Wow – you have a pet now! And what do you do to keep your pet HAPPY? Here are some tips:
- Check that you fence is appropriate for the size of dog you have chosen! If a very small dog – the fence cannot be of such sort that the dog can get through!
- Never chain your pet – if such case is reported to the SPCA – the animal will be removed immediately from your premises
- Check that you have time and money for a pet.
- It would need its yearly vaccinations – always keep your vaccination passport handy.
- Your pet would need adequate shelter from elements – that means it would need a waterproof dog house if it may not come into the house.
- Never use a dog as a watchdog only – it will not be happy and get too vicious and on the end it might even bite you!
- A pet needs love and attention
- Get toys for for your pet and if it is alone and you see it barks a lot or is busy in your garden digging up all plants – get a mate for him. Any dog alone is bored and would look for something to do. They are like children then – looking for attention!!
- Your dog needs good food – too cheap food makes your pet just sick and it is not viable because you will be spending a lot of unnecessary veterinary costs
- Your pet needs always fresh water – rather use stainless steel bowels for feeding
- Identify your dog with a collar and nametag – you can get nametags from the SPCA
- Microchipping your pet is also a good option – this you can do at the SPCA or at your local vet.
- If your dog is not used to walking on the leash – rather do not get a chain collar but a harness. Some dogs feel restricted if something is around their neck – and they learn very easy to walk on the leash rather with a harness.
- Only elasticized collars may be used for cats, because of them climbing trees etc.
- Do not breed unnecessarily with your animals – there are so many out there needing good homes at the SPCA – the most wonderful cats and dogs are waiting for good homes.
- If you do not want your dog or cat to get unwanted litters – neuter/sterilize them !!
- Wash your pet with good shampoo – if you notice that your pet has ticks and fleas - use a tick and flea collar to prohibit tick bite fever. You can also use Front-line for ticks and fleas. This you can buy in any supermarket or at your local vet.
- Holiday time: for you it is great but your pet stays behind and can only be happy if you get a good responsible pet sitter. Please call the SPCA for pet sitters and they have also boarding facilities – but you must book well in advance to get a place for your pet. They have facilities there for dogs and cats.
- If you have a pool – rather secure it with a solid PVC Safety cover. Floating covers are death traps for your pets!!! Please do not use them if you have pets or small kids
- PLEASE DO NOT USE FIREWORKS IN A PUBLIC AREA – dogs/cats have a very fine hearing sense and really get very scared if exposed to such noise. Every year the SPCA gets a lot of pets in who have run amok! It brings just a lot of unnecessary stress for the animal AND the owner of the animal.
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How can I help improve life for animals? Start at home! Ask yourself -
- Are my dogs and other animals regularly vaccinated and de-wormed?
- Do I provide a correct, healthy and stimulating environment for my animals?
- Are they spayed /neutered?
- If you are a breeder, or wish to purchase an animal from a breeder, are the breeding circumstances to the correct standards?
- Have you ever given away an animal? Do you actually know the circumstances in which this animal is nowliving?
- Does the new owner recognize the basic right of this animal to shelter, food and freedom of movement?
HEALTH TIPS:
Recommended vaccination program:
Dog: 5-8 Weeks: 1st Combined vaccination
09-12 Weeks: 2nd Combined vaccination
14-16 weeks 3rd Comb Vacc with rabies
Thereafter: Annual Booster
Cat: 8 Weeks: 1st Combined vaccination
10-12 Weeks: 2nd Combined vaccination
3 Months: Rabies vaccination
Thereafter: Annual Booster
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