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How to Avoid High Vet Bills

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ANIMALS 101 – Proactive Strategies to Cut Down on Veterinary Costs

As a pet owner, it’s important to understand that all veterinary practices have unavoidable built-in costs, and when choosing a provider, the cost is just one of many variables you should consider.  When you’re creating your household budget, it makes sense to include pet health care expenses and emergency funds as well as to be as proactive as possible when it comes to preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

  • Consider pet insurance.
  • Safe a bit every month.
  • Get involved in animal welfare. Volunteer your time. This way you can build great relationships which can come in handy in an emergency.
  • Annual vet checks are crucial.
  • Be proactive.
Include your pets health care in your household budget

Image by Dr. Karen Becker (Facebook page)

TOP PROACTIVE STRATEGIES TO AVOID BIG VET BILLS.

  • Dental checks — if you see any plaque and tartar accumulating on your pet’s teeth start an at-home dental hygiene routine. Unaddressed oral issues are a common reason for super-expensive veterinary dental procedures so preventing them from occurring can save you thousands, over time.
  • Examine your pet’s ears — animal ear canals should be like yours, clean and dry. Remove accumulating debris or wax daily, or however often is needed to keep your pet’s ears in pristine condition.
  • Examine your pet’s eyes — remove accumulating debris as it forms with a damp cloth and keep the hair trimmed short around the eyes to avoid matting and secondary moist pyodermas (skin infections).
  • Lumps and bumps inventory — run your hands over your pet’s body weekly and keep an at-home body and skin chart. Note the date, location, and size of any new skin tags, warts, lumps, or bumps. Update your pet’s body chart as things change and if you see rapid changes, it’s time for a well-justified vet exam.
  • Monitor bowels daily — catching changes in your pet’s stools the minute they happen allows you to immediately address them with some home remedies from a veterinarian and dietary adjustments that oftentimes prevent a trip to the vet.
  • Monitor your pet’s weight at home — weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your animal. This gives you some idea if your pet is headed up or down the scale; certainly not exact, but you’ll get some idea about how you need to adjust the upcoming weeks’ calories. Maintaining your pet’s weight reduces the potential for a multitude of diseases.
  • Range of Motion check-in — your animal needs a lot of daily activity to maintain the resiliency of their muscle mass, ligaments, tendons and overall strength. If you find your animal is moving even slightly slower, is hesitant to climb stairs, or to join you on the couch, address this change immediately.
  • Proper grooming – do regular grooming, including keeping them clean (don’t wash too often), combing them regularly and keeping their nails trimmed.
  • Provide enrichment – exercise regularly and meet both your pet’s physical and emotional needs. Strive for at least 30 minutes of intense and interesting physical activity a day and play games which engage them mentally.
  • Observe body language – when you can spot the changes in their body language and behaviour, you can act immediately when something is off. With any behaviour changes, it is important to rule out health problems, by visiting your trusted veterinarian.
  • Have a home emergency kit – having the right tools to treat small injuries can prevent it from getting worse or from becoming infected later.
  • Supervision – when eating bones (not as food, only recreational), when swimming and playing with new or hazardous toys.
  • Keep them safe in your secure yard – avoid potential injuries caused by other people, other animals, ingestion or being hit by a car when they escape out of the yard.
  • Keep health treatments up-to-date – vaccinations against dangerous illnesses, tick and flea treatments and regular deworming can prevent unnecessary and expensive trips to the vet.
  • Protection against extreme weather – follow out tips for pets in summer and winter.
  • Be aware of certain holiday hazards – Halloween and Christmas and New Year.
Potential dangers for your pets in and around your home

Image by The Paw Company

IN ADDITION (Dr. Karen Becker)

Apart from tracking weekly changes in your pet’s health, investigating and thoroughly understanding any current health issues is critical to your effective alignment with your loved ones’ prescribed protocols.

