RSPCA Radcliffe launches Adoptober and highlights the importance of pets' well-being
A charity is highlighting the importance of pets’ mental well-being after an increase in pet ownership during the pandemic, as part of its Adoptober campaign.
Throughout the month of October the RSPCA is urging people to 'Adopt Don’t Shop' and shines a light on the rescue animals looking for their forever homes.
The past year saw a huge surge in pet ownership and the RSPCA rehomed 28,740 animals — with 533 rehomed in Nottinghamshire.
To help out all the new pet owners, the Adoptober scheme is offering advice on understanding how pets are feeling, in a bid to keep the nation's pets happy and healthy and prevent animals from needing rehoming.
Dr Sam Gaines, head of the companion animals team at the RSPCA, said: “There has been a boom in pet ownership during the pandemic and whilst it’s great to see so many pets becoming a real source of comfort during the last year, it’s important that we remember that our mental health can impact on that of our pets and we need to make sure we consider their mental health and know how they are feeling.
“From changes in their behaviour to their body language, our pets can give us insight into their mental wellbeing and it’s important that as pet owners we know how to spot these signs and act on them.”
As dog owners go back to offices, the charity is concerned that some dogs may struggle to adapt to being left alone for short periods.
One of the major reasons that dogs are relinquished is due to behaviour problems and research suggests that 85% of dogs may be affected by separation-related behaviours, which is why it's important to be able to spot the signs if your dog is unhappy.
The RSPCA suggested signs of an unhappy dog include a low body posture and head, tucked tail and ears pinned back.
Cats are also susceptible to feeling stressed or anxious due to routine disruption, such as owners leaving to go back to the office or the introduction of new pets.
However, the RSPCA warns, a cat’s body language is much more subtle and body language of a worried or unhappy cat could include tense muscles, dilated pupils and flattened ears.
As a charity that rehomes animals great and small, it offers advice regarding the well-being of small animals such as rabbits as well as cats and dogs.
Rabbits may be tense, with their head held flat to the ground and ears flattened against the back when unhappy, the charity report.
Sam added: “This Adoptober we’re urging anyone thinking of getting a pet to consider adopting rather than buying an animal. Anyone who is thinking of getting a pet should do their research and check they have the time, money and lifestyle to care for an animal for its whole life.”
Full details of pet behaviours can be found on the RSPCA website and anyone concerned about their pet’s behaviour are encouraged by the RSPCA to contact an animal behaviourist here.
For more information about Adoptober, click here.
