Friday 26th August was #NationalDogDay – a day to celebrate all breeds of dog who bring us comfort, work with us and put their lives on the line.
Buying or re-homing a dog can be rewarding but it’s also a big responsibility. With the cost of living rising, many dog owners are finding they can no longer care for their pets and as a result many animals are being rehomed.
If you are thinking about getting on a dog, here are some things to consider:
- Do you have the finance available now and in the future to provide your pet with all of its needs including unexpected veterinary fees?
- Do you have the time to spend with your pet every day? Are you able to meet its exercise and accommodation needs?
- Might the pet you are rehoming have specific behavioural requirements and will they be a match for your family?
- If purchasing a rescue from overseas, have you researched the organisation importing the dog and are they meeting all the legal requirements including pet passports, health certificated, transportation and vaccinations (including rabies and tapeworm)?
- If purchasing from a breeder, is the breeder registered and are you able to see the puppy interacting with its mother and siblings?
Remember that owning a pet is a huge responsibility for which you are responsible under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Take time before you get a pet to research the needs of the animal.
If you have a pet that you are struggling to look after, seek help from a reputable rescue charity or your private veterinary practice.
If you have concerns about an illegal importer, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline who will be able to give you advice and will pass the report on to Trading Standards or to your local district council. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/
For further information visit:
GOV.UK – Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
RSPCA – Caring for your dog: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
Brucella Canis
There has recently been the first reported case in the UK of a person contracting Brucella Canis, an incurable disease, from a dog. The dog had been imported from Belarus and was being fostered. This led to the heart-breaking decision that all five dogs in the home had to be euthanised.
Brucella Canis is found in various countries including parts of the EU. The incidence in the UK is considered very low. It is mainly transmitted dog to dog by sexual contact. The most common symptoms affect the sex organs but sometimes the infection can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, usually the spine which causes severe spinal pain and paralysis.
Infected dogs pose a risk to humans. Although rare, the consequences of human infection can be very severe and can lead to death. Appropriate antibiotic treatment is normally successful in treating human patients.
Infected dogs may show no symptoms. Unfortunately due to the risk to people it is recommended that infected dogs are euthanised, especially if they have painful symptoms.
If you are considering rescuing an imported dog, check the rescue centre or charity tests the dog for brucellosis, in addition to testing for other diseases prior to importing.