September is National Hill’s Pet Dental Health Month when owners are reminded that ‘doggy breath’ is no laughing matter and could indicate poor dental hygiene and a serious oral disease that may ultimately affect the health of your pet.

Oral disease is the number one health problem vets diagnose in adult dogs and cats. It causes smelly breath, discoloured teeth, bleeding gums and potentially tooth loss, and the bacteria accumulation can damage your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. Yet according to Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary adviser to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, severe oral disease is easily preventable.  For many owners, by the time they become aware of the problem it has advanced to affect not only the teeth, but the gums and jaw as well.

“Prevention is better than cure, from both a health and financial perspective,’ says Fyvie. “Oral disease, which can be prevented by a simple pet dental routine, is painful, potentially life-threatening and can be extremely costly if major veterinary treatment is required.  Good dental care for cats and dogs is just as important as it is for people and good oral health can result in longer, healthier lives for our pets.”

Periodontal or oral disease occurs when saliva, proteins, bacteria and food particles combine to form plaque that gradually builds up if left on the teeth. Minerals in saliva turn plaque into tartar, a hard yellowish deposit that accumulates around the gum line. Tartar can irritate gums and lead to gingivitis, which is the beginning of periodontal disease. “Your dog or cat’s smelly breath may be the first sign that it has poor dental hygiene,” says Fyvie, who recommends regular veterinary check ups and a simple dental care regime at home to keep pet’s mouth healthy and breath smelling fresh.

How to stay on top of good oral care for your pet:

1. Firstly visit your pet’s dentist (the vet) for a dental exam.  Don’t wait for the annual check-up if you suspect a problem. If necessary your vet will refer the pet to a specialist veterinary dentist.
2. Secondly, start a dental care regime at home. Your vet can advise on the most suitable methods for your pet, which may involve brushing its teeth with specially designed toothpastes and brushes available at your vet or pet store.
3. Thirdly, feeding specially formulated foods which clean the animal’s teeth as it eats is also recommended by vets. These foods are convenient and effective, and have been proven to combat plaque and tartar build-up. Hill’s Science Plan Oral Care and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d, are the only complete foods in South Africa that have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for stain, plaque and gingivitis control.  Nutritionally balanced and suitable for daily feeding on a long-term basis the kibbles have a special fibre matrix that works like an edible toothbrush, scrubbing the pet’s teeth as it eats.
4. A strong immune system will help your pet fight disease, so it’s also important to ensure your pet’s food has the correct balance of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

“We had no idea that you could even clean your cat’s teeth,” says pet owner Anlie Malherbe, whose cat Tracey suffered from severe gum disease.  “We noticed Tracey wasn’t eating well and she was losing weight but were surprised when the vet diagnosed gingivitis.  Unfortunately it was so advanced that antibiotics haven’t cured it and Tracey has had to have all her teeth removed.”

“Animals can’t say how they are feeling and are good at hiding discomfort,” adds Dr Fyvie.  “But anyone who has experienced tooth ache knows how painful dental disease can be.  Just imagine how you’d feel if you hadn’t brushed your teeth for three years!” he adds.

How to recognise symptoms of Oral Disease in your pet:

(If any of these symptoms are present the pet should be taken to the vet for expert advice.)

• Bad breath
• Red and swollen gums
• A yellow brown crust of tartar around the gum line
• Pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth
• A change in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Listlessness

Teeth can also be damaged by biting bones, sticks or rocks. “Give your dog proper toys and treats to chew and if a tooth gets broken, seek veterinary help immediately, before the tooth and jaw become infected,” warns Fyvie.

All pets are at risk for developing dental problems, but if you start a preventative programme of dental care today, it is possible to maintain good oral health throughout your pet’s life.

For more information chat to the vet (your pet’s dentist), visit www.HillsPet.co.za or call the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Careline toll-free on (0800) 228 783.

We’re going to continue growing this new section of our site so be sure to check back often for updates.

Did you know the vet directory is also browseable via your mobile phone? We’ve got an awesome looking mobile skin that makes browsing the site a breeze. Stay tuned for a post about our mobile skin.

We’ve added a new section to the site which contains a large list of Veterinary Hospitals, Clinics and Vet Shops. We’re still busy growing the section so bare with us please.

We also now have our very own Forum. Thanks go to SystemShock who have hosted a forum for us for the past couple of years. We’re hoping that with your help we can grow it to be a SA’s leading pet lovers community.

We’ve done our best to update a lot of our information that was out of date. If you come across information that isn’t correct please let us know and we’ll make the appropriate changes.

Lastly, please don’t forget that if you’re an organization and you would like to be listed with us that there’s no cost involved. We would love to welcome you to our family.

