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Animal Shelters Seek Metro’s Help

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Beverly Rademeyer from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL)
Photo: Werner Hills

ALL dogs deserve a loving home, but when these dogs become commodities, and are bred for profit, it doesn’t matter how well meaning or qualified the breeders are.

“If we wish to put an end to the gross pet overpopulation problem and provide loving forever homes for dogs in need of them, there is no real justification for the perpetuation of dog breeding.”

These are the words of Beverley Rademeyer from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL).

Following the plight of the overpopulation of dogs due to illegal breeding throughout the metro,

which results in animal cruelty and neglect, the local animal organisations have come together to plea with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to help them in their fight against the scourge.

According to these organisations, imposing fines on the illegal dog breeders could assist in bringing the transgressors to book.

“No matter how you look at the issue, breeding remains problematic and results in overflowing shelters,” Rademeyer said.

She added that in most animal shelters every cage was full and dogs kept coming.

“The dogs come in as strays or are abandoned while many others are surrendered.

“What really breaks my heart is that in as much as we would love to rescue all the dogs, it’s just not possible.”

Rademeyer explained that one of the biggest misconceptions that people had was that domestic animals could be bred for sustain­ability.

“This cannot be further from the truth. Domestic animals do not serve that purpose.

“It is only commercial animals – sheep, cattle, chickens and more – that can be bred by means of ensuring sustainability.”

She also emphasised that education is key. “People need to be educated on what the law requires of them and also about the health aspects that are involved.” 

“They have a responsibility to care for their animals.”

She said, “All we want is for the municipality to come forward and hear our cry.”

Many dogs are euthanised in shelters every year because of a lack of space, resources, and people who are willing to adopt these animals.

Replying to the measures that the municipality had put in place to involve more people in the plight, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said they established a dedicated dog control unit which responds to matters related to illegal dog breeding.

“Our subdirectorate is aware of the problem of stray animals and the dog control unit is responsible for collecting stray animals which are reported to the municipality,” he said.

However, the petition drafted by the local animal organisations states that the dog control unit is only tasked with enforcing the by-laws and does not deal with cases of cruelty or neglect.

Currently fines are not issued in terms of the by-laws.

“That is why we are pleading to the municipality to fine illegal dog breeders,” Rademeyer said.

“These fines can then be channelled back to fund sterilisations and animal welfare.

“Our main focus is sterilisation as we believe this can help in curbing the issue of overbreeding.”

Mniki said the municipal subdirectorate is not yet in possession of the petition relating to fining illegal dog breeders, “however, the municipal by-laws are clear on this matter; no one is allowed to breed dogs without municipal consent”.

He assured that there were plans in place to give the dog control unit the capacity to do their job better.

Written by: Thandi Setokoe
Source: www.news24.com

Sterilisation – Conquering the Overpopulation Crisis of Cats and Dogs

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In a period of just six years, one female dog and her litter can reproduce up to 67 000 puppies! Similarly, in a period of 7 years, one female cat and her offspring can reproduce 370 000 kittens, and the numbers continue to increase exponentially from there! Unsterilised male dogs and cats are the prime contributors to this overpopulation crisis as they can impregnate a multitude of females within a short period of time, thereby producing countless unplanned litters.

To further aggravate the situation in South Africa, the following statistics were published by Statistics South Africa Census 2012, Eighty20 (SAARF Living Standard Measures 2012), South African Veterinary Council (SAVC 2012), World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA 2008), Animal Welfare and Private practices 2012, and South Africa Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust (SA.MAST) :

Over 40 million South Africans rely on animal welfare organisations to support their pets, however these establishments are under immense strain being only able to assist a segment of this population, thereby leaving innumerable animals without any access to basic veterinary care.

It’s been reported that South Africa has a grave scarcity of specialist surgeons, with only twelve practicing in the entire country. This problem is further exasperated by the fact that less than one surgical specialist is allocated per major city outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria. This amounts to approximately 870 000 homed dogs and cats for every surgeon. Older surgeons and veterinarians are also retiring from private and animal welfare practices, thereby causing a shortage of mentors to teach new graduates.

