Veterinos

Posts in category Dogs

Pets and Cold

08/01/2016 Leave a Comment Written by Esther Sánchez

Chihuahua covered in blankets

To Wrap or Not to Wrap Pets Up

When winter comes, we humans get our coats, fleece jackets, wool hats, and gloves out of the closet to fight the cold. We can see then lots of small sweaters and jackets in pet stores, too, but do they really do need them? Is it fashion or an actual need? And what about cats?

The Body Temperature of Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs, like us, are “homeotherm” animals. That means that they can regulate their body temperature, within limits. Their way of doing that, however, is very different from ours.

We should know a few things about it, since surpassing these limits on any end might lead to serious problems: hypothermia (body temperature too low), or hyperthermia (too high).

The first thing to know is that their perception of cold is linked to several factors:

  • The real and relative environmental temperature (humidity levels).
  • The type and quantity of hair (depending on the breed).
  • Their body fat (depending on the breed, and their nutritional state).
  • The animal’s age and condition.
  • Whether they are more or less used to certain temperatures.

Another key factor is that cats and dogs can’t sweat cutaneously. They can only dispel heat by panting, and through the pads in their paws. This makes them especially vulnerable to high temperatures — heatstrokes in the summer —, but also more resistant to cold.

Depending on the ability of each animal to preserve body heat, therefore, they will or will not need clothing. In case of doubt, ask a veterinarian or pet groomer you trust.

Bear in mind, in any case, that if you want to wrap them up, you have to inure them to the sweater little by little.

Dogs and Cold

According to these factors, it is not the same having at home, for example:

  • an Alaskan malamute, genetically adapted to temperature drops, with a rough overcoat covering most of their body, and a very dense, oily, and woolly undercoat
  • a pug, which can have thin smooth short hair, with or without undercoat, though with a good level of subcutaneous fat
  • a greyhound, without undercoat, barely any fat, and thin close-fitting skin, so they hardly tolerate low temperatures.

For more detailed information, see “Dog Coats: Amount of Hair, Coat Texture and Coat Length”.

Depending on the Dog’s Age

It is not the same to have a dynamic pup or young dog who likes running, than having a quiet geriatric dog with arthrosis.

A healthy, young and dynamic animal does not need, in theory, any clothing — as long as they have a healthy fur. Only greyhounds, hairless breeds like the Chinese Cestat, or Dobermans, pinschers and others that lack a good undercoat, need in fact to be kept warm when they are young.

Senior dogs with arthrosis, though, do need a coat at the beginning of the walk. Also we should help them warm up their muscles, and massage their joints softly to improve mobility before going out. During the walk, once they are warm enough, we can take their coat off. Put it on again if they stop to gaze quietly at passersby.

However, if dogs of any age go out to the forest after a rain — or the air is very humid —, and come back soaked, dry them well. If, on top of that, it is very, very cold, do wrap them up before going out.

Garden Dogs

Dogs are very social animals. They like sleeping with the rest of the family. If they prefer the garden anyway, they must always have a place to take shelter in case temperatures drop suddenly, or something scares them.

If your pet sleeps normally in the garden, and is used to it, their coat has adjusted naturally. They do not get cold so easily. If they are not used to it, but want to sleep one night in the garden, make sure they have a warm place where to take shelter.

Cats and Cold

For cats the situation is pretty much the same. Just be careful with heaters, as cats love warmth and, sometimes, they might get burned accidentally!

Sphynx cats are a special case, since they lack fur. Their metabolism is fairly different: to keep their body temperature, they need to eat more. That does not mean that they need clothing. Like dogs, cats have judgment. As soon as they feel cold, they will seek warmth however they can — like getting under the comforter.

On the other hand, putting a little sweater to a cat that comes and goes in and out house as they wish, does not make too much sense.

Cats tolerate seldom tolerate sweaters. If they are really cold, and need one, you have to get them used to the sweater little by little. Put them the sweater at times, associating it with something positive, so they do not feel funny. This way, probably, there will be no problems.

