A-to-Z of How to Keep Pets Super-Fit
 
The experts of BBC1's Animal Hospital have helped the News of the World compile this esssential guide for pet owners.
  OK, so your cat may be unlikely to do pull-ups, but you can still make sure the creatures you care for are as fit as possible.
  This A - Z of pet care starts where Rolf Harris's hit TV show stops, by listing information every animal lover - and each prospective owner - needs to know. Backing this guide, Animal Hospital's chief vet Tessa Bailey appealed to readers thinking of buying a pet to approach the decision carefully.
  "It's vital that people educate themselves about the sort of animal they want to take on," she said. "They should consider the responsibility of care involved such as time, cost of care, accomodation and the lifespan of their pet."
  Keep this guide bookmarked. or print it out, as you never know when you might need it. (by SANDRO MONETTI)

For readers outside the UK, check whether your country has an animal welfare organisation either state or nationally based. I'm sure you must have something similar to our RSPCA. I certainly hope you do.
 

 
  • AIDING AN INJURED ANIMAL: Although you must never attempt to treat an animal yourself, there are things you can do in an emergency to help a badly injured pet while you wait for the vet to arrive.
      If the animal is bleeding heavily, put a clean handkerchief on the wound and hold it firmly in place. If the animal doesn't seem to be breathing properly, carefully pull its tongue forward and look for obstructions. Don't try to move a badly hurt pet unless it's in a dangerous place such as a busy road, in which caes you should use a blanket or coat as a stretcher. But always wait for a veterinary surgeon to administer further treatment.
  • BUDGIES: If your budgerigar starts plucking its feathers it's probably bored. Introduce a companion or new toys into the bird's cage to give it a happier life. Keep the bird happy by ensuring the cage is large enough to allow the bird plenty of space to fly around and is kept away from sunlight and draughts.
  • CATS: When handling a cat, place one hand under its chest and the other round its back legs, so that all its weight is supported. Don't pick up an adult cat by the scruff of its neck nor by the front of its body.
  • DOGS: Brush your dog's coat regularly to safeguard against diseases. Lift a dog by standing sideways to it and taking the weight of the chest and hindquarters in both arms. House-train a puppy as soon as you get it.
  • EMERGENCY HELP: If you need to report an act of cruelty, neglect or your concern for the welfare of an animal, call the RSPCA's 24 hour hot-line on 08705 555999 (UK only).
  • FLEAS: Is your pet scratching? Can you see any tiny brown specks in its fur? Are there small brown insects scurrying about? Do you have some unaccounted for insect bites yourself?
      Fleas can be controlled. Ask your vet to recommend products for your pet and your home. Regular cleaning, particularly of bedding, carpets and skirting boards will help.
  • GOLDFISH: They should be fed goldfish food once a day with occasional bits of vegetable and live food, such as water fleas. Don't buy just one goldfish. They should be kept in a tank and with the company of other goldfish as in the wild, they live in shoals.
  • HOLIDAY PET CARE: If you're holidaying in this country you may be able to take your pet with you. Pet's Welcome, a book available from most newsagents, lists holiday accomodation where you and your pet can feel at home. Dogs and cats can become sick and distressed during long journeys so ask your vet for advice. Your pet should have an identity disc giving your holiday address in case it gets lost.
  • INSURANCE: The RSPCA have launched pet insurance to help owners cut the cost of caring for animals. The scheme initially caters for cats and dogs. Premiums, which start from £4.37 ($7.00) a month, cover up to £4,000 ($6,000) worth of veterinary fees each year. The policy also covers third-party liability if your pet causes an accident.
  • JABS: It is important to have your pet inoculated against diseases. Once you've bought a puppy or a kitten, consult a qualified vet who will advise you what jabs your pet should be given and at what age.There'll be a small fee involved, but nothing compared to the bills you'll get if your pet does fall ill. If you buy an older dog it's essential to check if it's inoculations are up-to-date.
  • KENNELS: One of the best ways to make sure your dog or cat gets reliable care while you're away is to board it in a reputable kennel or cattery. You should visit several of these in advance so you can see for yourself what they are like. Make sure that the kennels are licensed and have an insurance scheme in case your animal needs emergency care.
  • LOVE: Pets need lots of it. For the whole of their lives pets will require your time, your interest and, most of all, your care. If you can't give that, don't become a pet owner. Most pets are friendly animals. They will be unhappy if they receive no affection.
