are full” and can’t take in any more. It is just heartbreaking! What follows, might sound ridiculous to you, but if you volunteer in animal welfare you have heard all this!

HELLO.  YOU HAVE REACHED THE KENNELS.  

Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.

Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pounds, 8-year-old dog.

Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog that you’ve had for 16 years is having problems adjusting, so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home today and pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 7 if your old dog has had years of being tugged at and jumped on by your children, and now the dog is sore and arthritic he has shown his teeth so you need to get rid of him right away instead of teaching your kids how to behave.

Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet, but you need the money for your holiday.

Press 9 if your dog doesn’t like your new partner.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don’t want to care for their elderly dog, because it doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

Press 11 if you suddenly have no time for your dog.

Press 12 if your two-year-old male dog is marking all over your house, but you just haven’t gotten around to having him neutered or trained.

Press 13 if you want to return your recently adopted dog, and seeing him in kennels isn’t as heartbreaking as it was when you adopted him.

Press 14 if you heard that your unchipped dog has been brought to the safety of the kennels, but you’re angry and don’t want to pay the small fee that keeps the charity running & looking after dogs like yours.

Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog, that you have had for fifteen years because it is not our responsibility.

Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten-year-old dog to be euthanized because we won’t take it.

Press 18 if you didn’t realize that dogs require exercise and training and your dog is a chore. So, you would prefer not to have a dog anymore.

Press 19 if you want one of our perfectly trained, housebroken, kid and cat-friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbour’s cats.

Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don’t have any kennels left to take in dogs, so you called again to see if a different staff member could magic a kennel out of nowhere.

Press 22 if you want an 8-week old puppy for your kids in time for Christmas.

Press 23 if your dog has had a litter in time for Christmas and now that you’re making money from them, you want to get rid of the dog.

Press 24 if your young husky keeps getting out of your unfenced garden and would rather get rid of them than spend money on fencing and training. The same goes for cats!

Press 25 if you have found a “stray”, and when we collect it, you slip up by calling the dog his name and he cries when we take him away.

Press 26 if you’re lying to make one of us feel bad and take your pet off your hands.

Press 27 if you have done “everything” to housebreak your dog and have had no success, but you don’t want to train the dog.

Press 28 if you’re angry that we can’t rehome an unsocialized purebred dog with your children because you’re ok with the dog biting other kids.

Press 29 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter’s birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 30 if your dog’s coat doesn’t match your new furniture and you need a different colour or breed.

Press 31 if your new partner of 4 weeks doesn’t like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend instead of the dog.

Press 32 if you went through all these ‘options’ and didn’t hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our staff who is holding a discarded old dog, while he is confused as to what he did wrong to be abandoned and homeless, and now has to wait for someone to see past his age and health problems and adopt him……

Credit: Elize Steytler

If you can no longer take care of your pet for some honest and real reason, then contact your local animal welfare organizations to handle a responsible adoption, which includes home checks, sterilization and an adoption contract!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Written by: Ancois van Zyl

Adopt-dont-shop!
Search our Welfare Directory to find your new best friend

What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?

/in , /by

What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?

Everyone wants to keep their pet healthy, and the right nutrition can play a major role in making that happen.
Just like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to their own viruses and infections, which is why it’s important to choose a dog food or cat food that is formulated with nutrients that proactively support a natural immune response. When checking a pet food label, here are the top nutrients to help keep your furry friend’s immune system strong today and tomorrow.

The Power of Antioxidants
Your pet’s body — much like your own — is constantly working to remove toxic, oxidized molecules from its system. Left unchecked, these molecules (known as “free radicals”) accumulate in cells to create oxidative stress. The more stress a cell is placed under, the more difficult it is to perform its intended function or repair itself.

Antioxidants are a key tool the body uses to process free radicals and combat oxidative stress before it affects a body’s cell structure and DNA.

The top three antioxidants for pets

Vitamin E
Vitamin E consists of a group of compounds (known as tocopherols) that work to inactivate free radicals, giving them antioxidant effects. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works to improve blood circulation and promote the healing of tissues.

For humans, vitamin E can be applied directly to the skin via oils, oral supplements, etc., but it is easily supplemented into many pet foods. It’s important to remember that vitamin E is fat-soluble and can stay in the body, so it’s better to select a balanced pet food and feed according to guidelines to help ensure your pet gets the amount that is right for them.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can also help reduce inflammation and regenerate vitamin E.