  • Assessing water and air quality — are the chemicals being filtered out of the tap or well water my pet drinks?
  • How many chemically off-gassing fabrics, upholstery, furniture and carpet is my pet exposed to, and am I offering a means of detoxification?
  • Are there chemical endocrine disrupters routinely present in the home? Food stored in plastic bags? Does my pet chew plastic toys? Room sprays, plug-ins, or heavily scented candles often used?
  • Does my animal have exposure to lawn chemicals or household extermination chemicals that can negatively affect their health?
  • Do I know where the ingredients in my pet’s food come from and do I feel confident my animal is getting all the nutrition they need to thrive with what I’m currently feeding? What percentage of my animal’s diet is ultra-processed versus unprocessed, real, fresh food? How many times were the ingredients in the food my animal is eating heated? (Each time nutrients are heated AGEs form, which contributes to many chronic disease processes).
  • Flea and tick pesticides are expensive and have potential side effects; have I assessed my animal’s unique exposure risks for my location.
  • Am I checking vital organ function annually to assure myself my animal is as healthy on the inside as they appear to be on the outside? The only way to address disease is to identify it as soon as possible, proactive bloodwork is critical to the wellness process.
  • Don’t follow home remedies from unqualified individuals on the internet.
  • For emergencies, learn pet CPR and how to help a choking animal. Have an emergency poison treatment pack as part of your first aid kit.

If there are health concerns or sudden changes, always consult your Vet! After receiving a diagnosis, the goal is to co-create a viable treatment or quality of life plan you feel confident and comfortable executing at home.

Remember neglect and not providing medical care, when necessary, can be considered animal cruelty! They are your responsibility!

All of this revolves around you having an adequate knowledge base about what’s going on in your animal’s body to make good choices, and that only happens by educating yourself.

Written by: Ancois van Zyl
Published in: The Bulletin

Responsible pet parents spay and neuter their pets.

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RESPONSIBLE PET PARENTS SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS

Spaying and neutering have many benefits, including health, behaviour & community benefits.

There are two big reasons why you should spay and neuter your pets.  We have a massive pet overpopulation crisis worldwide, with not nearly enough homes, never mind good homes.  This means that millions of healthy animals are being euthanized (killed humanely) annually. Another reason is it is good for their health!

THE PET OVERPOPULATION CRISIS

You need to understand the magnitude of this overpopulation crisis and then, hopefully, you will understand why many of us advocate so hard for it.

  • One female cat and her offspring can exponentially produce 370 000 cats in just seven years.
  • One female dog and her offspring can exponentially produce 67 000 dogs in six years.
  • Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born, find a home.
  • According to Rescue Rehab SA, approximately 1 million dogs and cats are euthanized in South Africa every year, that is 2740 a day!
  • According to the Humane Society of the USA, a cat or dog is euthanized at shelters every 10s.
  • A report by Mars Petcare showed 224 million animals are homeless in the USA, UK, SA, Mexico, Greece, Russia, China, India & Germany and about 30% of animals in SA are homeless.
  • At least one in four pets brought to shelters are purebred and this number is climbing.

Although we promote adoption, we can’t adopt our way out of this problem, so we need to fix (pardon the pun) it. We have heard all the bad excuses, debunked the myths and I educate about it daily on the SPAY & NEUTER SA page.

One of the worst excuses I have heard is that preventing pets from having litters is unnatural and that if God thought it was a problem he would make them sterile.  The fact is that we have already interfered with nature by domesticating dogs, cats and other animals. We domesticated the dog 15 000 years ago and the cat 8 000 years ago. In doing so, we helped create this problem. Now it’s our responsibility to solve it. It’s also unnatural to be killing so many of them in our pounds and shelters each year. You can’t blame the shelters, but you should blame breeders and dealers of any kind.

 

IT IS GOOD FOR THEIR HEALTH

When you spay and neuter your pets it can lead to longer and happier lives.  There are many benefits of spay and neuter for their health which include a lower risk for certain diseases like cancers and pyometra. It certainly eliminates the stress associated with pregnancy.  It improves behaviour, especially when dealing with females in heat and males marking or spraying and wandering out of the yard in search of these females which they can smell from far away. 

RESPONSIBLE PET PARENTS SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS.3

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPAYING & NEUTERING
WHAT DOES SPAY & NEUTER MEAN?

It’s important to recognize the difference between sterilization and desexing (traditional spay and neuter). Whereas the former procedure eliminates a dog’s ability to procreate, desexing sterilizes but also eliminates the dog’s ability to produce sex hormones for the remainder of their life.

