Companion Animal Welfare Flashcards
describe key welfare concerns for dogs
Dogs, like all animals, have welfare needs that must be met in order to maintain good physical and mental health. Some of the key welfare concerns for dogs include:
Adequate nutrition: Dogs require a balanced and appropriate diet in order to maintain good health. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, malnutrition, and digestive issues.
Physical exercise: Dogs are active animals that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Lack of physical exercise can lead to obesity, boredom, and behavioral problems.
Socialization and mental stimulation: Dogs are social animals that require socialization and mental stimulation in order to maintain good mental health. Isolation or lack of socialization can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems.
Medical care: Regular veterinary care is essential for maintaining a dog’s physical health. Lack of medical care can lead to untreated illnesses and injuries that can cause pain and suffering.
Proper housing and living conditions: Dogs require a safe and comfortable living environment that meets their physical and behavioral needs. Overcrowding, lack of shelter, and exposure to extreme temperatures are all welfare concerns for dogs.
Training and management: Proper training and management are essential for ensuring a dog’s safety and well-being. Lack of training or improper training can lead to behavioral problems, aggression, and other welfare concerns.
describe key welfare concerns for cats
Inadequate nutrition: Cats require a specific diet that includes high levels of protein and fats, as well as certain vitamins and minerals. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to health issues, such as obesity and malnutrition.
Lack of veterinary care: Cats need regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and check-ups, to maintain good health and prevent illness.
Overpopulation: Millions of cats are euthanized every year due to overpopulation. It is important to spay and neuter cats to prevent unwanted litters.
Lack of environmental enrichment: Cats need opportunities to express natural behaviors, such as hunting and scratching, in order to maintain their physical and mental health.
Lack of socialization: Cats are social animals and need regular interaction with humans and other cats to be happy and healthy. Isolation and lack of socialization can lead to behavior problems and other health issues.
Abandonment: Cats that are abandoned or stray are at risk for injury, illness, and death.
Inappropriate euthanasia: Euthanasia should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian and only in cases where the animal is suffering from a serious illness or injury that cannot be treated. Euthanasia should never be used as a means of convenience or to solve behavior problems.
describe key welfare concerns for other common pet species
Rabbits: Rabbits are social animals and require adequate space to exercise and explore, as well as appropriate hiding places and toys to keep them mentally stimulated. They also have unique dietary needs and require a high-fiber diet that includes hay. Overgrown teeth can be a serious welfare issue, and regular veterinary checkups are essential.
Guinea pigs: Like rabbits, guinea pigs require plenty of space to move around, as well as hiding places and toys. They also have specific dietary requirements and need a consistent source of vitamin C. Overgrown teeth and nails can also be welfare concerns.
Birds: Birds require a stimulating environment with plenty of space to fly, climb, and explore. They also require appropriate perches, toys, and access to fresh water and a variety of foods. Birds can be sensitive to environmental changes, including temperature and humidity, and should be housed in an appropriate location.
Fish: Fish require a suitable environment with appropriate water quality, temperature, and lighting. Overcrowding, poor water quality, and inadequate filtration can all impact fish welfare. They also require a varied diet that includes appropriate nutrients.
Reptiles: Reptiles require specific environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity, to thrive. Inadequate housing and improper lighting can lead to serious health issues, including metabolic bone disease. Reptiles also have specific dietary requirements that need to be met to maintain their health and welfare.
Welfare issues with dog breeding
Overbreeding: Uncontrolled and excessive breeding can lead to an overpopulation of dogs, resulting in many dogs being abandoned or euthanized.
Inbreeding and genetic diseases: Breeding closely related dogs can result in inherited genetic diseases, which can cause pain, suffering, and a shortened lifespan.
Physical deformities: Breeding for exaggerated physical traits such as flat faces in brachycephalic breeds can lead to chronic health problems, such as breathing difficulties, eye problems, and spinal issues.
Puppy mills: Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritize profits over animal welfare. Dogs are often kept in crowded, unsanitary conditions, leading to poor health and socialization issues.
Lack of socialization: Puppies that are not adequately socialized can develop behavioural problems, including fear, anxiety, and aggression.
Lack of exercise and mental stimulation: Dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their physical and mental health. Failure to provide adequate exercise and stimulation can lead to obesity, behavioural problems, and poor welfare.
Lack of veterinary care: Failure to provide regular veterinary care can result in undiagnosed and untreated medical conditions, leading to pain and suffering.
Examples of non-conformational disorders in dogs
Selective breeding in dogs has been associated with various non-conformational disorders, such as:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): This is a respiratory disorder seen in flat-faced dog breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. The shortening of the skull and muzzle in these breeds can result in narrowed airways, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Hip dysplasia: This is a common skeletal disorder in many large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. It is caused by malformation of the hip joint, leading to painful arthritis and lameness.
Patellar luxation: This is a common orthopedic disorder seen in many toy and small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers. It is characterized by a dislocation of the kneecap, causing pain and lameness.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This is a spinal disorder seen in many small breed dogs such as Dachshunds, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus. The condition is characterized by degeneration and herniation of the intervertebral discs, leading to pain and paralysis.
Congenital deafness: This is a hereditary condition that affects many dog breeds such as Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers. It is caused by the absence of hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear, leading to partial or complete hearing loss.
What is physical neotony
Physical neotony refers to the retention of juvenile physical traits into adulthood, which can occur through selective breeding or genetic mutations.
Health issues of physical neotony
health issues such as breathing difficulties, dental problems, and skin folds that are prone to infections. Additionally, physical neotony may be associated with behavioral neotony, which refers to the retention of juvenile behaviors and tendencies into adulthood, potentially leading to a decreased ability to cope with stress and environmental challenges.
Problems regarding brachycephalia
Risk of eye prolapse
Entropion risk
Impaired eyelid closure
Impaired tear drainage ( causes tear overflow)
Skinfold infections in facial folds
Dental overcrowding
Difficulty breathing
Brain presses on back on skull
