Our pets can bring out the best in us. But to be sure that they are in the best state of health and well-being, us owners need to give them regular care and keep a close eye for any hint of bad health.

• Vaccination for dogs and cats
• Spaying and Neutering
• Traveling
• The law
• Kennels and Catteries

Vaccination is better than cure

Just like it’s crucial to vaccinate young children, our pets should be given their shots as soon as they are weaned. After this they should receive vaccinations at regular times throughout their lifetimes.

Dogs should be vaccinated against

1. Distemper – a contagious and incurable disease. Early symptoms include fever , eye inflammation and a loss of appetite.
2. Leptospirosis – a highly contagious bacterial disease that can carry over to humans
3. Hepatitis – A contagious virus that targets the liver and/or kidneys
4. Parvovirus – highly contagious disease, characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody
5. Rabies – one of the most dangerous canine diseases; it’s highly contagious to humans.
6. Kennel Cough – a contagious respiratory problem caused by several viruses.

Cats’ vaccinations should include:

1. Panleukopenia – a severe, highly contagious feline virus that nearly all cats will be exposed to within their first year of life.
2. Chlamydia – contagious conjunctivitis
3. Rhinotracheitis – also known as Feline Herpes, this disease is serious and very contagious, characterized by sneezing and conjunctivitis.
4. Rabies – an incurable disease, nearly always transmitted from the bite of a rabid animal
5. Calicivirus – a fairly mild, flu-like viral disease that lives in the cat for years

Spaying and Neutering

The surgical procedure of neutering a female pet or spaying (the castration of) a male pet means you can help your pet live a longer, healthier and happier life.

Spaying eliminates the crying and anxiety of a cat in heat. Neutering prevents the mating drive in males, which means they don’t feel as much need to wander around and run the risk of getting into fights, accidents and contracting viruses.

Apart from pedigree pets that are kept for breeding purposes, all female dogs and cats should be sterilised while they are still young (roughly at the age of 6 months). If you have more than one pet, they will get along better if they are both neutered.

Traveling precautions

If you like to take your pets with you on holiday, you need to make ample provision for their comfort before you set off on your travels together.

Cats should be transported in a cat carrier or basket. Dogs should be allowed “toilet breaks” regularly; just remember to keep them on a leash.

To prevent travel sickness, give them a light meal only before you leave home.

South Africa has very strong laws about traveling to areas where rabies are prevalent, so your pets should have their vaccinations at least 30 days prior to your departure. A traveling permit should then be obtained from the vet.

The Law

The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) has an inspectorate for investigating cases of alleged animal abuse. If you suspect or know of a case of animal abuse, you should never keep quiet about it. Did you know that the below are all illegal in South Africa?

1. Leaving an animal with insufficient food, water or shelter
2. Tying up an animal with a short chain
3. Keeping an animal in a parasitic condition
4. Hitting or abusing an animal
5. Keeping an unlicensed dog. This is an infringement of Municipal Law.

Choose the right kennel or cattery

Good animal accommodation is often fully booked during holiday times, so it’s best to book for your animal long in advance. Make sure that the accommodation is the best choice for your dog or cat. Don’t assume that any place is good enough – make an appointment with the kennel or cattery owner and go to inspect the facilities.

You could also organise that a trusted domestic worker, housekeeper or the neighbours can care for your animals, as long as you are sure that your pet will be getting the right care and attention.