Vetcare.com defines it as follows:

The word “spay” refers to the sterilization of female pets. During the ovariohysterectomy, or the typical “spay”, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed from a female dog or cat.

The term “neuter” refers to the castration of male pets.  During orchiectomy, or the typical “neuter”, the testes are removed from a male dog or cat.

Both the spay and neuter procedure makes them unable to reproduce and reduces or eliminates breeding-related behaviours. In females it eliminates her heat cycle.

WHAT AGE SHOULD I SPAY/NEUTER MY PET?

An experienced vet can spay and neuter at an age as young as 6-8 weeks old, however, the risks involved with anesthesia may be slightly greater at this age.  Older females that are not spayed are at risk too. There is generally no other age limit for the procedure as long as your pet is healthy.

We support spay and neuter at around 6 months of age. We have done so with our pets who all reach ripe old ages and are rarely sick.

SHOULD I LET MY PET HAVE BABIES BEFORE I SPAY THEM?

Most veterinarians and the most recent research recommends that animals are spayed before their first heat cycle (before the age of 7 months or so). This drastically reduces the risk of mammary tumors later in life, prevents uterine infections and unwanted pregnancy. Pregnancy can put unnecessary stress on your pet’s body.

MY PET JUST GAVE BIRTH, HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO SPAY?

Please prevent this, but if it did happen, the suggested time for animals that have recently given birth is about 2 weeks after the young have been weaned and the mother’s milk has dried up.

WHAT ARE SIGNS THAT MY CAT/DOG IS IN HEAT? (Vetcare.com)

Dogs have outward signs of being in heat. The vulva swells, and there is bleeding present for 1-1 ½ weeks. Just after the bleeding stops, most dogs will be receptive to mating for 1-2 weeks. Most dogs will go into heat twice a year, in the spring and fall.  Some dogs may skip the fall cycle.

Cats go into heat for the first time typically when they are 5-7 months old. A cat will be in heat (receptive to mating and able to become pregnant) for up to two weeks and then go out of heat. If she has not been mated, two weeks later, she will go back into heat again. This cycling in and out of heat will continue for several months.

Cats can have their first heat cylce at around 4 months of age.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Even though spay and neuter are major surgical procedures, they are some of the most common procedures done by vets.  As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and potential surgical complications. The overall occurrence of these risks is very rare.

WILL MY PET GAIN WEIGHT?

Probably not. Just like people, pets become overweight when they eat too much or exercise too little. Choosing a diet that is species-appropriate and suited to the health and lifestyle of your pet is important to prevent weight gain.

WILL THEIR BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AFTER THE SURGERY?

The spay and neuter will most likely not alter your pet’s basic personality which is mainly determined by the breed and a few other factors. It can result in some behavioural changes, but usually for the better! 

WILL MY MALE CAT STOP SPRAYING IF I GET HIM NEUTERED?

Spraying is common in unneutered male cats. They want to mark their territory and it would be best to neuter your cat before they develop this behaviour. Males may still engage in full-testosterone male behaviors while their male sex hormone levels diminish after surgery. This can take 6-8 weeks. Remember that male rabbits can still be fertile for a few weeks after neutering, as there may be sperm left in the reproductive tract!

DOES SPAYING & NEUTERING HURT?

During a spay or neuter surgery, the animal is fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. Afterward, some animals seem to experience some discomfort temporarily, but with pain medication, discomfort may not be experienced at all.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?

According to vetcare.com, most spay and neuter skin incisions are fully healed within about 10–14 days, which coincides with the time that stitches or staples, if any, will need to be removed.

WHICH VET TO CHOOSE?

Even though this procedure is a common procedure for vets, not all vets are good at it, so do your homework on the vet! Cats & dogs are common patients, but please use an exotic qualified vet for other animals!

SHOULD ALL ANIMALS BE SPAYED & NEUTERED?

The massive overpopulation crisis includes more than just cats and dogs, so the answer is mostly yes.  There might be exceptions due to safety or medical reasons and those animals need highly responsible owners to prevent litters. Spaying or neutering a bird is not a routine surgery like it is with many mammals and can be riskier. There are many other ways to prevent your birds from reproducing offspring. Removing eggs of egg-laying animals (the right way) is another method.

CAN YOU SPAY A FEMALE IN HEAT?