Interestingly enough, dogs and cats have the ability to synthesize vitamin C on their own as a way to support mandatory functions in their body. Supplying additional vitamin C into their diet — along with a balanced amount of other key nutrients — can help bolster your pet’s immune system.

What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?

Vitamin C is also water-soluble, which means that when given to your pet, their body can use exactly the amount they need while the rest is cleared from their body. A complete and balanced food that also contains vitamin C is the best way to ensure they get an amount that is beneficial without making their body do more work than is necessary.

Beta-Carotene
Just like other antioxidants, beta-carotene works to prevent the buildup of free radicals and the potential havoc they can wreak on healthy cells. In pets, this nutrient works to support vitamin E and promote stronger immune responses.

Other key players in your pet’s immune system
Aside from popular antioxidants, taurine, selenium and the essential amino acid methionine can all play a critical role in your pet’s natural defense systems.

Additionally, omega-3s have become popular for their anti-inflammatory properties. EPA and DHA are specific omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oils from cold-water fish. Linolenic acid is an essential omega-3 fatty acid and ingredients like soybean oil and flaxseed are rich sources.

Pet foods that have been carefully formulated to include these beneficial nutrients make it easy for you to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your pet based on its age or your concerns.

However, there is more to a pet’s daily nutrition than simply checking the boxes for ingredients or nutrients. Your dog or cat’s lifestage, size, activity level and any special health issues all play a part in determining what your pet needs for a long and healthy life, so it’s best to check with your veterinarian to find a dog food or cat food that is right for your pet’s specific needs.

Source: Hills Pet Nutrition
Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Are you a responsible pet guardian?

/in , /by

Are you a responsible pet guardian?

A useful guide to see whether you meet the criteria of a responsible pet owner.
The privilege of sharing your life with an animal companion comes with responsibilities and this should not be taken lightly.  In addition to meeting your pet’s basic needs, there are some extremely important rules of responsible pet ownership you need to know, to keep your pet in good health and enjoying life.

You are your pet’s whole world. Animal welfare is always receiving surrender requests because of “time”. Your pet has all the time in the world for you, and you promised them forever when you chose to take them in. Have you cleaned your pet’s cage today or their water and food bowl? Have you made sure to feed and water them before eating yourself? Have you made the effort to say hello to them today?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists six areas of responsible pet ownership, including commitment, investment, obeying local ordinances, ensuring your dog is properly identified, limiting his or her reproduction, and preparing for emergencies and other life-changing events.

COMMIT

  • Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a dog.
  • Select a dog that’s suited to your home and lifestyle.
  • Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Properly socialize and train your dog.
  • Commit to the relationship for the life of your dog(s).
  • Keep only the type and number of dogs for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

INVEST

  • Recognize that dog ownership requires an investment of time and money.
  • Make sure your dog receives preventive health care as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
  • Budget for potential emergencies.

OBEY

  • Clean up after your dog.
  • Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
  • Don’t allow your dog to stray.

IDENTIFY

  • Make sure your dog is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep the registration up-to-date.

LIMIT

  • Don’t contribute to the dog overpopulation problem: limit your dog’s reproduction through sterilization, containment, or managed breeding (The Paw Company does not support any breeding while there is a massive overpopulation crisis).

PREPARE

  • Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
  • Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your dog.
  • Recognize any decline in your dog’s quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation with a veterinarian.
Are you a responsible pet guardian?

Image by The Paw Company

FOUR PAWS SHARES THE FOLLOWING ON RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

PET’S BASIC NEEDS
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet has:

  • The opportunity to express their natural behaviour.
  • Healthy diet and access to fresh water.
  • A comfortable resting place.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Protection from stress, illness, injury.

MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITY
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet gets:

  • annual vaccinations.
  • regular preventative parasitic treatment.
  • annual/general health checks.
  • nail clipping, dental checks and grooming.
  • vet consultation when your pet is sick/injured.

TRAINING & SOCIALIZATION
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet:

  • understands basic commands.
  • is socialized well to cope with life (other pets, people, children, noises).
  • receives behavioural training, when necessary, from a reputable behaviourist.
  • receives reward-based training and not punishment-based training.
  • receives mental stimulation through training and enrichment.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet:

  • is microchipped and the details are kept up to date on the microchip database.
  • is kept on a leash and under control in public places.
  • does not leave any waste that is not picked up.
  • does not bother wildlife or farm animals.
  • has pet insurance and is kept according to legislation.
  • does not bother people (bikers, joggers, etc.)
  • is not aggressive towards other pets.
Are you a responsible pet guardian?

Image by Four Paws

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER TEST
How well do you score on our basic responsible owner test? Give yourself one point out of 10 for each yes answer.

1. Can you commit for their whole life and do they fit your lifestyle?

2. Are your pet’s vaccinations, worm and parasite treatment up-to-date?

3. Do you know and are you obeying the local laws on having pets?

4. Are your pets sterilized?

5. Are your pets safe and secure in your yard and not allowed to roam the street freely?

6. Are your pets microchipped and the chip registered and do they have a collar ID?

7. Are they on healthy weight?

8. Do you meet the enrichment needs for your pets, including, social, mental stimulation and regular exercise?

9. Does your pets have access to fresh drinking water daily and do they get the right specie appropriate food?

10. Are you prepared for an emergency and for when something happens to you – are they included in your will?

Are you a responsible pet guardian?

Image by Four Paws

Are you a responsible pet guardian?

Image by Four Paws

Being a responsible pet parent is about more than just these 10 points.  It also means learning to pick up on your pets’ often-subtle communication cues, as well as helping your pet learn human communication signals through proper handling, socialization and training. Being a responsible pet guardian is a privilege, with responsibility and a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Commit fully, or don’t get a pet!

Next week we will look at how your garbage disposal can hurt animals.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Written by: Ancois van Zyl

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) continues to see an unprecedented outbreak of Rabies across the country.

/in , , /by

South Africa, Johannesburg: Since June 2021, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has seen an alarming increase in Rabies cases across all nine provinces. High-risk dog rabies cycles are focused in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces, as well as the border between Lesotho and Free State Province. To date specifically in the Eastern Cape region, reports from the National Rabies Advisory Group (RAG) suggest that the Eastern Cape has had 1 195 laboratory test-positive animal cases (ARC-OVR and Allerton PVL laboratories) and according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), eight probable human deaths have been reported due to rabies.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is passed from infected animals to humans – dogs and cats are the main source of transmission to humans and is transmitted through saliva, most commonly through bite wounds. It has a dramatic effect on the brain and once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is fatal.  According to modern statistics, this terrible virus kills at least one person in the world every 9 minutes. More than 70 000 people die from it each year according to The World Organisation for Animal Health of which about 95% of these deaths occur in Africa and Asia.

Rabies is a virus that affects the brain, leading to nervous signs and behavioural changes. Clinical signs such as incoordination, drooling, paralysis, abnormal howling or vocalisation, aggression, decreased responsiveness and other behavioural changes, may be indicative of rabies in animals.

Dr Renee Van Oudtshoorn, from Optima CVC on behalf of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) says “To protect animals, family, and the community at large – pet owners must vaccinate their dogs and cats. By law, all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against rabies. However, it is never too late for your pet to receive their first vaccination, followed by the booster protocol”.

Should a person get bitten by an animal and there is reason to suspect rabies from the animal’s behaviour and history (e.g. not vaccinated), the patient needs to wash the wound well with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately (rabies preventative treatment will

include a series of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin injected into the wound if the skin has been breached). Bite victims can still receive immunoglobulin up to 7 days after initial treatment, although it should be done immediately. It is important for pet owners to remember that not only stray dogs can be affected, it can also be transmitted to household pets via infected saliva – no need to bite.

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) encourages all pet owners to visit their private veterinarian or state veterinary office and make the responsible choice of vaccinating their beloved dogs and cats.

For any further information or to report a suspected rabies-infected animal, please call:

  • The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) 011 386 6400
  • The Eastern Cape Health Department call centre 0800 032 364 | SMS 34010 | Eastern Cape Premium Hotline 080 121 2570
  • Dog Control PE (041) 506-1743 or (041) 506-5232

Basic vaccination programme for dogs:

  • First vaccine: 12 weeks old
  • 2ndvaccine: 4 months old
  • 3rdvaccine: 1 year old
  • Going forward: yearly

Basic vaccination programme for cats:

  • First Vaccine: 12 weeks old
  • 2ndvaccine: 4 months old
  • 3rdvaccine: 1 year old
  • Going forward: yearly

For more information, please visit the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) website, Facebook or Twitter page.

