The Glens Veterinary Hospital

I’ve just realised my pet is not in my house or yard. I think they are missing – what should I do?!

Pets can go missing for many reasons: jumping out of the car when you’re making a pitstop, running after other dogs while at the dog park, escaping the yard during a thunderstorm, or even an indoor cat finding herself outside, feeling disoriented and hiding somewhere nearby. It’s a terrifying experience to realise that the dog or cat you assumed was at home… is nowhere to be found. 

Whether your pet has had emergency surgery (after a medical emergency, or injury in a fight or accident) or an elective procedure (like a spay or neuter), they will need time to return to relative normal after being under anaesthesia and for their wounds to heal. It’s imperative to support their healing process in an optimal way. The vet will monitor your pet for a short time after the operation, but the post-operative care at home is your responsibility – to manage your pet’s recovery and healing to ensure they are healthy and thriving once again.

I wish I could prevent my pets from getting sick – both for their health and for my budget. Is there a way to prevent pet illnesses?

Many pet owners will only contact the vet when their dog or cat has a health emergency; when their pets get sick enough to warrant treatment from a veterinary professional. Whether these vet visits are for injuries or emergency treatment for an illness, veterinary care is often seen as the very last resort. These emergency visits may also come with a hefty bill because the pet owners are inclined to wait to see if their pet will get better on their own. Unfortunately, the pet’s health deteriorates and the more advanced the illness gets, the more intensive (and expensive) the treatment becomes to cure them. 

South Africa has the perfect temperate climate to keep dogs and cats safely comfortable during all seasons. However, in some parts of the country, it can get very cold in winter and very hot in summer. During weather extremes, we need to be aware of pets’ wellbeing: are they warm enough or cool enough? How do they keep themselves warm or cool themselves down, and what can we do to ensure they are not freezing or overheating?

Time flies when you’re having fun – especially with a beloved dog or cat. Pets make our long days not only bearable, but worthwhile, and sharing affection with a pet helps us return to the moment when we’re anxious or overwhelmed. The only problem with pets is that they too get old, slow down, require additional special care, and a different approach to their health and wellbeing. 

Having your pets sterilised is the most responsible thing you can do for them and for the pet population in South Africa as a whole. In this article, we answer your questions about pet sterilisation and aim to put your mind at ease that spaying and neutering your pets is the right thing to do for their health and for your benefit.

What does pet sterilisation mean?

Sterilisation refers to the surgical removal of your female pet’s ovaries and uterus (spaying) or your male pet’s testicles (neutering). This is done to prevent your female pet from going on heat and to prevent male pets from reacting to females’ heat cycles. 

As a pet owner, the veterinary clinic or animal hospital is your first port of call when your pet is showing concerning symptoms, and you are seeking a diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. The veterinarian’s main objective is to ensure your pet receives quality care that restores and even improves their health and wellbeing. We love animals and we want to see them well again – as much as you do.