Pet Care
Having a pet is a wonderful opportunity but with it is a lot of responsibility. If you adopt a pet you need to care for that pet. Generally pets are very easy to care for. They need food, water, shelter and love. Before you adopt a pet make sure that they will fit in with your lifestyle. That is that you are not only financially able to provide for them but that have enough time and space for the animal. Pets are more commonly being considered as part of the family. They do have feelings, they feel pain, fear, sadness and of course happiness. We want to help ensure that happiness is the only feeling New Zealand pets feel. Also like any other living creature on this planet pets can become the poor victims of violence from those who are supposed to be loving and caring for them. This like all types of abuse should not be tolerated. If you are aware of any animals being mistreated please contact the SPCA. Abuse can come in may forms
- Physical acts causing pain
- Not getting proper medical treatment
- Lack of food and/or water
- Being kept in a very tight space, or outside without shelter
- Not being appropriately trained, e.g.. being trained to be aggressive
- Abandoned animals
Dog Care
Pets are more commonly being considered as a member of the family and with this comes a lot of responsibility. Dogs and puppies are excellent pets, but you have to remember that they live on average about ten years so you need to think pet ownership through. Before you adopt a dog/puppy please ensure that you are able to care for them. Things to consider are:
Finances
Your dog needs to be feed regularly, there will be vet visits, toys, bedding, kennels, leads, puppy obedience school etc
Time
A dog/puppy needs a lot of attention. They require a lot of time and effort. Regular walks are a must to help them use some of that energy. Training is also very important, it is necessary for you to teach your dog right from wrong as well as basic commands and this can take some time.
Room
Depending on what breed of dog you get this will vary. If you decide your dog is an outside dog you will need to ensure that they have adequate shelter outside. If they are inside you will need to make sure they have enough room.
Stability
It is very important for a dog to have stability they need their rules to stay consistent. So when you first take your dog home try and set the boundaries, these include things like are they allowed on the couch? Are they to lay on their mat when inside? Don't let them do something that you didn't let them do yesterday.
Security
You need to ensure that your dog is kept away from the general public unless you are with them and have them under control. Check your fences are high enough, strong enough, cant be dug under etc. If they are on a run that is great but make sure that it is secured tightly, you may want to also make sure there is nothing they can tangle themselves on as not all dogs have to ability to untangle themselves.
Allergies
Many people have allergies to dogs and their fur. If a member of your family has hay fever and/or asthma you may want to check with a doctor that a dog will be alright in the house. There are certain breeds that may be ok, for example Poodles don't malt so the fur is not an issue.
Health Care
When your pet is not feeling 100% there are usually signs
Apetite
If your dog is not eating or drinking as much as they usually do this could be a sign that they are not feeling very well, the same is true for the opposite.
Lumps and bumps
While you are patting and playing with your dog you can check for any unusual lumps and bumps. These maybe anything from growths, abbesses, bites or scratches. If they do not appear to be healing themselves it is a good idea to contact your vet.
Behaviour
Like people dogs can have trouble sleeping or be sleep a lot more if they are feeling unwell. If your dog is acting in a way that is out of the ordinary you may want to try work out why this is, consulting a vet is always a good idea if you are not sure what is going on in your pets mind. Other changes in behaviour could include, but not limited to
- new shown aggression
- loss of bladder control
- Excessive barking
- Hiding
Skin and gum colouration
Skin and gum are usually a soft pink colour if they are white or red they might need to be checked. Pets can also get sun burnt, have allergies and get rashes so if they are shying away from their usual pats have a look at their skin.
Coat
If your dogs coat is not looking as smooth and shiny as normal this could be a sign of something more.
Teeth
Just like people your pets can get toothaches. If you believe there may be something wrong with your pet consult your vet. As the old saying goes " it is better to be safe than sorry". Your dog is part of your family and needs to be treated accordingly.
Cat Needs
Pets are more commonly being considered as a member of the family and with this comes a lot of responsibility. Cats and kittens are excellent pets, but you have to remember that they live on average about ten years so you need to think pet ownership through. Before you adopt a cat/kitten please ensure that you are able to care for them. Things to consider are:
Finances
Your cat needs to be feed regularly, there will be vet visits, toys, bedding etc
Time
While cats do not need as much time as a dog they still enjoy attention. Also think long term, cats do not like to travel due to their very territorial nature.
Room
Cats are very versatile and can be kept inside or out, if they are an outside cat you will need to make sure that they have adequate shelter.
Allergies
Many people have allergies to cats. If a member of your family has hay fever and/or asthma you may want to check with a doctor that a cat will be alright in the house.
Health Care
When your pet is not feeling 100% there are usually signs
Apetite
If your cat is not eating or drinking as much as they usually do, this could be a sign that they are not feeling very well, the same is true for the opposite.
Lumps and bumps
While you are patting your cat you can check for any unusual lumps and bumps. These maybe anything from growths, abbesses, bites or scratches. If they do not appear to be healing themselves it is a good idea to contact your vet.
Behavior
Like people cats can have trouble sleeping or be sleep a lot more if they are feeling unwell. If your cat is acting in a way that is out of the ordinary you may want to try work out why this is, consulting a vet is always a good idea if you are not sure what is going on in your pets mind. Other changes in behaviour could include, but not limited to
- new shown aggression
- loss of bladder control, not using their dirt box when they are fully trained
- Excessive meowing
- Hiding
Skin and gum colouration
Skin and gum are usually a soft pink colour if they are white or red they might need to be checked. Pets can also get sun burnt, have allergies and get rashes so if they are shying away from their usual pats have a look at their skin.
Fur
If your cats fur is not looking as smooth and shiny as normal this could be a sign of something more.
Teeth
Just like people your pets can get toothaches. If you believe there may be something wrong with your pet consult your vet. As the old saying goes " it is better to be safe than sorry". Your cat is part of your family and needs to be treated accordingly.