The Time To Say Goodbye

Kenilworth Vet

Euthanasia is never an easy decision but it isn’t one you have to make alone.

A few weeks ago we had to put our 15-year-old cat ‘Tugger’ to sleep. He had become seriously ill and was deteriorating fast. We couldn’t do any more to help him and although it was a traumatic decision to make, we knew euthanasia was the right one.

Euthanasia is a difficult subject particularly as it usually crops up when we are in a fragile emotional state. In this article I hope to show you that although it is possibly one of the toughest decisions you will ever make, it can also be the ultimate gift of friendship and compassion that you can bestow upon your pet.

Why Euthanasia?

There are many reasons why an owner may consider euthanasia. The most common one being that your pet is no longer able to live a happy, healthy, pain free life. This may be because of:

Serious injury or illness

• Your pet may be suffering from an injury or illness that cannot be treated or that it will not recover from adequately in order to live a normal life.

• The treatment of your pet’s condition may be beyond your reach financially.

• Your pet may no longer be responding to medication your Veterinarian has prescribed and is in pain or has lost mobility.

Old Age

Old age is not a reason to put your pet to sleep. However, certain conditions that accompany ageing may be.

• When your pet can no longer enjoy the things it used to and appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure  i.e.:  on walks, playing etc,            

• When your pet is no longer responsive to you and/or is unable to maintain itself hygienically

• When your pet no longer has a decent quality of life.       

 

Behavioral Issues

Inappropriate behavior can most often than not be sorted out either with the help of medication from your Vet or the assistance of a reputable animal behaviorist. However, there are some issues that can’t be solved such as severe aggression where an animal puts people or other animals at risk.

When do I know the time is right?

This is the most common question we are asked, particularly by owners who have pets with deteriorating conditions.  If you have started to think about euthanasia then your instincts are telling you things are not going to get better for your pet. Try asking yourself the following:

• how keen is your pet to eat?

• how responsive is your pet to you when you call or stroke it?

• how mobile is your pet? Is movement a source of pain and discomfort?

• does your pet experience pain when being handled

• does you pet pant constantly or drink large quantities of water?

• is your pet losing body weight and condition?

• is your pet happy, does it have a good quality of life?

Remember this isn’t a decision you need to make alone; speak to your family members and don’t forget your Vet. Your Vet, apart from having experience, will probably have known your pet for some time and will be able to help and advise you. Try not to be selfish! Don’t let your pet suffer unnecessarily. They deserve more from you.

What Happens Next?

When you have come to your decision the next step is to organize things. Some Veterinarian’s will do a house visit to euthanase a pet but this can sometimes be more traumatic for everyone including your pet. So think carefully before choosing this option. Here is a list of things to consider:

• Find out when your Vet practice is quiet. Choose either the first or last appointment of a consulting session. You won’t have to wait and you won’t have to face crowds of people in the waiting room.

• Book a double appointment so you have time to spend with your pet.

• Don’t go alone. Try to take someone with you who can be supportive and drive you home if necessary.

• Decide if you want your pet to be buried or cremated, whether you want ashes returned or not and how much each option costs. Do this beforehand so that you can tell the receptionist when you book your appointment.

• Most decent practises will not ask you to pay at the time of the appointment but you will have to settle your account at some point and returning to the practice can be upsetting. Organise an EFT or pay in advance to avoid the any further stress.

How is it done?

Euthanasia is carried out when an animal is given an intravenous injection containing an overdose of a drug that is similar to those used to induce general anaesthesia. The chemical stops heart and brain activity causing instant loss of consciousness the animal passes from this deep sleep into death without any experience of pain. This happens in seconds.

Death is something that is hard to come to terms with but sometimes we are forced to consider not only our own mortality but that of our pets. Certain things may happen after your pet is put to sleep that can be distressing. It is important to remember your pet is no longer able to experience pain; these are normal processes that the body undergoes after death.

• agonal gasps - your pet may appear to ‘carry on breathing’ . This is caused by a reflex of the diaphragm and is not a conscious act.

• shakes and shivers are common and are also reflexes as the muscles are deprived of oxygen

•  your pet may whimper or cry as the injection is administered.

This is a rare side effect of the drug and is not a conscious act, your pet is not in pain. 

