Let’s start this week with one final reminder. The Gavilan
Kennel Club is holding their annual all-breed dog show this weekend
(May 1 and 2) at Bolado Park, just south of Hollister. This is a
great event for those who want to see a wide variety of breeds
having loads of fun in a beautiful setting.
Let’s start this week with one final reminder. The Gavilan Kennel Club is holding their annual all-breed dog show this weekend (May 1 and 2) at Bolado Park, just south of Hollister. This is a great event for those who want to see a wide variety of breeds having loads of fun in a beautiful setting. There will be competition in conformation as well as obedience. And if you haven’t seen a relatively new event, Grand Prix, you really need to go. This is a must-see event. Hope to see you there.
Hey the rain is almost over, or at least that’s what the weather forecasters keep saying. Springtime gardening is on the agenda these next few weeks and once again, it’s time to take care of all those pests that can ruin your plants overnight. Every year, we hear all about the dangers of snail bait, gopher bait, ant bait and other pesticides. But there are some other gardening helpers that need mention as well because of their potential danger to pets. The most recent is cocoa mulch. It’s gained recent popularity as an adjunct to the backyard garden, partly because of its chocolate aroma. But there’s some inherent danger to this material if you have a dog. Cocoa mulch can contain theobromides and caffeine, two chemicals that can cause serious heart problems. Truth is, most dogs never pay any attention to this stuff when it’s in the garden. But if you favorite pooch likes to eat almost anything, and does get into the cocoa mulch, you could be faced with some serious veterinary problems. My recommendation? Stay away from cocoa mulch if you have dogs. The risk is very slight, by I don’t like to take chances. There are plenty of alternatives out there that can be just as good for mulching. Now on to this week’s question.
Q:
I understand why it’s important to spay female dogs and cats. But I’m not convinced we should neuter our dog, Duke. He’s a laid-back couch potato of a dog. Why is it so important to put him through the surgery. If we don’t let him breed another dog, what harm is there leaving him as he is?
A:
There are several things to consider as you make your decision for Duke. Intact male dogs enjoy several health benefits as a result of surgery. Perhaps the most important is that neutered males never have to worry about prostate problems. Lack of testosterone in a neutered male eliminates the chance for prostate disease, including cancer of the prostate.
But here’s a more compelling argument. Intact male dogs and cats have a keen sense of smell when there’s a female in season in the neighborhood. She may be a few houses down the street or as far as a half-mile away. But if that female dog is in estrus (“in heat”), Duke will smell it and know she’s ready to breed. And he may very well wander over to try to get to her. Testosterone drives the urge in all male dogs to breed.
The result? Intact males tend to wander, and some get into serious trouble. Just last month, I know of four different animals hospitalized after being struck by automobiles. All four were intact males. Male dogs and cats tend to roam and will go anywhere they think there might be a female in season.
Neutering doesn’t harm these guys. Instead, it makes them better pets. And it frees them from the instinctive drive to roam where they might be injured. Have Duke scheduled for surgery. I know you’ll be glad you did.
Q:
I heard that canned tuna fish is unhealthy for cats. Why?
A:
This is a misconception, because tuna meat is perfectly safe for kitty-cats to consume. Tuna oil is not a good idea and can be unhealthy for cats. High levels of dietary fat or oil can lead to a condition called steatorrhea, a nasty form of diarrhea. So don’t feed your cat tuna that is packed in oil. It’s not safe or healthy.
On the other hand, water-pack tuna is acceptable and safe. But it should only be used as a dietary supplement for kitties. By itself, tuna isn’t a balanced, well-rounded diet. Cats need a complete diet with a blend of the proper vitamins and minerals. Water-packed tuna is high in protein but lacks some essential vitamins and minerals so it isn’t nutritionally balanced. Stick to a commercial cat food to keep your kitty healthy. Give him a little tuna, but only as a treat.