This explains why millions of innocent dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanised every year, due to the shortage of both loving homes to take them in and people without access to animal welfare services. Sterilisation is the affordable, simple solution to saving millions of animals from a life of struggle with hunger, thirst, neglect, abuse or euthanisation in animal shelters because their forever family never arrives. As responsible pet parents, you can make the difference by sterilising (spaying or neutering) your pets to ensure no unplanned litters occur.

  • What is spaying and neutering of cats and dogs?
    Sterilisation (spaying or neutering) is when a qualified veterinarian performs a surgical procedure involving removal of a pet’s reproductive organs.

  • What are the Benefits of Sterilising my pet?

    Sterilisation in both male and female cats and dogs has many far-reaching benefits, namely:

    • Improved longevity and avoidance of unplanned litters.
    • Sterilised pets are less susceptible to contract some diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats or the Transmissible Venereal Tumour virus in dogs.
    • Having your female cat or dog sterilised at an early age can further protect them from the later onset of critical health issues such as urinary infections and mammary gland cancer, which are found to be malignant in approximately 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats.
    • Elimination of hormone-induced moodiness and uncomfortable, stressful symptoms associated with heat cycles.
    • Reduction of the frustrating behaviours of heat cycles, such as yowling and inappropriate urinating around the home.
    • Neutering male pets may reduce certain behaviourial problems related to the instinct of mating. This ensures they are far less likely to perform a Houdini-style escape from home to roam in search of a female mate, thereby reducing the chance of them being run over by a vehicle or getting into fights with other animals.
    • Altered males are less inclined to mark their territory around the home by spraying a strong-scent over all your household belongings. This should also eliminate the instinctive need to mount people, other dogs and nonliving objects.
    • Neutered males have a reduced chance of developing prostate and testicular cancer, thereby enhancing their quality and quantity of life.

Remember, whilst sterilising your male pet reduces their testosterone levels, there is no guarantee that their unfavourable behaviour will improve. This is because they may have become accustomed to certain learnt behaviours and there is the possibility that these habits will continue if left unchecked. At the end of the day, the outcomes of neutering are largely influenced by your pet’s unique character, biology and history.

  • Will altering my pet affect their weight?
    The process of spaying or neutering has been known to reduce the quantity of sex-related hormones which may lead to a decrease in a pet’s metabolic rate, but a lifestyle of regular exercise and a healthy diet will ensure your pet is kept slim, fit and shapely. A pet’s age, breed and level of activity are also factors when taking dietary concerns into account. Portion servings and exercise regimes will need to be adjusted accordingly as your pet gets on in years and depending on whether their breed is prone to weight gain.
  • How can you teach your children about “the miracle of birth”?
    There is a wealth of information available in the form of books, videos and online programmes to responsibly teach your children about reproduction. Allowing your pet to breed is not only teaching your child to be reckless, but it’s contributing to the current calamity of countless pets dying in shelters because there’s a deficit of loving homes for the rapidly growing population.
  • Is sterilization safe?
    Spaying or neutering of pets is the most commonly performed surgical procedure conducted by veterinarians. Your furry friend will receive a general anesthetic during the procedure and pain medication to manage any associated pain thereafter, thus experiencing moderate pain and discomfort. The occurrence of complications resulting from these procedures is very low.
  • What is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
    It’s always best to consult your veterinarian about when the most appropriate age to sterilise your pet is as this could vary between breeds, ages and individual health statuses, however, most veterinary practices will only sterilise your pet after they are 6 months old.
  • What are the costs involved?
    If your pet produces offspring, you are then responsible for the wellbeing of the wee ones. Sterilising your pet is a far more cost-effective solution than having to care for a litter of pups or kittens. Many animal welfare organisations and shelters offer free sterilisations to make the procedure more accessible for pet parents to do the right thing.
  • Pre-Surgery Tips
    Your vet will give you the necessary information required regarding preparing your pet for surgery. They will probably insist that your pet fasts the night before undergoing anesthesia, but instructions may differ for younger pups and kittens, so ensure you are given accurate instructions pertaining to your pet’s individual set of circumstances.
  • Post-Surgery Recovery Tips
    • It is best to keep your pet indoors overnight, in a peaceful place away from noise or other pets until the anesthetic has fully worn off. Pets that have not fully recovered and are left to roam may not be as quick to react in a dangerous situation and may come to harm.
    • Ensure your pet doesn’t jump and run for approximately 10 days after the operation, or for as long as your physician suggests.
    • Ensure the incision remains free from infection by preventing your pet from licking it. This can be done by offering them treat distractions or using an Elizabethan collar.
    • Don’t bath your furry pal for at least 10 days after the operation.
    • Conduct daily inspections of the incision to ensure efficient healing.