After they have gone

Give yourself time to grieve.  I am sure you felt it was a privilege to have your pet in your life. Whether your pet was with you through thick and thin or was just a brief but important feature in your life.  They were always there for you; they never answered back, gave so much and asked for so little. Our pets are a huge comfort to us and losing them can be devastating.  Those around you may not understand how you feel, it is important to find a family member or friend who is supportive. Remember that staff members at your Veterinary practice are always there to listen with a compassionate ear. 

Should I Get Another Pet?

There are so many reasons why each of us are pet owners. The decision to get another pet after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. You will never replace the pet you have lost. No two animals are ever the same, they each have their own funny behaviours and traits. Getting another companion animal is not a betrayal of the pet you have lost. It merely shows that you have enough compassion and love to climb on the roller coaster and ride it again! 

Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village

Principal's Pen - COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES

Compliance certificates - (Unknown costs and a grudge purchase for sellers)

The matter of compliance certificates (COC) can from time to time be a contentious issue leaving a bad taste in the Sellers mouth.

Beetle, electrical, plumbing, electrified fencing and gas (if applicable) certificates of compliance are a prerequisite in most sales agreements.

Unless otherwise agreed, it is the seller's responsibility to arrange and pay for the respective inspections plus the associated repair work in order to have the property comply with the regulations set out by the municipality. It is up to the seller to decide who he/she wishes to call in to do the inspections. Some opt for individual contractors and others for the convenience of the larger firms, which can manage all inspections and
repair work under one umbrella.

In most cases sellers go ahead with the sale and once conditions like bond approval etc have been met they then attend to the inspections. While this is fine, sometimes sellers are shocked to see that the inspection report reveals far more work and far greater costs than expected. The electricity is usually the biggest culprit! Older homes can attract greater expenses, but some times even new builds can be affected due to ever changing regulations or poor workmanship.

To avoid surprises there is always the option of the seller going ahead with the inspections before listing the property on the market. Remember, one need not proceed with the actual work, but being armed with the reports and quotes can be helpful in assessing ones financial position in advance.

Also to remember is that most contractors are prepared to wait until transfer for their money i.e. the seller can go ahead with the compliance work and settle the contractor from the proceeds of the sale. The transferring attorney usually manages this on the seller's behalf.

In cases where a seller has only owned the property for a short time and feels aggrieved by a high quote it would be advisable to go back to the company that did the previous compliance work to establish if the law has since changed or if indeed their workmanship and/or material used was at
that point compliant.

Points to remember:

• The seller is legally obligated to arrange for the compliance certificates
• Beetle is not a "legal" prerequisite, but is usually required by the financial institutions
• As a seller, having a copy of the past COC might be handy. These can be obtained from the transferring attorneys who attended to the sale previously
• It can be prudent to do the inspections prior to going to market
• The seller need not proceed with the work until a later point once the sale is complete
• Some certificates (like beetle) have a shelf life so beware of doing it too soon
• It's the sellers prerogative as to their choice of contractor
• Inspections should be thorough and are not for free like a regular quote
• Second opinions are likely to be considered as inspections and will attract fees
• Reports and quotes are frequently not released until inspection fees have been settled
• In most cases you can opt to pay the company later i.e. from the proceeds of the sale
• Regulations change and therefore so do the compliance prerequisites
• Even recently bought and re-sold properties can attracted costs
• Short cuts can be costly and attract come backs

Here are links to some of the bigger firms used by many estate agencies:
Bugs and Sparks - http://www.bugsandsparks.co.za
Inspecto - http://www.inspecto.co.za
DOSS - http://www.edoss.co.za

For an example of the terms and conditions for one of the firms as well as their detailed check list of what is required to be compliant, click here.

For further advice on this matter or for you additional property needs please don't hesitate to contact us. Valuations are free of charge and remember our services extend from Rondebosch, Claremont, Harfield, Kenilworth and Plumstead to Tokai.

Past sales
Testimonials
Industry partners

Give your area specialist a call:
021-6741120 – www.norgarb.co.za – info@norgarb.co.za    

To see what we have on sale click here

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN CATS: Inappropriate House Soiling

So, your cat has started urinating and/or defecating around the house. It is a bad situation for everyone, especially the cat so let's look at why these normally fastidious creatures sometimes fail in the bathroom department.

