#ForTheLoveofPets – Responsible pet ownership

Responsible Being a responsible pet owner is not only providing adequate water, food and shelter. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their owners for their welfare. Dogs are loving creatures with emotions and feelings – they feel distressed, discomfort and in pain just as we do.

A big commitment
Giving a home to a rescue animal is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. However, owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. That dog’s life will be totally dependent on you – if you can’t make the commitment, don’t have a dog.

Proper diet
Your dog will require fresh water daily and be fed a balanced diet based on their specific energy requirements. This differs for how much work your dog does and based on their metabolism.

Grooming
Daily brushing is good for a dog’s coat. A dog who is free from fleas and ticks, with no skin problems, should only be given a bath when necessary and not more than every eight weeks. If this is done too often, the oil glands will overproduce to compensate for the shampoo’s drying effect and result in the dog becoming smelly. Brush your dog regularly instead. Check ears for mites once a month as a preventative measure. If signs of fleas or ticks appear, dust the coat well with flea powder.

Baths should be given only when necessary with warm soapy water, making sure the soapy water does not get into the eyes.

Depending on the breed, some dogs require more grooming than others. If you can’t afford to groom or do the grooming yourself, pick a low-maintenance dog as a pet.

Daily exercise
Regular exercise is absolutely necessary for a dog. No dog should be exercised on a bicycle. Where possible, a dog should be taken to an open space where it can run free. The length of his walks should be suited to his size and to his age.

Always choose a pet that suits your lifestyle. Don’t get a high-energy dog if you don’t have the time to exercise them. Many dog behaviour issues can arise from a lack of exercise.

Socialising and interaction
Dogs are packed animals who crave companionship. They need affection, love and attention to interact with other beings and exercise their minds, and they also need comprehension and empathy. Many dog behaviour issues can arise from a lack of socialisation.

Housing
Most dogs can be trained to live in your house. If he has to be outside, an enclosed garden is best, in a shady spot, never in the sun. If it is necessary to put him on a chain, a running chain should be used, and certain steps should be taken. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW to tie a dog permanently and a criminal offence to be cruel to any animal. A running lead is set up as follows; tie a strong piece of wire between two points and attach a ring and chain to the wire. This will give space for the dog to run safely without entanglement. The height of the wire from the ground should be greater than the height of the dog. Also, the wire should be long enough to give the dog a considerable amount of exercise and freedom while still under control.

Spay or neuter your dogs There are too many homeless animals without adding to the problem.

Veterinary assistance
Should your dog show any signs of sickness – contact a vet immediately. Dogs can be very good at hiding their illness so it is up to you to observe your dog for any abnormalities. Some common signs include lethargy, disorientation, weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody urine, difficulty or inability to walk, bleeding, pale mucous membranes, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing.

Identification tag
Keep an identification tag on your pet’s collar displaying your contact details – this could mean the difference between your neighbour returning your pet to you or turning him into Animal Control.

Registering your dog
By Government Law, you are required to register your dog. For a one-off payment of $5.00, once the dog has been spayed/neutered and you show proof of this, you will receive an engraved tag displaying your dog’s unique identification number.

This MUST be attached to your dog’s collar at all times.

Protect your dog
Keep your dog safe in bad weather conditions and during annual celebrations, which may include fireworks displays. Do not go out and leave them unprotected if they are afraid or could be hurt. Many dogs escape with fear. It is your responsibility to protect them.

Source: The Ark Animal Welfare Society Barbados