Rogue Traders on Feb 19th raised the issue of Puppy Farmers.
Nothing mentioned surprised me at all.
In fact the Whelan's were mentioned as being puppy farmers and importing dogs illegally from Ireland- I mention them in a previous blog entry last year because a client of mine had purchased a puppy from them who was docked against her knowledge.
At least the programme high-lighted a very important point- when buying a puppy you MUST see him or her with their mother.
My ebook 'Puppy Power' contains lots of information about puppy farms and how to avoid them and how to ensure you purchase a healthy puppy from a reputable source.
Remember that the power to STOP puppy farmers lies with the purchaser. So if you want a puppy, make sure you are properly informed BEFORE you buy. Rescue centers may also have puppies to adopt that have been health checked and vaccinated already.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Compulsory Microchipping of Dogs
I have just come across this petition, which I have now signed, to urge the government to make microchipping of all dogs COMPULSORY- a brilliant idea!
Check out the petition and sign up yourself!
Microchipping is quick and easy! It's a brilliant, permanent form of identification for your dog (or cat or rabbit or tortoise).
It is such a relief to find a microchip if an animal is brought into the surgery as a stray because we can quickly identify and contact the owner by reading the microchip.
The only potential problem that I've faced, is having out-of-date details registered for an owner with the microchip details SO remember to keep your details updated!
Check out the petition and sign up yourself!
Microchipping is quick and easy! It's a brilliant, permanent form of identification for your dog (or cat or rabbit or tortoise).
It is such a relief to find a microchip if an animal is brought into the surgery as a stray because we can quickly identify and contact the owner by reading the microchip.
The only potential problem that I've faced, is having out-of-date details registered for an owner with the microchip details SO remember to keep your details updated!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Pet
I'm at home this week, enjoying playing in the snow and being at home because I've been working away for the last two months.
In my last job I met a lovely Persian cat called Dusty who is owned by a very loving, caring lady who adores Dusty. Unfortunately Dusty has chronic kidney failure due to a condition that affects Persian cats called 'polycystic kidney disease'. I have prescribed all the medication and dietary changes possible to help improve the functioning of Dusty's kidneys.
Sadly Dusty's owner has emailed me today worrying that she will have to have Dusty euthanased (put to sleep) in the next few days and sad that I won't be there with her in those last moments.
It is very difficult to help clients come to terms with making such difficult decisions, especially when not there in person.
What I do know is that euthanasing a beloved pet is not a decision that owners make lightly.
I always advise that the pet's QUALITY of life is much more important than the quantity of their life. When animals have chronic illnesses that can't be cured, it is always best to say goodbye to them before they deteriorate too much and whilst they still have some dignity and enjoyment. Of course the vet looking after them will be able to help make the decision when the time comes.
Saying goodbye is the worst part of owning a pet. However the joys, love and fun that you share with your pet over the years, far outweigh the difficult time at the end.
I will be working from home for the rest of the week....
Enjoy yourselves, whatever the weather!
In my last job I met a lovely Persian cat called Dusty who is owned by a very loving, caring lady who adores Dusty. Unfortunately Dusty has chronic kidney failure due to a condition that affects Persian cats called 'polycystic kidney disease'. I have prescribed all the medication and dietary changes possible to help improve the functioning of Dusty's kidneys.
Sadly Dusty's owner has emailed me today worrying that she will have to have Dusty euthanased (put to sleep) in the next few days and sad that I won't be there with her in those last moments.
It is very difficult to help clients come to terms with making such difficult decisions, especially when not there in person.
What I do know is that euthanasing a beloved pet is not a decision that owners make lightly.
I always advise that the pet's QUALITY of life is much more important than the quantity of their life. When animals have chronic illnesses that can't be cured, it is always best to say goodbye to them before they deteriorate too much and whilst they still have some dignity and enjoyment. Of course the vet looking after them will be able to help make the decision when the time comes.
Saying goodbye is the worst part of owning a pet. However the joys, love and fun that you share with your pet over the years, far outweigh the difficult time at the end.
I will be working from home for the rest of the week....
Enjoy yourselves, whatever the weather!
