Tag: pets

Christmas dinner for pets? Think Scrooge!

Christmas dinner advice for dogs and cats to ensure trouble-free festive fun

From a succulent roast dinner with all the trimmings to fruit-laden puddings, cakes and chocolates – not to mention nuts, mince pies and smoked salmon – Christmas Day is all about eating. And it’s not only people who like to indulge: our much-loved four-legged family members do too! It’s hard to resist slipping them scraps or even their own Christmas dinner from our leftovers – but we need to be mindful that not everything on the Christmas menu should be shared. Continue reading Christmas dinner for pets? Think Scrooge!

Cats Protection outlines simple steps to keep puss purring

Cats Protection has outlined a series of steps which can be taken to help keep felines safe throughout the year:

Although cats often enjoy exploring, their curiosity can lead them into trouble. A few simple measures can help keep cats away from danger and enjoying life.

Keep cats inside during hours of darkness. Cats are at increased risk of road injuries and theft after nightfall. Keeping cats indoors overnight and timing meals to coincide with rush hour will help keep cats away from busy roads.

Ensure cats are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Making sure cats are neutered provides a host of benefits in addition to preventing unwanted kittens being born. Neutered cats are less likely to roam, lowering the risk of car accidents and less likely to fight and contract serious diseases which are spread by saliva. Microchipping offers a safe and permanent method of identification, while ensuring cats are vaccinated will protect against parasites and diseases.

Encourage cats to stay close to home. If cats are content, they are more likely to stay within their own home and garden. Planting cat-friendly plants such as catnip and lavender, providing logs for scratching and long grass for relaxing or to assist with expelling hairballs can all add to the creation of a cat-friendly space.  Poisonous substances often found in the home or garden, such as antifreeze, disinfectants, insect and pest killers should be kept securely.

Certain plants can be toxic to cats, for example lilies can be lethal if any part of the plant is ingested. If your cat does show any signs of poisoning, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.  A full list of plants that are hazardous to cats can be found on International Cat Care’s website www.icatcare.org

Remain vigilant to possible acts of cruelty. If you suspect somebody is acting suspiciously towards cats in the area, report your concerns to the local police and/or Scottish SPCA, along with any descriptions and car number plates you may have noted. If there is a local Neighbourhood Watch, make them aware and inform your neighbours that there may be suspicious activity taking place.

Mark Beazley, Director of Operations for Cats Protection, says: “We often have reports coming into our branches and centres across the country of cats that have strayed, become injured in fights or been poisoned by seemingly harmless substances around the home. Simply following these guidelines and remaining vigilant can help keep cats safe and enjoying themselves throughout the year.”

For further advice and information on cat welfare-related issues please download http://bit.ly/CatSafeAdvice or for more detail http://bit.ly/CatSafeGuide alternatively call Cats Protection’s helpline on 03000 12 12 12.

Scottish SPCA seeks homes for sixteen beautiful bunnies

… but you don’t have to take them all!

princess

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for help rehoming 16 beautiful bunnies who have made a fantastic recovery from a case of snuffles. The rabbits are currently housed at Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre as they look to start a new life with a loving family. Continue reading Scottish SPCA seeks homes for sixteen beautiful bunnies

Guinea pig found dumped

Oreo dumped near Edinburgh tip

Oreo when found

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a guinea pig was abandoned in Edinburgh. A member of the public found the pet in its carrier on Old Dalkeith Road on Saturday (20 August).

The guinea pig is currently being cared for at the charity’s rescue and rehoming centre in Lanarkshire, where he has been named Oreo.

Senior Inspector Jenny Scott said, “Whoever dumped Oreo couldn’t have known he would be found by someone who would help him. He was left in his open carrier on a grassy area across from Craigmillar Park near the tip. His carrier (above) had a few wisps of hay in it and there was an empty water bottle lying on its side. The poor thing didn’t have any bedding in his carrier either.

“Oreo is a lovely boy who is full of fun and mischief. He also appears in good condition. We’re now hoping to find this sweet boy a new home with an owner who is committed to caring for him for the rest of his life. If anyone has any information about who may have dumped Oreo or is interested in giving him a loving new home, we’d ask them to call us on 03000 999 999.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

 

Dogs die in hot cars, motorists warned

Dogs die in hot cars warning

Dogs die in hot cars poster

The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners not to leave their dogs in hot cars as the temperatures rise this summer.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has also warned that earlier this year a woman from Stirling was convicted after leaving a dog in the boot of her vehicle on a hot day.

Concerned members of the public have already been contacting the charity’s animal helpline after seeing distressed dogs left inside warm cars. The Scottish SPCA is keen to remind the public that they may be risking their dog’s life by leaving it in a hot car for even a short period of time.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Most people know what it’s like to get into a car after it’s been sitting in the sun. It’s unbearable and we immediately roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioning.

“Imagine being trapped inside a hot vehicle wearing a fur coat for minutes, possibly hours, and you are some way to understanding how a dog left inside a hot vehicle feels.

“Many people might not realise that even on warm, cloudy days, cars can effectively turn into ovens and dogs can overheat in minutes.

“Leaving a window open or providing water is simply not good enough. Dogs can’t sweat the way humans do and need to pant to cool down which can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation.

“We run our campaign every year but we continue to receive a large number of calls from concerned members of the public each summer and we fear some owners don’t fully appreciate the danger they are putting their pets in.

“In April a 45 year old woman from Stirling was convicted for leaving a dog inside the boot of her car without water for approximately one hour on a hot day. She was banned from keeping animals for five years.

“Tragically the Yorkshire terrier, which belonged to the woman’s father, was diagnosed with heatstroke and died after suffering a cardiac seizure.

“We hope this case serves as a warning to other owners who may be tempted to leave a dog in their vehicle on a warm day. Our advice is to leave dogs at home as it is simply not worth the risk.”

Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers of leaving dogs in hot
cars are available to be displayed in local communities. To request
copies please phone the charity on 03000 999 999 selecting option 5 or
email fundraising@scottishspca.org.

Record-breaking resident Rascal seeks new home

One thousand days in care for Rascal the snake

Rascal

A snake who has become the Scottish SPCA’s longest resident is looking for a home after 1000 days in care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is hoping to find the right home for Rascal, a California kingsnake who arrived at their Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in the summer of 2012.

Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Poor Rascal has been with us for nearly three years and has attracted very little interest. He arrived in our care after he was found behind a kitchen unit in Bathgate. A lot of people are put off by his appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who will appreciate Rascal for the stunning creature he is.

“Rascal has a good temperament for a kingsnake and we are looking for an owner with previous snake experience to take him on. Snakes have specialist care requirements and should not be rehomed on a whim so we would certainly urge any would-be owners to do their research.”

Anyone who can offer Rascal a new home is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh centre on 03000 999 999.