Conclusion

Before you do anything, check that your pet is not too warm or too cold at any given time.

Make sure that your cat or dog’s skin and coat are healthy, and in perfect condition. The way to do it is: with an appropriate diet; brushing them regularly; and, in the case of dogs, taking them to a good pet groomer. Follow the advice of your specialty pet groomer, and veterinarian to keep the skin and fur in the best condition.

Enjoy the cold!

Cats
, , , , ,

Happy Holidays for Our Pets, Too?

23/12/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Helena Serradó

Cat creeping on a Christmas treeChristmas is here, and with it come decorations, shopping, lights, reunions, comings and goings of friends and family; also copious meals, champagne, sweets, Christmas carols blasted non stop from every shop … We humans cope with all that year after year as well as we can, but do we really know how our pets live these changes? What dangers are there for them? How can we make these holidays happy and safe for everyone — pets included?

1. The Stress of Christmastime

Every dog’s owner — not to mention cats — knows that their pets’ vision of the world is nothing like ours. It won’t be hard to understand, then, that Christmas is a stressful time for them because so many things are altered:

    • the routines to which we have them accustomed: times and length of our dogs’ walks  — even more important in the case of very active dogs

 

  • the constant glow of lights, or the endless sound of carols in the street

 

  • the presence of strangers at home, with whom they are not used to interact and, sometimes, don’t know how to behave. This is especially stressful for cats, who are territorial and less social, and therefore react badly to sudden changes.

A clear example of this is when children, thrilled with the dog or cat in the house, want to pet them at all costs, and are unable to read the signs of alarm they send out — thus exposing themselves to a scratch or a bite.

2. Alterations in Their Diet

It is usual during this time of year, in almost all homes, to eat too much and

have leftovers, so giving them to the pet is quite tempting.

The fact that we feast these days doesn’t mean that our pets have to feast too. If they don’t, we will prevent digestive problems such as engorgements, intolerances, or even allergies or other serious problems like poisonings or pancreatitis. Besides, sudden dietary changes can have bad effects on them.

Forbidden Food

Remember that many typical Christmas delicacies are poisonous for pets:

  • chocolate
  • grapes and raisins
  • shellfish (especially for dalmatians, a breed prone to suffer severe renal problems due to accidental ingestions)
  • alcohol
  • xylitol (an industrial sweetener very dangerous for dogs)
  • dry fruits
  • onions, garlic, leeks or chives

Be Careful With Bones

Scrap bones can cause constipation, or even hemorrhagic diarrheas due to torn intestinal layers — especially with bones of birds and rabbits. This kind of bones are thin and they splinter easily, therefore they can do severe damage in the digestive tract. Its treatment requires surgery.

Also, an excessive consumption of fats — even occasionally — can lead to pancreatitis, which is very painful and puts the animal’s life at risk. It is highly advisable to give them only the kinds of bones pet stores sell for them, such as beef knee caps — always moderately.

3. Balls, Lights, Cables, and Garlands

All these things are especially tempting for children and pets.

What cat would refrain from trying to catch a sparkling crystal bulb hanging from the Christmas tree?

Or, what puppy wouldn’t chase a Christmas ball rolling away, and try to swallow it?

The list is long: garlands, ribbons, cables, lights, Nativity figurines — which are sometimes cutting, and often can be swallowed. Christmas lights, connected to cables and plugs, deserve special attention, as they are tempting play ropes both for dogs and cats and, so the risk of electrocution is not negligible.