Consult with your vet if you notice any of the following:

  • The incision is red, swollen, open or producing any discharge
  • If your pet is unusually lethargic, has a reduced appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea.

Cities and countries worldwide are aggressively addressing the animal overpopulation crisis and areas that are efficient in doing so have reported drastic reductions in the numbers of animals being taken in to animal shelters and euthanised. It all starts with you and your community, so spread the word about pet sterilisation. Together we can overcome this crisis and in so doing, contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of the precious animals with which we share this beautiful planet.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

Do you care about the food your dog eats?

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DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE FOOD YOUR DOG EATS

Feeding your animals the best possible diet is important for their health.
Nutrition, for me, is a very interesting topic from my proffesion’s side as well as the animal welfare side and it is something many pet parents are unsure about!  I am not a veterinarian or animal food specialist, so all this information comes from a trusted vet, who is also the co-author of The Forever Dog.  I have tried many of these for my animals and just like humans, animals, even from the same species, certainly have food preferences.  Our one dog, loves pineapple and blueberries, while the other two like bananas and strawberries.

It is important to remember that every type of food you feed your animals has the potential to do 1 of 2 things: HEAL or HARM. What are the food and treats you give them, doing to your animal’s body? Do they help reduce inflammation or cause it? Provide antioxidants or just empty calories? Provide polyphenols or just synthetic flavours and dyes?

“I only feed my dog their kibble and nothing else!” was once a proud pet owner statement, but microbiome research proves this is a big mistake. Study after study shows the more diverse your pet’s bowl is, the healthier their gut and immune system can become.

If you’re looking for “natural” diets for your animals, you won’t find them in the bags and cans of ultra-processed pet food. Big pet food companies often use popular buzzwords to describe their products, but it’s not reflective of what’s actually in their products.

Remember that just because a vet or a pet shop sells a certain product, it does not mean that it is ideal, healthy, or safe for your animals. Following the money can reveal a lot, so it is your responsibility to make sure the food you give is right for your animals.

By replacing poor quality, highly processed dog treats with no nutritional value with fresh foods from your fridge, you’re treating your animals with whole-food sources of vitamins, minerals and bioactive molecules that feed health, not health problems. To make sure you’re feeding truly healthy foods, ingredient sourcing is key, which means you’ll have to do a little research about the pet food company you’re supporting.

Traits of a good diet for your animals:

  • Minimally processed
  • Low carb
  • Species appropriate
  • Fresh
  • You can try an eating window for your dog (8h eating time & 16h fasting)

Some questions are:

You can also check out this link by Dr. Karen to search for particular foods that are safe for pets.

VERY IMPORTANT! – Please note that the whole food item might not be ideal for the pet or even dangerous. Removing for example the seeds or skin of the food might be necessary. If your pet has any medical conditions, it is important to discuss what they eat with your vet who knows your individual pet best because certain foods, too much carbs, too much protein etc., may have a dangerous effect on certain health health conditions. 

THE NO CARB REQUIREMENT
Dogs and cats don’t have a carb requirement, so why do grain-free pet foods often contain so many carbs? The reason is it’s cheaper to produce foods with less meat protein. The issue starts with many pet food companies using excessive vegan fillers (including peas, lentils, rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa, oatmeal, tapioca, wheat, etc.) to offset the large amount of critically important (and more expensive) meat that dogs and cats require for health.

