Posts filed under 'Pet care'
A brief reminder to pet owners: it is HOT!! And if we are hot, imagine how our cats and dogs feel wearing a fur coat!
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of our pets suffering dehydration, or even death. We receive hundreds of calls every summer from concerned members of the public who have seen pets in backyards with no water and/or shelter, or dogs in hot cars with no breeze.
There are a few things to remember, and while they seem basic, we continue to be amazed at just how many people are NOT taking simple measures to care for their pets during summer! And, of course, it IS an offence to fail to provide animals with water and or shelter – it really is a horrible form of cruelty.
Here are some easy things to remember as we go head first into summer.
1) WATER- YES it is simple, but, again, people DO forget - however in this weather you simply CANNOT! You NEED at least TWO LARGE, STEADY water sources. Water can be knocked over (especially by dogs) and, of course, water evaporates.
2) SHELTER - You simply cannot leave animals in a backyard in the scorching sun - it’s a virtual death sentence. A doggie/cat door is a great idea - it gives easy access to the cool of the house. If you’re not keen on this idea, then a kennel, of sorts, is also a great idea.
Hopefully your house had lovely big natural pergolas - aka trees! Then you have instant shade 
3) DOGS AND HOT CARS DO NOT MIX - If you’re going to the shops, even for an extremely quick trip -leave your dog AT HOME! It only takes SIX minutes for a dog to DIE in a hot car.
It is a very serious issue! Our officers have seen some very distressed owners, who have come back to their car to find their dog very sick, or dead.
PLEASE, please, please do not leave your dog in a car - even if it’s in the shade, with windows open..it really is a tragedy waiting to happen!!
Related posts: Dogs Die In Hot Cars :: Caring For Your Animals In Hot Weather
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November 19th, 2007
Spring is here, and while sunny days, flowers and footy finals are all a great part of this time of year, at the RSPCA it’s one of our saddest times.
The start of the sunny season also means the start of kitten season. Year after year we’re faced with the same, heartbreaking scenario; too many kittens and not enough homes. The solution is simple: desex your cats!
Last year was a record year - we cared for well over 4,000 kittens and cats, and we are desperate to decrease that amount this year.
We have already received four pregnant cats in the last week or so, as well as a number of kittens and no doubt this is a reflection of what is happening out in the community. Officers at our four shelters are bracing themselves for the weeks and months ahead, as days like today are perfect for cat breeding.
Desexing your cat is the best way you can help the RSPCA at this time of year, however if your cat is pregnant and you can’t keep the kittens or find appropriate homes, please do bring them in to our shelters - they’re obviously a lot safer in our care than being dumped which is inhumane and illegal.
The Society is also urging cat owners to make sure their cats are vaccinated, as breeding season is also the time when the deadly feline AIDS and influenza are most rife. Even if your cat is desexed it can still catch these diseases, so keeping your cat vaccinated and inside as much as possible is a great idea will help keep them safe.
Cats are also more likely to roam during this time, so identification is also vital. Why not get your cat desexed, microchipped and vaccinated all in the one vet visit?
Aimee McKay, Spokesperson:
“The message from the Society is to desex your cats immediately. These days of temperatures in the mid twenties are exactly the conditions cats like to conceive in. Desexing is actually a relatively inexpensive, simple routine that will be much cheaper than bringing up kittens, and regardless of costs, it’s just the right thing to do in terms of animal welfare. If your cat is an early starter and is already pregnant, or you have kittens that you cannot home, please do bring them into the RSPCA. We would much rather safe, warm cats in our shelters than dumped outside somewhere.’
September 14th, 2007
The RSPCA was recently called out to a five car pile up at Main North Road, Blair Athol. ‘Bailey’, a Labrador, was seriously injured and has lost the use of one of his front legs. The owner was also taken to hospital. The accident highlights the fact that unrestrained dogs and cars don’t mix.
Aimee McKay, RSPCA spokesperson said:
‘From an animal welfare perspective, dogs can be seriously injured in a crash - the incident this morning is a perfect example of this. Like a human without a seatbelt, when a driver suddenly brakes, an unrestrained dog flings forward with a great deal of force. Broken bones, fractured skulls and death are very, very real possibilities and we have certainly seen lots of these types of injuries at our shelters.’
