When the poor pooch was discovered its coat was so matted the man who found him initially could not tell if he was alive or not.
Upon closer inspection, the man realised the dog was breathing but terrified so decided to take the animal home with him.
However, after a week the man released the Shih Tzu needed more help than he could provide so took him to a vet, at which point the RSPCA was called. The dog, now named Ashton, after where he was discovered, was rushed to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for emergency veterinary treatment. Once at the hospital vets shaved around 10% of Ashton’s bodyweight off in matted fur to allow him to move freely. They also discovered Ashton, who is thought to be around six years old, is blind in one eye due to glaucoma and has very little sight in the other due to cataracts.Sprinkle parsley on your dog's food for fresher breath.
Reduce Stress. Dr. Becker notes, “The key is to reduce anxiety triggers.” If you have a vet visit, “don’t get the carrier out the night before,” give them a few days to get prepared. If they’re nervous alone or travelling, play soothing music, or draw the shades. The less stimulus pets receive from the outside world, the less anxiety they’ll have about events outside their control.
‘Staff had to shave off 1.3 kilograms of matted fur – which was 10% of his overall body weight – as this was preventing him from moving and causing him suffering.’
Spay and neuter your pet. Studies have shown that pets that are spayed and neutered live healthier, longer lives. Plus, spayed a neutered pets are less likely to develop behavior problems.
Ryan said while Ashton was ‘doing well in himself’ it was clear he had been cared for properly.
‘Ashton was clearly neglected and it appears that instead of seeking help for their pet the owner decided to dump him and left him in a very vulnerable position as he couldn’t see or walk – he would have been terrified in such an unknown environment, Ryan said.
Ben Faulkner, manager at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, said when Ashton arrived at the hospital he was in a ‘terrible state with matted fur and blindness’.
Did you hear that? Sound frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the Hertz, the higher-pitched the sound. Dogs hear best at 8,000 Hz, while humans hear best at around 2,000 Hz.
‘Sometimes matting can cut off blood supply to limbs and in some cases dogs left in this state have had to have amputations,’ Ben said.
‘Fortunately, this was not the case although the dog had overgrown nails and one was curling into the paw pad which would have caused considerable suffering.
‘He was also found to have multiple eye conditions which will require further examinations and possible removal and had ear infections in both ears which he is now receiving treatment for.’
Following Ashton’s discovery, the RSPCA is appealing for information to help track down his owner.To remove pet hair from upholstery, dampen a rubber glove and run your gloved hand over it. The latex/rubber will attract the hair.
Anyone with information that can help the investigation should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .
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