Pet tips

"When you have knowledge, you will not have fear"

“How much is that doggie in the window?"

Many of the pet shops acquire their puppies from unknown and suspect sources. These sources are not regulated and can be the cause of unknown cruelty as bitches are forced to breed every season. Tired and worn out they give everything they can to each of their families. Their living conditions are often filthy, damp and dark. Puppies are removed from their mothers too early and so they lack socialization skills taught by the mother and other siblings.

The puppies that I have come into contact with (bought from these shops) have shown genetic problems, infections of eye and ear, parasitic infections, and pneumonia. All have needed veterinary treatment after the sale.

If you are not thinking about adopting a pet please make sure you buy your pet from a reputable breeder. If it is a dog, you should meet the mother and if you can (although this is a little harder) meet the father. Look at the environment that the animal is kept in, and check the temperament of the mother especially.

Please do not support these shops where you have no idea of the breeding and conditions in which the animals live.

Dogs in the Summer

Don’t leave your dog in the car in the heat of summer. Cars become ovens in the heat and dogs can easily suffer from heat stroke which can be fatal. Be especially aware of dogs with ‘pushed in’ noses like the English Bulldog and Boxers. These dogs will find it very hard to breathe properly to cool down in the heat.

Also please refrain from taking your dog for a walk in the midday heat. Barcelona is a very hot place! Keep your dog in the shade and play for short periods.

Carry water! Your dog will also get very thirsty. This may also be one way to cool your dog down … a little shower in the heat of the sun.

A couple of diseases to watch out for

Leishmania
Canine leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly.The sandfly is most active at dusk and dawn, keeping your dog indoors during those peak times will help minimize exposure besides the preventative measures available from your veterinary centre.

I have recently heard (Jan 2012) that there is now a vaccination available for Leishmania. Please speak to your vet for detailed information and prevention against this disease.

Heartworm
This is a parasitic worm spread by the female mosquito and grows in the heart and pulmonary arteries causing serious damage to the dog’s circulatory system. It is prevalent here in Spain especially in the summer months from April through to October. Please see your vet in regards to preventative treatment.

Rescue dogs

If you’re thinking of offering a forever home to a dog from a rescue shelter, then it’s important to understand these dogs may need a lot of time to overcome their natural fears and to learn to trust in humans again.

There is no such thing as instant best friend, even with dogs!

No one will know why or how the dog was rejected and once the dog becomes your newest family member, it is important to realise that these dogs need a lot of patience and understanding, as they will take time to outgrow certain basic survival instincts that they have become accustomed to using by default.

For many rescue dogs what will be normal or fun to us can be extremely upsetting and fearful for them. For example the noise of a hoover, trips in the car, visitors at the door bell, or food can become a fixation. It is very important for these reasons to be careful in choosing your dog.

Providing a loving home for a rescue dog is not only rewarding but the pleasure our new dog can bring into our lives when they learn to trust again is incredible. Using Amichien Bonding® can help you and your dog settle into a new life that builds those bonds of friendship and trust.

Puig Corner

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If you lose your dog…

First of all, your dog must be microchipped. Then, make sure the microchip is registered with your local vet where you will fill out a form for the Archivo de Identificacion de Animales de Compañía. When your dog goes missing advise the Archivo on the following number 934189294.

How to report abuse

Call the Guardia Urbano on 092. If you see the maltreatment in the street, the police need to see the perpetrator in action to be able to take it up with them. If it is happening in your building, you can report the disturbance.

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