Source: SAVA

 

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

/in , , /by

Animal 101 – Pros and cons of pet insurance

Pet Insurance

Image from Dr. Karen Becker (Facebook)

We all hope our pets will live long, happy and healthy lives. Yet the reality is, unexpected accidents, illnesses and other pet medical situations happen. Animal welfare organizations often have to help, because an animal is suffering and their owners did not prepare financially for an emergency. For this reason, it could be beneficial to take out some pet insurance at a low premium every month.

When you decide to shop for pet insurance coverage, it’s important to fully understand the exclusions and other limitations of the plan you’re considering. Some may require you to pay the vet and then claim back, others load it on an insurance card to swipe etc.

Plans vary widely, so ignore the marketing hype and thoroughly research your options; making a list of pros and cons can be helpful in the decision-making process.  We are not endorsing any specific product, however here are just some of the brokers you can consider in South Africa   OUTsurance Pet, Checkers pet insurance (underwritten by OUTsurance), Oneplan, Dotsure, Pet First insurance, MediPet and more. You can compare them through www.hippo.co.za.

WHAT IS PET INSURANCE?

Like other types of insurance, pet insurance is the transfer of risk to a third party in exchange for paying a monthly premium. Pet insurance is purchased to transfer the risk of unexpected medical expenses that could be very high.

WHAT DOES PET INSURANCE COST?

Pet insurance typically costs between R 100-500 per month per pet, depending on the level of coverage and can cover up to 90% of vet bills. You can select the premium and amount of coverage based on your needs.

Alternatives to a pet health insurance plan, you can keep an emergency fund and apply for a medical expenses credit card or a veterinary discount card. Some people choose to pay a certain amount into their vets’ account every month.

The Penny Hoarder website offers a list of pet insurance pros and cons you might find helpful as you consider whether a plan makes sense for you and your furry family member.

Pet Insurance Pros

Image from The Paw Company

PROS 

  • It’s easy to compare your options — Compared to human health insurance plans, plans for pets are relatively straightforward, and you can get no-commitment quotes online from different companies within minutes.
  • Premiums can be low — If your pet is young and healthy, or you choose a lower tier, you can get coverage for a very low monthly fee.
  • You usually get to choose your vet — There are none of the usual human health plans “out of network” provider headaches with pet insurance. As long as the veterinarian you take your pet to is licensed, eligible expenses should be covered.
  • You can do more for your pet — No one wants to have to choose between a sick pet and a mountain of debt. Too many pet owners, faced with a catastrophic medical crisis they hadn’t prepared for, are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to elect “economic euthanasia.” Pet insurance may save you from having to face such a decision.
  • Pet insurance can provide you with the peace of mind and confidence to make better health care decisions that are in the best interest of your pet.
Pet Insurance Cons

Image from The Paw Company

CONS 

  • Premiums can be high — If your pet is older, has a pre-existing condition or you choose a high tier, it will cost more.  In addition, premiums tend to increase yearly, so your monthly pet care budget will need to grow accordingly.
  • It doesn’t cover everything — On average, pet owners with insurance still pay around 20% of their pets’ medical expenses. Routine wellness check-ups usually aren’t covered, often along with certain hereditary/genetic conditions. Some insurance have many exclusions.
  • You still have to pay for procedures upfront in some cases — Unlike in human medicine, veterinarians don’t involve themselves with pet insurance. This means you must pay your veterinarian the full amount, and then submit the proper forms to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
  • The coverage has limitations — Many plans limit the amount you can claim, either annually or over your pet’s lifetime. If your pet suffers a major medical problem, you could max out your plan’s limit pretty quickly and find yourself paying the difference. If this is a concern for you, look for plans without payment caps.
  • If your pet only needs routine vet care, you won’t save much — So break out the numbers for an average year.

BUDGET FOR THE ANIMALS IN YOUR CARE

When you’re creating your household budget, it’s a really good idea to include pet care expenses such as:

  • Regular wellness check-ups, including dental care.
  • Costs for proper nutrition and daily care.
  • Costs for treatment of unexpected illness or injury.
  • Costs for breed-specific conditions that may arise, such as allergies, skin diseases, heart problems, or orthopedic conditions.

Never let a pet suffer because you didn’t plan! In these difficult times contact your local animal welfare organisations like the SPCA, in advance and ask whether they have programs for this, that you can join. If you don’t have the funds and the animal is suffering, rather surrender them to your local SPCA to be euthanized.

