Welcome to the first Animal Matters. Each month I shall endeavour to cover different subjects regarding our four legged friends.

ABANDONMENT CRISIS

Some 10,000 dogs are abandoned each year in Spain. We find them wandering in the campo, by the roadside, on the beach or simply lurking outside our local shops, often infested with fleas and ticks, starving or possibly pregnant.

Neutering is the major key to solving this problem. However, it costs around 150 euros and is not a priority in a Spanish family budget. Traditionally it is thought that neutered dogs will either go mad or grow fat, so when bitches come on heat - it's a free for all. The resulting multitude of puppies are either, killed at birth, given away or abandoned. Often people go on holiday and there is no one to look after the pet it goes with them in the car and then somewhere the car door is opened and it is left by the roadside. Equally, if hunting dogs don't live up to expectations, they are simply let loose in unknown territory. Illness can also lead to abandonment. Ailments might include birthing problems, poisons, viruses and blood diseases such as lishmaniosis so if tried and tested 'traditional' cures don't work, or if a dog doesn't 'cure itself', often it is taken to the hills and left. Taking a dog to the vet to be 'put down' is not popular as the vet costs money.

Neutering also has health benefits. Spaying females under a year old reduces the risk of breast cancer, the most common cancer to afflict female dogs. Unless spayed, older bitches risk developing a dangerous pyometra (a pus-filled womb). Spaying also prevents false pregnancy that can occur after a season (symptoms are moodiness and milk production). In males, neutering makes both prostatic disease and some cancers less likely. There is also less risk from fighting or accidents while roaming. Many owners worry that their pet will become fat after neutering, but this is easily prevented by correct feeding. Over-feeding, not neutering, is the real cause of obesity. Neutered animals require less food, therefore reduce the amount fed after neutering and weigh your dog regularly. Occasionally, older spayed bitches may leak a little urine whilst sleeping, but this can be easily controlled. Neutering can be done at any age but, for the greatest benefit, should be done under one year old. A bitch cannot be spayed during a heat, when producing milk during false pregnancy or after whelping. Your vet will advise on the exact timing.

How can I tell if my bitch is in heat?

During a heat (or oestrus) a bitch becomes attractive to male dogs and, if mated, may become pregnant. One of the first signs is interest from male dogs. The vulva (genital area) at the back swells and there is a bloody discharge which later becomes clear. Some bitches lick this away, so if your bitch is licking, investigate. There is a risk of pregnancy throughout oestrus, therefore keep your dog on a lead.

Help! My bitch has been “caught” by a male dog!

Injections can be given to prevent pregnancy, but must be given quickly (within a couple of days of mating). It is also possible to spay a bitch in very early pregnancy. Contact your vet immediately to discuss the best option.

For more information or to
book an appointment for grooming
please call Wendy at
K9 Creations on 957 036 020
Or 653 965 509

Wendy Taylor
K9 Creations
English Canine
Grooming Salon
Iznajar
Tel: 957 036 020 or
653 965 509