A nation of Dog Lovers?
Stephanie Bayliss
A nation of dog lovers?
Here in the UK, we like to think of ourselves as a nation of dog lovers. But according to a study commissioned by the Dogs Trust Charity, local authorities kill 150 stray dogs every week in the UK because their owners cannot be traced or a new home can't be found.
As dog lovers, what can we do to make a difference and prevent this from happening? It seems like such a huge feat to overcome such a massive number, but we can make a difference; perhaps just a small difference, but it all counts.
According to the Dogs Trust, the most effective way of reducing these numbers is through the use of neutering and micro chipping.
Neutering
Neutering is an extremely common procedure that your vet will carry out under general anaesthetic. In the majority of cases, your dog will be ready to come home with you on the same day and will be fully recovered within a few weeks.
Many of the dogs picked up as strays by Local Authorities are un-neutered males. Often, they will pick up on the scent of an in-season bitch, and they will escape to try and find her. Bitches may also be frustrated when in season and will look to find a mate.
Neutering can also have a positive effect on the health and well being of your much-loved pooch. Un-neutered females can suffer from mammary tumors and an infection of the womb, called a Pyometra. Both of these can, at best, be costly to treat, and at worst can be fatal. Un-neutered males are at risk of developing Testicular cancer. Neutering is also believed to assist with behavioural problems in both dogs and bitches.
Micro-chipping
When a dog is micro-chipped, a chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted beneath the skin. The micro-chip has an unique identification number, which can be read using a scanner. This is a painless procedure for the dog and is relatively in-expensive and just think; if everyone did it, the problem of stray dogs would be no more. Look out for schemes from your Local Authority, offering cut price, or even free micro-chipping!!
Remember: By law, your dog must wear an identification tag, even if he is micro-chipped!
So, do your bit! Get your dog neutered and micro-chipped and spread the word around the park! For more articles like this please visit Kennel Corner.
About the author: Stephanie has written many articles on dog training which can be found at the Kennel Corner website.
The latest information and news on Dog Care Advice :
Flatfoot 56 will add to their consistently non stop tour schedule with a national trek of dates supporting Street Dogs
Gone to the dogs (Bradenton Herald)
TED MASE - Ian Gustafson, 8, of Lakewood Ranch, stands on the dog ladder while a dog comes by for a bite of his donut during the Honor Sanctuary celebration at Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch on Sunday. The event had free dog baths, nail clipping and treats for the dogs and owners.
Stray dogs close down schools, colleges in Orissa town (New Kerala)
Bhubaneswar, Sep 8 : All educational institutions including schools and colleges are closed for three days starting Monday in an Orissa town after stray dogs went on a rampage and attacked dozens of its residents, police said.
Where are the dogs? (Paris Beacon)
?What happened to my dogs?? that is the question Paris resident Deanna Kennedy has been asking for almost two weeks now. Kennedy was greeted at her door by members of the Edgar County Sheriff?s Department Aug. 23 for complaints on her two large dogs running loose.
Hospital Manager, Therapy Dogs Die in Car Accident (KEPR Pasco)
Casper had recovered bodies in search and rescue operations. Both dogs were trained to help disabled people and provide psychotherapy.
Jeff Aquatic Center goes to the dogs for second annual Pooch Plunge (The Even...
This is the second year for the Pooch Plunge. Last year, about 40 dogs showed, according to Sara Kraft, aquatics director. She said the first year went good, except for one thing.
TV ad connects cancer, hot dogs (The Monterey County Herald)
CHICAGO ? A new TV commercial shows kids eating hot dogs in a school cafeteria and one little boy's haunting lament: "I was dumbfounded when the doctor told me I have late-stage colon cancer.
Dogs make good listeners for Fort Pierce readers (Fort Pierce Tribune)
A popular St. Lucie County reading program brings dogs and young readers together for therapeutic sessions.
These Dogs have bite (The Hunstville Item)
Prior to the start of the 2008 campaign, many of the New Waverly Bulldogs were talking playoffs. While this may not seem bold given the recent successes for New Waverly, consider where the Dogs were just two seasons ago when they totaled one victory.
Corn dogs inspected by robots? That's progress, says Bar-S CFO (BizJournals)
There are perhaps few things that seem less innovative and cutting-edge than an old-fashioned corn dog. It's just a hot dog with some batter on a stick, right?