from
Hello, Doggy Friends!
In this issue: | WHAT TO DO ABOUT FLEAS | RECIPE | MICROCHIPPING | SCAMS | PUPPIES AVAILABLE
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DOG RECIPE - FISH & RICE
½ tin of pilchards in tomato sauce (not chilli), or small tin of tuna.
2 cups cooked rice
Mix together. It's safest to feed your dog on whatever dry food your vet recommends, but given occasionally, this makes an interesting change from the usual diet. Any fish is good for dogs, but it must be de-boned. The oil in fish such as tuna and pilchards can help joint pain. Remember salt is bad for dogs, so the rice should be cooked without salt.
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FLEAS
Fleas are tiny insects that irritate our pets by biting them. The pet then starts biting or licking itself, trying to get rid of the fleas. This can result in bald, raw patches, or rashes. Fleas use the pet as a host, sucking blood. The female can lay 2000 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs fall off and lie dormant wherever the pet has been - eg in the bed, on the carpet, chairs, floor and garden. Regular sweeping, washing, and vacuuming of the pet's environment will help get rid of eggs. Larvae emerge from the eggs which eat the dirt in the surroundings, then turn into pupae. From the pupa emerges an adult flea, which jumps on to the pet, and the circle starts again.
One can sometimes find nests of fleas, especially behind the neck, or on top of the head, where the pet cannot groom itself. Another sign is black specks, which is dried blood. This may turn red when the pet is bathed.
Fleas also attack humans, leaving small red itchy spots. They are hard to catch as they can jump. Some fleas are a host for tapeworm, which can affect your dog or cat, if they swallow a flea. If you or I swallow a flea, we too can get tapeworm, but only if the flea is infected. Regular deworming of pets is important. You can buy dewormer and flea-control at the pet shop, the vet, or some supermarkets. Harsh chemicals should not be used on a puppy. One can use a flea comb whose teeth are close together.
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YOUR
PET’S ID.
If
your dog or cat disappears, will the person who finds him be able to see
to whom he belongs? It’s advisable to identify pets in as many ways
as possible. A pet tag with your phone number can be attached to the
collar. But sometimes the wire catches on something and the disc falls
off. The phone number can be embroidered or written on the collar itself,
but through time it may become illegible. The vet can insert a microchip
with your contact details. If the pet is taken to the SPCA they can scan
it and contact you. If you change your contact details, remember to update
the pet’s ID!
Microchipping
can be done on any animal from tortoises to birds. Ask your vet about it.
If your pet is lost, phone the SPCA to see if he has been taken there for safety. Pray to God he will be found. God knows where he is and He cares about our concerns. The Bible says even the number of hairs on our head is known to God. Luke 12, 7
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PUPPY SCAMS
Scammers pretend to have lots of breeds of puppies, all the same age. For this
to be possible, the parents of all those breeds would have to have mated and
conceived at the same time. A female dog only mates when she is in season. There are only a few days each year when she
will allow a male dog to mate with her. Scammers claim to have puppies all year
round. A legit breeder doesn't have puppies ready to go at all times, but you
can put your name on a waiting list.
Scammers don't really have puppies. They steal photos off other sites. They know what to say to con people. Always ask for a video call in real time before you part with money. You need to see the puppies and talk to the breeder at the same time.
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PUPPIES AVAILABLE
The puppy ads have been removed and a fresh list will appear in next issue.
Till
next time, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
keep in touch! I'd love to hear from you.
Eileen
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