HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR DOG
FEEDING
A new environment can often cause diarrhoea. If this should persist for 40 hours, or blood is present, your vet must be consulted.
Pronutro or porridge and milk (or Lacto) until 4 weeks- then mince meat) Rex pet cr crest with it. Kapenta mixed with meat can also be used. Puppies need four meals a day. CVI granules should be given as directed for healthy skin, bones and teeth. Adult dogs need feeding once a day with dog meal and meat that can be mixed with boiled vegetables and/or kapenta, to a moist consistency. No saw dust or bone meal should be fed. Bones and biscuits can be given as an extra treat.
All dogs enjoy their food- if your dog is not eating or is unusually quiet, you must take it to your vet immediately.
DIPPING, FLEA POWDER, FLY BITTEN EARS
All dogs should be dipped at least once a week to get rid of fleas and ticks which are dangerous parasites.
Puppies cannot be dipped until six months old, so puppy flea powder must be used. Powder your puppy at least once a week to keep away fleas and ticks. If you see flies biting your dog/s ears, particularly in hot weather.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING
From the age of six months and before coming in season, bitches must be spayed. It is in contravention of the Municipal By Laws passed in October 1993 to have an unspayed bitch on your premises unless you are a certified and registered breeder. Once the bitch is in season the vet will not spay as this is dangerous for the bitch.
Unwanted litters add to the escalating problem we face in Zimbabwe to deter male dogs from seeking out bitches in season, neutering is advised. This will in no way alter the temperament of the animals.
BEDDING
Make sure your puppy/dog has a warm, dry place to sleep. A large box or basket with a blanket or sack can be used and must be kept where it is dry. Washing the blanket as often as necessary. Whenever the dog is dipped or powdered, put powder in and around the bedding to keep away fleas and ticks.
VACCINATIONS
6 Weeks — First Parvo
9 Weeks — Second Parvo
12 Weeks — 5 in 1 & Rabies
16 Weeks — 5 in 1
1 Year — 5 In 1 & Rabies
Every Year — 5 In 1
Every Year — Rabies
Parvo Virus causes serious diarrhoea with blood & is often fatal.
Treatment is much cheaper.
DE-WORMING
All dogs and puppies will get worms, which makes them thin, weak and unhealthy. Worm medicine can be obtained from your chemist. This should be given routinely every 3 months on veterinary advice.
PLEASE NOTE: Puppies are born with worms and in liaison with the Vet, may require an extensive de-worming program
LICENCING
Bulawayo (dog licencing control) By- Laws 1993 in terms of section 5(1) of No.789 of 1995 state
“NO PERSON SHALL KEEP A DOG AGED SIX MONTHS OR MORE IN COUNCIL AREA UNLESS HE IS THE HOLDER OF A LICENCE AND A LICENCE BADGE – WHICH IS VALID FOR A YEAR ONLY FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER OF EACH YEAR.”
COLLAR, TAGS & LEADS
All dogs should wear a collar with an identification disc and their licence tag. A standard lead should be used when you take your dog for a walk. It is an offence for dogs to be off the leash and unaccompanied by their owner.
TYING UP DOGS
In terms of section 3(1) (g) of the prevention of cruelty to Animals Act, (Chapter 19:09) which states:-
“ANY PERSON WHO CRUELLY OR UNNECESSARILY TIES UP OR CONFINES ANY SUCH ANIMAL OR CAUSES OR PERMITS ANY ANIMAL TO BE TIED UP OR CONFINED” shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
DOGS NEED AS MUCH QUALITY TIME AS CHILDREN.
IF YOU LOVE AND LOOK AFTER YOUR DOG PROPERLY, THEY WILL LOVE AND LOOK AFTER YOU TOO.
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.
What to bring when you come to the clinic
- Your pet, safely carried or on a lead.
- Any vaccination card or clinic card you have.
- A short explanation of what happened and when it started.
- A photo or sample of vomit, stool or poison packaging if relevant, only if it is safe to bring.
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.