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ZimDog News, can be accessed from: www.vanerp.net.

PRESS RELEASE RABIES ALERT

There have been an increasing number of Rabies infections in the stray dog population in Harare –more than 10 cases this year from most areas of Harare – Greystone Park,Mandara,Chisipite,Highlands,Greendale, Umwinsidale, Borrowdale,Pomona,Alex Park and Haig Park. These have mainly been rabid dogs, but also horses, a zebra, squirrel, bat and a duiker.

Rabies is an acute viral encephalitis , characterized by altered behaviour, aggressiveness , progressive paralysis and death. It occurs in all animals, including horses, wildlife and of course in humans. It is spread by a bite from ( or even contact with saliva from) an infected animal. Once clinical signs develop, there is no cure.

However, animals and people can be protected from infection by vaccination. People do not need regular vaccinations if their animals are vaccinated; however if they come into contact with an infected or rabid animal, vaccinations are essential as soon as possible.

In Zimbabwe, all dogs by law must be vaccinated against Rabies, starting at three months of age, then one year and thereafter every three years. Cats are vaccinated every year. The veterinary profession encourages the public to act responsibly, making sure your pets are adequately vaccinated so that you , your family and neighbours are not at risk.

Stray dogs are often picked up by members of the public and taken into SPCA or local veterinary clinics. These people are at risk of getting infected if the stray is sick with Rabies so extreme caution is needed. If a dog is seen behaving strangely, it is better to call SPCA (04-576357 ; 04-581347; 0712 211 900 ) or VAWZ (0774 168 218 ) to collect it than intervene. Once a diagnosis of Rabies is made by the Government Veterinary Department, everyone who has been in contact with that dog is contacted so that they can go for a course of rabies vaccinations. 

KEEP PETS SAFE AND HEALTHY

With the holidays upon us we have some hints to keep our pets healthy through the season. Most of these suggestions are not new, but they do bear repeating because every year at this time we are presented with sick animals with problems that are preventable.

Poisons

The primary ones encountered during the holidays are chocolate, coffee, spoiled foods, onions, grapes, raisins, bread dough (during process of rising) and houseplants. The houseplants with potential toxicity are holly, lilies, mistletoe, amaryllis and poinsettias. Most of the time ingestion with these plants causes only lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhoea, although serious disease is possible. It all depends on how much your pet eats over how long a period of time.

If you pack your decorations with mothballs make sure your remove the mothballs before hanging them on the tree or mantle. Mothballs can cause a wide array of serious problems even if ingested in small amounts.

Decorations

Pets can swallow toys and batteries. They might chew through gift wrapping, tinsel, ribbons, garland, tin foil, and ornaments. This can cause serious intestinal obstruction requiring surgical removal. Decorative lights on your tree can attract pets and lead to ingestion and a foreign body impaction along with electrocution.

Helpful Hints

• Check plants for signs of chewing

• Keep wrapped gifts that contain food away from pets

• Keep all chocolate and other toxic foods far out of reach

• Don't decorate your tree with candy, food, or edible garland

• Keep tree tinsel and ribbons out of reach, especially for cats

• Cover the Christmas tree water stand to prevent ingestion

• Cover extension cords to prevent contact

• Remind your visitors to keep their personal belongings away from your pets

• Don't feed human foods your pet does not normally eat

• Vacuum or sweep pine tree needles before they can be swallowed

• Find a secure area for your pet if you expect many strange visitors and make sure your pet cannot escape from this area.

• Know your pet’s weight and keep available the label to any medications in case you have to call.

For detailed information on specific diseases please do not hesitate to contact us.

Happy holidays from the doctors and staff at Borrowdale Lane Vet Surgery.