Due Precautions

To make sure our holidays are happy ones, unstressful, without tribulations or visits to our vet’s emergency room, here are a few recommendations:

  • Do not alter their diet: watch out that nobody gives them extra food — especially ours, and even less food that is poisonous for them. Excesses affect pets more than us — more so if they consume too much fat.
  • Do not to put fragile adornments, or with sharp edges, within their reach: they can mistake them for toys, and hurt themselves.
  • Protect cables, power strips and plugs so they don’t lick or nibble them: an unprotected cable can be peeled very easily with the teeth; besides, saliva and pee are electricity conductors. The cable of the Christmas lights on the tree is a danger!
  • Minimize the stress, and favor the coexistence between pets and humans, taking a few basic measures:
    • For dogs
      • Try to alter their routines the least possible
      • Take them to walk away from agglomerations, loud noise, and Christmas lights
      • When you have guests at home, dedicate them a little more time, give them a good walk so that they are relaxed when the guests start coming in
      • You who know your pet, tell the children if he likes to be caressed or not, and how. It’s important that you make them understand what are the signs that your pet is getting fed up, and when they must stop teasing them. Never leave kids and pets alone; this way you will prevent hassle between them
      • Prepare a safety area where they can take refuge if they want to get away from all the commotion: place their bed, trough, and water in a separate room where they are used to stay, and leave them a tenuous light on
      • Ask your veterinarian now what measures you can take if your dog gets too stressed during this time of year. They will explain the options available, such as pheromones collars, or even sedatives
    • For cats
      • Try to alter their routines the least possible
      • Prepare in advance: places pheromones diffusers a few days before the holidays. Speaks with your vet: they will explain the options available
      • Prepare a safety area where they can take refuge if they want to get away from all the commotion: place there their bed, food, water, and litter box so they don’t have to cross the critical area where you are celebrating
      • Tell to your guests that a cat is not a dog, and that they don’t like others taking the initiative. If they don’t want to show up where you are assembled, don’t force it. Hidden they feel better, and this is their way of spending the holidays … after all, not everybody likes the nougat!

If despite all precautions, an accident happens, don’t hesitate to call an emergencies vet. Specify exactly what’s happened and when, the species, breed, sex and age of your pet, and if there is a previous condition. Follow their advices. They will tell you what is better in every case.

Happy feline and canine Christmas!

Cats
, , , , ,

Puppies and Kitties Are Not Toys

09/12/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Veterinos HV

Puppy with a teddy bearAt this time of year many of us would love to find a puppy or kitty under the tree. Think of the kids’ faces when they see their furry little head popping out of the basket! Later, though, something like this could happen:

Lola also arrived for Christmas, and she was the joy of the house for three months. After that, it became less and less funny picking her poop, paying for the vet, buying new slippers because she’d bitten them, taking her out in the cold three times a day to pee … Lola ended up being adopted by the vet who was taking care of her. She was very lucky. Not all of them have the same end. In 2014, over 100.000 dogs and 33.000 cats were abandoned in Spain — not to mention ferrets, rabbits, and all those left unaccounted because they were run over on the road, and died.

One of the prime reasons for abandonment is the lack of knowledge about the needs of pets before they are taken home. As important as that is knowing what fits best in our lifestyle: if you live in a 40m2 apartment on the beach, and work 12 hours a day, no matter how much you like Pyrenees mastiffs, your pet is a cat!

What Does a Pet Entail?

To prevent stories like Lola’s from happening, there are a few things you need to bear in mind:

