THE VET AND YOUR PET

Apr 08, 2018 News

By Dr. Steve Surujbally

Citizens— rich, middle class or poor — simply just love their pets as evidenced by the burgeoning pet products in our Supermarkets. However, many pet owners do not always carry out the correct procedures associated with animal care. They need to recognize on-coming ailments, nipping the problem in the bud, long before reaching the veterinarian. Furthermore, it is important for companion animal owners to know what to do in the area of prevention to stop the animal getting sick in the first place.
A weekly easy-to-read column has been introduced to help the pet owners.

YOUR CHOICE OF PET
It has been said that mankind is divided into two categories – those who love dogs and those who love cats. Well, whether you prefer the gratitude-showing, devoted tail-wagging canine, or the independent, aloof feline with its quiet grace and mysterious charm, there are certain common activities that you as owner/caregiver must carry out, if the pet is to be happy with you.
All children love animals! Whether it is a child at Kabakaburi with his pet monkey or parrot, or the little city girl who has just acquired a live ball of fur and fun. And animals require that love unconditionally and infinitely. However, love alone will not keep the pet healthy and the owner happy. Care for your pet is a huge responsibility.
Firstly, let’s talk about your choice of pet. Right away, let me advise you that although most animals can become pets to a lesser or larger degree, one should shy away from keeping as pets those ‘exotic’ animals about which one knows very little.
For example, one would have to know a lot about the physiology and behavioural and dietary habits of snakes before the latter can be kept as pets. In fact, much debate can be generated as to whether monkeys or birds (macaws, parrots, etc), or deer, or any animal living in the wild (including reptiles and amphibians) should be removed from their natural environment (habitat) and kept as pets.
How often have we not seen ‘Polly” come into the clinic with all sort of problems due to poor feeding regimes and parasites in her ungroomed feathers.
Poor ‘Jacko’ the monkey, who is instinctively mischievous, harvests the wrath of his owners who only a couple of months ago found his antics cute. The belt around Jacko’s waist is tied tighter and the chain is made shorter.
And ‘Bambi’ the deer invariably succumbs to a nutritional imbalance, or a broken leg — sustained while trying to escape the enclosure.
That is not caring for your pet; that is torture.
Now, let’s look at our choice related to the more common pets.
The situation here is also clear. If, for example, you have an allergy to fur, you should not keep cats, because they are largely house animals and will shed hair in those places where the best pointer broom or vacuum cleaner will not reach.
And if you wish to keep a dog, do you have enough yard space for its kennel and its exercise?
In fact, one of your first decisions is whether you will keep a cat or a dog, because even though they are both four-footed and furry – that’s the end of the similarity.
A dog craves your attention and affection; he will fawn over you and his tail is the barometer expressing his happiness.
A cat, on the other hand doesn’t even remotely consider the need to please you, unless she wants something. She is individualistic, and full of surprises.
A dog is a mixer! A cat is instinctively a loner, and mixes only when she/he so desires.
So, as a potential caretaker of a canine or feline ward, you have to decide whether you want a dog because of its responsiveness to you, or whether your personality prefers the more subtle signs of affection of a cat and its independence.
Be sure you don’t take into your family a cat that you wish to act like a dog or vice versa. No such animal exists.
Next week we will deal with specific facts that must be considered before one acquires a companion animal.

Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-Heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals.
Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.

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