Zimbabwe Kennel Club:

The Zimbabwe Kennel Club office will now only be open on a Tuesday and Friday each week, 14.00-16.00 CAT. Also they will come to Kennel Club every LAST SUNDAY of each month

Telephone 0913266100  E-mail: bonwyn@mango.zw

Zimbabwe Kennel Club will be open on 10 January at their premises and will be at Kennel club on 29 January 2012

Local Shows and Fairs

SHOW RESULTS 2011

Zimbabwe Midlands Kennel Club

10 September 2011, Judge Mr Andre T Strydom [South Africa]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Salonica Eclipse of Tegwyn German Shepherd Dog Mrs A J Bowling Scott
Xela Dunstars Victory Lane Papillon Mrs P A McKinlay
Lepommier Classic Design Poodle [Standard] Miss C Martin
Ch & Ch [SA] Edale Under Cover Agent Scottish Terrier Mrs S M Holden

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Lepommier Classic Design Poodle [Standard] Miss C Martin

Working and Herding Club of Midlands

10 September 2011, Judge Mrs "Ricky" H A Gouws [South Africa]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Salonica Eclipse of Tegwyn German Shepherd Dog Mrs A J Bowling Scott
Haverhill Harko von Colnetal Dobermann Miss G M McLaughlan
Ch Rhodesenne Thyme of Tegwyn Pembroke Welsh Corgi Mrs J F Schreiber

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Haverhill Harko von Colnetal Dobermann Miss G M McLaughlan

Zimbabwe Kennel Club

10 September 2011, Judge Mrs "Liz" E Megginson [South Africa]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Ch & Ch [SA] Edale Under Cover Agent Scottish Terrier Mrs S M Holden
Haverhill Harko von Colnetal Dobermann Miss G M McLaughlan
Lepommier Classic Design Poodle [Standard] Miss C Martin
Brolea Magic Blue Star Yorkshire Terrier Mrs S Carter

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Haverhill Harko von Colnetal Dobermann Miss G M McLaughlan

Kwekwe & District Kennel Club

11 September 2011, Judge Mrs Carolyn Alexander [United States of America]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Ch & Ch [SA] Edale Under Cover Agent Scottish Terrier Mrs S M Holden
Huntingdon's Prima Donna Retriever [Labrador] Mrs J K Rosenfels
Brolea Magic Blue Star Yorkshire Terrier Mrs S Carter
Ch & Ch [Zam] Xela Ingerdorm Petita Affenpinscher Mrs P A McKinlay

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Huntingdon's Prima Donna Retriever [Labrador] Mrs J K Rosenfels

Midlands Toy Dog Club

11 September 2011, Judge Mrs "Ricky" H A Gouws [South Africa]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Brolea Magic Blue Star Yorkshire Terrier Mrs S Carter
Xela Dunstars Victory Lane Papillon Mrs P A McKinlay
Dunstars Djfalling in Love of Xela Affenpinscher Mrs P A McKinlay
Xantah Fiery Gem Pomeranian Miss H S & Mrs C H Jennings

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Dunstars Djfalling in Love of Xela Affenpinscher Mrs P A McKinlay

Kennel Club of Harare

11 September 2011, Judge Mr David Alexander [United States of America]

GRAND CHALLENGE

Ch Rhodesenne Thyme of Tegwyn Pembroke Welsh Corgi Mrs J F Schreiber
Ch & Ch [SA] Edale Under Cover Agent Scottish Terrier Mrs S M Holden
Xela Dunstars Victory Lane Papillon Mrs P A McKinlay
Ch Craignair Just as Quick of Huntingdon Retriever [Labrador] Mrs J K Rosenfels

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Haverhill Harko von Colnetal Dobermann Miss G M McLaughlan
Huntingdon's Prima Donna Retriever [Labrador] Mrs J K Rosenfels
Lepommier Classic Design Poodle [Standard] Miss C Martin
Dunstars Djfalling in Love of Xela Affenpinscher Mrs P A McKinlay

Barbara Larking of the Rottweilers? Met up with her today 22/11 

	One of the items on the program were the dressed up dogs. Some very special ideas of which two were from Charles Dickens book ‘Christmas Carol’ where they showed the Christmas past, future and the Christmas ghost as well as one with Dickens himself and two dogs, past and future. A footballing dog as well as two yorkies [reindeers] pulling father Christmas and presents in his sleigh. All were judges and the yorkies came in first place.
A Christmas stocking walking around. Giving our two judges Meryl and Margaret a hard time to choose.

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