  • During the first year of life, having a pup or kitten is expensive: vaccinations, dewormings, the microchip — compulsory in Catalonia —, the local pet registry — free in Sant Cugat, but not everywhere —, and in the case of dogs considered potentially dangerous, a legal liability insurance and a psychological test for the owner. Add to that the expenses of veterinary care if the pet falls sick.
  • Depending on the breed, dogs have a life expectancy of 15 years, give or take, and cats can live up to 20 years if they are well treated. That means that we have to be prepared to look after them during all that time. As adults, they need less care than they do when they are young, but they will always need looking after: there won’t ever be a time when we don’t have to feed, wash, deworm, walk or entertain, pamper, or take them to the vet if something is wrong.
  • The food has to be of good quality to keep our pet in good health — so we don’t have to see the vet too often. This is especially important during the phase of development (up to 14 months approx.), and in their senior years (from 8 years on in the case of dogs, and 8-11 for cats).
  • Hygiene is a key factor for the good health of pets. Both cats and dogs need to be brushed and bathed regularly to prevent skin problems. The frequency depends on the kind of fur: it’s not the same a Persian cat — that needs brushing on a daily basis — than a sphynx — which doesn’t have to be brushed at all, but needs moisturizer from time to time. Also, cats want their litter tray always clean, and separated from their feeding spot. Would you eat by the toilet?
  • Going out for a walk is essential for dogs. It’s their time to play, socialize, and learn  (by exploring the terrain). Pups, besides, learn this way to pee and poop outdoors, so during this stage it’s recommended to walk them a lot — once they are done with their vaccination plan.

Puppies and Kitties at Home

The pup or kitten’s arrival home is a stressful moment for them. We can minimize that stress by making them feel safe and welcome: let them explore the house, and do positive things such as playing or eating.

One of the basic needs of cats is having a spot for themselves where they can be in peace; they like high, dark, and hard to access areas.

In the case of pups, after the first few days where everybody is paying attention to them, they need to get used to being alone at home. That is quite hard for them because they are very social animals, and would rather be with someone. We have to train them gradually, leaving them alone for increasingly long periods of time. All this process will be easier if we leave them suitable toys, such as food dispensers or balls they can’t swallow, or even if we hide bits of food around the house.

Training is basic to build a good relationship between pets and their owners — for both of them. That means that we should be aware that cats and dogs are not people, that dogs are not cats, and cats are not dogs. Every species has different needs.

Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

Positive Training

We should decide from the very beginning what we will or will not allow them to do in the long term, because if we let them hop onto the bed or scratch our hands now, they won’t understand anything when we scold them for doing the same later on. Besides, cats and dogs are not trained the same way — even though in both cases we must use positive reinforcement, never punishment.

Bear in mind that dogs bite and cats scratch, usually in good faith.

Dogs

Dogs play and explore using their mouth, so it’s normal that they bite stuff. That is not something to discourage, but to redirect. We should to adapt the area where the pup will stay so they have no access to things we do not want them to chew on, and offer them toys for that purpose.

When dogs bite these toys, we should reward them, and when they bite things we don’t want them to, we should lead them to the “bitable” stuff. A setting rich in stimuli and good physical activity — suitable for the breed, with walks and games — will diminish the wreck at home.

Cats

It’s normal and necessary that cats scratch things. This is one of the most usual complaints from new cat owners. When cats scratch they’re marking the territory, and communicating. It’s good to keep their claws in good condition, too. We must not try to discourage this behavior, but redirect it towards a specific area. We can do that by putting cat scratchers at their disposal.

If we accustom cats to scratchers from an early age, probably they won’t use the couch, armchair, or curtains — though with cats you never know.

So, Think It Over Carefully

We won’t say that you shouldn’t have pets. We do have them, and won’t repent. What we want to stress is that, if you want to have a pet, you must seek information on the needs of every kind of animal, and ponder honestly and realistically if you are prepared for that commitment, now and in the future.

Take you time. Don’t make a decision on the fly.

A pet is a living being, not a toy you can discard or set aside when you get tired of it.

If you do decide to have cat or a dog, you can always adopt one, even if it’s a grown-up. In any case, seek good advice, and do it responsibly. This way both of you can be part of a story that, like Lola’s, has a happy end.

Cats
, , , ,

Dangers of Poinsettias for Pets

25/11/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Helena Serradó

Poinsettia

Hearing about poisonous products for our pets is not uncommon, and this is in fact one of the most usual causes of emergency visits to the veterinarian. Among pet owners, the best known toxicants are chocolate, pesticides, and rat poison, but we need to bear in mind that our pets live in environments where they can be in contact with toxicants unknown to us.