These problems often fall into two categories:

House soiling
This is when a cat that has normally been reliable at using the litter tray or the big outdoors suddenly begins to urinate and defecate around the house. They may choose a particular spot and return to it repeatedly or use different 'favourite' areas of the house.

Things to consider:
The most important thing is to rule out any underlying medical problems the cat may have. Any one of the medical issues listed below could contribute to your cats changing behaviour. So it is important to get him/her checked out thoroughly and quickly before the behaviour becomes a habit.

• FIC – Feline Idiopathic cystitis
• cystitis
• blocked bladder
• kidney disease
• thyroid problems
• gastrointestinal conditions
• old age; arthritis ,mobility problems
• senility

Litter box aversions
Your cat may just not like the litter box; the litter you are using or the area the litter box has been placed. Below is a list of things to consider regarding the litter tray:

• is it cleaned regularly - does it smell good
• is it easy for your cat to get into the box
• what type of litter is used (try different ones) 
• is your cat afraid to use the box i.e.: is it harassed by other house hold pets when using the tray or is it in a busy area of the house
• is it close to where you feed your cat

Cats are incredibly sensitive to change so keep this in mind when ruling out possible causes.

Marking or spraying
This is a form of territory marking and is completely different from your cat just going to the bathroom. Your cat will not squat but will remain standing with their tail raised and spray against vertical objects like furniture, walls etc. Only very occasional a cat will mark territory with faeces.

This sort of behaviour often occurs when your cat is stressed. There may be a new cat in the area or new pet in the home that is threatening your cat's territory. New furniture or carpet smells can prompt a cat to spray in the house but it can also be a result of frustration – with your cat not receiving enough stimulation or playtime. Sometimes there may be an issue with diet.

The most important thing to remember is your cat is not spraying in the house to be spiteful!

What can you do?

• Get your cat checked over thoroughly by your Vet to rule out a medical problem.
• Try to establish, if possible, why your cat is spraying or urinating in the house. Look out for perceived threats etc. and try to avert them. You can close up the cat flap at night so no intruders can get in.
• If your cat is going to the bathroom in a particular spot like a pot plant or piece of carpet, try moving a litter tray to the spot or using soil in the tray or an old piece of carpet! You can also try to restrict access to the area.
• Use odour removers and repellent sprays to mask the scent. This will hopefully discourage the cat's return. Your Vet will be able to advise you as to what products are effective.
• If your cat has a problem act quickly before the behaviour becomes a habit.
• Call in a professional animal behaviourist who will be able to assess the situation in your home.

Domestic cats live in an incredibly stressful environment these days with many cats living in close proximity, all vying for their little bit of territory. Pop into the practice and take the Hills Stress Test to see how your cat copes with stress!

Kenilworth Vet, Harfield Village            

STRAY AND FERAL CATS - the story of human neglect

No matter where you live in the world, be it in a city or a rural area, you will find stray and feral cats.

These cats are often seen as a nuisance and a threat to domestic cats living in the area.

In some places they are looked upon as an asset, controlling unwanted vermin and can even be a tourist attraction, think of the cats in Greece!

But where do they come from and how do we deal successfully and humanely with this man made problem?

What is the difference between a stray and feral cat?

STRAYS

• these cats are socialized, enjoy human contact but have lost their home or were abandoned
• as their contact with humans dwindles over time they will become less dependant on and wary of people
• they can be successfully rescued and re-homed

FERAL CATS

• these cats are usually the offspring of strays 
• they have never had human contact as kittens and are therefore fearful of people
• they have only ever survived outdoors
• FERAL KITTENS CAN be socialized if rescued at an early age
• Feral cats are blamed for needless hunting but actually are not able to survive on hunting alone

HOW DO WE CONTROL THE PROBLEM?
Once again there are differing opinions as to how to deal with communities of cats living on the streets. There are those who advocate euthanasia as the only solution in controlling the problem but research has shown that fortunately this is not the answer. As soon as a population on cats is
removed another group will move into the territory. We, and many organisations around the world prefer to promote the TNR (trap, neuter, release) method of control.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here in Cape Town we work with the Cat Trapping and Sterilization Network. The CTSN trap feral and stray cats, have them sterilized by various veterinarians and then either release them back onto the street or where possible re-home them. The CTSN also feed and monitor feral cat colonies and
will trap any animal that appears sick or debilitated. This is an important part of controlling a feral colony.

