Pet Care

Hi there !!

Wow – you have a pet now !!  And what do you do to keep your pet HAPPY?  Here are some tips

1.  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!
2.  Never chain your pet – if such case is reported to the SPCA – the animal will be removed immediately from your premises
3.  Check that you have time and money for a pet.
4.  It would need its yearly vaccinations – always keep your vaccination passport handy. 
5.  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. 
6.  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! 
7.  A pet needs love and attention
8.  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!!
9  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
10. Your pet needs always fresh water – rather use stainless steel bowels for feeding
11. Identify your dog with a collar and nametag – you can get nametags from the SPCA
12.  Microchipping your pet is also a good option – this you can do at the SPCA or at your local vet.
13.  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. 
14.  Only elasticized collars may be used for cats, because of them climbing trees etc. 
15.  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. 
16.  If you do not want your dog or cat to get unwanted litters – neuter/sterilize them  !! 
17.  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. 
18.  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.
19.  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
20.  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 now
    living?
  • Does the new owner recognize the basic right of this animal to shelter, food and freedom of movement?

 

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