Next week we will look at some strategies to avoid high vet bills.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Written by: Ancois van Zyl

 

Youth dog walk, bringing the love of dogs to disadvantaged children

/in , /by

Mdzananda Animal Clinic - Youth Dog Walk

Two- and four-leggeds will be strutting their stuff along the Strandfontein Pavilion this Youth Day, the 16th of June 2022. A Youth Dog Walk, hosted by Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Remnant Youth, will bring the love of dogs to children from difficult backgrounds. 

“The event aims at brining the youth of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain together through the fun activity of walking dogs,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive. “Most of these children come from difficult backgrounds, many never having experienced love. The unconditional love of a four-legged friend is priceless.”

The event addresses both animal and youth issues.

Mdzananda Animal Clinic - Youth Dog Walk

In both communities, animals are often bred for protection with children being taught to fear dogs. Here children will experience the kind, compassionate qualities of dogs – something many community children never experience in their home environments. At the same time they will learn about animal ownership and responsibility. The event provides a safe space for children from challenged backgrounds to spend a day, feeling like they have purpose in the world by doing good.

Sr Heidi May, the General Manager at Mdzananda Animal Clinic, says that growing up with pets is linked to higher self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills and this event is the first step towards that. “At Mdzananda we’ve experienced that many children are the carers for the animals in the home. They befriend the animals, often being the only form of companionship and support in homes where there is violence. The animals give them a purpose.”

Remnant Youth, the co-organisers, creates events for youth to have a community where they feel safe while doing good in the world. They have helped at Mdzananda adoption days, have spent a week at the organisation bathing animals, have cooked meals for the elderly and more.

Mdzananda Animal Clinic - Youth Dog Walk

Youngsters from outside of Khayelitsha and Mitchells plain are also invited. Children can bring their dogs along and enjoy a walk with an ocean view.

Entry is FREE of charge (donations are welcome if walkers wish to donate, but not essential).

We ask the public to sponsor a child from one of these disadvantaged communities to walk for R50. This will help cover our event costs. Email info@mdzananda.co.za for registration forms or arrive early on the day. The walk starts at 8am at the Strandfontein Pavilion. Registration starts at 7:30 am.

Youth Day - Dog walk 

About Mdzananda Animal Clinic (www.mdzananda.co.za)

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, home to 400 000 people (2011 census) and their pets. The clinic serves over 1000 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics and an animal ambulance. Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future.

For any further information please contact Marcelle du Plessis, marcelle@mdzananda.co.za, 0823577613 (personal cell, not for publication) / 082 251 0554 (office)

Source: Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Visit website: www.mdzananda.co.za

How the litter in your garbage can affects animals?

/in , , /by

Mismanaged trash has a devastating effect on the environment, but also a high risk for injury or death to animals.

Even though you might throw your trash in the garbage bin, where they land eventually can still impact the environment and hurt animals. Littering, in general, is bad for the environment, but today we will focus on what you can do when disposing of litter in your garbage bin, to prevent animals from suffering. 

HOW DOES LITTER AFFECT ANIMALS?

Litter can negatively affect animal life in many ways.

  1. One of the most common effects of litter on animals is entanglement. Animals of all shapes and sizes can find themselves trapped and hurt by various waste products, especially plastic ones, leading to severe injuries or even death if they can’t escape.
  2. It is easy for wildlife to mistake small pieces of plastic for food since there are millions of them floating in our oceans forming huge garbage patches. Sea turtles, for example, are often found trying to eat plastic bags because they resemble jellyfish, one of their natural prey. Ingesting litter can cause direct harm to an animal’s internal organs, force starvation by filling its stomach and intestines with indigestible material, decrease its mobility, and poison it to the point of sickness or death.
  3. Modern-day garbage dumps, which are full of harmful products and chemicals, are emerging as a serious threat to animal and plant life and are leading to a shift in the food, behaviour and reporductive habits of wild animals.
  4. Fish, who are unable to reverse, might swim into plastic and suffocate.
  5. Some animals hide in garbage for shelter and may get trapped or injured.
  6. Litter on the road can cause animals to be hit by cars.

Everyday items such as soda cans and plastic bottles can be deadly for unsuspecting wildlife and even for your cats and dogs (or others). Here are some simple tricks by PETA and The Paw Company share what you can do to help prevent animals from suffering:

SODA RINGS
What can happen: Six-packs of soda often come strung together by plastic rings. This feral cat got her head caught in one of them.
How you can help: Cut apart all sections of plastic six-pack rings, including the inner diamonds.

