A nation of Dog Lovers?

Author: Stephanie Bayliss

A nation of dog lovers?

Here in the UK, we like to think of ourselves as a nation of dog lovers. But according to a study commissioned by the Dogs Trust Charity, local authorities kill 150 stray dogs every week in the UK because their owners cannot be traced or a new home can't be found.

As dog lovers, what can we do to make a difference and prevent this from happening? It seems like such a huge feat to overcome such a massive number, but we can make a difference; perhaps just a small difference, but it all counts.

According to the Dogs Trust, the most effective way of reducing these numbers is through the use of neutering and micro chipping.

Neutering

Neutering is an extremely common procedure that your vet will carry out under general anaesthetic. In the majority of cases, your dog will be ready to come home with you on the same day and will be fully recovered within a few weeks.

Many of the dogs picked up as strays by Local Authorities are un-neutered males. Often, they will pick up on the scent of an in-season bitch, and they will escape to try and find her. Bitches may also be frustrated when in season and will look to find a mate.

Neutering can also have a positive effect on the health and well being of your much-loved pooch. Un-neutered females can suffer from mammary tumors and an infection of the womb, called a Pyometra. Both of these can, at best, be costly to treat, and at worst can be fatal. Un-neutered males are at risk of developing Testicular cancer. Neutering is also believed to assist with behavioural problems in both dogs and bitches.

Micro-chipping

When a dog is micro-chipped, a chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted beneath the skin. The micro-chip has an unique identification number, which can be read using a scanner. This is a painless procedure for the dog and is relatively in-expensive and just think; if everyone did it, the problem of stray dogs would be no more. Look out for schemes from your Local Authority, offering cut price, or even free micro-chipping!!

Remember: By law, your dog must wear an identification tag, even if he is micro-chipped!

So, do your bit! Get your dog neutered and micro-chipped and spread the word around the park! For more articles like this please visit Kennel Corner .

About the author: Stephanie has written many articles on dog training which can be found at the Kennel Corner website .