It’s not only your pooch at risk - an unrestrained dog equals a distracted and dangerous driver. A recent survey by AAMI says forget your mobile - your ‘best friend’ is more distracting. The research also says over 80 per cent of drivers think car restraints should be compulsory and the RSPCA agrees.
While they’re distracting they’re also potentially lethal. RSPCA research shows the force of a dog hitting you or a passenger in the car is 20 times its weight. It goes without saying, that could lead to severe injury.
The RSPCA would like the Government to look at making new legislation that makes restraints mandatory.
July 30th, 2007
Last year, the RSPCA in South Australia prosecuted a man whose dog was found to be very weak and unable to walk. Our vets found it be in severe and chronic pain with a broken/dislocated spine. X-Rays revealed that at some stage, all of its ribs had broken and its bones showed significant de-calcification. The owner was found to be a committed animal rights activist and vegan. When interviewed over the neglect of his dog, he claimed it was fed a diet of bread, peanut butter and vitamins - which might well explain its bone abnormalities!
There is a worrying trend emerging of animal-activist vegans promoting their own choice of diet to owners of dogs and cats with the claim that these animals can be safely converted to a vegetarian or vegan diet. They see this as distancing themselves from any sort of animal farming and consumption, which they consider to be intrinsicaly cruel.
Dogs are naturally omnivorous, and a vegan diet, if nutritionally balanced for dog metabolism, is quite possible (although difficult), but cats are true meat eaters and the idea of a vegan diet for cats is dangerous.
The premise of some of these obsure cat food manufacturers that their vegan diets meet 100% of a cat’s nutritional needs has not been supported by independent scientific dietary analysis. When meat is eliminated from the diet of obligate carnivores like cats, the potential for nutritional deficiencies increases, because specific essential nutrients are scarce or limited in plant matter (such as taurine, arachidonic acid, niacin, vitamin A, arginine, lysine and sulphur-containing compounds such as methionine and cysteine).
Modern commercial dog and cat foods are carefully balanced to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of these animals. The best advice is to choose a product that is recommended by your veterinarian.
June 18th, 2007
But not all the pups have been so lucky, the others are still looking for homes.
RSPCA staff had one special Easter wish - that at least one of the pups saved from terrible conditions at a property near Eudunda - would find a home. Clearly all the wishing (and of course, hard work) paid off - the aptly named pup Lucky now settling into his new abode.
Lucky was one of over 100 dogs taken from a Sutherland property, north of Adelaide, on February 28. The two residents had over 160 dogs in a very confined, fenced off space. It was very dry with little shelter. The RSPCA vet said it was clear that many of the dogs, especially the pups had not received vet care. Our vet also said many were malnourished and dehydrated as well as being ravaged with several diseases and skin conditions. Most of the dogs were also quite vicious given that they had had very little human contact - they were scared of people. Much to the despair and disappointment of Society staff, many of the dogs had such severe ailments and extreme aggression that they had to be put down.
But there were a few little battlers who survived the ordeal, of which a male Chihuahua-cross called Lucky was one. It’s been quite amazing watching him transform from a timid, tiny, weak puppy with pussy eyes and skin sores to a healthy, strong, gorgeous pup with a shiny coat and an outgoing personality.
Retired couple Trevor and Dianne Smith had followed the pup’s tragic story through the media and knew they wanted to help out. The Smiths made the trip to the RSPCA Lonsdale shelter hoping that one of the pups would warm to them - and Lucky did just that. It immediately became clear it was a perfect match.
No doubt Lucky will take a while to get used to the new environment. Trevor and Dianne’s backyard is about the same size as the fenced off area that he was in with 160 other dogs. Once the little chihuahua cross gets used to his new surroundings and, of course, benefits from all of the new found affection, no doubt, he’ll thrive. Despite his less than perfect start to life, he hasn’t sustained any permanent damage and should grow into a healthy, happy dog.
Unfortunately, Lucky has been the only pup from the property near Eudunda that has found a new home so far. After the huge initial response, when we fielded thousands of calls, offering homes and assistance, we now have no one coming forward. It’s certainly disappointing, and we can only hope that the pups are placed in good new homes, sooner rather than later.
Anyone interested in adopting, should go to our website www.adoptapet.com.au Here you can see the pups’ pictures and read about their nature etc.
If you can’t adopt a pup but want to help us care for them by making a donation - call the Donation Hotline on 1800 652 866 or go to our website www.rspcasa.asn.au and click on the ‘Make a Donation’ Box near the top right hand corner.