FISHING LINE & HOOKS
What can happen: Birds frequently get their beaks wrapped or wings tangled up in discarded fishing lines. Hooks can be swallowed or become embedded in birds’ skin or beaks.
How you can help: If you spot fishing litter, pick it up and dispose of it. Read The Paw Company’s post on the cruel practice of catch-and-release.

BEER & SODA CANS
What can happen: Even the tiniest animals can fall victim to litter. Discarded soda cans are tempting to small animals who are looking for food or shade. Animals can also be cut by cans’ sharp edges.
How you can help: Be sure to dispose of your cans responsibly. Rinse and crush cans before tossing them into the recycling bin. You can also fold the tab back to block off the hole on the top.

GUM & LABELS
What can happen: Animals often step in gum or the sticky labels. Gum can become matted in their fur or feathers, making it difficult for them to move.
How you can help: Never spit gum onto the ground. Wrap it in paper and dispose of it in a proper receptacle. Paste the sticky sides of tape onto each other.

TIN CANS, CUPS, & JARS
What can happen: Hungry animals desperate for even just a few crumbs often get their heads stuck in discarded cans, cups, and jars.
How you can help: Always rinse out containers (and place the lids back on them!) and crush metal cans before disposing of them.

PLASTIC BOTTLES & BAGS
What can happen: Whales, turtles, and seabirds often mistake trash for food, and if eaten, it can choke them or cause fatal stomach or bowel obstructions.
How you can help: When shopping, choose paper bags or take your reusable bags whenever possible.

CHIP BAGS
What can happen: Curious pets put their head into a chip bag (or similar packaging), the bag creates a vacuum-seal around the neck of the pet when they inhale.  This can cause them to suffocate.
How you can help: Cut down the sides of the chip bag before you throw it away.

MASKS
People think straws are a problem?
What can happen: The strings of the masks get entangled on the feet/legs of animals, especially birds. This can lead to injury or death if they can’t escape.
How you can help: Cut off both strings from the mask.

PET LITTERING
What can happen: We have a massive overpopulation crisis of animals and this problem is perpetuated one litter at a time. This leads to millions of animals being killed humanely annually (euthanized), because there are just not enough homes.
How you can help: Spay & neuter your pets and sponsor sterilizations as much as you can. Keep them secure in your yard.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

The problems are not only limited to the above!

  • Don’t litter.
  • Clean up in your community.  Find or create events to help pick up litter in your neighbourhood to help keep it litter-free for longer
  • Securely cover garbage cans and recycle bins so that animals can’t get into them and become trapped inside.
  • Keep an eye out for other people’s trash, too.
  • Lessen it in your day-to-day life. Look for ways to prevent yourself from leaving waste behind by opting for more sustainable packaging and recycling the right way.
  • Spread the word. More people need to understand the devastating effects litter has on animal and plant life.

RECYCLE

WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN

It has become popular at weddings, parties and funerals, to release sky lanterns or balloons. All released balloons, including those falsely marketed as “biodegradable latex,” return to earth as ugly litter as do lanterns. They kill countless animals and cause dangerous power outages. Balloons are also a waste of Helium, a finite resource. Balloons can travel thousands of miles and pollute the most remote and pristine places. Lanterns have caused fires far from where they are released, startled, injured and killed animals. When you plan a funeral or other events, celebrate life by not causing more death. You can easily google less harmful ideas.

Make ethical choices when it comes to the products you use.  Think of both the environment and the animals. Your actions could be the difference between life and death for even one sentient being.

 

Source: The Bulletin
Written by: Ancois van Zyl

Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

/in , , , , , , , /by

Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

There are many benefits of including fruit in a healthy human diet, but as a pet parent, you may ask yourself: can my pets eat fruit?

If you’re tempted to feed these tasty treats to your furry friend, you’ll be happy to know that you can include fruit in your pet’s snack routine, as long as you stick to those fruits that are safe. Some fruits can be toxic to your pet, so it’s very important to double-check with your veterinarian before sharing your fruit salad. Also, remember that it is very important to consider your pet’s overall diet. If your dog or cat is already eating a well-balanced diet, make sure that you don’t overdo it with feeding them fruit, even if it is a nutritious treat.

Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
There is some debate whether or not dogs should be considered carnivores or omnivores. Research shows that dogs are capable of safely consuming and digesting some plant-based foods. While dogs share some genetic traits with their wolf ancestors — they are not wolves. They do receive benefits from consuming meat, but their dietary needs have adapted to be more domesticated, including key nutrients from fruits. So, generally speaking, if you’re asking, “Can dogs eat fruit?” The answer is yes, but only certain and limited amount of fruits.

Moderation is the key to incorporating fruit into your dog’s meals. Excessive ingestion of fruit (even safe fruit) may cause intestinal irritation, diarrhoea, or bloating. It is recommended that any food outside your dog’s primary nutrition be less than 10% of his overall calorie intake. All foods discussed below should be discussed with your veterinarian before giving to your dog.

Additionally, be sure to remove any choking hazards, such as ball-shaped pieces of fruit, seeds, pits, and stems, some of which can be toxic.

Here are some safe fruits for dogs, including recommended appropriate portion sizes:

  • Apples (1-2 slices): High in fibre and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core because the seeds contain a substance that can release cyanide.
  • Apricots (1 slice): It’s a yummy, sweet treat, but carefully and completely remove the leaves, stem and pit prior to serving because these are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
  • Bananas (1-2 pieces): Containing potassium and carbs, this versatile fruit should be sliced into approximately one-inch chunks.
  • Blackberries (2-3 berries): Full of antioxidants and fibre, this berry also packs vitamins A, C, K and E.
  • Blueberries (2-3 berries): This berry contains strong antioxidant properties and is considered a superfood for humans and dogs.
  • Cantaloupe (1 piece): This melon contains beta-carotene, a pigment that makes it orange, and which aids in the improvement of vision. Cut it into one-inch chunks.
  • Cranberries (1-2 tablespoons): Cook this berry in water (and no other ingredients) before serving it to your dog.
  • Kiwis (1/2 slice): In addition to fibre, kiwis provide vitamin A and potassium.
  • Mango (1-2 slices): Before serving this exotic fruit to your pet, peel it and remove the pit to avoid digestive issues. The pit is toxic.
  • Peaches (2-3 pieces): Skip the canned version (too much sugar) and opt for the fresh fruit, cut up into bite-sized pieces with the toxic pit carefully removed, for a treat that’s high in vitamin A.
  • Pears (2-3 pieces): Pears are high in fibre and copper. Choose chunks of the whole fruit and remove the core and seeds, which are toxic.
  • Pineapples (2-3 pieces): Raw, fresh pineapple is a wonderful sweet treat— Cut off the prickly skin before serving.
  • Strawberries (1/2 berry): This yummy berry contains vitamins B1 and B6, helpful for your dog’s muscles says VetInfo.
  • Watermelon (1 slice, seedless): Because it’s ninety-two percent water, this melon is a go-to for humans and dogs to prevent dehydration when temperatures rise.

Can Cats Eat Fruit?

Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t interested in the sweetness of fruit. Vetstreet explains, fruit can be a good option (in moderation, of course) as a substitute for cat treats.The following are safe fruits to feed your fur baby that’s looking for a refreshing snack. Portions should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces that do not pose a choking hazard for your kitty. Follow the same serving instruction for dogs, as explained above:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon (seedless)

What Fruits to Avoid with Dogs and Cats
Consuming the wrong plant-based food can pose serious health risks for your pet. The following fruits should not be given to your dog or cat:

  • Cherries: The cherry pit contains cyanide, which is toxic to dogs and can be lethal.
  • Grapes and raisins: These foods can cause serious digestive issues in your pet, including diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy. They may even cause acute kidney failure in cats and dogs, notes the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, so it’s important to keep them away from your little furry friends.
  • Green Tomatoes (Yes, we’re considering them a fruit): Red ripe tomatoes are usually healthy for pets, but some green tomatoes contain toxins that can make pets sick, so it is always best to consult your veterinarian first.

Can dogs eat fruit? Can cats eat fruit? Absolutely — if it’s safe fruit in moderation. However, it is necessary to warn that some fruits are not healthy for dogs and cats with certain medical conditions, so it is always important to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your pets’ nutrition.

If you’re looking to add some variety to your pet’s snacks, you have many safe options from which to choose. Just as you do when searching for the right dog food or right cat food, watch your pet closely when feeding him or her any new food item, and contact your vet with any questions.

Bon appétit!

Published by Christine O’Brien
Source: Hills Pet Nutrition