March 2023

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It’s pleasant seeing people walk their dogs in the early hours of the day or admiring how some dogs guard their master’s home with all diligence. It’s nice to come home and be greeted by your pet displaying all its antics that make you laugh and feel amused, and you can’t wait to get home again the following day knowing that your pet will be home, ready to display her/his affection towards you. Pets have become a part of our society and a part of our lives for whatever reason you choose to have one.

However, did you ever take time to know which pet is a best fit for your lifestyle? Did you actually consider the responsibilities attached to owning a pet before acquiring one? Or have you recently acquired a pet and have no idea of what to do next? What do I need to do to ensure that my pet is happy?

A pet is a domesticated animal usually kept for companionship. Some owners have other reasons for keeping pets including, security and sometimes for hunting. Pets do not only include dogs and cats even though they form the greater population. They also include birds such as parrots and peacocks, monkeys and even snakes. This article will be focusing more on dogs and cats. The first key to having a Happy Pet Life is to get the right kind of pet to suit your lifestyle and purpose.

Dogs are more social animals requiring a lot of attention as compared to cats. Some breeds of dogs are known to be very sociable whilst others tend to be more protective of their owners. For individuals with very busy lifestyles or have small apartments, you could opt for a cat if you are a cat lover or breeds of dogs such as Bullmastiff or even a Dachshund. If you don’t mind having pets full of energy, you could consider getting a terrier or a golden retriever. There are a number of local breeds (mongrel) with very active personalities.

Having knowledge of the temperament of the parents of your pet enables you have an idea of what to expect from your pet. All pets require proper care and attention. They need a sleeping place, sheltered from the rains and sun. They also need to be provided with containers for eating and drinking. These need to be washed regularly and kept clean.

Your pets would need bathing periodically to get rid of dirt and bad body odor. How often you bathe your pet depends on how frequent your pet gets dirty. However, too frequent a bath can cause skin irritations and loss of fur. Therefore, bathing twice a month is ideal for your pet especially in the tropics.

The kind of food you give your pet is also important. You may decide to provide an already formulated feed for your pet or provide homemade meals. Puppies may be fed twice to three times a day whilst adults are ideally fed once a day to prevent obesity. Avoid giving spices in homemade meals as it has adverse effects on your pet. Lastly, make an appointment with a veterinarian in your vicinity for routine checkups and required vaccinations. These will ensure that your pet is kept healthy and happy always.

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This is a painful, sometimes deadly condition caused by infestation of the body of a living animal by the larvae (maggot) of flies.

These flies belong to the Order Diptera and examples of flies under this Order causing this condition include bot fly, tumbu fly and blow fly.

The flies lay their eggs on another animal or are carried to other animals by other insects such as mosquitoes. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) which digest and feed on the host’s flesh, causing wounds and irritations by their moving and feeding activity. Finally, they pupate and emerge into the environment as a fly.

This condition is common in the tropics and where flies are abundant. All living beings are susceptible to myiasis; humans, pets (usually dogs) and livestock.

HOW DOES MY PET GET THIS CONDITION?

• Pets with open wounds
• Sick pets usually stained with urine and diarrhoea. Pets in such conditions are smelly and have damp fur which attract these flies.
• Pets that do not clean themselves properly.

Generally, animals that are outdoors are more prone to getting this condition. However, hygiene plays a key role in preventing your pet from getting this condition.

TREATMENT & PREVENTION

The condition is treated by removing the larvae by a professional (your vet) and the wounds treated accordingly.

It is important to keep your pet in dry and airy environments. Treat any wound on your pet to avoid other complications and invitation of flies.

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The eye is one of the most sensitive and vital organs of the body. With it, we see and admire the beauty of the world around us. As important as this organ is, several conditions affect and ultimately destroy its function, which is sight. One of the most common conditions affecting the eye in pets is cataract.

Unlike nuclear sclerosis, a similar condition which occurs in ageing animals and rarely affect vision, cataract ultimately lead to blindness. Cataract is an eye disorder, which affects the lens a vital component of the eye. The lens helps focus images on the retina (a sensitive membrane of the eye that receives images and sends them to the brain for visual recognition) for a clear vision.

Causal Factors

The lens, which contains proteins and water, has a balance which keeps it clear and functioning. Over time, however, various factors trigger the proteins to clamp together, giving the lens a cloudy appearance and affecting its normal functions. When left to deteriorate, it can progress to blindness.

Though cataract usually affect older animals, some species of animals particularly dogs  of breeds such as cocker spaniels, boston terriers and basset hounds, are more prone to this condition. Other factors including diabetes, physical injury to the eye, nutritional imbalance especially at young ages, exposure to ultraviolet radiations and prolonged intake of corticosteroid drugs predispose your pets to the disease. 

Signs

Signs of the disease include cloudiness in the pupil(s), watery eyes, clumsiness in gait, bumping into objects, reluctance to jump or climb, scratching of eyes, difficult vision in dark or dim environments.

Prevention & Control

If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these signs, pay a visit to your vet for further examination. Therapy consists of further tests to diagnose the eye condition, managing underlying conditions and possibly surgery. For cases which can only be managed, eye drops with anti-inflammatory components are given. Such pets have enhanced senses which make up for the defect. With guidance, they eventually adapt to their situation.

It is important to take your pet to the vet for regular eye check-ups. Keeping your pet on a healthy diet helps sustain the longevity of the eyes. Having an idea of your pet’s breed as well as parent history on cataract helps you prepare yourself for any eventualities which may occur. Most importantly, provide all the love, warmth and care your pet needs.

Did you just get a new dog or cat and are wondering how you’re going to cater for him or her to be a healthy, sociable, loving companion? Well look no further away. today’s article focuses on some tips on pet care and management

SHELTER

Everyone has a place to lay their head and so do our pets. There is the need to provide a comfortable resting place to protect them from the inclement elements of the weather. Dogs and cats especially like to roam around so there is a need to create a boundary, possibly a fence to keep them inside whilst giving them the opportunity to roam to their hearts desire. Space allocated to the pet needs to be cleaned constantly and kept dry. In light of this, also make provision for where your pet can ease itself and train them at an early stage on the use of the space. A litter box in the case of cats especially could be created filled with sand.

PROVISION OF FOOD & WATER

In order for our pets to live longer and have a healthy life, it is important to give them a well-balanced diet. The ration given to a puppy or kitten would not necessarily be the same as an adult pet. Prepared feed comes with all the appropriate nutrients needed for your pet whilst with self-prepared feed, there may be the need to add nutritional supplements since the feed may not have all the required nutrients. Also, we have to be cautious of the ingredients added to the feed as some are harmful to our pets.

Enquiries must be made on the type of feed being given to your pet from the previous owner so that there wouldn’t be a drastic change in the diet. When confused, seek help from the nearest veterinarian. Our pets also need water to live. Supply clean fresh water daily to keep your pet hydrated and healthy.

GROOMING

Grooming is needed, it keeps your pet neat and trim. Comb the fur of your dog, especially those with very long or curly fur. Some would require shaving of the fur to reduce the rate at which the fur gets matted. There is also the need to clip overgrown nails particularly in dogs. Bath your pet with recommended medicated shampoos to protect them from parasites in the environment at least every two to three-weeks. If you have problems grooming your pet, kindly send them to the vet or a grooming centre.

MEDICAL CARE

Send your pet to the veterinary hospital regularly for medical check-ups just as is done in humans. The vet will give you all the necessary information on vaccination schedules, deworming, and parasite control. You will have to keep all vaccination and deworming records always. You can settle on whether you want your pet to be neutered and discuss it with your vet. Contact your veterinarian when you notice any form of illness, injury, or abnormality. 

EXERCISE

Get your pet exercised. Provide avenues for your pet to train itself. Send them on walks, release them to relax and explore. You can buy toys to engage them and help them keep active. It is a very good way to keep them healthy and avoid obesity.

LOVE AND CARE

Most importantly, give attention and love to your pet. They are social animals and need as much love and care to flourish. Constant communication also allows for early detection of anomalies and to plan for early interventions.

Poisoning is a condition where the normal functioning of the body system is disrupted due to the introduction of a substance or chemical leading to a deteriorating state and finally death. Most cases of poisoning in pets occur in dogs compared to cats as the former almost eat anything and everything. In Poisoning Part one (kindly go through previous articles on the page), we looked at some common signs of poisoning and what to do when one suspected a pet had been poisoned. Today, we will take a closer look at substances that can poison our pets.

NUMBER 1: MEDICATIONS and DRUGS

Every drug is a potential poison. Drugs are very useful in taking care of various illnesses and discomforts. However, when they are not used as prescribed, there are adverse effects. Some breeds do not tolerate certain drugs so even the least dose can be fatal. These drugs range from ones prescribed for humans to those for veterinary use.

NUMBER 2: FOOD ITEMS

We sometimes feel pity for our pets and stuff them with the foods we eat. Most of these however not only affect their growth but are highly poisonous. Some examples include chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, onion, alcohol, avocado, xylitol (sweetener in candy and pastries) and macadamia nuts.

NUMBER 3: HOUSEHOLD AND GARDENING CHEMICALS

These include everyday chemicals used for cleaning, spraying grass, warding off rodents, etc. Examples include bleach, some fertilizers, kerosene, detergents, herbicides, rodenticides, chemicals containing antifreeze, paint thinners and even some chemicals used in pools.

NUMBER 4: POISONOUS ANIMALS

Some animals as part of their defense mechanism produce poisons and when pets come in contact with them, it can be fatal. Examples include Snakes, Snail, Slugs, Toads and Frogs

NUMBER 5: POISONOUS PLANTS

Some plants contain substances which are toxic to pets. These could be in the leaf, root, flower, fruit or sometimes the whole plant. Whilst some may produce mild reactions, others can be fatal and should not be taken lightly. Some examples include aloe vera, amaryllis (bulb), angels trumpet, castor bean, daffodil, calla lily, dumb cane /dieffenbachia, elephant grass and morning glory.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

• Keep all chemicals and drugs (ranging from pills to all household chemicals, etc) in cabinets far out of reach by your pet.
• Always follow guidelines on medications
• Although some food items are safe for dogs, treats given to pets must be safe
• When planting around your home, opt for those that will not have reactions with your pet or keep those plants far away from your pet
• Be observant and as much as possible, keep your pet home especially if you live in areas surrounded by water bodies and thickets
• When you spray with herbicides, insecticides, you paint, etc, keep your pet away from the area for at least 24 hours
• Acquire knowledge on anything that can be a potential hazard to your pet.

Poisoning is a condition where the normal functioning of the body system is disrupted due to the introduction of a substance or chemical leading to a deteriorating state and finally death. The effect of the chemical on the body could be sudden or gradual. Substances that cause poisoning are varied and these can range from organic substances such as plants and animals to inorganic substances such as chemicals used for spraying, painting etc.

Some of the common signs of poisoning include frequent vomiting, excessive salivation or drooling, difficulties in breathing, skin irritations and bleeding without clotting. There are several other presenting signs, however it is based on the type of substance absorbed into the body system.

SOME COMMON SUBSTANCES WHICH COULD BE INGESTED OR INHALED LEADING TO POISONING

• Household and Garden Chemicals
• Rat Poisons
• Insecticides
• Slug/Snail Pellets
• Ingestion of Tick and Flea Medications (usually spray)
• Petroleum Products
• Some Paints (especially those containing lead)
• Some Plants and Flowers
• Some Animals
• Smoke
• Tear Gas

WHAT TO DO

• Do not panic, take your pet away from the source of poison if it is known.
• Immediately take your pet to the veterinary clinic.
• Take note of the package of the substance if it is a product. You can take the package with you to the vet where possible or take a clear photo of the substance. This will enable the vet to choose the best remedy.

TREATMENT

Treatment involves mainly stabilizing your pet, and either removing the poison from the system by neutralizing the substance or inducing its removal from the body.  In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Ever gone to get a new puppy and it suddenly died? Or realised that your puppy is continually vomiting with diarrhoea? It could be suffering from the disease known as Canine Parvoviral Infection. This disease has become a major distress to breeders and pet owners.

As the name suggests, Parvo is a viral infection. It is one of the most stable viruses in the environment. It is heat stable and can resist cold temperatures very well. The virus is also quite resistant to several disinfectants available and can therefore survive for several months in a contaminated environment. Canine parvovirus targets animals from the Canidae family such as wolves, dogs and coyotes. Among dogs, puppies and unvaccinated adults are most susceptible. 

Transmission

Transmission can be direct through contact with an infected dog or indirect through contact with objects contaminated usually with faeces of an infected dog. The virus has a preference for rapidly developing cells, so it mostly targets the bone marrow and the walls of the small intestines. It damages the intestinal lining leading to bloody diarrhoea. Once the intestinal lining is damaged, other opportunistic bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause secondary infections.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Signs of the disease include vomiting, pungent smelling diarrhoea (bloody), loss of appetite, general weakness (lethargy). Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and history. Confirmation of the disease is through laboratory tests such as PCR, ELISA, and Electron Microscopy.

Survival from infection is unpredictable and death is usually due to dehydration or septic shock. There is no particular or specific treatment regime to this disease. Usually, dogs recover after giving supportive care such as replacing lost fluids and treating secondary bacterial infection. It is recommended to feed your pet with bland diets during that period until recovery. Alert your vet when your pet starts showing signs of the disease.

Vaccinate your pet between 5-6 weeks of age. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for parvovirus vaccination to protect your pet.