“The thing about climate change is, animals will do what they have to do at the right time for them,” said Jenny Clarke, president of Association for Protection Animals Algarve, wearing her winter fleece and it is just 20ºC.
Typically, our four-pawed, friendly, furry friends shed or moult twice a year. With the temperatures near to boiling, ditching one’s winter coat has to be done, gone fast! Regardless of your floor type, it will either have clumps of hair stuck to its pile, or shed loads of furry tumbleweed in the corners of the room, amassed under tables and chairs. A timely approach can help. The right combination of brushes, combs and scissors, tweezers helps (snub-nosed please!). A can of deodorant goes a long way.
Some dogs are double coated, usually canines associated with hunting in colder climes. “They are double-trouble for sure.” Jenny has had a few encounters of that kind. “Just as you think you have reached the base, the closer coat appears. Often a little bit more tangled.” It has been keeping your pooch as snug as a bug in a rug. Which also means hunting down any fleas, tics or extraneous bits of sticky stuff, tape, sweets, an odd paper clip, perhaps?
A giveaway for double coats is the paler fluffy hair being shed in clumps. Once removed after a good grooming session, the longer silkier coat will shine. Start at the top of the dog, gently holding it by its collar and work from the neck or scruff down, as gently and as smoothly as possible. Jerky harsh movements not only frighten the animal but make grooming almost a nightmare for the human. A treat or two will help! A large enough container with sealable plastic bag ensuring all the hair and debris are packed away, safe for disposal.
Don’t forget to add a spoonful or three of Omega-3 or olive oil to doggy’s food for healthy skin, hair, bones and teeth.
Events for your diary
- Friday, June 7 – He-man caves and She-girl sheds gear at Casa de Pasto A Parreirinha, in the outskirts of Odelouca. Tools and stuff for the home and garden, DIY’ers be warned! Tasty jams, preserves and exotic chutneys will still prevail. Get a refreshing cold or hot drink whilst browsing! Don’t wait, make it a date!
- APAA Ferragudo car boot sales will re-start in October.
Charity shops at Alvor and Silves, always full to bursting with bargains and goodies throughout the year. All monies raised are for their SNiP Spaying & Neutering Programme. Keeping the feral cat colonies maintained. Helping unfortunate, abandoned, often badly injured or pregnant dogs. Any ideas to help? Want to spend some time and volunteer?
APAA Jenny: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Cat colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