Although possible, most vets will probably advise against it due to more swelling and a higher risk of bleeding. This surgery may take longer and be more expensive.

CAN’T WE JUST SPAY THE FEMALES AS THEY HAVE THE LITTERS?

No darling, it takes two to tango if you missed biology class.  The female can only have so many puppies/kittens at once, but the male can impregnate many females around the same time.

IF I KEEP THEM SAFE IN MY YARD, DO I STILL NEED TO SPAY & NEUTER THEM?

Yes, for sure!  Do you know that guy called Murphy?  Animals get in and out of yards and saying it was an unexpected litter doesn’t fly.  If your pet is not spayed or neutered, you can totally expect it.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Apart from the usual veterinary advice like keeping your pet still and keeping the wound clean, you also need to phone your vet the moment you think something is not right and keep the freshly-neutered males away from non-spayed females for some time.

When it comes to male neuters for various species, after the testicles are removed, it takes time for all of the residual sperm to clear out of the pipes. Ask your vet how long, but some sources suggest days to weeks. During this time, a freshly-neutered male can still impregnate females.

IS THE PROCEDURE EXPENSIVE?

It probably depends on what you spend money on and whether your pet’s health is a priority to you. The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian’s fees, and a few other factors. Remember that spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost and the cost far outweighs the cost of health-related issues due to not sterilizing or even for raising litters. There are many opportunities to do this at more affordable rates and adoption fees include it!

n general, spaying tends to be more expensive than neutering. Spaying involves opening your dog or cat’s stomach to access the animal’s reproductive organs where neutering is less complex.

The cost may vary from town to town, but according to Pawpawpets.com, the average cost of a spay in South Africa is around R1350 for a female cat and around R1800 to a crazy R4000 for a female dog. Neuters can cost around R750-R1000 for a male cat and around R1200 – R2500 for a male dog.

THE BIGGEST CRITICISM OF EARLY SPAY & NEUTER
There are always two sides to a coin and it is important to look at both.

Some research shows that in desexing spays and neuters – surgical procedures that remove the gonads and associated sex hormones – can have a long-term negative impact on their health.

The research mostly suggest this more in large dog breeds. The advice then is to have them spayed or neutered after they turned one year old, but again then they need a highly responsible owner. You must also remember that the relationship between sex hormones, health and wellness is more complex and can be influenced by many aspects like sex, breed, age, environment and more.

I have not yet seen these negative effects and I think there is more research needed on this as single case studies are not enough. With this massive overpopulation crisis worldwide, the benefits far outweigh the risk for me.

If this does occur, it seems that hormone restoration therapy may be beneficial to symptomatic spayed and neutered dogs.

What are alternatives then? 

When a pet is left intact, it requires a highly responsible pet guardian who is fully committed to and capable of preventing mating and litters.

Another option is sterilizing so the testes or ovaries can continue to produce hormones. This can be accomplished through vasectomy and hysterectomy. According to Dr. Karen Becker, traditional spaying and neutering are basically the only techniques vets are currently taught and we need to change that.

Changing the fate of animals and the massive overpopulation crisis resolves around three principles namely sterilization, education, stricter and enforced laws for those who don’t respond to being asked nicely.  No breeding can be “responsible” when we have a massive overpopulation crisis and when you support breeders, you are part of the problem.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND JOIN THE SPAY & NEUTER REVOLUTION

  • Spay & neuter your pets.
  • Share, educate & advocate for it.
  • Donate to spay & neuter campaigns.
  • Support petitions on the topic.
  • Don’t support animal dealers, breeders, or pet shops that fuel the overpopulation crisis.
  • Adopt from reputable organizations.

Can you see now why reputable animal welfare organizations are all up-in-your-business about spay and neuter?

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: DIY Wire Paw Print

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Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: DIY Wire Paw Print

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, emphasizing the ongoing need for animal welfare. Wire Fence promotes awareness by creating a wire paw print designed to accompany the official emblem, the orange ribbon.

What is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month?

The ASPCA initiates Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, raising awareness about animal welfare issues globally. It advocates for responsible pet ownership, fights against factory farming, wildlife trafficking, and abuse in the entertainment industry. Despite legislative efforts, challenges persist, highlighting the crucial role of education and advocacy in fostering compassion and ethical treatment of animals.