The end result of excessive plant-based fillers in pet foods can be a chronic amino acid deficiency from not enough meat-based protein in pet foods, which can lead to heart and other organ dysfunction as well as many other issues.

There are too many plant-based ingredients and not enough real meat in many pet foods on the market. Keeping carbs low in any type of pet food is important (“grain-free” or not).

HOW TO CALCULATE

  • CARBS

To ensure your pet is receiving an adequate amount of protein, you have to calculate the amount of unnecessary starch (carbs) in the diet. Aim to feed dry foods with less than 15-20% carbs.

Here’s how to calculate the carbs in your dry pet food – find the numbers under the Guaranteed Analysis on the side of your pet food bag, and put them into this equation:

100% – % protein – % fat – % moisture – % ash (if not listed, use 6%) = % carbs

  • DAILY CALORIES

Dog Daily calories = Body weight (kg) x 30 + 70

Cat Daily calories (feline) = Body Weight (kg) x 30 + 70 x 0.8

Use their ideal weight not their current weight in formulas!

  • WATER INTAKE

The amount of drinking water your dog needs daily depends on their size, diet, age, activity level and weather conditions. A good general guideline is that a healthy dog should drink between 30-60ml per kg (½ – 1 ounce of water per pound) of body weight each day.

Provide fresh, good-quality drinking water for your animals. This means water that doesn’t contain fluoride, heavy metals, or other contaminants. Filtered water is ideal, not only for two-legged family members but for furry family members as well.

Also read about training tips for your pet.

  • CHANGING YOUR PET’S DIET

Changing your pet’s food too fast can cause digestive issues. Follow this general guideline over 7 days.

DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE FOOD YOUR DOG EATS

MORE ON THE SCIENCE

  • A recent study from Finnish Veterinary Scientists shows healthy human food leftovers offered to puppies, significantly reduce allergy symptoms and skin problems later in life. This long-term, protective effect increased the more often real foods were added, so the more exposure puppies had to a variety of healthy leftovers, the more protection there was from developing skin issues down the road.

“…even if the dog eats 80% of its food as dry, adding a minimum of 20% of the food as raw significantly decreased the risk of AASS [allergic skin disease] later in life.” – Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman

  • According to scientists, feeding a variety of raw or minimally processed, real food early in life may lead to microbial exposure that enhances the immune system early on, reducing allergic responses later in life. Some of the owners of the food fed in this study were fish and meats, vegetables and roots, culinary mushrooms, buttermilk and other fermented milk products and berries.
  • It is important to look at the studies when someone claims Yay or Nay for a food item. For example, a study that said garlic is toxic for dogs was based on too much garlic/day for any dog. This also includes myths about other foods like avocados and nuts. Context is important!

Are you looking for more DIY fresh food ideas to inspire healthy canine snacking?! Dr. Karen coaches you through how to successfully swap unhealthy foods and treats for healthier choices. She does support more natural foods and raw diets instead of kibble. In the book, The Forever Dog, the authors list over 40 of their favourite fresh foods from the fridge to add to your dog’s bowl, backed by the most surprising new science as to why they’re so amazing at building health and longevity! They also show you how to add them and how much to offer in a way that keeps your pup’s nutrition in balance.

The health of your pet should be important to you and providing them with a healthy and species-appropriate diet is crucial. It is also your responsibility to make sure that the particular food is safe for your individual pet.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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Cleaning Your Dog’s Paws: Tips for Success

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Cleaning Your Dogs Paws Tips for Success

You know your dog needs to be groomed regularly, but did you know that cleaning your dog’s paws is an important part of their grooming routine? On daily walks and romps in the yard, your pup’s feet are exposed to rough surfaces, wet ground, dirt and debris.

And the pads on the bottom of your pup’s paws serve an important purpose. As the ASPCA explains, they “provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and protect tissue deep within the paw.”

