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LIMERICK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(LSPCA)
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Neutering, and Pet Care Tips on Dogs Cats and Horses DOG CARE What Kind Of Dog? When choosing a dog or a puppy, make sure it is the right size for your house and your garden and that their characteristics match your lifestyle. There is no point getting a working dog like a collie for example, if you live in a small apartment. Where Do I Get A Dog? Thousands of unwanted dogs are put to sleep in pounds every year, so why not consider rescuing a dog from your local dog pound or SPCA. If you want a pure bred dog or puppy, only buy from a reputable breeder who will allow you to see the premises and both the puppy's parents. Beware that inbreeding can result in physical and behavioural problems. Mongrels tend to be generally healthier and can make excellent pets. Nutrition There are many varieties of commercially manufactured dog food available. Complete dry nuggets are generally a good choice. Be aware that a dog's dietary needs will depend on breed, age, size, condition, and level of exercise. Ensure clean, fresh drinking water is available for your dog/puppy at all times. Exercise It is essential for a dog's well being to receive sufficient physical and and mental stimulation. Not only does exercise fulfill a dog's desire to stay fit, it also allows him to use up his energy. Otherwise, excess energy may be channeled into unwanted behaviour. Ideally dogs should be walked at least twice a day. Periods of freedom off the lead to run and play are also beneficial. A few toys will make play with your dog enjoyable for both of you plus they will provide stimulation when your dog has to remain alone. Cruelty, Neglect, or Abuse If you suspect that an animal is in danger or being abused, please contact us in confidence and help prevent cruelty to all animals. Training Dogs don’t arrive pre-programmed to obey. If we want them to do as we ask, we need to teach them what we want from them, with lots of love, patience and a positive attitude. The most effective way to train a dog is by rewarding it; a behaviour followed by a reward will naturally occur more often. Some dogs will work for a treat, others for praise and cuddles; you need to find out what your dog finds most rewarding. Punishment can be counterproductive, especially when toilet-training a puppy. There are many books available to help you train your pet. If you think your dog has a behavioural problem, talk to your vet or the local SPCA. They might be able to help you or refer you to a pet behaviour specialist. Health Care Your dog must be vaccinated (from about 9 weeks old) against common diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and parainfluenza. It will need an annual booster for continued protection. Regular working – 4 times a year – is also necessary. Coat, teeth, ears, and nails must be accurately inspected.
Neutering Unless you plan for your dog to have puppies, it is kinder to have your dog neutered. The gain is twofold: firstly, you won’t contribute to the thousands of dogs being euthanized every year in Ireland. Secondly, you will avoid undesirable and stressful breeding-related behaviours. Additionally, research shows health benefits of neutering/spaying in both sexes. Contrary to popular belief, sterilisation does not affect weight or activity levels. Holidays One of the reasons for many dogs being abandoned is holidays. A responsible owner will plan in advance for a trusted person to look after his/her pets when they are away. Alternatively, there are reputable boarding kennels which take in a fully vaccinated dog for the duration of your holiday. It can be expensive, and you’ll need to book well in advance, but these are the only options, unless you can organise to take your pooch with you!. If you plan to go further abroad than the UK with your dog, you can obtain a pet passport but it’s a lengthy and costly process (ask your vet for information). Poop-Scoop Always carry your poop-scoop or a suitable bag with you and always clean up after your dog. This is your responsibility towards your fellow citizens, and stops dogs (and their owners) getting a bad reputation! Dogs and Children Dogs can be wonderful companions for children, teaching them compassion and responsibility. However, never get a dog or any other animal as a top for your child! Animals are sentient creatures with their own needs, whose well being depends on you. By understanding and respecting your dog’s needs and dignity, you’ll pass an mportant message to your child. Dogs can enrich our lives in numerous ways, especially as companions and healers. In return, we must provide them with all the care they deserve. This however requires time and money. The minimum standard for the welfare of any animal is summarised by the 5 freedoms* 1) Freedom from hunger and thirst 2) Freedom from discomfort 3) Freedom from pain, injury and disease 4) Freedom to express normal behaviour 5) Freedom from fear and distress. * from the Farm Animal Welfare counsel (FAWC)UK, 2005 Accordingly, your dog will need: • Appropriate food and clean water • Comfortable shelter and bed • Companionship • A secure environment • Space and regular exercise • Vaccination (and annual booster) • Neutering/Spaying • Veterinary care • Regular worming and flea treatment In addition, you are required by law to purchase a dog licence for your dog and provide him/her with a collar, leash and identification tag. You should also consider getting your dog micro-chipped. Costs and Time Before deciding to get a dog, you must consider all the costs involved, including the ones mentioned. Also, can you spend some time every day playing with and walking your dog? This is essential as dogs are social animals and will become bored and destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
