PET ADVICE On this page we hope you will find some useful information for pet owners. It would be impossible to give comprehensive advice here but we trust these basic pointers will be of assistance. If there are any other matters you think we may be able to help you with then give us a call. If we cannot help for any reason, we may well be able to give you details of someone who can. Obviously we are not qualified to give specific veterinary advice about your pet - you will need to see your local vet for that - but there are some general health issues covered here. Of course we cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the advice set out on this page and we repeat that if you are in any doubt at all please consult your own veterinary surgeon. My pet has not settled in. What should I do? Should I neuter my pet? It seems so unnatural. My pet has been hit by a car. What shall I do? What should I do if my pet is stung? What should be done if my pet is involved in a fight? I think my pet has swallowed something poisonous. What now? What should I do to help a dog trapped in a car on a hot day? How often should I worm my pet? My new cat is digging in my garden. What can I do to discourage this?
	My pet has not settled in. What should I do? Please give time for him or her to do so. Remember that it always takes time to adjust, even for us humans and this can take weeks, sometimes months. A little patience can go a long way. It also has to be remembered that with a rescued animal, what has happened to them in the past can have an effect. Some of the animals that arrive here are lost and frightened or have been neglected. They all need love and affection and with the right training can settle down and give you just as much love in return. Our dogs get used to being in a kennel and so even dogs who were previously house-trained may have "accidents" and can have to re-learn. Puppies act like puppies. They will be full of mischief and are exploring the world just like a human child. Bleakholt is always willing to offer what advice it can to make the move from Sanctuary to home as smooth as possible. Back to top
	Should I neuter my pet? It seems so unnatural. The simple answer is "Yes". All male and female cats and dogs are neutered before being homed by Bleakholt. There aren't enough homes for the cats and dogs that have already been born without more unwanted kittens and puppies. A quick walk around Bleakholt or any other similar organization will establish that. Having your pet neutered is no more "unnatural" than the domestication of cats and dogs in the first place. It is a relatively simple operation and a lot less painful to a female than giving birth. It is likely to give you a much more contented animal less likely to roam. There will be less chance of your cat spraying indoors or getting involved in fights. There are schemes that can sometimes help with the cost of the operation but it will cost more to feed a pregnant female and her offspring. Be a responsible pet owner please. Back to top
	My pet has been hit by a car. What should I do? Contact your vet as soon as possible. Someone should stay with the animal as they may try to instinctively crawl away and hide. Your pet will almost certainly be in some degree of pain and suffering from shock. This can make him or her unpredictable and resentful of your efforts to help. They may try to bite or scratch you even if normally placid. A soothing tone of voice may assist but exercise caution and never place your face near a dog's head. If the animal is badly injured your vet may be able to tell you how to administer first aid. The animal may need some form of restraint which will have to be done firmly but gently and transport him/her to the vets where the best possible treatment can be given. If the animal cannot be moved for some reason and the vet has to come out make sure they have accurate directions. Back to top
	What should I do if my pet is stung? This is generally not serious. However do keep an eye on him or her in case of allergic reaction. This will be evident usually by vomiting, choking or struggling to breathe. If this happens seek immediate veterinary assistance. Otherwise an ice-pack such as a bag of frozen peas applied to the affected area should do the trick. If the swelling should not subside after 3 or 4 hours then again contact your vet. Back to top
	What should be done if my pet is involved in a fight? Your dog may get bitten by another dog or your cat may come home acting a little strange and not want to be touched. With cats a wound may not be evident at first but can often lead to infection quite quickly. Any wound can be bathed with warm water and veterinary treatment obtained. Back to top
	I think my pet has swallowed something poisonous. What now? Do not make any attempt to make him or her vomit. Get your pet to your vet as quickly as possible with all available information of what your pet may have swallowed to aid identification of the correct treatment. Back to top
	What should I do to help a dog trapped in a car on a hot day? Try to locate the owner of the vehicle and cover the windows to provide at least some shade. Once you are able to get to the dog lay him/her in a shady spot and cool down with cold water. Make sure the airway is clear. Pull the tongue forward if need be. It would be best for the dog to be checked over by a vet. Back to top
	How often should I worm my pet? If your pet does have worms, they can sometimes be seen in the faeces but not always. A pet can have worms without them being so obvious. It is therefore important to worm regularly. Is usually best to worm every three to six months, more frequently for pregnant animals, youngsters and dogs in kennels. Your vet can give you more advice. Back to top
	My new cat is digging in my garden. What can I do to discourage this? First of all, sometimes cats get blamed when the culprit is another animal. Cats prefer dry soil so watering the flower beds when your cat is out may help. Scattering old tea bags can act as a deterrent as can orange or citrus smells. Placing wire or netting in the soil will allow plants to grow through but discourage digging. You could plant prickly shrubs. Finally you could make a cat toilet in one particular area. A little cat litter should encourage use of that area and hopefully he or she will then stick to that spot only. Back to top