If paw cleaning isn’t already part of your dog care regimen, here’s how to get started.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Paws?
Unlike bathing your dog, which the ASPCA recommends you do at least every three months, there aren’t specific guidelines for how often dog paw cleaning should occur. However, consider checking your dog’s paws on a regular basis. Depending on their level of exercise and the season (harsh summers and winters can be tough on your pet’s paws), you can adjust the schedule to fit your pup’s needs. If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to check and wash their paws after every trip to the trails. On the other hand, a pooch who spends most of their time indoors and just goes on light neighbourhood walks might only need a cleaning when the weather is bad and their paws get dirty or wet.

Cleaning Your Dogs Paws Tips for Success-2

Preparing for a Dog Paw Cleaning
It’s important to check your dog’s paws before lathering them up. Often, debris gets stuck between the paw pads or in toenails.

Look for anything that doesn’t belong on your dog’s paw, such as minuscule pebbles or broken pieces of glass, shells or other material. You’ll also want to look for splinters or anything embedded into your dog’s nails or paw pads. If you find anything, remove it carefully.

Next, if you have a medium or long haired dog, take a moment to trim the hair on the bottoms of your dog’s paws so it doesn’t get matted; this can help them stay clean and prevent dirt from sticking. The hair should be approximately as long as the pads.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Feet
If you’ve bathed your dog before, you’ll find it simple to do a dog paw cleaning. After checking your pup’s paws and trimming their hair, wet their feet, lather with mild dog shampoo and rinse. Don’t forget to keep a towel nearby to dry your pet’s paws, so they don’t slip or leave wet footprints around your house.

If you want to do a routine dog paw cleaning after a quick walk, just gently wipe the paws with a washcloth and water. As an even more convenient option, the American Kennel Club recommends using moist wipes that are safe for dogs.

Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails and dewclaws (the extra nails on the sides of their paws) if they need trimming; nails should end just before touching the ground. If you hear any clicking when your dog walks, that’s a key sign their nails are too long. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, be sure to ask a professional groomer or your vet to do this at their next appointment.

Cleaning your dog’s feet is just one small aspect of being a dog parent, but it’s also a great opportunity to build your bond with your dog and remind them you’ll always be there to take care of them.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Need a Vet?
Search our Vet Directory!

Its Tee Time – Come and Sink a Putt to Save a Mutt!

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If you are looking for a reason/excuse to come to Clarens then this is it! Seasoned golf players and novices, we don’t mind because this is a fun day for charity…you are all welcome!
 
R2000 for a 4 ball or R500 per individual – includes your green fees, halfway lunch, and dinner – so excellent value for money!
 
Plus, we have over R58,000 in prizes (that is the count right now, but that amount will get bigger) to give away to golfers on the day, plus a fun raffle – you could win a wheelbarrow of items sponsored by the wonderful team at the Clarens Brewery and so much more!
 
If you would like to sponsor a hole, it is a bargain at only R1500,00 and we only have 7 holes left! Or perhaps you would like to sponsor a 4-ball prize or a special prize – we are offering fantastic marketing opportunities (using Facebook, Instagram and our own inhouse database) to all sponsors and what a great way to promote your brand by supporting animal veterinary welfare!
 
For more information, please call me on 082 335 3710 or send me an email imogen@clunyanimaltrust.co.za

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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Manage the Fear

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Image: Pixabay

The time for fireworks is here.

It is time to protect our animals and manage their fear as best we can. With hearing four to five times that of a human, what is bothersome to us, sounds like a war zone to them. The unpredictability of when the fireworks will explode, triggers the fight or flight instinct of a dog, because it startles them each and every time.  

For those of us sitting with our terrified pets at home, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking to see our animals suffering due to fireworks. So how we can help them? The most common way perhaps will be the calming medications, but are there other things you can try at home together with the medications? YES!  

  1. Thunder jackets, this is a jacket that tightly wraps around your pet’s chest. It has a calming effect and gives them the feeling of security. You can also make an anxiety wrap; this is an easy DIY you can find on Google.
  2. Keep windows and curtains closed to help muffle the noise a bit, this will also black out any sudden flashes of fireworks
  3. Sit with your pet, talk to them. Your presence will help them to calm down.
  4. Play calm music or have the TV on. White noise like a fan or aircon will also help muffle the noise.
  5. Create a safe space, if your dog prefers to hide. Sit with them, don’t try to remove them from the space, it will add to their panic

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

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From Bull baiting to Companionship

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Image: Pixabay

The English Bulldog we know and love  

Ever wonder where your sweet bulldog, curled up on your couch, blissfully letting loose those (in)famous bulldog farts, originated from? Ever wonder why they have their wrinkles in the first place?  