Important facts

  • One animal suffers abuse every minute.
  • Over 110 million animals are killed in U.S. laboratories each year.
  • Each year, the U.K. food supply results in the slaughter of 6.4 billion land and sea animals.
  • The animals most commonly reported for abuse are dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.

DIY wire paw print step by step

If you believe in the power of small actions to make a big difference, you can show your support for Animal Cruelty Awareness Month by wearing the orange ribbon logo. This blog will guide you through creating your own wire paw print which can be worn alongside the logo. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

OVERVIEW

  • Experience Required: Low
  • Tools Required: Protective Gloves, Pliers, Wire Cutters, Glue Gun, Safety Pins, Black Paint (optional) 
  • Materials Required: Tensioning Wire, Orange Ribbon

Other ways to get involved

  • Choose Ethical Products: Opt for cage-free eggs and grass-fed beef to support animal welfare.
  • Adopt from Rescues: Adopt pets from rescue centers instead of buying from breeders or pet stores to reduce demand for animals bred in harmful conditions.
  • Report Abuse: Report suspected animal abuse to authorities or welfare organisations.
  • Support Laws: Advocate for animal-friendly legislation and policies to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation.
  • Educate: Spread awareness about the well-being of animals within your circle of friends and family.
  • Volunteer: Offer time to animal shelters for care, socialization, fundraising, or administrative tasks.
  • Fostering : Provide temporary homes for shelter animals awaiting adoption to ease overcrowding.
  • Promote Spaying/Neutering: Support responsible pet ownership by advocating for spaying and neutering to reduce overpopulation.

Organisations to support

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
For over 150 years, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, rescuing abused animals, and advocating for better laws nationwide. Help support their mission by donating to create a safer, more compassionate world for animals.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a leading organisation in England and Wales dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, rescuing animals from harm, enforcing animal welfare laws, encouraging accountable care for pets. You can contribute to their vital mission by donating to help them to alleviate animal suffering.

Animal Equality UK
Animal Equality UK is at the forefront of the fight against the cruel practices of the animal agriculture industry. They are committed to saving as many animals as possible and to reducing the enormous suffering animals endure on factory farms. You can support their crucial work to create a world in which all animals are respected and protected.

Animal Aid UK
Animal Aid UK  vision is a world where animals are free from exploitation, with their rights protected by law. While striving for this long-term goal, they also campaign against all forms of abuse and promote cruelty-free living. You can help them supporting their campaigns to end animal cruelty.

World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection organisation is dedicated to transforming the global food system and stopping the exploitation of wild animals and creating a new world where they live free of suffering. With your help they can move the world for animals.

Together for Animals
Together for Animals is committed to improving the welfare of animals through collective action and support. They tirelessly provide essential aid, advocacy, and nurture for those in need, aiming to foster a world where all beings are esteemed and safeguarded. With your help they can change the lives of pets and working animals in need.

Four Paws
Four Paws is a global animal welfare organisation committed to safeguarding animals under direct human influence by exposing their suffering and rescuing them. Their vision encompasses a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. You can contribute to create a better world for animals.

Freedom for Animals
Freedom for Animals focuses on ending the suffering of animals held captive in circuses, zoos, and aquariums, as well as those exploited in the entertainment industry, live animal displays, and the exotic pet trade. You can show your support for their tireless efforts by making a donation.

Naturewatch Foundation
Naturewatch Foundation mission is to end animal cruelty and improve animal welfare standards around the world. Through campaigns, advocacy, and education, they strive to establish a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. You can contribute to making the world a fairer place for all living creatures by joining their cause.

The Humane League
The Humane League is a leading force in combating animal abuse within the food industry. Their efforts have spurred a significant wave of corporate commitments to cage-free practices, positively impacting millions of hens and advancing animal welfare standards in the industry. One donation one step closer to end the abuse of animals raised for food.

Animal Free Research UK
Animal Free Research UK is a pioneering charity focused on promoting and funding innovative, animal-free research methods to replace animal testing. By funding research projects and raising awareness, they aim to accelerate scientific progress while reducing animal suffering. You can help build a brighter future for humans and animals.

