14 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: A GROOMING RITUAL MAY REDUCE COSTLY VETERINARY VISITS
Pampering good for pet health HERE are so many wonderful reasons to get a dog. Regular readers of this column will know I’m a gal who’s nuts about her mutts. Those readers will understand my annoyance when, through my job, I often have to deal with pet parents who have gone out and bought a dog in order to “enhance” their own lives. However, they’ve never taken the time or had the desire to enhance their pet’s lives by giving them a regular bath or treating them to a trip to the groomers. When speaking to these self professed “dog lovers,” I have to ask: Do you enjoy the invigorating feeling of being clean and fresh?
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Do you visit the hair/ beauty salon? You do? Great. Well your pets are no different. Ok, every pet has his/ her own personality; some love to be brushed and fluffed, some don’t and I will hold my hand up and say one of my dogs, (great aunt Sophie, the 17-year-old, does not like being brushed anymore but she’s an old lady and this is her right; she doesn’t have the patience for it). Let’s just say our Diva Dog is a bit of a challenge these days; however, as her mom I know that regular grooming encompasses many aspects of companion pet care and even though Sophie is no longer as energetic as
When grooming your pet check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs or hair loss
she used to be, she is still in need of having a nice warm, gentle bath, getting her nails clipped, her ears cleaned, her anal glands squeezed, etc., And I do believe this regular ritual brings me and my dear old friend closer together…and can reduce costly veterinary visits. Also, when I’m groom-
ing/petting my dogs, especially Sophie, I check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs, hair loss etc., because I do not wish them to run the risk of the following problems: Ear Mites: A parasite that lives out its life cycle inside your pet’s ear canal; causing severe irritation and itchiness. I use a
soft facial tissue around my finger or a cotton bud dipped in cool olive oil and very gently wipe around the inside of my dogs’ ears making sure not to insert too deeply. If the dog has an open wound or the ear is inflamed, it’s straight off to the vet. Fly strike: Also known as Myasis – a maggot infestation. This is more common in warmer months where flies lay eggs that go on to develop into larvae that eat dead and rotting tissue on your pet. For example, vomit, skin infection, mated hair, diarrhoea, etc., This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Bathe and groom your pet regularly, treat your pet for diarrhoea immediately, and if
your pet becomes ill, keep them indoors away from flies. Always seek veterinary attention. Anal Sac Impaction: Dogs and cats have anal sacs that can become impacted if not emptied properly. Ideally, anal sacs should empty with your dog’s normal bowel movements. You won’t even notice this, however, if your pet begins to drag his/her behind along the ground, take him/her to your vet. There could be other reasons for this dragging, such as a bothersome growth, matted hair, an irritation or diarrhoea. Only your vet can diagnose. Minty Fresh Breath: When I’m rubbing my dogs’ faces I always take a
look inside their mouths to check for plaque build-up. If you do this and notice plaque, or bad breath, take your pet to see the vet for a dental check up. When there, ask your vet if he/she can demonstrate the correct technique best suited to your pet and follow the guidelines. Please do seek your vet’s advice regarding any concerns about your pet and, if you don’t feel like grooming your new best friend yourself, there are plenty of professionals who’d be delighted to provide that service for him/her. For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie