FAQ's – about dogs ...

Q: What vaccinations should my puppy receive and what age is best?

A: Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age with a distemper measles vaccine and a parvovirus vaccine for early protection when they are most susceptible. This is a temporary immunity and pups should be vaccinated again 3 weeks later against distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, canine parvovirus and leptospirosis. Combination vaccines are available and the exact programme will depend on the brand of vaccine the veterinarian uses. Booster vaccinations should be done on a yearly basis.

Q: Is it really necessary to take my dog for walks outside of the yard? And if so, how long should the walk be?

A: For optimum health, it is essential that you exercise your dog for about 30 minutes daily. Most dogs get far less exercise than they need which often leads to destructive behaviour. Research suggests that many dog owners suffer less heart disease as a result of exercising their pets than those who do not have dogs - this daily routine can be great fun for both of you!

Q: What grooming, apart from bathing is essential for my dog?

A: Grooming is necessary and should be introduced as a pleasant and relaxing regular experience. Apart from bathing, grooming may also entail brushing, nail clipping, ear, eye and teeth-cleaning, cutting and stripping the coat. Be sure to use a dog shampoo when bathing your dog as human shampoos may contain irritants.

Q: What is the best food to feed my dog?

A: Dogs need a well-balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrate, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. There is a huge variety of manufactured foods readily available, many of which are complete foods containing all of the nutrients necessary or your dog's well-being. It is best to seek veterinary advice regarding the type and quantities of food best suited to your puppy/dog, as the amount your dog needs varies according to size, breed, age, and level of activity. Puppies particularly need careful feeding up until the age of about seven months.

Q: Which bones are okay to give my dog as a treat?

A: Never offer your pet bones from chops or chickens, as these are very brittle and shatter into nasty sharp pieces that may pierce the gut. As a treat, rather give raw knuckle bones or marrow bones which have the added benefit of keeping teeth and gums healthy!

Q: My dog seems to have picked up extra weight. Why is this and how do I solve this problem?

A: Excess weight is a result of overfeeding and too little exercise, and this can lead to heart disease, liver problems and arthritis. In this case, you will need to feed according to a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian.

Q: At what age is appropriate to begin training my dog? And how should a dog be trained?

A: Training to respond to commands should commence as soon as possible with short, regular lessons daily being the best way to progress. Firmness, kindness, consistency and love are essential. Reinforce correct behaviour with praise and by rewarding with tasty treats! Never hit a dog as punishment for failing to obey - rather withhold the reward to show your dissatisfaction. When issuing commands, use short words in a clear, precise tone of voice. Never vary these command words but do try to make the lessons fun for both of you!

About cats

Q: What vaccinations should my cat receive and at what age?

A: Kittens should be innoculated at 6 weeks of age, when a simultaneous vaccination against snuffles, rabies and cat ‘flu can be administered. These vaccinations require a booster 3 weeks later and should be boosted on an annual basis.

Q: My cat seems to be very fussy about what she eats. How can I improve her eating habits?

A: Cats can be very fussy eaters, so keep the feeding area clean and provide them with wholesome food and clean bowls and water. Establish a regular eating area, and if you have more than one cat, give each its own bowl.

Q: My cat seems to be gaining weight, but I give him the same amount of food now as I always have done.

A: If you are not overfeeding it, check that it is not receiving tit-bits from neighbours! Excessive weight gain may also be an indication of a hormonal imbalance, in which case it is imperative that you visit your vet.

Q: What is the best food to feed my cat, and how much is a ‘normal’ portion of food for a cat?

A: It is best to seek veterinary advice regarding the type and quantities of food best suited to your kitten/cat. Canned food is always a good option as most brands of canned food contain all the nutrients necessary for good health, including the recommended protein intake. Dry foods also come in a variety of flavours and are palatable and economical with the added benefit of de-scaling the teeth! Check the packaging and feed your cat according to the directions from the manufacturer.

Q: Is it a good idea to give my cats treats? If so, what kind of treats are appropriate?

A: For variety, occasionally supplement the diet with a snack of fresh food like de-boned chicken or fish. An occasional special treat like a chew is a good idea as these are very good for keeping your cat's gums and teeth healthy. Do not give milk to your cat, as some cats are unable to digest the lactose in cow's milk, which may lead to diarrhoea.

Q: How do I house-train my kitten?

A: You can teach a kitten as young as four weeks old to use a litter tray by immediately placing it in a litter tray as it begins to crouch. If a kitten relieves itself outside of the tray do not rub its nose in the mess - the odour will tell the kitten that this is its toilet and it will return to it.

Q: How do I stop my cat from ripping up my furniture?

A: Provide scratching posts to stop kitty from ruining your furniture by scratching it. If your cat is allowed outdoors it will probably find a piece of bark on which to sharpen its claws, otherwise a vertical post covered in carpeting is ideal.

About sterilisation

Q: What Is sterilisation?
A: Sterilization involves the surgical removal of the reproductive organs – the ovaries and uterus in the female (called spaying) and the testicals in the male (called neutering). These procedures are performed at around six months of age.

Q: Isn't it unfair to sterilise my pet?
A: Your pet is likely to be happier without the strong sexual urges which will have to be frustrated, at least a good part of the time. There are also long-term health benefits for sterilised animals. Spayed females have a far lower incidence of mammary cancer and pyometra (a serious, even life-threatening infection of the uterus) and ovarian cancers are completely eliminated. Testicular cancer in males is also eliminated.

Sterilisation also eliminates, or reduces, objectional sexually-related behavior in your pet – such as spraying urine to mark their territory, straying to seek sexual partners, fighting and howling.

Q: Won't my pet get fat after spaying?
A: Only too much food combined with too little exercise will make your pet
fat. All dogs and cats need to have their food intake carefully controlled to keep them in trim. Remember most pets are sterilized near the end of their period of rapid growth when food intake needs are leveling off. If dogs are fed as though they are pups they will probably get fat regardless of whether they are spayed or neutered.

Q: I've heard a dog should have a litter or at least come into season before being spayed.
A: There seems to be no valid reason, medical or other, for doing so. In fact, just the opposite is true. If you are lucky, you may be able to place your entire litter, but you have no control over what happens to them or their future litters. Every year, the SPCA is forced to euthanise hundreds of healthy dogs and cats because there simply are not enough homes for them.

About the Durban & Coast SPCA

Q: Why does the Durban & Coast SPCA not catch dogs on freeways?
A: This is the jurisdiction of Metro Police, who should be contacted on 031-3610000. It is imperative that Metro Police are present as traffic usually has to be redirected. The SPCA will assist where possible.

Q: How long does the Durban & Coast SPCA keep stray animals for?
A: Healthy animals are sheltered in the stray section for a 7 day period during which time the rightful owner has the opportunity to claim their pet. If the pet has not been claimed after this period, he/she will be transferred to the adoption section. We actively try to find new, loving homes for all of the cats and dogs available for adoption. This may take weeks – but the reality is that only a small percentage of SPCA orphans are re-homed. Do your bit and visit us if you are looking for a furry addition to your family!

Q: What can be done about feral cats?
A: Traps can be hired from the Durban & Coast SPCA. Contact 031-5796505 for more information. Once trapped, you can return to our SPCA with the cats/kittens and discuss sterilisation with the Clinic Supervisor.

Q: Can the Durban & Coast SPCA help with the problem of barking dogs?
A: No. This is the responsibility of Metro Police, as it is against municipal by-laws. Contact 031- 3610000.

Q: How much does it cost to spay/neuter cats and dogs at the Durban & Coast SPCA?
A: You need to qualify to use the services of the Durban & Coast SPCA Animal Hospital (see below). A dog spay costs R600; dog neuter R400. A cat spay costs R460; a cat neuter R320. These prices are subject to change.

Q: Do I qualify to use the SPCA clinic and hospital?
A: Unemployed and pensioned pet owners automatically qualify. Salaried pet owners are asked to fill in an income declaration form in order to determine if they earn enough to utilise the services of a private vet. Contact the Animal Hospital to see if you qualify: 031 – 5796547.