Domestic plants cause a 5-10 % of toxicological consultations to veterinarians.

In this post we want to introduce a poisonous plant for pets that many of us use at home as a Christmas decoration: poinsettias.

Poinsettias

The scientific name of poinsettias is Euphorbia pulcherrima, and it is a perennial shrub that comes in several colors — most commonly red. The red part of the plant is made of bracts, a special kind of leave that protects the flowers and attracts pollinating insects.

The toxicity of poinsettias is due to the irritating milky liquid that circulates along the stems and membranes, and might appear if the animal eats part of the plant, or if it touches the skin or the eyes.

Poisonings by this plant are usually mild, but still we should be aware of it. It is preferable not to have poinsettias within reach of our pets, especially the young ones.

Symptoms of Poinsettia Poisoning

If a pet eats poinsettia, the most frequent consequences are:

  • vomiting
  • diarrheas
  • hypersalivation (cats)

If the contact with poinsettias is only external, the animal might show:

  • ocular secretion
  • conjunctivitis
  • skin reddening and ulcers

Treatment

If you suspect a poinsettia poisoning, contact immediately with a veterinarian: with a proper and early treatment, pets have a good recovery without complications.

We need to be specially careful with young animals. If they ate a large quantity of the plant the poisoning could be serious, affecting the nervous system, and causing tremblings, ravings, and even coma.

The best way to prevent poisonings is knowing which reagents are most dangerous for our four-legged friends and, in doubt, not to hesitate to ask us if you have any more questions!

Cats, Exotics
, ,

Official Barça Accessories for Our Dogs

19/11/2015 2 Comments Written by Veterinos HV

Barcelona FC Accessories for DogsFor passionate Barça supporters, Veterinos has just added to the shop’s catalog a selection of official accessories of Barcelona F.C. We have at your disposal, in three different sizes (small, medium, large):

  • Beds with the emblem and colors of the club
  • Blue and scarlet bandanas with the emblem
  • Blue bandanas with the team’s emblem
  • Bandanas with the colors of the Catalan flag and the emblem of the club
  • Collars with the emblem and the colors of the club
  • Black collars with the team’s motto and emblem
  • Leashes with the emblem and colors of the club (one size)
  • Black leashes with the motto of the Barca and the emblem (one size)

Also available: harnesses and cots with the official stamp of Barcelona F.C., by order.

Share your passion with your pet!

Discounts and promotions
, ,

Healthy Chips for Snack Time — Canine Version

11/11/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Veterinos HV

Best Buddies ChipsIt’s snack time, and everyone in the family jumps like vultures on the potato chips. Yay! Careful, dogs cannot eat saturated fat, nor salt. What do we do? Do we leave them aside?

We don’t have to exclude our furry friends from family feasts anymore. The Dutch company Best Buddies has launched a new line of appetizers or treats for dogs very low in fat, without preservatives, hypoallergenic, and a 100 % natural. Some are even gluten free!

The following varieties are already available in Veterinos:

  • Potato Pads
  • Wheat Waves
  • Corn Cones

Bon appetit!

Retail price: 4.95 €

Discounts and promotions

Fall Walks With Aging Dogs

11/11/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Esther Sánchez

Senior DogWhen fall comes the light softens; the fields and forests dress in brown, red, and ocres; the season for picking mushrooms begins; and the sun doesn’t hit as hardly as in the summer. Everything is inviting to go out and take a walk with our dogs, but … in case of old animals, can we walk them just the same, or should we take into account some special consideration?

Arthrosis and Pain

According to veterinary statistics, over 80 % of dogs older than 8 years suffer arthrosis in some of their joints.

Quite often, owners are not aware that their pets have arthrosis because they regard the decrease of activity in their animals as a natural consequence of aging. But old age is not a disease.