REMEMBER! 
JUST FEEDING A STRAY CAT COLONY DOES NOT HELP BUT MAY WORSEN THE PROBLEM.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

• If you have a stray cat or a number of stray cats in your neighbourhood that are causing a problem contact the CTSN. It may take time but they should be able to trap and sterilize the cats and release them or rehome them.
• Sterilize your cats - be a responsible owner
• If you are feeding a 'stray' cat already, check that it is sterilized or have it sterilized - be a responsible caregiver. If you need help contact the CTSN.
• DONATE! Time, money, food to the CTSN they do truly amazing work

IN SUMMEOWRY!

• Stray and feral cats exist because we have let our feline friends down!
• Feral cats can be successfully reintroduced into the environment they came from
• In some cases feral cats can be relocated to areas that need pest control
• Most feral cats will always be wild and will never be happy in a home
• Sterilized feral cats can lead a long healthy life and will not be a threat to domestic cats
• For more information look contact june bradbury at www.cattrapping.co.za.

Kenilworth Vet, Harfield Village

Principal's Pen - Should I renovate before I sell?

Firstly, we need to define the word “renovate” and then we need to talk money. There is a difference between minor improvement and deliberate structural or extension work in order to maximise ones return on a property investment. For those who know what they are doing, development and “fixer uppers” can be a profitable game, but not always for the faint hearted.

Cosmetic changes on the other hand can go a long way in terms of making that best first impression for a future buyer. In most cases this is well worth the effort, but one does need to be cautious about the spend too. A quick lick of paint, replacement of that rotten fascia board, a sparkling pool or garden clean up are certainly recommended. On the flip side though, in cases where a house is old or neglected it’s easy to get carried away and overspend on what starts off as a “touch up” and ends off as a serious home improvement job. Much like opening that packet of salt and vinegar chips and thinking you will only eat a handful of them.

Remember a home is a personal thing. So before you go throwing money at it perhaps it’s worth bearing in mind that unusually coloured walls and garden gnomes might be your flavour, but not necessarily everyone else’s cup of tea. It’s generally advisable to “de-personalize” as much as possible. And yes de-clutter too!

Whether it is your intention to go the full Monty or just titivate, we highly recommend you call in a professional estate agent to assist you in your decision making process. We are in and out of properties every other day and know what the buyers out there are saying or looking for. If you are looking to make long term decisions or planning to sell in the near future, either way we will gladly pop in for a visit. It’s free advice with no further obligations at all.

BREAKING NEWS: Prime interest rates go up to 9.25%. Homeowners, already hard-pressed to manage the rising costs of living, can take only small comfort in the mild interest rate hike of 0.25%, which will take the repo rate up to 5.75% and the prime lending rate to 9.25%.

www.norgarb.co.za | 021-674110 | Claremont to Tokai

This is a question we are frequently called in to advise on and for good reason too!

Nearly every property is unique as are the personal and financial circumstances of the owner. There are, however, some rules of thumb that could be considered.

BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN PETS

Separation Anxiety
Does your dog fret when you leave home? Bark incessantly or is destructive? Then it could be suffering from separation anxiety.

What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is triggered when a dog become upset when separated from
its owner. It can display a variety of negative behaviours such as:

• the dog may be disruptive or destructive
• the dog might urinate, defecate in the house
• may bark or howl incessantly
• may chew and /or dig in an attempt to escape
• may drool and show anxiety when owners prepare to leave the house

What triggers this behaviour?

• There are various theories as to why dogs develop separation anxiety:
• The dog believes it is the 'pack' leader and that it is responsible for the welfare of its owner. When the owner leaves without the dog, it is impossible for the dog to be caretaker, which causes the dog stress.
• The dog may have experienced the loss of an important person, or the company of another pet previously, particularly if it is a rescue dog.
• A change from the normal home routine i.e.; owner no longer works from home, or spends a greater time away from home.
• Changing homes or a change in the family.

