Trans Venereal Tumours

This is a sexually transmitted disease (in the form of cancerous tumours) found in the genital areas of both male and female dogs.  It is highly contagious and the dogs obviously infect each other.  There is no cure, but one can avoid the condition by having your male or female dog sterilised. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING A DOG

1.                  All dogs must have proper shelter from the elements, e.g. a kennel.

Suggested kennel size :       Length            - 1,5 x dog’s length

                                    Width  - 1,25 x dog’s height

                                    Height - 1,5 x dog’s height

            The kennel should be :          Waterproof

                                                Raised off the ground

                                                Have a proper base

2.                  Clean water must be available at all times.

3.                  The dog must be fed at least once per day.

4.                  The dog must not be kept on a static chain.  If absolutely necessary, a running chain may be used :

i)                    Minimum length :       Wire at least 10 x dog’s length.

Chain at least 2 x dog’s length.

            ii)         The wire must run at ground level.

iii)        The stakes holding the wire should be below ground level so that the chain does not become entangled.

iv)                The dog must be able to get into his kennel and to reach his water.

v)                  The area must be kept free of refuse and other litter.

vi)                The dog must have a proper collar on.

5.                  The dog must be kept free of internal parasites i.e. worms and should be

de-wormed not less than once in six months.

6.                  The dog must be kept free of external parasites i.e. mange.  Untreated mange will continue to spread and contaminate other animals.  Humans can also get mange. 

A monthly dip with Amitix (available at any veterinarian) is recommended for healthy dogs.

Infected dogs should be attended to by a veterinarian or the Animal Welfare.

7.                  The dog should be vaccinated against Distemper, Parvo-virus and Rabies.

The above mentioned diseases are difficult to treat and the dog is normally put to sleep.  The owner should be warned not to get another dog for several months.

8.                  Injured or ill dogs should be taken to a veterinarian or brought to the attention of the Animal Welfare.

      CAN YOU AFFORD NOT

      TO STERILISE YOUR PET?

The truth about sterilisation : 

1.   Allowing at least one litter before spaying DOES NOT

      make the female a better pet. 

2.   Sterilising male dogs and cats has DEFINITE benefits.

      Example :

3.  The risk of diabetes is decreased.

4.   The animal’s chances of getting testicle cancer is

      greatly reduced.. 

5.  The animal won’t gain weight if you feed and exercise

     it properly.

6.  The animal won’t run around in the streets looking for a

     partner to mate with.

7.  The dog probably won’t try to exert dominance over the family anymore.

8.  The animal will not be at risk of chronic uterine (womb) infections (pyometra),especially if done before the  

      first litter.

9.  The risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer) is decreased.

10.The bitch won’t go on heat – no other dogs trying to gain access to your property!

11. The animal will be a better pet.

      More facts :

·         More than 12 000 animals are euthanased (killed) every month in South Africa.

·         The average female cat can produce more than 4 000 lives within seven years!

·         A male cat and dog can father even more than this.

·         If these litters survive, they will wander the streets facing starvation, disease and deprivation unless homes can be found.  THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HOMES.

·         Welfare organisations are overflowing with unwanted animals.  The cost to them is immense, especially as they rely on charity for their funding.

·         The distress of animals and the costs to welfare organisations can be greatly reduced through sterilisation.

If you cannot afford to sterilise your pet, contact the Stellenbosch Animal Welfare Society.  We may be able to help.

Lodine :  072 137 6784

               886 4901 (office)

WHAT IS MANGE?

Mange is a tiny mite you cannot see with your bare eyes.  This mite is found in sand and on dogs and burrows itself into the skin of the dog resulting in hair loss and scratching.  Mange is lamost always contagious and doesn’t come right without treatment.  Treatment is done by simple means of dipping the dog using a veterinary dip.  NOT car oil or Jeyes Fluid.  These products burn the skin.