January 20th, 2010
Research has proven that sharing our homes with animal companions is good for both our physical and emotional health. But, depending on our choice of companion, pet care can be expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to stretch your pet care budget. Here are some suggestions:
Spay or Neuter—NOW!
Not only does spaying or neutering your pet make good common sense, it makes good financial sense too! A spayed or neutered pet is less likely to roam and fight, and far easier to train. Because they are happier to be homebodies, they are less likely to need costly emergency veterinary care resulting from street fights, car accidents, etc. Neutered pets are also less likely to suffer cancer of the reproductive organs later in life. This can save you money in the long run.
Invest in Proper I.D.
Be aware that you can save time and money and reduce stress by ensuring your dog wears his identity tag. When your local Dog Warden picks up a dog, the first thing he will do is check for identification. If your dog is wearing his Identity tag, the warden can attempt to bring him right home to you. If a dog is NOT wearing a tag, he must be transported to the Animal Shelter or dog pound, and you may have to pay more to release him.
The cost of a microchip implant is also invaluable, especially for cats, which are less likely to wear a collar and tag. In the event that your pet strays, there is far more likelihood that he will be promptly returned if properly identified. The more quickly your lost pet is safely off the streets and back home, the less likely you are to have to pay emergency vet bills or impoundment and boarding fees. Think of pet identification as a low-cost investment in “lost pet insurance.”
Brush Up on Grooming
Have your vet show you how to clip your pet’s nails and check his or her ears for infections. Clipping nails at home can save you upwards of €50-€100 a year. Catching an ear infection early usually requires minimal treatment at a minimal cost. Be aware that dogs with folded ears are more susceptible to suffer reoccurring ear infections. Left untreated, ear infections can be painful to your pet.
You should also take time every few days to run your hands all over your pet’s body to check for tender spots, lumps and bumps, cuts, or abrasions. Again, early detection of medical problems often results in less stress on both your pet and your budget.
And don’t forget your pet’s teeth. Regular brushing can lessen the need for costly dental care.
If you have a pet that requires professional grooming every month or two, you can reduce this cost by diligently brushing your pet between appointments. Because it takes more time and effort to bathe, clip, and style matted fur, pet groomers must charge more for ill-kempt coats. As a bonus, regularly grooming your pet can also lower your blood pressure!
Think Positive!
Yes, owning a pet can be expensive, but the financial sacrifice is worth it! For the price of a meal, a warm, safe place to sleep, and little attention, our pets offer unconditional love. This alone makes the privilege of owning a pet priceless!
This blog post was contributed by Liam Moriarty MVB. For more pet care advice visit www.myvet.ie.
By Juan. Posted in Animal Welfare, Cats, Dogs, Pet Care
December 17th, 2009
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Minister Brendan Smith TD of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today attended The Irish Blue Cross Small-Animal Veterinary Clinic for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark its official opening. The new clinic greatly extends the work of the charity in the animal welfare sector and adds significantly to its existing mobile clinic network and subsidised referral schemes. Since opening its doors in March for routine surgeries, treatments, vaccinations and microchipping, the clinic has seen in the region of 1,200 dogs and cats of needy pet owners who cannot afford full veterinary fees.
The clinic construction and veterinary fit-out costs are in the region of €300,000, paid from funds given by The Blue Cross (UK) and The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as well as from many other loyal animal-welfare supporters. The final pieces of equipment for the clinic – an X-ray Unit and Processor await purchase and installation before the New Year.
The Minister commented, “In current times, it is especially impressive to see the establishment of this much needed animal welfare clinic for the needy pet owner of today. Given the significant upsurge in the demand for Irish Blue Cross care this year, I’m delighted to present a cheque of €45,000 towards the charity’s vital work and resourcing of the new clinic”. The ex gratia grant aid is a major boost to the charity and will guarantee that services will continue to expand to meet the growing demands facing the organisation in the year ahead.
In 2008, 15,303 small animals received veterinary care from The Irish Blue Cross mobile clinic service and through its referral schemes. The current year has seen a jump of 30% across the same services, indicating a greater need than ever for support of the charity.
Fundraising activities and donations for the new small animal-clinic are greatly welcomed and may be made by going online at www.bluecross.ie.
By Juan. Posted in Animal Welfare, Cats, Dogs, News
November 26th, 2009
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Last night on RTE 1, Buyer Beware raised some concerns regarding the sales of puppies in Irish pet stores.
The programme highlighted the case of Charlie, a Prince Charles puppy that was bought from a pet store in Dublin. Four days after receiving the puppy, Charlie’s owner realised all was not well with the dog as he was very weak and unable to stand.
Charlie’s owner immediately brought him to the local vet where he was diagnosed with severe Gastroenteritis. The Vet was very concerned about the animal’s health and only gave him a 50/50 chance of survival.
What had also worried the vet was that he had recently treated a number of puppies who were bought in the same pet store who had also been suffering from Gastroenteritis. One of which died after 72 hours of treatment.
Michael McCahill of All Care Veterinary Clinic believes that one of the big concerns about the sale of puppies from retail outlets is that it poses health risks for the animals. “If you take a sick animal into, even a clean area, the sickness will spread amongst the animals in the same unit”.
Another worrying concern was raised about where the puppies were sourced from, as most pet stores would purchase the puppies from breeders. Orla Aungier from the DSPCA believes that “no reputable breeder would be happy just handing over pups for sale to members of the public without some form of checks and balances being put in place”.
It was good to see that Charlie had made a full recovery. His owner said she would “never buy a pup out of a pet store” again and that you should “never buy a pup unless you can see the animals’ mother and father”.
See here for more advice about buying a puppy.
By Juan. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, Pet Care, Random
November 26th, 2009
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Novenber is Vaccination Awarness Month and so a nationwide drive has been launched to remind pet owners that vaccination must be boosted annually, in order to maintain adequate levels of immunity against deadly diseases such as parvovirus and leptospirosis.
Many people don’t realise that their pets need vaccination annually, instead wrongly believing that if their puppy or kitten got their jabs as a youngster they are protected for life or with already hectic lifestyles simply forget its due. Moreover, as the recession hits more and more households the funds for this years visit to the vets just may not have been there.
So if your pets vaccination has lapsed or if you’ve been putting it off till you ‘save up a few pound’ now is your chance to get it done at a reduced cost and be assured in the knowledge that your furry friend will be safe for the forthcoming year.
If the booster has been overdue for more than six months then he or she will need to start the vaccination course again to re-gain optimum protection. Participating veterinary clinics, in conjunction with pet vaccine manufactures Intervet Schering Plough, are offering owners the chance to get the second part of the re-vaccination program done free of charge. Similar offers are in place for rabbit and horse vaccination programs. All you have to do is ask your local vet for details, but hurry as this offer is for a limited period only.You can’t say better than that for a recession busting deal!
By Una. Posted in Animal Welfare, Cats, Dogs, News, Pet Care
November 23rd, 2009
Comments (5)
Recent savage attacks on sheep have rocked the farming community and farmers have pleaded with pet owners yet again to keep their dogs under control. ‘Sheep Worrying’ is a very real problem for farmers which can leave sheep brutally savaged to death and the remainder of the flock injured needing veterinary attention, very distressed, and even causing pregnant ewes to loose their lambs.
It is easy to understand how farmers are wary of any loose dog in the countryside and farmers are within their rights under ‘The Control of Dogs Act’ to shoot any dog on their property suspected of worrying livestock. Such savage attacks, as has left a Co: Sligo farmer devastated recently, where he found twenty of his flock killed and many more distressed and injured, have brought it to the fore yet again, how dangerous uncontrolled dogs can be. As dog owners we are liable for any damages caused by our dogs and in this case the financial implications for any losses of livestock lie with the dog’s owner.
It is therefore imperative that as responsible pet owners we ensure that we know where our dogs are at all times and they are licensed and appropriately identified with a tag and microchip.
Dogs chase for two main reasons, fun and predatory reasons. A bored, under-exercised dog might entertain itself by chasing livestock but in this case, the chase is enough and the dog looses interest when the animal stops running. The real problem starts when this is a more predatory response, and so when the animal is chased, it naturally becomes very frightened and very vocal and so the dog chasing, becomes very excited and natural instincts and adrenaline take over. Dogs will then pounce to catch the prey and quickly learn that by biting quickly they will avoid the sheep retaliating. Herding breeds and hounds are particularly motivated by the chase response. Two or more dogs often form small packs and work together and so dogs that wouldn’t normally chase, can become involved. Even chasing livestock can be detrimental and all dog owners should take the necessary measures to prevent this occurring.
Top Tips to prevent sheep attacks
By Una. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, News
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