If an animal is moving less and less, doesn’t run after the ball anymore, or doesn’t jump onto the couch, it’s because they can’t — and they can’t because they are in pain. This is a pain that comes from afar; which we have not detected because in the beginning it was light, and has increased little by little. It has become chronic and our pet has got used to it. They coexist with their pain.

What Happens in Fall?

When fall arrives, with the change of shades also come the cold and humidity, and the aching joints suffer. The effects of arthrosis, therefore, become harsher.

If you notice that your dog has trouble moving, tell your vet about it. They will determine what and where the problem is, and will recommend the most suitable treatment for your pet.

How to Prepare the Walk

When you and your dog are going out together to revel in the forest, keep in mind a few basic recommendations:

  • If you think that your dog has pain that day, leave the walk for another time, and give him the rest and pain treatment recommended by your vet.
  • Adapt the distance, time, and difficulty of the walk to the state of your animal.
  • Before you start help them warm their joints and muscles:
    • wrap them warm if it’s cold — but remember that we live in a Mediterranean climate, so you can unwrap them once they have warmed up
    • massage softly the affected joint or joints.
  • Doing a couple of preparatory exercises before starting will be good for them: make your pet sit and get up four or five times — and do not forget to reward their effort with a little treat!
  • Start slow, and little by little they will reach the rhythm that is most comfortable for them.
  • After the walk, massage their whole body again softly; your pet will appreciate that. It’s very pleasant for the both of you, and it reinforces your bond!

Have a nice walk!

, , ,

Advent Calendar for Dogs

06/11/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Veterinos HV

Advent CalendarChristmas is coming, and everyone in the family — grown-ups as well as  children — are preparing to spend together this great day of celebration, reunion, and gifts. With the same hopeful anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas, we convey to our furry friends how special  these days are for all members of the family.

The Advent calendar starts on December 1 and finishes on the 24th, Christmas Night. For every day there is a compartment hiding a different, and very tasty treat.

Enjoy Christmas with your pet sharing with them a countdown full of surprises.

Retail price: 9.90 €

Discounts and promotions
,

How to Protect Our Pets from Fleas

28/10/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Lourdes Lera

Great Dane Shaking Water Off

Attributes of Fleas

Fleas are the most relevant and frequent external parasites on our domestic pets — dogs and cats. These insects are bitters, very small (0.4 – 0.8 in long), without wings, and feed on the blood of mammals. They have a reddish brown color, and their body is laterally compressed.

There are over 2000 different species of fleas around the world, though the ones that most affect pets in our area are cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis).

Life Cycle and Habitat of Fleas

It is important to know that fleas go through 4 different basic stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. If our animal has fleas, most probably we have already eggs, larvae, and pupae spread out around the house, in the places our pet visits most often. If we want to eliminate fleas completely, we need to attack the adults living on the pet as well as the rest of forms hidden in our environment. Otherwise, adult fleas will form, and re-infect the animal again, so the infestation will not be over.

  • Adult females that parasitize animals lay about 25 eggs after feeding for the first time on their blood. Most of these eggs pile up where our pet sleeps or spends most time.
  • Larvae tend to settle in deep and dark places — between the fibres of rugs and carpets, inside mattresses and armchairs, in cracks of the flooring … — concentrating on the places most frequented by our pet.
  • Mature larvae form pupae inside a silk cocoon. Pupae are very resistant to extreme conditions, and effective insecticides are hard to find. They can stay alive even for months, making the control of the population quite difficult.

Given the particularities of fleas, the most frequent cause of reinfestation of an animal is the animal’s environment itself, rather than contact with other affected animals. We can say that if our pet has fleas, it is very likely that a larger or smaller population of them has settled at home.

Problems Caused by Fleas

Fleas are a real and continuous threat to our pets. The consequences of having fleas range from the typical itch caused by the bite of a flea — due to the irritating substances in its saliva  — to more important ailments such as allergy to flea bites, or anemia.