How can you help your dog?

• Take charge by being the leader: many behavioural problems arise from a lack of leadership by the owner.
• Encourage your dog to be confident and independent by trying to find a happy balance between respect for his leader (you), enjoying your companionship and attention and being alone.
• Don't let your dog follow you around constantly at home . Your dog needs to learn that it is ok to be alone. Send him to his basket or blanket and give him 'chill time'.
• Teach your dog to be relaxed when he is away from you i.e.; place his basket in another room and send him to it with a chew or a favourite toy so it's not a punishment but treat time!
• Try to retrain your dog to understand that your absences are normal.
• Don't give your anxious dog too much attention - he needs to learn independence.

If your dog is suffering from mild separation anxiety the following retraining may help:

If he gets anxious when you prepare to leave:

• Pick up car keys, put on your jacket etc but don't go anywhere! Sit and watch TV or potter about the house for a while. Then put the keys down and take off your coat. If you do this often your dog will no longer associate these things with your departure.
• Do trial run departures; go out for 5 minutes and then come back gradually increasing the amount of time you are away, do it randomly so your dog cant guess when you will be back!
• Give your dog a toy puzzle with treats inside (a Kong works really well) when you leave to keep him busy when you go out.
• Don't make a big fuss when you leave or when you return

Speak to the hand! Ignore your dog!

"When you give a separation-anxious dog attention, dole it out in very brief increments. One second can be enough."

Dogs that have anxiety issues are often constantly in need of attention. 
You need to learn to ration your attention to help him understands that:
a) he can survive without you
b) you are the boss

• If your dog approaches you for affection ignore him for a few minutes until he gives up, then YOU ask him to come to you and give him love and a treat.
• Give your dog attention when he is being good to reinforce positive behaviour i.e.; when resting in his bed or favourite spot and is relaxed.
• It is better not to allow an anxious dog to sit on your lap (rather at your feet) sleep in your bed (rather in his own bed in your room) at least until he has gained some independence from you and has overcome its separation anxiety.

Use training to help build your dog's confidence: don't let your dog train you!

• A dog will do whatever works to get your attention- barking, scratching and performing - try to ignore it don't even make eye contact!
• Basic obedience training such as sit, stay, down if used every day can really build your dogs confidence. Remember always reward your dog for good behaviour with small titbits.
• If you have the time join an obedience group
• Exercise - it is so important for your dog's mind and body to be exercised with regular walks, runs or swims and it helps to use up all that extra energy!

Make home a safe haven.

• Make sure that the dog has quiet, comfortable places around the house that he can go to and feel safe whether it is his bed or just a blanket or cushion, somewhere with familiar smells. Dogs need to have a base.
• If you listen to the radio, music or have a TV going when your home it may help to leave it on when you go out

And so if all else fails..
Behavioural problems can be a nightmare and you may need to consult a professional behaviourist that can observe yours and your dog's behaviour in your home. There are also medications that can be prescribed by your Veterinarian that can ease your dog's anxiety.

PLEASE REMEMBER!
Your dog is not behaving badly in order to punish you - so don't punish him! Even if you come home to a real mess, punishing your dog after the fact will mean nothing to him. ALWAYS reward positive behaviour, be patient, get professional help but don't give up on your dog. He would never give up on
you.

Kenilworth Vet, Harfield Village

Principal's Pen - AREA SPECIALIST

Choosing an estate agent can be a daunting task.

A property is often ones most valuable asset and thus it's essential that you are in safe, capable and trustworthy hands when it comes to making
real-estate decisions.

Doing your homework and calling an area specialist is the way to start. With numerous agents in the area claiming this title it's not always easy to deduce who is who in the property zoo. Market share is the obvious tell-tale sign and consistent market share at that!

There were 6 sales recorded in Harfield Village this past May. Norgarb Properties sold 4 of them translating to a whopping 67% market share. In addition, Norgarb took an average of 1 day to sell each of them and sellers enjoyed, on average, a staggering 0.7% difference between the list price and
actual selling price.

To do your homework on Norgarb's credibility click on the respective links below:

Past sales
Testimonials
Industry partners

Give your area specialist a call:
021-6741120 – www.norgarb.co.za – info@norgarb.co.za