Looking at the English Bulldog today, the answer may surprise you a little. The Olde English Bulldogge originated in England, as their name suggests, between the 1600’s and 1700’s. These were the early ancestors of many of the bull breeds we know today, including the English bulldog and the American Bulldog. However, their purpose back then was very different from their purpose today.  

Back then these breeds were bred for blood sport like Bull baiting which became quite popular in the 18th century, though it’s unknown exactly how bull baiting started, the first reported bull baiting event took place in 1209 at Stamford during the reign of King John. This so-called sport primarily consisted of tying a bull to an iron stake so that it could move only within a radius of about 30 feet. Before the event started the bull’s nose would be blown full of pepper to enrage it. Then the dogs would attack the bull, fastening their teeth strongly on the bull’s snout.  

These dogs required great agility and courage. Their wrinkles would serve as a form of protection against the horns of the bull. While the skin would be pierced it would protect the important veins in the neck.  

These events could last for quite some time as the dogs relentlessly fought to bring down the bull, who would put up the fight of his life. The baiting was bloody and cruel. 

Image: Pixabay

In 1835 laws were passed in England that prohibited bull baiting due to animal cruelty, and the sport slowly started dying out, and with it the main purpose of existence for the Olde English Bulldogge vanished. Within a decade the number of Bulldogs declined drastically. Fanciers of the breed then decided to “reconstruct” the breed, toning down the aggressive temperament of the original.

Olde English Bulldogge by breeding them with other dog breeds, over time resulting in the modern English Bulldog we know today.

Unfortunately, our beloved modern bulldog is now plagued by a number of genetic and aesthetic health problems.

But how much have they actually changed?

The breed has become much stockier. Their noses are much flatter, their chests are wider, they have a lot more rolls and loose skin, their legs are shorter – all in all, they have become compact. And while this is the very reason so many of us go “awe”, it is also the very reason they struggle so much with their health.  

Image: Pixabay

Today they are a far cry from their athletic, aggressive ancestors and while there are breeders who are trying to move back to the Olde English Bulldog look and build to better the health of our beloved breed, there are also those who aim to make them even smaller and more compact. They are a man-made breed – one we have failed, one that is our responsibility to improve.  

Their suffering isn’t worth the public’s aesthetic preference. They too deserve to breathe the way every long snouted dog breathes – freely. 

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Do you care enough about your animals to learn about keeping them safe? (Part 3)

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Image: Pixabay

Education is Key to Helping Animals and their Owners and for changing Animal Welfare in the World!
Sadly, most people don’t spend nearly enough time educating themselves on how to improve their pets’ lives or how to help other animals or animal welfare organizations.

How safe are your Animals:

  • From getting out of the yard?
  • In and around your house?
  • When they are home alone?
  • When you are travelling or on holiday?
  • In an emergency?
  • When they are around your kids?

From getting out of your Yard:
Why do you think we advocate for keeping all animals, including cats, safe in your yard? We live in a cruel, unforgiving and sick world. If you think the streets are not safe for your kids, why would you let your pets roam the streets? There are many creative ways to KEEP YOUR CAT SAFE in your yard.

Image by The Paw Company on keeping cats safe in your yard

here is an increase in the theft of cats and dogs everywhere! Your pets are your responsibility and protecting them from being stolen should be a priority. You can do this more effectively if you understand the why & how of PET THEFT!

Please let your pets sleep inside your home.  They are not responsible for protecting you, but you should protect them.  When they sleep inside, both your family and your pets are safer. Dr. Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice conducted research into understanding and preventing house robbery in South Africa. Based on in-depth interviews with convicted robbers, dogs that sleep inside are one of the biggest deterrents for criminals.