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Happy New Year and vomiting cats!
Happy New Year to you all!...
It has been so busy at work since Christmas that I've been running around like a headless chicken!
Lots of dogs and cats with colds and lots of vomiting too- just like us at this time of year I suppose!
In the two weeks since Christmas I have had to remove 'foreign bodies' from the intestines of two cats. This condition is much more commonly seen in dogs because they are much more likely, compared to cats, to eat everything in sight.
The first cat is called Boris and he had swallowed some string which had been used to tie up the Christmas cards for decoration. Of course he had been playing with the string but he was silly enough to actually eat it too- cats have no sense when it comes to this! Swallowing string is a disaster because it causes the intestine to 'consitina' on itself. It took me two hours and multiple intestinal incisions to fix him! Fortunately he's all healed and back to normal now... hopefully his owners have learnt NOT to leave string about for him to play with.
The second cat is called George and he had the foot from a doll stuck in his intestine! I have never seen a cat eat part of a child's toy before but there's always a first for everything! George isn't out of the woods yet but was healing well when I left work yesterday.
Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer....
Any way have fun!
May 2009 bring success, joy and love your way......
It has been so busy at work since Christmas that I've been running around like a headless chicken!
Lots of dogs and cats with colds and lots of vomiting too- just like us at this time of year I suppose!
In the two weeks since Christmas I have had to remove 'foreign bodies' from the intestines of two cats. This condition is much more commonly seen in dogs because they are much more likely, compared to cats, to eat everything in sight.
The first cat is called Boris and he had swallowed some string which had been used to tie up the Christmas cards for decoration. Of course he had been playing with the string but he was silly enough to actually eat it too- cats have no sense when it comes to this! Swallowing string is a disaster because it causes the intestine to 'consitina' on itself. It took me two hours and multiple intestinal incisions to fix him! Fortunately he's all healed and back to normal now... hopefully his owners have learnt NOT to leave string about for him to play with.
The second cat is called George and he had the foot from a doll stuck in his intestine! I have never seen a cat eat part of a child's toy before but there's always a first for everything! George isn't out of the woods yet but was healing well when I left work yesterday.
Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer....
Any way have fun!
May 2009 bring success, joy and love your way......
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Discover Dogs
I dropped in to Discover Dogs on 8th November for a few hours and that wasn't long enough at all! So many breeds of dog that I've never even heard of, let alone seen! It was great to speak with the breeders and realise that despite recent negative press, they are committed to the health and welfare of the breed that they love. Of course they only represent a small fraction of breeders in this country so diligence is needed when thinking of buying a pure-bred dog (you can find out loads more in my ebook Puppy Power). There are many unscrupulous breeders only interested in making money as I've written about in previous posts.
If you get a chance to go to the next Discover Dogs I would recommend it as a fun day out where you can also learn loads!
If you get a chance to go to the next Discover Dogs I would recommend it as a fun day out where you can also learn loads!
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
A few thoughts.
I went to Toronto at the end of last month for a 'city break' with my husband. Unfortunately I got a chest infection which I'm just recovering from, hence the lack of blog updates!
Now I'm sitting here listening to the fireworks and wondering how many animals are scared stiff. I know that lots of clients have been in recently asking how they can help their dogs. DAP diffuser is very useful for dogs to help calm them. Also you can use Rescue Remedy from the chemist which has a good sedative effect using herbs only.
It's not just the pets I worry about when there are fireworks. What about all the wild animals? It is probably terrifying for birds and very dangerous for hedgehogs hibernating in stacks of wood that will be used for bonfires.
I would like to see fireworks banned for private use and just used for public displays on Nov 5th and Dec 31st ONLY.
On another note I have been contemplating the huge effect euthanasing a pet can have on their family. This week has been miserable so far, I have euthansed four animals already and given the bad news that one of my patients probably has terminal cancer (I'm awaiting confirmation from tests).
I know the mixed bag of emotions that accompanies euthanasing a pet- grief, guilt, relief, a feeling of loss and emptiness. I also know that time IS a great healer and that slowly the sadness is replaced with wonderful memories of all the fantastic time spent with the beloved pet.