Source: Wire Fence

The power of prevention: Acknowledging World Veterinary Day

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The power of prevention

Acknowledging World Veterinary Day

World Veterinary Day takes place this year on Saturday 27 April. Created in 2000 by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) to highlight and promote the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians around the globe, as well as  their advocacy for preventive care, this day shines a spotlight on a crucial aspect of responsible pet parenting – regular veterinary check-ups.

As members of the family, our pets’ health is a priority. However, many pet parents miss their pets’ regular veterinary visits. “This is not for lack of love for our pets, but rather busy lives that often lead to vet visits falling by the wayside,” explains Dr. Guy Fyvie from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

Pets can be masters of disguise when it comes to hiding pain or illness. “They rely solely on us to look after them. Besides providing good, nutritious food, affection, an enriching living environment, regular exercise and a safe and warm place to live, annual vet check-ups should be a priority.”

“Prevention is better than cure and it’s much less stressful taking your dog or cat for their yearly check-up versus them having to go through scary treatments that will ultimately require a lot more vet visits and may be costly.”

The importance of preventive care

Preventive care encompasses a range of measures designed to keep pets healthy and thriving. This includes routine physical examinations, vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and tailored nutritional advice. While these may seem like small steps, they play a monumental role in safeguarding our pets against a myriad of health issues.

“Think of preventive care as an investment in your pet’s future,” suggests Dr. Fyvie. “Just as we visit our doctors for annual check-ups, our pets deserve the same level of attention to ensure they lead happy, healthy lives.”

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Regular check-ups: A pillar of responsible pet parenting

“During a routine check-up, vets can detect subtle changes in your pet’s health that may go unnoticed at home,” explains Dr. Fyvie. “From weight fluctuations to early signs of dental disease or arthritis, these visits allow us to address issues proactively, often before they escalate into more serious conditions.”

Furthermore, preventive care extends beyond physical health. Behavioural concerns, nutritional needs, and age-appropriate care are all aspects that vets assess during these visits. This holistic approach ensures that every facet of your pet’s well-being is considered and optimised.

The role of nutrition in preventive care

Nutrition stands as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare for pets. Tailoring a diet to meet the specific needs of individual pets can mitigate the risk of obesity, allergies, and other health issues. Dr. Fyvie emphasises the significance of quality nutrition in maintaining optimal health.

Empowering pet parents through education

As we celebrate World Veterinary Day, Dr. Fyvie reiterates the importance of empowering pet parents with knowledge. Knowing what simple steps to take, such as regular exercise, proper grooming, and a balanced diet, can significantly enhance a pet’s quality of life.

“Education is key to fostering a strong bond between pets and their parents,” says Dr. Fyvie. “By providing resources and guidance on preventive care, we empower pet parents to make informed decisions for the well-being of their pets.” Tempting as it may be for a pet parent to self-diagnose, or treat their pet at home, and avoid a vet visit, this isn’t ideal. “There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet and looking at your pet’s symptoms in isolation can be dangerous. The experience of a veterinarian allows for a holistic and comprehensive approach that can never be replaced,” Dr. Fyvie concludes. 

For more information from Hill’s visit their website: www.HillsPet.co.za 

Source: Hills Pet

Dog bites – prevention and treatment

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Dog bites – prevention and treatment

Dog bites are the most common animal bites treated in emergency rooms across the country. Young children are the most common victims, because they are at a similar eye level to a dog. They may also inadvertently provoke attacks by pulling a dog’s ears or tail, tugging at their fur or disturbing them while they are eating.  

Teach children respect for animals

That’s why it’s so important to supervise children around animals – especially unfamiliar dogs. Teach them from a young age how to approach and interact with dogs safely. They should always ask permission before petting unfamiliar dogs, and treat the family dog with respect.

While most dog attacks involve unfamiliar dogs, there are cases of family pets turning on their owners. In January 2024, a 60 year old Durban man had to be stabilised by paramedics and hospitalised after he was bitten multiple times by his boerboel. Less than a month earlier, a one-year-old baby was badly bitten by the family’s dog.

Children under the age of six are more likely to suffer serious injuries from a dog attack as they will be bitten on the head, face and neck. Older children and adults are more likely to bitten on the legs, arms and hands.

