06/03/2005 20:53 - (SA)
Pets need your love and lots of care
The passing away last October of our former petcare columnist, Dr Matshidiso Kgasoe, forced us to take a break from running the pet column for a few months. We now introduce Dr David Malema, a veterinarian, who will write for us every first Sunday of the month and answer questions about your pet
HOW did you get your pet?
Where you given the pet as a present by a friend? Did someone you love want you to have a companion or did you feel pity for an abandoned stray that you picked up from the street?
Some of you may have adopted your pets from the SPCA, or bought it from a pet shop to fulfil a specific emotional need.
Considering any of the above points, know that now you have taken on a responsibility that will have an impact on your lifestyle. Let us consider the needs of, for example, a dog, and the social responsibilities we have towards such a pet. It will need the following: shelter, food, water, love, time, space - and toys.
Shelter/ pet house
Sheltering your pet can be fairly expensive depending on the pet and its size. The kennel can cost something in the region of R200 to R1 000 depending on its size and the material used to make it. To reduce costs, a kennel or cage can be made at a cheaper rate instead of buying it at the shops.
Consider using good materials like moulded plastic, bricks and cement or any other material that is not going to be harmful to the pet. Wood can be used, and to make a kennel last longer it must be painted so that rain can flow easily and that it is not damaged by the sun.
Damaged wood by rain starts to develop cracks that can accummulate external parasites that will harm the pet, and it is difficult to clean as well. The roof should be of good quality so that not too much heat is added to the kennel.
For other pets, use material that your pet is comfortable with or ask for advice from a pet specialist.
Food
Some pet foods can be very expensive but for a good reason. We used to make pet food from our leftovers and many pets have been doing well from such feed but trends are changing. The right pet food must be bought to gain nutritional and health benefits to your pet.
Dogs and cats, for example, must eat chunks. A good reason for that is that chunks clean their teeth the same way as we brush our teeth every morning. They also exercise the facial muscles of your pet. When pets are fed soft food they might develop tartar and gingivitis and this will cause medical problems for the pet. Their mouths will also smell bad .
One must budget properly to be able to feed the pet. For example, if your dog eats 1kg daily and you buy a 15kg bag at R30 a bag it will cost an estimated R60 a month to feed it properly. There is also treats which you just give to a pet for good behaviour, and these costs money. Food prescribed by a vet for their medical bills are costly but are compulsory for the well being of your dog. Consultations at the vet range between R40 and R150, and in case of emergency you can pay up to R500 for after-hours services.
Water
Pets need clean water daily to cool and to maintain their natural liquids. Use a dish that is deep enough to keep a reasonable amount of water daily. Keep water in a cool area or shade so that a pet can cool itself by drinking. Use a dish that is easy to clean, a shiny metal is a very good material. Remember that your pet will play around with the dish and if the dish is not strong enough it will be constantly toppled by the dog and become damaged.
Space
All pets need plenty of space . A puppy of any breed is always small. That does not tell you how big it will be when it matures to its normal size. Know the breed, this will tell you how big the pet will be. If you live in a flat or townhouse complex you don't need a large breed dog like a German Sheperd ( police dogs in township lingo). A flat always has limited space for a pet. Get a small breed in that regard.
Cleanliness
The shelter, dishes and toys of your pet must be cleaned regularly. If there is some bedding it must be washed regularly and dust removed on a daily basis. Powder should also be used in your pet's shelter to control external parasites .
Love and time
You need to make time to play with your pet. Take your pet for long walks to the park and use toys to play with it. Your pet will learn that there is time to play and a time to be serious. Speak with a soft voice when playing with your pet.
Reward your pet with a treat for good behaviour or to display love towards it. You should pat your dog when you are happy to see it, for example, after coming back from work or school.
Every time your pet comes to you, show it some love by patting it. Do not underestimate your pets' need for love, they will always repay you with lots of love in return.
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