We thank the public for all their support throughout this difficult period. All we can do is keep wishing that all the pups will be as fortunate as Lucky.
April 17th, 2007
We recently discussed training collars for dogs which the RSPCA does not approve. Here are our suggestions for appropriate collars to use in training;
FIXED COLLAR
Unless there is a medical reason, we recommend that all dogs wear a fixed collar. The collar should have current identification attached to the collar including the council registration disc and a personal identification tag that has the owner’s contact details. Most dogs can be walked with the lead attached to a fixed collar however there are other recommended alternatives for strong, boisterous dogs that can drag their owners when being walked on a fixed collar.
HEAD COLLAR
There are many different designs for head collars and it’s not possible to recommend one design for all dogs. The best design for a head collar will depend on the shape of the dog’s head (which varies so much from breed to breed) and the type of behaviour the dog displays when being walked.
Head collars can be extremely effective. Head collars at their most effective have been described as the “power steering” of dog walking equipment. However there are some negatives to be considered;
- Very few dogs will immediately accept a head collar and walk willingly on one. It takes some training to teach the dog to adjust to wearing a head collar. The training is not difficult and most dogs will readily accept a head collar once they have been trained to wear one.
- The head collar must fit the dog -the right style as well as the right size is very important.
- No matter the style of head collar, we always recommend that the head collar be attached to a fixed collar via a “connector”. If the head collar is fitted too loosely (and also depending on the style of the head collar), a dog can get out of a head collar which can be very risky if the dog is out in public. A “connector” has 2 clips on it and connects the head collar to the fixed collar. Should the dog slip out of the head collar the handler still has control of the dog.
- Head collars should only been worn by the dog when being walked. They are not designed to “yank” the dog’s head around. Pulling roughly on a head collar could injure the dog. However if fitted correctly and the dog is appropriately trained to wear one, head collars can be a blessing for owners who have trouble walking their dogs on a fixed collar.
MARTINGALE COLLAR
These are also called a “limited slip” or “restricted slip”. This is because the design is a combination of a fixed collar and a slip collar (choker chain)
It differs from a choker collar because once the slip capacity on the martingale has reached its limit it cannot tighten any further (unlike a choker which will continue to tighten without a limit). This too is a collar that must be fitted correctly on a dog and should only be worn by the dog when being walked.
HARNESS
The variation in harnesses are as widespread as the various head collars available. Harnesses which are designed to keep your dog safe whilst traveling in a vehicle is not the type of harness which will prevent a dog from pulling when being walked. To the contrary, this type of harness may encourage a dog to pull. The concept is similar to a draft horse. The animal feels weight behind it and its response is to pull against it. These harnesses are very popular with small dogs as owners can withstand the pulling but there is no pressure on the throat therefore no gagging which occurs when dogs pull on fixed or slip collar.There are now harnesses designed to prevent pulling. As with other collars mentioned, these harnesses need to be fitted correctly and the dog trained to walk nicely on them.
Most positive trainers will be familiar with the fitting and correct use of head collars, martingale collars and harnesses which will assist with a pulling dog. Therefore any person who is unfamiliar with these collars but would like assistance should make enquiries with a positive trainer.
March 26th, 2007
The following is our response to a comment that was posted by “Mark” on 5th March about our blog on dog training devices which the RSPCA does not agree with. We disagree with “Mark’s” opinion! (which is reposted below)
Reponse from the RSPCA
Mark, thank you for your comments, as they highlight misconceptions that exist about our training philosophy here at the RSPCA and its consequences. For those unfamiliar with positive methods, it might seem that we advocate treating our dogs with kid gloves and letting them do whatever they want. This is absolutely not the case. Being positive does not mean being permissive. Our use of rewards (food, toys, play, praise and attention) is just part of a program that includes proper management to limit the dog’s opportunities to misbehave, and the use of passive punishment (e.g. ignoring unwanted behaviours, removing attention, time outs etc).
When analysing dog behaviour it is misleading to talk about wolves and pack behaviour. Dogs have been domesticated for over 100,000 years, and it is widely accepted that through our selective breeding they have become vastly different to their wild ancestors. If you consider the physical differences between a wild wolf and, for example, a Chihuahua, these differences are blatantly apparent. It is no surprise that their behaviour patterns are just as different. Making comparisons between the two is akin to giving human relationship advice based upon studies of the behaviour patterns of Cave Men.
Fortunately we do not need to rely on studies of wolf behaviour when training dogs, as there are decades of evidence-based research on the ways in which ALL animals learn, including dogs. Its called operant conditioning, and is the basis for our approach. Studies confirm that methods such as ours are humane, effective, and far less likely to compromise the relationship between a dog and its owner than any other. We agree that dogs are highly social animals that need leadership, but it is clear that we can provide this using a positive approach.
Dominance and pack theory are over-used justifications for the use of punishment based training. It is too simplistic to think that dogs misbehave or are disobedient simply because they haven’t been shown who is boss, and that if you can just exert adequate dominance over a dog that everything else will fall into place. This approach is likely to lead to unneeded amounts of punishment and frustration, which are likely to only worsen problems such as not coming when called and biting, while the real issues go unaddressed, such as adequate opportunity to learn what is required, and the provision of an adequate environment.
However, for those that are determined to cling to the concept of dominance, the positive method of training is still relevant. Surely making a dog work for every bit of food that they need to live puts the owner in the most dominant position available? Leash correction training surely cannot compete with this position of power.
Last but not least, we completely disagree that the use of positive methods can be linked to dogs becoming aggressive. Quite the opposite, as the methods are so non-confrontational. Further to this, positive methods are the best form of approach with a dog that is showing aggression since punishment based training is more likely to incite retaliation from a confident aggressive dog, or in a submissive dog to teach them not to warn before biting. (If growling gets punished then it’s safer from the dog’s perspective to go straight to biting without giving any warning). So if we are serious about reducing the number of bites in homes (and we are) then we are more likely to succeed when dogs are positively trained (and further if owners can be better educated to understand their dog’s body language).
Let us end by saying that we have never experienced the use of positive training causing the euthanasia of a dog. On the contrary, our use of positive methods has allowed us to re-educate and re-home dogs who have shown defensive aggression in homes that relied on physical adversives. In these cases it has been wonderful to see the dogs learn to trust their handlers, to watch their happy personality reveal itself when they learned there was nothing to fear, and to see their progress in learning when they were given calm clear guidance about what was actually required of them in a non-confrontational way.
Original Comment by “Mark”
“I believe the RSPCA needs to re-asses it views on dog training and dog training and behaviour modification. RSPCA has totally lost all sight of the fact that dogs are instinctively pack animals that live by pack instinct. All domesticated dogs still have at least 80% of the inherited instincts of the wolf. I believe that the RSPCA is falsely misleading the public by suggesting that ONLY totally positive food based training should be used to train ALL dogs. This type of training may very well work for lower pack dogs, as they are instinctively followers, and do not have the instinct to assert dominance for control. Dogs that instinctively belong at the top of the dog pack (dominant dogs, or rank dominant dogs), will not respond appropriately to totally positive food based forms of dog training. This type of training does not establish in the dog’s mind the order of the pack, and dogs trained in this manner will continually try to assert dominance over their owners. Yes ALL dog training should be primarily positive. You cannot gain a dog’s respect or confidence without your training being primarily positive. But incorrect behaviour or dominant behaviour should be corrected. I am a professional dog trainer in Adelaide, and the number of dog owners that have come to me after trying totally positive food based training is incredible. Too often I have seen dog owners at their wits end due to overly dominant dogs controlling the family, or showing dominant aggressive traits, come to me after being to a totally positive based dog trainer. I personally believe the number of dog bites and attacks from family dogs will be greatly reduced if we understand the instincts of the dog, and train accordingly! Too many dogs these days are being destroyed or dumped at shelters due to aggressive behaviour. Most of these can be corrected with the right training. It’s about time welfare groups respected the dog for what it is, a social pack animal that has inherited rules for survival, and we should respect this in our dogs. Bribing a dog with food is not working with many of these dogs natural instincts, and destroying dogs because of dominance related issues, because RSPCA does not agree with corrective training, is an injustice to our beloved canines!”
March 8th, 2007
For many years the RSPCA has offered a program for people worried about the future care of their pets if they happen to die first. Often family, friends or neighbours will take on the responsibility of these animals, but not everyone has this support - and many elderly people decide not to keep a pet for just this reason. But this is a time in their life when a pet can offer them company, security and reasons to keep active! Research has proven the positive health benefits that pets bring to their owners.