Thanks,
The Abandoned Team

ADULTS

We have very limited space for adult cats.  When an adult cat is re-homed the adoption fee ensures that the cat is vaccinated, dewormed and sterilized. While the cats are at one of our volunteer’s homes it is fed, given lots of love and the necessary veterinary care when needed.

KITTENS

The kittens come mostly from backgrounds where the mother has disappeared or they have been dumped and left to fend for themselves.  Where possible we try to keep them with their mothers until they are 6- 8 weeks old. If they are too small to feed themselves, our willing volunteers bottle or syringe feed them until they can eat solids. At this stage they come to our shelter to await adoption, which takes place from 7-8 weeks onwards. Due to the space restriction we have curtailed our numbers to about 20 kittens. The adoption fee includes 2 vaccinations, deworming, and sterilisation at 5-6 months by one of our designated veterinarians.

Since the start of Cats’9Lives in 2006 over 2000 kittens have been adopted.  With the emphasis of the Organization on STERILISATION we have thus kept the number of unwanted kittens to the absolute minimum.

Postal Address
P.O. Box 98096
Waterkloof Heights
0065

Contact Details
Kittens: Avril – 072 391 5035
Volunteer: Lynn – 082 857 2088
Finance: Engela – 083 468 3143

Engela – cligela(at)lantic.net
Avril – mendav(at)intekom.co.za

Website: http://www.cats9lives.co.za

Uitsig Animal Rescue Centre don’t believe in having animals in cages and fortunately we have the space. Our dogs are housed in “units”. These “units” consist of grassed fenced camps. We find that the animals are far happier in this environment. Our policy is on of NO euthanasia, except when the animal is suffering and cannot be rehabilitated. The animals stay with us until they find the perfect home. We work very closely with the dogs on a daily basis and because of this intimacy we are able to place them in exactly the right environment. We also believe in all our dogs going out with basic training. So many times these poor souls are returned to the rescue centres, not because they are problems, but because they have no idea how to behave and interact in the home environment. One of our dreams is to eventually train some of these dogs to become companion animals to the deaf, blind and handicapped. To take these dogs who have been “thrown away”, give them a job and forever change their lives and the lives of the people they serve. This is our main goal.

Adoption Process

• If you are interested in an Animal please complete our Adoption form. You can download an adoption form here.
• We will contact you within 7 days from receiving your form to make an appointment with you.
• Once the appointment is set up, we will visit your home to do a Home Check.

The Home Check consists of:

• To see that your new adoptee would not be able to escape
• To see that the new adoptee would be safe.
• To see that the new adoptee have enough shade come rain or shine.
• To see that the adoptee would have a warm place to sleep.
• If you are approved on the home check your new Furry Family member may be collected at our shelter.

Our Adoption Fee’s:
Dogs R400 (This includes Sterilization / Neuter)
Cats: R200 (This includes Sterilization / spay and 1st Inoculation)

Adopting a Puppy
Please note the following with adopting a puppy:
Puppies need to be fed 3 Times a day, in order to be approved with puppy adoptions you’ll need to be home or have someone at home during the day.
You will have to have other dog friends for the puppy. Dogs are Pack animals and it is not fair toward the animal to be an alone pet.
Puppies may not be sterilized before the age of 6 months, if your adoptee is younger than 6 months you’ll have to return him/her to our centre for his / her sterilization. Please contact us close to the time to make an appointment.

Contact Details

Uitsig Animal Rescue Centre
Uitsig Farm
Fisantekraal
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa

Non Profit Organization (NPO) number:
090162

Operational Hours:
Weekdays: 14h00– 16h30
Saturdays: 14h00 – 16h00
Sundays: 9h00 – 12h00

To View animals after hours
Weekdays: Can be arranged by appointment – no later than 20h00
For any adoption queries please contact Heidi (see below)

Heidi 083-704-9700, email: heidi.uitsig(at)gmail.com
Candy 083-289-7803, email: candy.uitsig(at)gmail.com
Denay 076-224-2207, email: denay.uitsig(at)gmail.com

Website: http://www.uitsig.org.za

To Improve and Accelerate the Provision of Welfare and Rights to Animals and to ensure that such Welfare and Rights are upheld.

Mission

To bring Alliance Partners, which may include members of the public, animal welfare organisations, animal care professionals, animal product distributors and producers, and any other organisations that have an interest in the welfare and rights of animals, into a collaborative interaction by means of communication and coordination.

Motto

“Never Say Die…”

Our belief is that the life of a sentient being is worth defending ‘to the death’ and any form of euthanasia is a last resort only when all other avenues have been considered and there is no other option. We recognise that some states of life may be worse than death and of course we must do everything in our power to avoid placing animals or allowing others to place animals in those circumstances; at the same time, this should never motivate us to compromise this foundational value.

Activities

We will act as the Hub of this Coalition of Alliance Partners.