However, fleas do not only cause ailments directly. Also, they can be the means for other parasites, or bacteria, to infest our pets. An example of this would be the transmission of the common dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) — which affects dogs, cats, and even humans.

Prevention and Treatment Against Fleas

There are several prevention methods, which are not mutually exclusive.

Non Chemical Methods of Prevention and Control

Some examples of non chemical methods to control flea populations are:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting our pets’ beds, and their favorite places at home. It is recommended to vacuum often, as well as wash rugs, carpets, and beddings with detergent, among other things
  • Preventing the contact of our pets with others that might be infected, specially during the warmer seasons. Fleas do not only affect dogs and cats; other animals also can transmit them: mice, rats, rabbits, foxes, birds, horses, hens, etc.
  • Cleaning the garden, and other outdoors areas where there might be fleas due to the presence of other animals, regularly
  • Brushing our pet often

Elimination of Fleas With Chemicals

At present there is a wide variety of products on the market designed for the control of plagues. Many of these products are applied directly on the animal, while others are used for the environment. Some examples are:

  • Spot-on, or pipettes
  • Collars
  • Pet sprays
  • Oral treatments
  • Environmental aerosols

Many of these substances can be used to prevent as well as treat animals with fleas.

Depending on the product we intend to use, we have to apply it once every month, every 3 months, every 6 months. It is usually advisable to use more than one method at the same time — depending on the animal, where they live, whether they live with other animals …

Be aware that products for dogs cannot be used on cats, and those for cats should not be used on dogs.

Prevention Is Necessary All Year

We tend to think that when winter comes, the problem with fleas vanishes. While it is true that there are nearly no adult fleas during the coldest months, we should not forget pupae, which can survive the cold, and begin again the cycle.

In short, fleas are insects that affect our pets very often, and are increasingly present during the whole year. In order to preserve our pets’ quality of life it is essential not to abandon preventive treatments at any time.

We recommend seeking the advice of a trusted veterinarian to plan a good control strategy, according to the lifestyle of the pet.

Cats
, , , ,

Why to Adopt a Dog or a Cat?

14/10/2015 Leave a Comment Written by Veterinos HV

Dog Behind Bars

Adopting is always a personal matter. Everyone has their reasons. As veterinarians who treat many pets and cooperate with several animal organizations, we have also our own reasons to adopt. Probably some of them will coincide with yours.

First Reason: Love for Animals

Anyone who has pets, or takes care of them, does it vocationally — because they love animals, because they enjoy them. That is how it should be, at least. If you don’t like animals, don’t have them. Ever. Don’t buy a pet if you are going to neglect them, or end up abandoning them. An animal at home is a commitment for life.

If you like them but are not sure you have the discipline to take care of them every day, test yourself volunteering at an animal shelter. Walk them, take care of them, feed them, take them to the vet … Learn about all the implications of having a pet and, if you still want one, adopt.

If it turns out that having a pet is not for you, there are many ways of enjoying animals without having them at home — you could keep cooperating with the animal shelter, for example.

Animals Also Have Plenty of Love to Give

Having a pet takes work, certainly, but is also very rewarding. They are the most faithful and constant friends, attentive to our states of mind, amusing if we know how to play with them, affectionate if we let ourselves be loved. If we establish clear rules, and provide proper distractions, there will never be any inconvenience — on the contrary.

Several studies prove that people who have pets are happier than those who don’t — as well as healthier! Reads these articles, and you will be convinced:

Second Reason: All Animals Are Entitled to a Decent Life

No buts. Not only human beings have rights. Independently of the species or breed, all animals have the right to live in the conditions most suitable for them. They have the right to not live poorly. They have the right not to be ill-treated.

A hamster can live in a cage — a cat or a dog do not.

A pigeon can live on the streets — a cat or a dog do not.

Not well, at least.

There Are So Many Homeless Animals …

In Spain 400 dogs and cats are abandoned daily, on average (article in Spanish). We have the doubtful honor of being first in the charts of pet abandonment in Europe. That means that many people buy a dog without giving it enough thought.

