How exactly is sterilisation done?

Female animals:
Spaying consists of removing the womb and ovaries; if the ovaries are not removed the animal continues to have periods and go into heat even though she cannot conceive; she is also vulnerable for breast cancer.
The incision is usually made in the middle of the abdominal area, but can also be on the side. Stitches are required, some dissolve and some are removed 10-14 days after surgery. The animal will also need antibiotics. Follow the vet’s instructions.

Male animals:
They have an incision made to remove both testicles. Stitches are needed for male dogs but not for male cats. The vet puts antibiotics into the empty sac and also they are administered orally.
Animals should not be fed 12 hours prior to surgery.
Sterilisation causes only minimal discomfort; the animal should be kept in a warm, quiet place following surgery to allow recovery from the anaesthetic.

Is it better for a female to have a litter before sterilisation?

Current veterinary opinion states that there is no medical reason to substantiate this idea. The bottom line is this – what will you do with the kittens and the puppies?

Is it true that after sterilisation the animal gains weight and becomes lazy?

 Any pet can get fat and lazy, but it’s not the neutering that causes it. Pets should eat the amount of food necessary to maintain proper weight, and this depends to a large part on the amount of exercise they are getting. Since pets are calmer in nature once they are sterilised, they may not need as much food as unsterilised ones.  It’s up to you to monitor their diet.

Will a sterilised animal have health problems in the future?

Sterilised animals have fewer medical problems; males avoid cancer, and females avoid breast cancer. Neutered animals have less behavioural problems, are less likely to spray, roam and fight and are less likely to run away from home. They look and act healthier and are easier for humans to live with.

Is it right to deny my pet the joy of sex?

Sterilised dogs can still indulge in sex but obviously no puppies will result. Cats and dogs do not have a sexual identity like humans; neither do they romanticise sex as love nor do they have a sexual ego.

How will I know if my animal has been poisoned?

HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS THAT AN ANIMAL HAS BEEN POISONED.
Insecticides – liquid or powder
Salivating at the mouth, excessive tears, diarrhoea, twitching muscles, trembling, asthmatic breathing, convulsion and coma.
Warfarin (Rat poison)
Sometimes there will be no symptoms for 2 or 3 days. Then red/purple/dark blue patches will appear on the body or gums, a sign of internal bleeding, and the gums will be very pale in colour.  Warfarin damages the clotting mechanism and the animal can haemorrhage from the nose, mouth, penis, vagina or rectum as well as internally.

What action must I take?

Insecticides – liquid or powder
TREATMENT:
Take the animal to a vet as soon as possible.
To give the animal the best chance of survival administer first aid as follows:

1. Induce vomiting: give salt or baking soda dissolved in warm water into the mouth.

WARNING – do not do this if the animal shows signs of nervousness such as trembling, staggering or collapse because an emetic can cause inhalation pneumonia. Continue to the next step.

1. Give an injection of atropine – 1 vial for a cat or small dog, 2 to 3 vials for larger dogs – injected into the vein (absorbed most quickly), into the muscle (absorbed less quickly) or under the skin (slowest absorption. Atropine can be obtained from your vet.

Warfarin (Rat poison)
TREATMENT: Konakion (vitamin K) injection to help clot the blood, 5-20mg, depending on the size and weight of the animal.

IMPORTANT:
An animal that has been poisoned with insecticides is very sensitive to light and noise so protect it from both; this is not the case with Warfarin. However, you may not be aware of the poison used so always keep the animal covered and as quiet as possible when transporting it to the vet.

What can I do if my pet has been killed by poison?

a) If you know the perpetrator you can prosecute. The evidence needed is:
i) a statement from a witness
ii) the name and address of the poisoner
iii) a toxicology report of the cause of death from the University of Athens or the nearest officially recognised laboratory; in some cases a statement from the attendant vet may be acceptable.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Is there an animal welfare law in Greece?
Yes! Please refer to the relevant section LAWS on our main menu.

2. There is a dead animal in the road, who is responsible for its disposal?
The local municipality and their cleansing contractors are wholly responsible for this. PLEASE DO NOT RING THE ZAWF HELP LINE.

What exactly is Kala-azar/ Leishmaniasis?

It is a protozoic infection that infects cells related to blood cells and attacks the immune system. It primarily infects dogs, wild carnivores and rodents but can also infect humans and is transmitted by an infected sand-fly. For more information please refer to Health and Related Issues on our main menu.

What is toxoplasmosis?

It is a parasitic infection which infests almost all species of mammals and birds in the world. Cats are the only animals which shed the parasite in their faeces. For more information please refer to Health and Related Issues on our main menu.

Is it safe for a pregnant woman to own a cat?

Yes of course it is. Simply follow sensible rules of hygiene.
Normal contact with you cat is not a problem for you or your baby but is always a good idea to wash your hands after contact with your pet and before eating or preparing food. You will not catch toxoplasmosis from cat’s urine, saliva or hair.

Am I allowed to keep an animal in my flat; the other tenants claim it is against regulations.

Please see article 6 of the Law no. 3170 on our main menu.

Am I allowed to take my dog to the beach with me?

According to Law 3170 of 2003, your pet can accompany you outdoors - including the beach - as long as your pet is on a lead, excrements are cleaned up and you have its health booklet in order to be able to prove that the animal has been vaccinated.

Am I allowed to let my dog go in the sea?

In Article 230, par. Z of the General Harbour Regulations (Official Government Gazette 912/11-10-99) it is defined as " The presence of animals and their bathing is forbidden in areas where there are bathers".  The violation is set with a 50 - 150 euro fine( the amount is determined by the port authority). Nevertheless, we  were able to find a loophole for those  who don't wish to deprive their pet of the refreshing exercise that a swim offers.  The circular «Ì.Ö. 3111.10/1/93/20-05-93» of the Administration of Port Police of the Marine Traffic Information Services states that the above prohibition does not include secluded areas, even if bathers are present; please be aware, however, that the definition ‘secluded’ will be open to interpretation.

Who is responsible for the welfare of strays in Greece?

Please refer to article 7 of the Law no. 3170 on our main menu.