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How to protect yourself against dog bites

Learn to recognise signs of stress or aggression in dogs. Most will warn you by growling, raising their hackles, snarling or adopting a stiff body posture. If a dog shows these signs of aggression, retreat slowly and avoid provoking them further.

Respect dogs’ boundaries and personal space, just as you would a person’s. Avoid disturbing them when they are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.

Avoid situations that may provoke or agitate dogs, such as teasing or rough play. It may be a game to you, but it could turn into something else if the dog feels threatened or protective of a toy.

Be cautious around stray or unfamiliar dogs, especially if they appear frightened or aggressive. Handling a stray dog may result not only in being bitten, but the possibility of being infected by rabies, which is rife in KZN and other parts of the country at the moment. If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, remain calm and avoid making sudden movements.

Stand still or back away slowly without making direct eye contact. Do not attempt to run away, which may trigger the dog’s chase instinct. If the dog knocks you over, curl into a ball and protect your face and neck.

What to do if you are bitten by a dog

In a serious attack, the first priority is to restrain and remove the dog. The second is to obtain medical help. Call the paramedics or get the victim to a hospital or doctor as soon as possible.

If the bite is less serious, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water and apply antiseptic and a dressing. Dogs’ saliva and teeth may carry bacteria and a tetanus shot will be needed.

Regardless of the severity of the bite, if the skin is broken or scratched, there is a danger of rabies infection.

If you know the owner of the dog, ask to see proof of current rabies vaccination. If the status of the dog is unknown, your doctor will recommend preventative treatment .

While not every dog bite results in rabies, this is definitely a case of being better to be safe than sorry. It’s also important to start treatment as soon as possible following a dog bite – ideally within 24 hours. The first symptoms of rabies can appear within a few days, and once the symptoms appear, there is no cure.

Should I contact the SPCA?

Contrary to popular belief, the SPCA does not get involved in dog attacks on humans. Our mandate is protect animals against humans (not the other way round) in terms of The Animals Protection Act 71/1962.

In terms of Municipal by-laws, we have no jurisdiction regarding aggressive dogs, dogs out of their property, nuisance dogs, excessive barking, ripping open rubbish bags of defecating in public places. You will need to report these cases to your local Metro.

We only get involved if the owner of the dog that has bitten somebody asks us to collect the animal for humane euthanasia.

What recourse do you have if you’ve been bitten by a dog?

Under South African law, the owner of the dog that attacked you is deemed responsible, especially if he or she was negligent. For example a gate was left open, allowing the animal to stray onto a public thoroughfare such as a road or park.

You can pursue a case against the owner in three different ways:

  1. Lay a charge at your local police station, which will be investigated by SAPS.
  2. Lay a charge in terms of the Municipal by-laws, which will be investigated by Metro Police.
  3. Sue the owner of the animal and claim damages via a civil case, to be dealt with by a private attorney.

Victims of dog attacks are entitled to compensation for their injuries and related expenses. Typically, this includes the cost of medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery if necessary.

Loss of earnings

You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings, if the bite and/or medical treatment causes you to miss work, and emotional distress if the attack was traumatic or results in severe scarring, especially facial scarring, that impacts your quality of life.

Take photos of your injuries to substantiate your claim, and ask for copies of your medical records from the hospital, clinic or doctor who treated you. If the case cannot be settled amicably, you may have to go to court to get compensation.

You will not be entitled to compensation if you were trespassing on the property or you ignored “Beware of the Dog” signs on the gate. By entering a property that displays warning signs, you will be deemed to have accepted the risk.

If you provoked the dog – e.g. teased it through the fence or threw stones at it – you will not be entitled to compensation if it subsequently attacks you. The same applies to any threatening behaviour towards the owner, where the dog can be expected to react protectively.

How to reduce the chances of your dog biting someone

It’s up to dog owners to behave responsibly to ensure that their animals are prevented from causing harm to others.

As a responsible dog owner, you should spay or neuter your dog. Not only does this help prevent unwanted litters, it also reduces aggressive behaviour, straying and territorial instincts.

Make sure your dog is properly secured inside your property or on a lead when out in public.

Dog training and socialising are extremely helpful in teaching dogs how to interact with other people, dogs, objects and situations appropriately, without fear or aggression.

Source: SPCA – Durban & Coast