Notice: all pups grow — no exception — , and we all animals eat, relieve ourselves, fall ill, age… If you are not ready to take care of them to the end, get yourself a fluffy toy.

Of all the abandoned animals, only 44 % are adopted (in Spanish). The rest either remain in refuges all their life, or are sacrificed. In Sant Cugat apparently we are more sensitive (Diari de Sant Cugat, in Catalan), so the rate is lower than in other towns, and the rate of adoption higher. Neither do we sacrifice pets that have not been adopted after a certain period, but that depends on council regulations. There is no national or regional legislation about euthanasia, and there is still a large number of places where it is applied.

Don’t think that because in Sant Cugat there are less than 50 dogs in animal shelters at the moment, there is no need to get involved. There are more in many other places: Sabadell, Terrassa, Barcelona… — to mention only some of the largest centers.

Pet Shelters in Sant Cugat

Any Pet Would Be Better in a Good Home Than in a Shelter

In spite of the progress made during the last few years, and the many efforts of volunteers working with animals organizations, the number of dogs and cats that are abandoned every year is too high to provide them with everything they need. They lack space, food adapted to every situation, antiparasitic treatments, opportunities to exercise and have fun regularly — and being so many, there is never enough affection for each one.

In some cases, the animals arrive to the shelter with behavioral problems, and they can’t be kept with other members of their species. Lacking the human resources to reeducate them —  reeducation takes time, as well — the end up isolated in a cage. There are no lost causes; they need dedication, that’s all. With the proper help, all animals are recoverable.

Third Reason: Not to Feed the Puppy Mills

People buy too many pets, and when there is demand, there is production. Pups are mass-produced, and the leftovers thrown away. Breeders who breed pups en masse are called “puppy mills”. They mistreat the mothers, keep mothers and pups in unhealthy conditions and without veterinary care, wean the pups too soon, and then transport them like hens. There are puppy illegal traders that introduce them illicitly in Spain, mostly from Eastern Europe.

The chances that a pup from a bad breeder has health or behavior issues are higher than in the case of adopted pets, since animals in shelters receive regular veterinary care. Besides, when they have some kind of health problem, prospective owners are properly warned.

If you prefer buying to adoption, make sure that the breeder does not abuse the animals. Follow the advice of IHeartDogs.com, or check the lists of breeders credited by the kennel club of your area. Breeders must meet strict requirements to be credited by such associations, in terms of health, housing, and good practices.

In Catalonia:

If you decide to adopt, instead of buying, you will be doing your bit to reduce pet mass-production.

On the other hand, there are also many puppies in shelters … They might not be purebred — although some are — but, in any case, it has been established that mongrels are healthier.

Fourth Reason: Adoption Is Cheaper

A purebred dog or cat bred in proper conditions costs at least 800 €. Don’t trust bargains. Depending on the breed, the price might be still higher.

Adoption has a cost, too, to cover sterilization, vaccines, and paperwork, but the price range in Spain is 120 € – 200 €. Besides, adoption has a social value.

Fifth Reason: We All Deserve a Second Chance

Animals in shelters might have been abandoned for many reasons. What they all have in common is that they did not deserved it.

  • If they were behaving badly at home, the responsibility belongs to the family that did not know how to behave with them, and provide proper training.
  • If they grew and became too big for their owners’ taste, these are the ones to blame, for buying a pup without thinking about the medium-term future.
  • If they fell ill and the owners could not afford the veterinary care, these were the ones who didn’t foresee that a living being can have unexpected needs.
  • If they grew old, and stopped being so funny, the blame belongs to those who treat an animal as a toy, and personal entertainment.
  • Even the owners had a perfectly legitimate reason to abandon them, the animals are not responsible for the decisions of others.

Give them the second chance that we all, animal and human, deserve.

Cats
, , ,
Newer Entries
Older Entries