CAT CARE
Where do I get my cat from? There is an enormous amount of unwanted kittens being born every year which end up wild/feral, knocked down by cars or otherwise prematurely destroyed. It is therefore always a wise choice to adopt a cat with the help of the ISPCA or your local vet. All cats and kittens available for re-homing at the ISPCA National Animal Centre are fully vaccinated, treated for worms and fleas, are neutered/spayed, cat flap trained and litter trained. Check out our website www.ispca.ie to see cats and kittens currently looking for new homes. If you are thinking of getting a pure-bred cat or kitten, only buy from a reputable breeder who will allow you to see the premises and the kitten’s parents. Be aware that inbreeding and selection of extreme characteristics (such as flat noses) can be linked to genetical defects and physical problems. Non pedigree cats are generally healthier and can make really excellent pets. How to choose a cat? When choosing a cat, please consider that: A tom tends to be more assertive than a female and also to stray more. Once neutered, however there are few behavioural differences between a male and a female at. A kitten is more demanding than an adult cat as it needs litter training, toys and supervision. It is more adaptable but an older cat can make an equally affectionate pet. A longhaired cat needs daily grooming. A neglected coat will become batted and hairballs can accumulate in the cat’s stomach. When you bring your new cat home You should have a cat bed, litter tray and feeding area ready to show to your kitten/cat as soon as it arrives into its new house. A comfortable bed can be made out of a cardboard box lined with an old blanket or towel and placed in a quiet spot. Nutrition Cats are strict carnivores and require a carefully balanced diet. Feed twice a day (more often if it is a kitten). Keep your cat’s bowl and feeding area clean and always ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times. Avoid over-feeding your cat as obesity can lead to health problems. Also be careful with milk. It is not a good substitute for water and some cats are intolerant to lactose. Play Play is essential for a kitten’s development and well being. A length of string or a little ball will make perfect toys plus you can find a wide range of toys in pet shots or available for purchase on the ISPCA website www.ispca.ie. If you don’t provide a kitten with toys, it will become bored very quickly and may damage your possessions. If you are going to be away from home a lot, it may be a good idea to get two kittens so they are company for each other.
Litter tray Position the litter tray away from the feeding area, and in a quiet, private place. Dispose of solid waste at least once a day, and clean thoroughly once a week or more. Scratching post Cats need to sharpen their claws. To save your furniture from being ruined, provide your at with a scratching post and place its paws on it when it starts scratching. Health care Your cat must be vaccinated (at around nine weeks) against two potentially fatal viruses, Feline Enteritis and Feline Influenza and will need an annual booster for continued protection. Regular worming – 4 times a year is also necessary. Coat, teeth, eyes, and ears must be accurately inspected. Any unusual behaviour or persistent physical symptoms (such as diarrhoea) should be investigated by your vet. Neutering It is the kindest thing you can do to neuter your cat. This prevents unwanted pregnancies in females and undesirable sexual behaviour in males, such as straying, spraying urine and fighting with other males. Remember, thousands of unwanted kittens are put down in Ireland every year, so please don’t contribute to this unnecessary waste! Holidays Ideally, you should plan in advance for a trusted person to look after your cat when you are away. Alternatively, there are reputable boarding catteries which will take in a vaccinated cat for the duration of your holiday. It can be expensive, and you’ll need to book well in advance. Keep in mind that cats don’t like being moved from their familiar environment. If you are moving abroad with your cat, you can obtain a pet passport, but it is a lengthy and costly process (ask your vet for information). Cats and children Cats can be wonderful companions for children, teaching them compassion and responsibility. However, never get a cat of any other animal as a toy for your child. Animals are sentient creatures with their own needs, whose well being depends on you. By understanding and respecting your cat’s needs and dignity, you’ll pass an important message to your child. Looking after your cat is your responsibility. We owe it to our cats to provide them with the best possible care. The minimum standard for the welfare of any animal is summarised by the 5 freedoms* 1) Freedom from hunger and thirst 2) Freedom from discomfort 3) Freedom from pain, injury and disease 4) Freedom to express normal behaviour 5) Freedom from fear and distress. * from the Farm Animal Welfare counsel (FAWC)UK, 2005 Accordingly, your cat will need: • Appropriate food and clean water • Comfortable shelter and bed • Companionship • Vaccination (and annual boosters) • Neutering/Spaying • Veterinary care • Regular worming • A litter tray (if cat is indoors) • A toy for play Ideally your cat/kitten should be allowed to live in the house and have access to the garden through a catflap ideally. It is easy to house train a kitten (even an adult cat) by providing them with a litter tray and suitable litter. Costs and time Before deciding to get a cat, you must consider all the costs involved, including feeding, vaccinations, worming, vet care, neutering, litter, toys and even boarding in a cattery when you go on holidays. Also, are you prepared to spend some time every day feeding, emptying litter and interacting with your cat?