We will be Ears, listening actively to the concerns and needs of animal welfare organisations and people who care about animals. We will adopt a democratic approach to policy, not arrogate a position of superiority.

We will be Eyes, our members watching out for animal abuse in any of its forms, and reporting them to the Hub, which can then mobilise the appropriate resources.

We will be Noses, ‘sniffing’ out illegal and harmful practices.

We will be Hands, joining people together to battle those who have hurt our animal friends, and soothing and calming those who have suffered from humanity’s inhumanity.

We will be a Voice, speaking out against Animal Rights Abuses, announcing Animal Rights Initiatives, calling to Action in defence of Animals, and Educating the Public.

We are not here to replace any of the existing animal welfare organisations. Rather, we are here to enhance their interaction, so that they may act with greater unity, bringing their diverse skills, experience and resources into a common pool.

Contact Details:

Craig: 082 785 1423
Hayley: 082 924 4728

Email: animals(at)anresco.org

Established in 1872, The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the founding society of the SPCA movement in South Africa and is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country. A registered non-profit organisation (NPO 993 244) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930004317), the society receives no government funding and relies on the support of concerned individuals and corporates to continue operating.

We are affiliated to the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) and are Executive Members of the National Council of SPCAs South Africa (NSPCA). The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is also a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

Our SPCA covers a vast area – around 11 000km2 – and looks out for the interests of domestic, farm, working and traction animals, animals reared for consumption, wildlife, animals used for entertainment and exhibitions, as well as animals used in sport and for research.

We don’t turn any animal away. No matter what the breed, condition, age or reason for animals being brought to the SPCA, we’re here for them, day and night. And we’re on call 24/7 to respond to rescues and emergencies involving animals.

All this takes a lot of hard work; our 104 staff members are assisted by volunteers – at our headquarters in Grassy Park, Cape Town, and in the field. The organisation is run by a Management Team under the guidance of our Board of Directors.

Adoption Process

How to adopt

It costs R475 to adopt a cat and R525 for a dog, but you also take home a free bag of Hill’s pet food. When applying to adopt a pet, please note that a deposit of R100 is required, which is included in the total adoption fee. Please use “Adoptions” followed by your initial and surname as the beneficiary reference – and email proof of the deposit to clientliaison(at)spca-ct.co.za or fax to 021 705 2127 for the attention of the SPCA Animal Centre.

If you feel walking through the kennels may be upsetting, you can make an appointment to meet a couple of animals (based on the information you’ve supplied on your adoption form) in the privacy of one of our exercise runs. This will give you time to get to know each animal and help you make your selection.

Please e-mail proof of deposit – using ‘Adoptions’ followed by your initial and surname as the beneficiary reference – to clientliaison(at)spca-ct.co.za or fax to 021 705 2127

You can also do an online application by clicking on one of the two links below.

Dog Application Form
Cat Application Form

What happens next?

Once you’ve decided which dog or cat you’d like to adopt, one of our pre-placement officers visit your home.

This ensures that your property’s suitable for the animal concerned. We take into account:

• Other animals in the family.
• Children’s ages
• Level of familiy’s activity (whether the dog will be regularly exercised)
• How long the dog, especially a puppy, will be left alone
• Size of property

Contact Details

Cape of Good Hope SPCA
cnr 1st Avenue and First Road
Grassy Park
Cape Town

Postal address:
P O Box 3
Plumstead
Cape Town
7800

Tel. +27 21 700-4140
Fax: +27 21 705-2127

Our Opening Hours:

Animal Centre: 08h00 to 16h00
Animal Centre (weekends): 08h00 to 12h00
Hospital (week days): 08h00 to 17h00 Hospital (weekends): 08h00 to 12h30
Inspectorate: 08h30 to 17h00
Inspectorate (after hrs): 083 326 1604
Horse Care Unit: 08h30 to 17h00
Communication and Resource Development: 08h30 to 17h00
Administration: 08h30 to 17h00
Second-hand Bookshop: Every Wednesday and Friday from 10am – 2pm

Emergency After Hours Numbers:

non owned animal emergencies: 083 326 1604

owned animal emergencies: 021 700 4145/4164

Please contact your local veterinarian for emergency treatment for your animals after hours.

Fax +27 21 705-2127 or 0866 743 356

Email: enquiries(at)spca-ct.co.za
Website: http://www.spca-ct.co.za

Second Chance Rescue Centre was established in January 2009. We are a no-kill shelter and take the responsibility for sick, injured, abandoned and orphaned kittens from 0 – 7 weeks in the greater Durban area.  Up to date, we have successfully re-homed 49 kittens, and have a constant flow of new arrivals, there are also 31 adult cats in our care, which could not be homed.