There is an increase in the theft of cats and dogs everywhere! Your pets are your responsibility and protecting them from being stolen should be a priority. You can do this more effectively if you understand the why & how of PET THEFT!

Please let your pets sleep inside your home.  They are not responsible for protecting you, but you should protect them.  When they sleep inside, both your family and your pets are safer. Dr. Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice conducted research into understanding and preventing house robbery in South Africa. Based on in-depth interviews with convicted robbers, dogs that sleep inside are one of the biggest deterrents for criminals.

In & Around your House:
Poisoning of animals can be just malicious or it can be closely related to planned break-ins. It is important to know, in advance, what to do if this happens or how to minimize the risk. POISONING is probably one of the worse deaths a pet can experience. Get your poison rescue packs from the local animal welfare organizations and the SPCA. It can buy minutes which might mean the difference between life and death.

A requirement for your pets, required by law, includes that they must be protected from the elements.

Mismanaged trash has a devastating effect on the environment, but also creates a high risk of injury or death to your animals and others. Even though you might throw your trash in the garbage bin, where they land eventually can still impact the environment and hurt animals. Here are some things you can do, when DISPOSING OF LITTER in your garbage bin, to prevent other animals from suffering.

How many owners have just given bones to their dogs without thinking about it? Even though there might be some BONES that are relatively safe, bones are meant for recreation, not as food. When and how you give your dog a bone also matters. The basics are uncooked, large bones, supervised, for 10 -15 minutes 2 x per week.

Image by The Paw Company on hot weather pet safety.

When they are alone at Home:
Although through COVID-19 many pets have had their owners around more often, we understand that you can’t be with your pet all the time. How long they are left ALONE AT HOME, however, includes various factors. Sadly, we can share many horror stories of what happened to pets while owners were away or how many people will go away for days with no one checking in on them. This is highly irresponsible! They are your responsibility and you chose to be their guardian.

During the Holidays:
The holiday is just around the corner and many people who go away, either take their animals with them or leave them behind.  Either way, you need to plan and take safety precautions for all your animals.

Travelling with your animal family members can create wonderful memories, but it’s not always easy. Make sure you’re well-prepared before you hit the road. There are many things to consider before you take your PET ON A ROAD TRIP, including the temperament, size & safety of your pet.

Whether at home or WITH YOU ON HOLIDAY, make sure your animals are up-to-date with all vaccinations, deworming, and tick and flea treatments. Microchip your pet and make sure it is registered on multiple databases and working before you leave as well as include a collar ID. Make sure your plan for your animals is clearly stated in your will if something happens to you.

Christmas is almost here and you can feel the excitement in the air. A Christmas tree is a holiday staple for many homes, but are you aware of the dangers it poses for pets?

Remember that Christmas and easter gifts should never include live animals!

Image by Dr. Karen Becker on travel safety for pets.

In an Emergency:
Knowing what to do during an animal emergency can be the difference between life and death. When your animals suffer an injury or poisoning, knowing what FIRST AID to do can have a massive impact on their recovery, safety and comfort.  This is an important topic with much more to learn, but we touch on some of the basics.

Your pets are important members of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s EMERGENCY PLAN. To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:

  1. Make a plan.
  2. Build an emergency kit.
  3. Stay informed.

Do you have a FIRE ESCAPE PLAN which includes your pets?

Never tie up animals, especially not in extreme weather or potential floods/fire.

Around your Kids:
Many of us grew up with the tale of the rabbit and the tortoise, with a good life lesson in it, however, this lesson didn’t include how to care for them or HOW TO HANDLE THESE CREATURES physically. We do not support keeping tortoises or rabbits as pets and especially not for kids.  One of the biggest reasons for this is because there are very specific ways in which they should be handled and doing it wrong can be fatal!

CHOOSING A PET FOR YOUR CHILD is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly! Pets are a great way to learn responsibility and compassion, however, it should never be at the expense of an animal and parents should be very involved in the care.

Learning to spot the signs and teaching your children how to behave around pets is important when it comes to interactions between dogs & children. Children need to learn how to BEHAVE SAFELY near dogs and other animals. Dog bites are 100% preventable and the dog didn’t just bite out of nowhere……you missed all the signs and didn’t step in.

Your animals are your responsibility and keeping them safe is an important part of it. We also train our animals to keep them safe. 

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

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

 

Bringing a new pet home

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Bringing a new pet home

Image: Pixabay

Whether you buy or adopt, whether canine or feline, it can be a challenge to bring a new pet home. The most important thing to remember when introducing a new pet into your home is to take things slow. Time is your friend. Keep in Mind the rule of three, allow your pet the space he or she may need to feel comfortable and settle as the transition may be somewhat stressful. An important thing to remember is that a dog that may display a happy, playful attitude at a meet and greet, may be weary or fearful in a completely new environment.

Watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, try to move slowly, watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, start by sitting calmly in the room, maybe read a book or watch a TV show, let them just be around you until they feel comfortable enough to approach you. If your pet is full of energy and ready to play, get out the toys right away. But be cautious. Pets can be both scared and full of energy. The care you take with your own behavior in early days will pay off in the future as your pet learns that you are someone to trust.

To have the run of an entire house can be overwhelming, especially if it happens too fast. Sheltered pets are used to restricted areas and may feel more at ease in a smaller area of the house at first. Resist the temptation to let your pet run loose in the house during this first week, especially if you have other pets. If your new dog seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

If your new dog is the only pet in your home, you can close off “off limit areas” like the garage if you have some toxic items in there that you don’t want your dog getting into and allow them to explore the rest when they are ready.

Cats are creatures of habit and will hide under beds etc. Set up a small, quiet area for your new cat to help establish a safe and secure environment. A small quiet room with a litterbox may be best at first, until your cat is more at ease in the new environment and with you. If your cat seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

Bringing a new pet home

Image: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

If you already have pets at home, you’re no doubt looking forward to a happy, harmonious relationship between all your animals. If you want to introduce a new dog to a resident dog, a walk may be a great way to do so. One person per dog, in a neutral outdoor space. Start on the opposite sides of the street and gradually move closer, rewarding both dogs every time you move a little closer, until they can walk side by side. Allow them to sniff each other while still on leash so you have control over them should something go wrong. Always use a calm neutral tone of voice, high pitches may cause excitement.

When going home with both dogs, allow them to run outside first before allowing them both in the house together. Again, keep that calm tone of voice and leave those leashes on so you have control if needed. Supervise their interactions closely.

If an altercation occurs, separate the dogs for a few days to give them a break from each other. Stress hormones can take this long to return to normal, and if you try to continue the introduction too soon, the altercations could get worse. Some posturing and mild aggression can be normal as dogs become more comfortable, even after a successful first few days or weeks. Don’t panic!

Caring for a pet can be a wonderful way to teach your children respect and compassion for all living things. Make it clear to children that pets aren’t toys. Animals must be treated gently and handled with care. Young children must never be left alone or unsupervised, with any animal, even for a moment. Although children can participate in light–care activities like grooming and playtime, a parent must be fully prepared to be the primary caretaker.

Even the most docile of dogs can cause harm if teased or frightened or if his/her prey drive is triggered. As a parent, it’s up to you to teach your dog appropriate behavior, as well as teaching your children how to behave around pets. Teach your children to treat animals with respect. Help children understand canine body language so they can recognize when a dog is friendly, fearful, or aggressive. Teach your child to allow dogs to approach them, not the other way around as sometimes a child can make a dog feel threatened. Teach children to respect a dog’s privacy. Never allow a child to disturb a dog while eating, chewing on a bone or toy, or sleeping. Dogs are naturally territorial and may growl, snap, or bite to protect their possessions. Tell children not to look a dog directly in the eye. In dog language, a stare is a threat and may trigger the dog to act dominantly or aggressively.

Your new cat or kitten will need several days to adjust to its new home, so limit your child’s interaction to gentle petting, and only when the cat approaches. Don’t allow young children to pick up, carry or put their faces close to the animal. Sudden movements and loud noises can easily frighten your pet, so children should speak and sit quietly around the cat.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA