Archive for November, 2009

Buyer Beware – Pet Stores

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

Free Vaccination as Vaccine Amnesty launched

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

Increase in dogs attacking sheep

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

• Socialise your dog with livestock from a young age.
• Never leave a dog unsupervised with access to any prey species.
• Always walk your dog on a lead if there is likely to be livestock around.
• Develop the recall command so you always have control even in an unexpected event.
• Have an enclosed back garden or yard which is dog proof or consider a radio fence system.
• Never allow your dog to wander or stray even in the town.
• Always have your dog in a secure environment at night.
• Always ensure your dog is licensed, tagged and micro-chipped.

By Una. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, News

Table Quiz Fund Raising Event

Volunteers from The Irish Blue Cross will be running a table quiz to raise funds for both The Irish Blue Cross and the ISPCA.

The quiz is taking place at 8.30pm on the 3^rd of December in the Arc Café Bar, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. Entry fee is €20 per table, with a maximum of four people per table.

If you are free, please come along to enjoy a fun filled night and support the organisations.

There will also be complimentary finger food, great prizes and of course a raffle.

By Juan. Posted in News