HORSE CARE Grooming Kit: • Hoof pick • Dandy brush • Body brush • Curry comb • Mane comb What will I feed my horse/pony? If your horse/pony is kept at grass, there should be enough for him to graze on (roughly one acre per orse/pony). Not all grass is suitable though, you need to make sure the grass is specifically for horses. In winter, you must be prepared to supplement them with plenty of good quality hay as grass could be scarce. Equines require also access to a salt lick (some licks combine vitamins and minerals with salt: these are a good option if a complete food is not available). Small amounts of high energy hard feeds such as oats, maize or ready prepared coarse mix can also be fed to your horse/pony depending on the amount of exercise and/or work they perform. Horses are notoriously selective grazers, so horse pasture will benefit from regular grazing down by cattle and especially by sheep, as this will control the development of scrub and weeds. Sheep grazing in the spring time will also help the natural control of ragwort. General Health Care All ponies/horses should be regularly worked and vaccinated, with yearly boosters following the first vaccination. The most common diseases to vaccinate against are equine influenza, tetanus, and equine herpes viruses. Daily grooming is a good way to check your horse/pony for ailments such as bumps, cuts, sores, skin conditions or foot problems, with daily picking out of feet. Your horse or pony will also need regular visits from a farrier, ideally very six weeks. It may just be for a trim or maybe a new set of shoes but always remember good feet, good horse!. Dangerous substances There are several common sources of poisoning for horses. Ragwort is particularly dangerous, as the effects are cumulative, and the damage is permanent. Ragwort remains poisonous and becomes more palatable even after it has dried, so it even poses a risk in hay. Horses are inclined to chew tree bark and wood, so poisonous trees, such as yew, ivy and some conifers need to be fenced off, and wood that has been preserved with toxic elements or lead paint should be kept away from horses. Stereotypes Horses are intelligent social animals, so they are particularly prone to developing stereotypical behaviours if their environment does not contain enough to interest them. These can include pacing and head swaying behaviours. Ponies and horses can make wonderful, lifelong companions. Before deciding to acquire one, it is advisable to dedicate plenty of thought to whether you are prepared to make the time and financial commitment which comes hoof in hoof with keeping them! Where will I keep my horse or pony? a) At Grass This is cheaper than keeping them in a stable providing there is enough grazing; as a rule of thumb, one horse/pony/donkey needs at least one acre of suitable pasture. It is more natural for your horse to be kept at grass with the company of their own kind, as they are highly social animals. This field should have secure boundaries or suitable fencing (barbwire is to be avoided!). Your horse or pony will also need somewhere to take shade and shelter – ideally a field shelter – not only from the inclement winter weather, but also from heat and flies in the summer. An area of hard standing is also great to provide a dry mud free area for equines to stand on to prevent mud related problems. Fresh water must be made available at all times. In winter you may need to put a rug on your horse and provide plenty of hay as grass may be scarce b) In a Stable You may choose to keep your horse or pony stabled at the local livery yard where some or all your horse’s needs will be looked after by the yard staff at a cost. Or you may choose to keep them at home. An ideal size for a stable is 12’ x 12’ (4m x 4m) for an average small horse, 14’ x 14’ for a large horse. The bigger the stable the better as equines hate small spaces. Allowing a horse access to a small fenced area around the stable so it can come and go as it pleases is a great compromise and will help to reduce stress and behavioural problems. Suitable deep-litter bedding should be dust-free, highly absorbent and recyclable, such as shavings or straw. The building needs adequate drainage, access to sunlight with good ventilation to prevent respiratory disease. Fresh, clean drinking water should be available at all times and hay given ad libitum to provide fibre and satisfy the horse’s motivation to feed (they’d spend 16 hours a day grazing if left to their own devices!). Stabled horses will also benefit from being allowed to graze and need to be taken out regularly for exercising. Being kept isolated from other horses is contrary to your horse’s needs and may be detrimental to its welfare, resulting in stress and abnormal behaviour. In absence of another equine, an animal of a different species (a goat for instance) may also make a good companion for your horse. Stables need frequent cleaning with bedding being changed at least once a week. What equipment will I need? • Bridle • Saddle and accessories • Head-collar and lead rope • Rug (optional) NEUTERING INFORMATION