The RSPCA Pet Bequest Program finds a suitable new home for pets when their owner dies. The RSPCA will not keep these animals “institutionalised” in an animal shelter but in private homes. We take special care to ensure the cat or dog goes to somebody who will provide individual attention, and the RSPCA continues to monitor the care of the animal over its life. We pay all ongoing veterinary costs and ensure the pet is microchipped, vaccinated and fed whatever diet it may need. These costs are met by making a bequest to the RSPCA.
Here is an actual case history from our Pet Bequest Program;
When Maureen passed away in 2003 she left behind “Millie”, her constant companion for the previous 8 years. Maureen named the RSPCA as a beneficiary in her estate in the expectation that we would ensure Millie was cared for in the future.
Millie, a tiny Papillon, was placed in a new home with Roma, a foster carer known to the RSPCA. Millie recently required major surgery to remove a large bladder stone and is now on a special Hills Science Diet to prevent the buildup of crystals in her kidneys. From Maureen’s bequest to the RSPCA, all of Roma’s expenses in keeping Millie are paid for. Maureen also requested that when Millie dies, her ashes are placed in the RSPCA’s Memorial Garden at Lonsdale, where a plaque is already placed in memory of Maureen and her late son.
To register in our Pet Bequest Program, and to have peace of mind for your animal’s future, contact our Bequest Officer Anthea at the RSPCA on 8212 6871. Anthea will collect as much information about your pet’s particular needs and characteristics in order that your pet can make a smooth transition to a new home if that becomes necessary.
February 18th, 2007
As most people return to the school/work routine today, the RSPCA urges pet owners to remember their responsibilities. Many animals will have become used to human contact during the holiday period - once that is taken away bad behaviour can result. Separation anxiety and the barking, whining, digging, chewing and escape attempts that goes with it is one of the most common reasons dogs are surrended to the RSPCA.
How can you avoid your dog going through this trauma?
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Keep up the exercise - the more tired your dog is, the less it will misbehave.
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Buy your pet mentally stimulating toys that will keep him or her occupied throughout the day.
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Make sure fencing etc is secure - anxious dogs will try to escape.
Recognising ‘busy lifestyle’ is one of the most common reasons people dump pets, the RSPCA now provides doggy day care. We care for and exercise your pooch while your at work. It’s a great solution for busy professionals and families.
Of course, even if your dog does not have a problem with seperation anxiety, there are still many issues to think about as you return to work.
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Make sure all hazards are secured/put away - this includes poison, pools, dams, sharp items.
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Further to this, make sure all holes in fencing or sheds are secured. Freeing curious animals who are stuck in fencing is one of our most common call outs.
RSPCA spokesperson Aimee McKay says if you are simply not coping with your pet- think about surrending your dog or cat to the RSPCA.
‘We are always absolutely packed at our shelters - in fact last month, we received over 500 cats alone - however we would rather an owner surrender their pet to us than let the animal be neglected. It’s a tragic consequence of our ever hectic lifestyles - unfortunately far too many times, pets are not the priority.’
‘We expect that in the next few weeks, as people go back to work and school, they’ll realise they can’t fit a pet into their lives, and the RSPCA will be ready and waiting.’
January 29th, 2007
The RSPCA has called for 2007 to be the year that the SA Government makes microchipping mandatory.
A letter has been sent to Hon Gail Gago MLC advsing of the many benefits of compulsory microchipping for both cats and dogs.
South Australian shelters last year received around 9,000 dogs and cats. Many of these animals had no form of identification.
From 2002 in New South Wales, and as of May this year in Victoria, all dogs (except farm working dogs and greyhounds) must be microchipped and lifetime registered. All cats and kittens that are sold or given away must also be microchipped and registered for life.
In both States, pet owners face a fine of up to $500 if found with an animal that has not been microchipped. Any establishment that sells pets, such as pet shops and breeders will face a $1000 find for selling animals without a microchip.
These are the laws we would like to see in South Australia.
A permanent identification and lifetime registration scheme would greatly assist in returning lost and injured animals to their owners.
It would also provide local Councils with a more effective means of keeping track of dogs and cats for the benefit of the wider community.
Microchipping is an affordable and secure way of identifying South Australian pets and we urge the South Australian public to get behind this cause.
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January 10th, 2007
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