If you ever have to make that decision, let your vet guide you and remember that the quality of your pet's life is much more important then the quantity of their life. We all have to die eventually. I feel lucky to have the choice to euthanase animals to relieve their suffering and say goodbye peacefully, maintaining some dignity for them.
At least my day at work can be balanced by attending to happy, healthy animals when they come for vaccination- a great time to bond with my patients!
On Saturday I'm going to 'Discover Dogs' at London Earl's Court. I'm interested to find out what breed standards the Kennel Club will be putting in place for breeds showcased at the event, especially after all the bad press they have received recently. I'll let you know my thoughts next week.....
Now I'm sitting here listening to the fireworks and wondering how many animals are scared stiff. I know that lots of clients have been in recently asking how they can help their dogs. DAP diffuser is very useful for dogs to help calm them. Also you can use Rescue Remedy from the chemist which has a good sedative effect using herbs only.
It's not just the pets I worry about when there are fireworks. What about all the wild animals? It is probably terrifying for birds and very dangerous for hedgehogs hibernating in stacks of wood that will be used for bonfires.
I would like to see fireworks banned for private use and just used for public displays on Nov 5th and Dec 31st ONLY.
On another note I have been contemplating the huge effect euthanasing a pet can have on their family. This week has been miserable so far, I have euthansed four animals already and given the bad news that one of my patients probably has terminal cancer (I'm awaiting confirmation from tests).
I know the mixed bag of emotions that accompanies euthanasing a pet- grief, guilt, relief, a feeling of loss and emptiness. I also know that time IS a great healer and that slowly the sadness is replaced with wonderful memories of all the fantastic time spent with the beloved pet.
If you ever have to make that decision, let your vet guide you and remember that the quality of your pet's life is much more important then the quantity of their life. We all have to die eventually. I feel lucky to have the choice to euthanase animals to relieve their suffering and say goodbye peacefully, maintaining some dignity for them.
At least my day at work can be balanced by attending to happy, healthy animals when they come for vaccination- a great time to bond with my patients!
On Saturday I'm going to 'Discover Dogs' at London Earl's Court. I'm interested to find out what breed standards the Kennel Club will be putting in place for breeds showcased at the event, especially after all the bad press they have received recently. I'll let you know my thoughts next week.....
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Update on Harvey
I spoke with the Kennel Club about Harvey ( see my blog entitled 'Harvey the Docked Puppy' written on 11th Sept 08). They said that there is nothing they could do about the fact that Harvey was docked because it is still legal in Ireland and the person buying the puppy has the obligation to search for a puppy with a full length tail if they want one. They don't actually encourage breeders to stop docking within the confines of the law which I find appaling and I will be writing to them about this in due course...
In fact Mr Whelan is not even registered with them and so they advised I speak to Trading Standards and report him for false advertising. Harvey's owners have still not received any KC registered documents for him because he ISN'T actually registered! I asked Harvey's owner if I could report Mr Whelan but she doesn't want me to, because he has all her bank details and is obviously an unscrupulous person.
So, lessons learnt-
1) search for puppies with full length tails AFTER making sure you know what a full length tail actually looks like. See 'anti-dockingalliance' for pictures and a list of breeders.
2) if buying a pure-bred puppy, get breed documents at the point of sale, don't expect to get them later in the post.
3) don't give your bank details to anyone.
4) get a puppy from a rescue centre.
In fact Mr Whelan is not even registered with them and so they advised I speak to Trading Standards and report him for false advertising. Harvey's owners have still not received any KC registered documents for him because he ISN'T actually registered! I asked Harvey's owner if I could report Mr Whelan but she doesn't want me to, because he has all her bank details and is obviously an unscrupulous person.
So, lessons learnt-
1) search for puppies with full length tails AFTER making sure you know what a full length tail actually looks like. See 'anti-dockingalliance' for pictures and a list of breeders.
2) if buying a pure-bred puppy, get breed documents at the point of sale, don't expect to get them later in the post.
3) don't give your bank details to anyone.
4) get a puppy from a rescue centre.
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