Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

4 Oct 2024 is World Animal Day!

October 4, 2024 in , , , /by

4 Oct 2024 is World Animal Day! World Animal Day exists to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe. It’s a day of celebration for animal lovers like you and me everywhere. On October 4, it’s our chance to mobilise into a global force, to take action against animal cruelty, neglect and unfair treatment and make the world a better place for all animals. Why October 4? Well, it’s the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, so what could be more fitting? How can you support World Animal Day? […]

Parvovirus is showing up more often in adults

October 8, 2024 in , , , , , /by

Parvovirus is showing up more often in adults Parvovirus is showing up more often in adult dogs judging by the number of adult cases being admitted to veterinary clinics in recent months. This a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease usually affects puppies. Though there are no official stats to back this up, clinical staff report higher adult numbers than usual. Parvovirus is prevented by vaccination. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to the virus though if he or she gets premium and urgent veterinary care immediately after diagnosis the survival rate can be 70 to 90%. The pup will need intensive […]

Aspects to consider if you have an existing dog and are considering adoption

October 7, 2024 in , , , , , , , /by

Aspects to consider if you have an existing dog and are considering adoption When you are adopting and have an existing dog, it really is helpful to ask yourself the questions below – this will give you a greater chance of a successful adoption.  We need to bear in mind, that if the adoption does not work out, not only will you feel terrible about this, each and every time a dog is sent back to the shelter, there is more physiological damage and stress, and the chances of the dog being successful adopted in the future are reduced.  Additionally, […]

First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot

October 6, 2024 in , , , , , , , , /by

First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot Introducing a feathered friend to your home can be most exciting. Bear in mind however, that like us, birds come with baggage, trauma triggers, and oftentimes undesirable behaviour. Having the grit to work with that bird, through the good and the bad, can make all the difference in changing its life for the better. Animal behaviourist, Lizelle Britz-Chapman, has a few tips for those who decide to foster or adopt a rescue bird. “Accept the bad, hope for the best” Doing so will ensure that you will not set yourself up for […]

The Gift of the Growl

October 5, 2024 in , , , , , , /by

The Gift of the Growl Dogs don’t bite if a growl will suffice Not all growling is a sign that a dog’s unhappy. Some growls may be part of a particular play style, seeking attention, from frustration or other reasons. They may all sound a little different and may be unique to that particular dog. This post is not about different types of growls, but about reactive, aggressive or early warning growls. When a dog growls, especially when it’s directed at us, our natural human response is to feel offended and maybe even angry. Surely dogs need to learn not […]

Nurturing Hope: Take a stand for the African penguin with us!

October 3, 2024 in , , , , /by

Nurturing Hope: Take a stand for the African penguin with us! One of our most heartwarming initiatives at SANCCOB is our Chick Rearing Unit and Nursery, where abandoned chicks and those hatched at SANCCOB receive the loving care they need to thrive.  Most of these chicks are rescued from colonies in Simons Town (Boulders Beach) and Stony Point, Cape Town, in collaboration with managing authorities, where dedicated Seabird Rangers monitor the colonies, rescue little ones in need of assistance – and transport them to SANCCOB for rehabilitative and veterinary care. A Safe Haven for African Penguin Chicks and Eggs SANCCOB […]

Vaccinating 1000 Khayelitsha Pets Against Rabies

October 2, 2024 in , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Vaccinating 1000 Khayelitsha Pets Against Rabies Mdzananda Animal Clinic is thrilled to announce a new partnership with FOUR PAWS, who generously funded the vaccination of 1,000 community pets, in honour of World Rabies Day, commemorated on Saturday, 28th September. This critical sponsorship extends to the administration of 5-in-1 vaccinations, which protect pets from deadly viruses such as Parvovirus and Distemper, along with providing dewormers to ensure the overall health of Khayelitsha’s animals. “We are honoured to receive this sponsorship from FOUR PAWS, which is enabling us to protect the animals of Khayelitsha and ensure essential primary health care,” says Marcelle […]

Flatulence – Farting and Gas Problems in Dogs

October 4, 2024 in , , , , , , , /by

Flatulence – Farting and Gas Problems in Dogs The formation of gas in the stomach or intestine is referred to as flatulence. Today most people refer to the annoying and rather offensive smell and noise associated with flatulence as a fart or gas. Let’s face it no one enjoys sharing an environment with a pet suffering from flatulence, so here is some information to help you understand why your pet has flatulence and what you can do to help. What causes flatulence in dogs? It should be noted that it is normal for gas to be produced and to accumulate within […]

Critical Skills at Risk: South African Veterinarians Leaving the Country in Increasing Numbers

September 21, 2024 in , , , , /by

Critical Skills at Risk: South African Veterinarians Leaving the Country in Increasing Numbers South Africa, September 2024 – The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is sounding the alarm as an increasing number of veterinarians are leaving the country, taking with them critical skills that are essential to the health and well-being of animals, humans and the environment. This growing exodus is a concerning trend that could have severe implications for the veterinary profession and the broader public health sector in South Africa. According to recent data, the migration of veterinarians from South Africa has accelerated, driven by a combination of […]

Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots

October 2, 2024 in , , , , , /by

Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots A large percentage of birds in our network portray signs of hormonal behaviour. In the wild, hormonal behaviour may be triggered by factors that change with the seasons, such as extended hours of sunlight, higher food abundance, or warmer weather. While seasonal procreation is natural for parrots, constantly comfortable conditions in the household setting may contribute towards year-round hormonal behaviour in some parrots, while others remain affected only seasonally. While parrots are capable of reading birdy body language, this understanding does not come as naturally in humans and must either be observed or learned. We […]