  • MICROCHIP: Thousands of pets are lost every year and never reunited with their owners. The RSPCA believes the best way to ensure a lost pet is returned to you is to have it implanted with a special microchip containing a unique code number.
      A tiny microchip the size of a grain of rice is painlessly inserted under the animal's skin. Once a pet has been registered in this way, the owners details are put on to the national PetLog database. If a lost or stolen animal is found, the code will be revealed by passing a scanner, which vets, dog wardens and the RSPCA have, over the microchip. Then the code will be matched with the database, allowing the owner and pet to be reunited. Microchips are better than collar tags because they can't break, fall off nor be taken off. For more information about the PetLog scheme call 0870 606 6751 (UK only).
  • NEUTERING: There are thousands of puppies, kittens and rabbits left unwanted each year. Neutering a female animal involves removing the womb and ovaries. Male animals are castrated. Both operations are straightforward, carried out under general anaesthetic and the animals recover quickly. Your pet may behave differently afterwards but most owners think any changes are for the better. Neutered male dogs are less aggressive for example.
  • OUT OF CONTROL PETS: Dangerous wild animals are being sold as pets in this country (UK) to people without licences. The RSPCA recently heard of a crocodile being sold in a pub for £20 ($30). The novelty of owning out-of-control animals soon wears off when people realise the care involved. That often leads to mistreatment of the creatures and a danger to everyone else. Don't buy an exotic pet unless you're sure you know what you're taking on.
  • PONY: Ponies are friendly animals who get upest if left alone. Give them a lot of human companionship or, failing that, a donkey or a goat would be a suitable friend. Ponies should have frequent feeds throughout the day and a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Stones and grit should be removed from a pony's feet before and after every exercise.
  • QUARANTINE: British pets can now travel to western European countries and return to the UK without undergoing quarantine. Cats and dogs that have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood-tested are eligible for this new Pet Travel Scheme.
  • RABBITS: Lift a rabbit using both hands and hold it against your body. Never lift a rabbit by its ears nor the scruff of its neck. Put the rabbit down hind legs first to avoid being kicked or scratched. Rabbits need plenty of space for exercise and companionship from another rabbit. Their accommodation needs regular cleaning.
  • STICK INSECTS: These may fight each other if they aren't given enough water, fed incorrectly or overcrowded. Cannibalism may also occur. If they're kept in dirty unventilated fish tanks, stick insects often get mites.
  • TROPICAL FISH: When choosing fish for your aquarium, you must make sure they can live together happily. Pick ones that live at different depths in the water - surface, middle and bottom. And don't overfill the aquarium. A sudden change in temperature or strong vibrations - disturbances in the water through sound - can harm the fish.
  • UNWANTED PETS: If you're considering buying a pet then do consider getting one from a pet rescue centre or animal shelter. Many of these are desperate for homes and the love they may not have had earlier in their lives. The centre/shelter will be able to help you find a pet to match your needs.
  • VET'S FEES: There is no national structure for these. The amount charged by each practice reflects its location and the level of service provided. There is no ombudsman to whom complaints can be made. Always get a quote before you start treatment.
  • WORMS: Nearly all dogs and cats get worms at some time. It's important to worm your animals regularly, not just for their sake - some types can be dangerous to human health. If you find worms, take them to the vet who'll be able to identify them and treat the animal accordingly.
  • XMAS: Don't give pets as Christmas presents. RSPCA centres throughout the country were packed to capacity last year with unwanted animals. Pets require care and commitment and that's not a decision which can be taken lightly. Chief RSPCA Inspector Tony Crittengen said: "Pets are sometimes dumped to make way for relatives at Christmas. People also go on holiday leaving pets to fend for themselves."
  • YOUR NEAREST RSPCA CENTRE: The RSPCA has 194 branches, 105 clinics and animal centres, four veterinary hospitals, and three wildlife hospitals. To find your nearest one, try their Website at http://www.rspca.org.
  • ZOO ANIMALS: If you don't have the time to devote to a pet but still want to look after an animal, why not adopt one from a zoo. Most British zoos have schemes where you can adopt an animal for a year and pay towards its upkeep and make regular visits to check on its welfare.

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