Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

Kennel Cough in Dogs – It’s More Than You Think!

August 13, 2019 in , , , , /by

Almost every dog parent has heard the term kennel cough before. Perhaps their dog went to daycare or was recently boarded. Perhaps their fur baby played with some new dogs at the dog park or visited a grooming facility. Then, their dog started to cough about a week later. So, they brought the pet to their family veterinarian where the dog was diagnosed with kennel cough. But what is kennel cough? Well, this week I answer this question because this disease is actually quite complex. So, let’s dive right into this topic. Happy reading! Kennel Cough – What is it? […]

Pet pigs can communicate with humans – especially when food is involved

August 12, 2019 in , /by

By: Liz Langley Compared with dogs, little research has been done on how domesticated pigs interact with people. Pigs and dogs share a lot in common—they’re both intelligent, friendly animals that often makes them attractive as household pets. Ongoing research on how dogs communicate with people have revealed that canines are closely attuned to our emotions, and can detect even the most subtle of feelings. But little similar research has been done in other domesticated animals, such as “mini-pigs,” a catch-all term that characterizes just about any small-breed pig. (See amazing photos of wild, warty pigs.) Pig ownership has increased in […]

Ectopic Ureter – A Cause of Urinary Incontinence

August 10, 2019 in , , , /by

Ectopic Ureter – What is it? To best understand ectopic ureter, one needs to have a basic understanding of urinary tract anatomy. Dogs and cats have two kidneys. Each kidney is connected to the urinary bladder by a tubular structure called a ureter. The urinary bladder is also connected to the outside world by another tubular structure called the urethra. At the beginning of the urethra are two sphincters or circumferential muscles that constrict to occlude the urethra. Think of these sphincters as doors. When the doors are closed, a pet can’t urinate. The opening and closing of these sphincters […]

Stand Up for Your City & Give Disadvantaged Animals the Gift of Good Health

August 7, 2019 in , /by

The saying goes, “Dog is a man’s best friend”. This is true for everyone, regardless of age, race, sexuality, or financial status. Sadly most disadvantaged dog owners cannot reciprocate financially and, as a result, are unable to get their dogs vaccinated annually or even sterilised. To ensure that everyone can benefit from the unconditional love of a pet, fellow Capetonians need to band together to make sure that our city is a healthy and happy place for both two-legged and four-legged residents. According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham; “It is absolutely vital to have your […]

Merck fertility expertise to assist saving Northern White Rhinoceros from extinction

August 9, 2019 in , /by

Merck, a leading science and technology company, is collaborating with the BioRescue Project to save the Northern White Rhinoceros (Rhino) by making its state-of-the-art fertility technologies and extensive knowledge on the subject available. Only two females of this species remain – a captive-born mother and daughter named Najin (40) and Fatu (19), who are both being kept in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Sudan, the father and grandfather to the females, was the last male of the species, and died in 2018. “With the Northern White Rhino species dangerously on the verge of extinction, we consider it our responsibility, […]

Whiskas’ Benefits of Owning A Cat

August 8, 2019 in , , /by

It’s National Cat Day on 8 August, also known as World Cat Day. It was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002 to raise the awareness of homeless cats, celebrate the friendship that humans and cats share, and enlist support for the safety and well-being of cats. To celebrate our independent and beautiful feline friends, Whiskas highlights the six benefits of owning a cat: Healthier heart – We know owning a pet gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, but studies have revealed that owning a cat lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 30 percent. […]

Animal cruelty in the spotlight

August 7, 2019 in , /by

At this month’s University of the Third Age (U3A) session held on Thursday 25 July at the Baxter theatre, attendees received a tear-jerking and highly informative lecture by Belinda Abrahams from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Abrahams gave a moving lecture on the topic of the various work done by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and why it matters. “When we talk about animal welfare, we’re not just referring to their physical well-being,” Abrahams explained. “We recognise animals as sentient beings.” In the lecture, Abrahams covered a wide range of topics depicting the work […]

Wildlife Poachers In Kenya Could Face The Death Penalty

August 8, 2019 in , , /by

By: Natasha Ishak Last year, the Kenyan government announced a bold proposition to protect its vulnerable wildlife: using the death penalty against illegal poachers. Now, according to News 360, lawmakers are aiming to fast-track the passing of this legislation. The current law in Kenya makes it illegal to kill endangered animals in the country. In addition, the 2013 Wildlife Conservation Act also carries a life sentence or $200,000 fine against illegal poachers. But these legislative efforts have not been enough. “This [fining and life sentence] has not been deterrence enough to curb poaching,” said Najib Balala, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for its Ministry of Tourism […]

As many as 1 000 dogs poisoned per week in SA

August 6, 2019 in , /by

As many as 1 000 dogs are poisoned in South Africa every week. This is according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, director at the Griffon Poison Information Centre.  On Wednesday evening, up to 40 dogs were poisoned in Florida, Roodepoort.  “The poison that is used is very potent – around 97% of animals that are poisoned die.” Verdoorn said poison is usually placed in viennas, Russians or mince and fed to the dogs. Once the dogs are dead, the homes are easy targets for housebreaking or theft.  “The most common poison used is Aldicarb, also known as ‘two-step’. It’s called that […]

Lion, tiger carcasses found in freezer, cubs euthanased at SA breeding farm

August 5, 2019 in , /by

The owner of a lion breeding farm in the North West will face fresh charges under the Animals Protection Act after cubs were allegedly found on the property in a “devastating physical condition”. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said inspectors from its wildlife protection unit had obtained a warrant to visit the farm. During a previous inspection in April, inspectors said they found lions in small enclosures, with inadequate shelter, no water and filthy, parasitic conditions. The NSPCA said at the time that 27 lions and a caracal were unable to properly groom themselves. Two lion cubs, unable to […]