Doesn’t neutering alter an animal’s personality? Personality changes that may result from neutering are for the better. Preventing the instinctual need to find a mate helps your pet stop roaming and becoming calmer; though not less protective of their territory. Won’t animal shelters take care of the surplus animals? No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes. However, the number of homeless animals far exceed the number of available homes. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma. Only birth control can end the over population problem. Not only cats and dogs…. Animals of all kinds are becoming increasingly common in Irish households, from rabbits to hamsters to birds and reptiles. In some cases it can be even more difficult to find homes for their litters, as they can produce an even larger number of babies than dogs or cats! Plus fewer homes are prepared to adopt them, often shelters are already full, and there is a lack of facilities available. It is therefore very important to limit the birth of ‘exotic’ animals. One way to do so is to house male and female separately, and/or keep same-sex pairs when possible so as to provide your pet with some company (if it is a social species), without the risk of unwanted reproduction. Alternatively, sterilisation is also available for some species, including rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs. Ask your vet for information. Dog owners must prevent their dogs from roaming freely and to ensure they are securely house at night. Dogs can hunt together in packs and are responsible for many sheep attacks. Under the ‘Control of Dogs Act’ owners can be held liable for the financial damage inflicted on livestock from an attack by their dog and could result in serious costs. What does the term Spaying or Neutering mean? Spaying is a term used to describe the surgical removal of ovaries and uterus (ovario-hysterectomy) of a female animal). Neutering is a term used to describe the castration – removal of testicles of a male animal. However, neutering can be used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian under general anaesthesia, renders the animal unable to reproduce. Analgesia (pain control) is also normally offered. When can you neuter/spay your pet? Both procedures can be performed as early as six weeks of age. Early neutering by six months of age is recommended since this guarantees that the animals will not be able to breed and over-populate a community. Why should we neuter or spay? Statistics confirm that thousands of dogs are euthanized in Irish pounds every year. Having your pet neutered ensures that you are not contributing to this unnecessary and tragic waste of lives. Health benefits Through neutering and spaying, you can help your pets live happier, healthier and longer lives. Early neutering prevents uterine infections (pyometra) as well as mammary, uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer. Additionally, the procedure may eliminate of curb undesirable behaviours such as the crying and nervous pacing of a cat in heat and roaming in search of a mate and sexual mounting in males. In turn, cats and dogs which are less prone to roaming are also less likely to be lost, stolen or hit by a car. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered. There is also both surgical (vasectomy, tubal ligation) and non-surgical alternatives (injectable) to neutering for birth control. Ask your vet for information. Myths about neutering Neutering costs too much? The cost of caring for a pet including providing veterinary care, should be considered before acquiring an animal. Consider that the costs of having a litter are often more than the cost of neutering, as there could be complications requiring hospitalisation or surgery. You will be faced with finding homes or keeping the off spring yourself or placing more animals into your local shelter. The cost of the well-being of not just your companion animal but of future generations should be considered. Neutering/spaying leads to obesity? Pets can become overweight and less active as a result of overeating and lack of exercise rather than as a direct result of neutering. Facts In nine years, a couple of unneutered cats and all their offspring can produce almost 12 million cats! In seven years, One un-spayed dog and all her offspring can produce more than 4 million dogs! Is it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce? With domestication, we have selectively changed animal’s nature. Domesticated animals share the human environment and their well being is dependent on our care. It’s wrong to allow these animals to produce thousands of unwanted offspring that are eventually killed because there is not enough responsible homes. What if I can find homes for my pet’s litters? Only a limited number of people want pets so every home you find for your pet’s offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter. Should every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed? No. In fact, your pet will be healthier if she never sexually matures. Plus it’s not easy to find good homes for a litter of pups/kittens. Then again, even if you find a home for your pet’s offspring, this means one less home for animals already at a shelter. Shouldn’t children experience birth? A more important lesson to teach your child would be responsible pet ownership and concern for life, by explaining why their pet should not have babies.
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