Pets need proper food every day. They also need clean water every day. Food must match the animal’s age, size and health. A puppy, kitten, adult dog and old dog do not all need the same food.
Common Dog and Cat Diseases
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Dogs: what is usually safe
- Good quality dog food, if available.
- Cooked plain meat without bones and without seasoning.
- Plain cooked rice in small amounts, especially when advised for a sensitive stomach.
- Cooked pumpkin or butternut in small amounts.
- Clean water at all times.
Cats: what is usually safe
- Good quality cat food, if available.
- Cooked plain meat without bones and without seasoning.
- Clean water at all times.
Cats are not small dogs. They need more meat-based nutrition. A cat should not be fed only pap, bread or rice.
Foods pets should not eat
- Chocolate
- Onions and garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones that can splinter
- Very salty, spicy or oily food
- Mouldy food
- Rat poison or any poison
- Human medication unless a vet says so
Clean water matters
Always give fresh water. In hot Zimbabwean weather, animals can become dehydrated quickly. A dog chained in the sun without water can suffer badly and may die.
Do not overfeed
Too much food can make pets overweight. Overweight pets can struggle to breathe, move, give birth, cool down and live comfortably. Ask the clinic what a healthy weight looks like for your pet.
Simple warning signs: phone a vet quickly if your pet…
- Will not eat or drink.
- Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Has blood in vomit or stool.
- Is struggling to breathe.
- Has a swollen belly, especially in dogs.
- Is very weak, collapsed or having fits.
- Has been hit by a car.
- Has been bitten badly by another animal.
FAQs
Why must my dog or cat get vaccinations?
Vaccinations are like training for the body. They help the body recognise dangerous diseases before the animal gets badly sick. A vaccinated pet has a much better chance of being protected.
Puppies and kittens are especially at risk because their bodies are still young. They need the correct vaccine course and then boosters later in life.
Please ask the SPCA vet or your vet what vaccine schedule is right for your pet.
What happens if my dog does not get its shots?
Your dog can get very sick from diseases like parvo, distemper and rabies. Some of these diseases kill quickly. Treatment can be expensive, and sometimes the animal still dies even with treatment.
Why is rabies vaccination so important?
Rabies can kill animals and people. If a dog or cat bites someone and rabies is possible, it becomes a serious public health problem. Rabies vaccination protects your pet, your family and your community.
Why is spaying and neutering important?
Spaying is for females. Neutering is for males. It means the animal is sterilised so it cannot have babies.
This is important because there are already many unwanted puppies and kittens. Many end up hungry, sick, abused, dumped or killed on the roads.
Spaying and neutering can also reduce some health problems and some problem behaviours, depending on the animal.
Will my pet become lazy after being fixed?
Not automatically. Pets become overweight mainly from too much food and too little exercise. After sterilisation, you may need to feed the correct amount and keep your pet active.
At what age should my pet be spayed or neutered?
This depends on the animal, size, health and vet advice. Please phone the SPCA clinic or speak to your vet. Do not wait until your pet has already had unwanted babies.
Chains and small cages
A dog chained all day can become frustrated, lonely and injured. If a dog must be restrained for safety, it still needs shade, water, food, movement, attention and a safe sleeping place.
Dog bloat: why it is an emergency?
Bloat can happen when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and may twist. This is very dangerous and can kill quickly.
Warning signs include a swollen belly, trying to vomit but nothing comes out, restlessness, drooling, weakness, panting and collapse. If you suspect bloat, phone a vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it gets better.
To reduce risk, feed smaller meals, slow down fast eaters, and avoid hard exercise straight after meals.
Heat stress
Dogs and cats can overheat, especially in hot weather. Signs include heavy panting, weakness, drooling, collapse and very red gums. Keep animals in shade with water. Never leave a pet locked in a car.
Fireworks and storms
Many pets run away when they are scared by loud noises. Keep pets indoors or safely fenced during storms, fireworks or loud events. Make sure they have identification.