Don’t Skimp On Pet Care During Recession

MEDIA RELEASE
12 February 2009

Don’t Skimp On Pet Care During Recession

Hard financial times may lead pet owners to skimp on the health care and well being of their cats or dogs, says a leading pet care company. Country Manager for Nestlé Purina, Mr John Purdon, says that recent SPCA statistics of abandoned cats and dogs are not the only effect of the economic downturn on New Zealand pets.

“When times are tough, most owners will not stop buying their cat or dog the pet food they love, but there are some important health care needs that may not be undertaken because they are thought to be too expensive or unnecessary,” says Mr Purdon.

Desexing
Mr Purdon says that desexing is one of the most important things pet owners can do, but is often avoided due to its expense. “Thousands of unwanted kittens and puppies are abandoned or brought into animal rescue organisations each year simply because too many dogs and cats are being allowed to breed without care or thought of the consequences.” Mr Purdon says that desexing is not only vital for controlling the population of unwanted animals in the community; it is also better for a pet’s health. “Research shows that desexing dogs and cats reduces risks of some cancers and can assist in controlling unsociable behaviours like roaming, territory marking and aggression.”

Behaviour
Mr Purdon says that behavioural problems in pets can also lead to the tragic situations of abandonment or maltreatment by owners facing already difficult times. “Behavioural problems in dogs, such as excessive barking or destruction of your property, can cause undue stress in a household. It’s best to deal with problems before they get worse and lead to tragic outcomes like the ones we have seen in recent times. “For basic training, check out obedience classes that are available through your local Dog Clubs, or for more severe problems, consult with an animal behaviourist for professional advice,” says Mr Purdon.

Regular health checks
Mr Purdon says that a regular health check-up for pets is another common casualty of hard
economic times. “Keeping parasite treatments and vaccinations current is vitally important for protecting your cat or dog from a number of serious and potentially life threatening diseases, such as distemper, hepatitis and kennel cough.” “A check-up from your veterinarian is the simplest and best way to ensure your pet is happy and content throughout their life. Take good care of your pet, and they will continue to care for you as a loving companion through a financially tough year.” For more information on health and wellbeing for pets, Purina recommends the following web sites:

www.canineproblemsolutions.co.nz
- Helpful advice from a trained canine behaviour specialist
www.doglinks.co.nz
- A portal for everything to do with dogs and dog care in New Zealand
www.purina.co.nz
- Information on Purina’s full range of quality pet food for a balanced diet

ENDS

© Scoop Media