The kittens that come into our care are often in need of great medical attention and our vet bills tend to mount, we therefore rely on donations to keep the sanctuary running.  All donations are used for the general care of the kittens such as medical treatment, bottle feeding, feeding, blankets, de-worming, de-fleaing, constant laundering, etc…

We seek permanent, loving homes where our kittens can live a long, happy and healthy life.  Re-homing is done after an adoption application is completed and a home check has been done to ensure that the kitten will be cared for the rest of its life.

Contact Details

Cherece or Anette du Plessis on 084 646 1909 or chereceduplessis(at)yahoo.com.

Jillian was with HH Animal Welfare Societys since the early eighties as their fundraiser and Hon. Inspector.

She realised there was a special need to concentrate on the townships of Lwandle and Nomzamo so in 2003, with her daughter, Vanessa, started Township Animal Rescue, later to be registered as an NPO.: O39 758

Vanessa runs a weekly clinic on a Thursday in Lwandle/Nomzamo and often gets call outs during the week to attend to and bring sick animals to the vets for treatment.

We rescue, treat and re-home many dogs and cats. We have a free advertisement weekly with the District Mail and take our animals regularly to an Adopt-a-Pet at the local Craft Markets and Veldwinkels at Southeys Vines.

We are always looking for good foster homes, especially for very young puppies and kittens. Our vets are from Gordons Bay Animal Hospital and Helderberg Animal Hospital.

We run weekly clinics in the townships (Lwandle/Nomzamo) for minor medical treatments. We transport pets from the townships to local vets for major treatments. We have put a sterilization program in place. We rescue the neglected and unwanted pets for which we try and find loving homes.

Adoption Process

Prospective owners have to make an appointment to come to our house and sign the forms and pay R80. This sum includes the vaccination, de worming, etc. If a pup or kitten is adopted, the prospective owner is given a date for the sterilisation and will have to pay the animal welfare price (usually about half the private fee). All our adult animals have been sterilised.

Contact Details:

Jillian Cunningham
Tel: 021 855 1824
Cell:  084 423 5991

Vanessa Cunningham
Email: mikecu(at)mweb.co.za

Website: http://www.townshipanimalrescue.co.za

On Tuesday 10 February Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre’s Inspector Wynand le Roux accompanied a team from Jacaranda 94.2fm  to one of these alleged puppy mills in Haakdoringboom, Pretoria North, with the aim of exposing this shameful practice and to allow the media to see first hand just what goes on  behind the scenes. What they came across will not easily be forgotten by the team or anyone else who has seen the photos and the video footage taken and is now available on the Jacaranda 94.2fm Blog website!

Rotten chicken carcasses littered the plot, feathers were all over the place, cow’s udders were lying around to be eaten and the stench was unbearable. Flies were feasting on dogs ears causing big open wounds while a three- legged pot in the middle of the room where the puppies are born was crawling with maggots!! Dogs were being housed in dilapidated shacks all over the plot and they had to fight their way through long grass to find some of the dogs which were being housed in camps that were completely hidden amongst the mess and the bush!

No animal should have to live under these circumstances.  Most of the dogs are free to roam around as they wish. This means that they come on heat and fights break out amongst them. One poor little dog had deep gashes in her back as a result of these fights. Her wounds had however remained un-noticed and un-treated!  It is a case of who covers who, no-one would know, and YOU are the one that ends up paying for a “pure bred pedigreed dog”, when that is not what
your hard earned money or love for the breed expects.  The cute little bull dog that you have paid in excess of R5000.00 for, looks quite the picture but as she/he grows up, you notice you have a bulldog cross boxer.

On Monday 16 February Wet Nose returned to the plot together with a Health Inspector. Mr van Aardt arrived shortly afterwards insisting that his dogs were in good condition and that there was nothing wrong with the conditions in which the dogs were being kept. After what seemed like forever, the negotiations in the hot sun were resolved and Mr van Aardt signed over forty four of his dogs to Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre to be re-homed.

Thirty five of the dogs were immediately transported to Wet Nose and the remaining nine will be collected during the week. The dogs were checked for injuries and sicknesses and some are currently under veterinary care. They have all been bathed, which was a traumatic experience for them as they are not at all used to water, despite the filth they were living in. Some seem not to have had much contact with people and are terrified to be approached or touched.

Having taken in so many dogs has put Wet Nose under a lot of strain as there are now almost two hundred dogs in their care. Being a “Right to Life” organization means that none of the dogs will be put down, but will instead be housed, fed, medicated and loved until the day that every one of them gets a home.  This is a monumental task to take on and Wet Nose is appealing to all animal lovers for donations of food, bowls, funds and a “for-ever Home”  for these orphans saved from a living HELL.

So, next time you see that cute little puppy in the window, make an extra effort to find out where it comes from!

Don’t breed or buy while “Homeless Animals Die”