All Creatures Animal Services (ACAS)

12/11/2024

‼️🔊✈️ FLIGHT VOLUNTEER NEEDED ✈️🔊‼️

Anyone travelling HK to the UK anytime, to any airport (Heathrow or Gatwick preferable - as there are more flight options if possible - but her people have said they will collect her from any airport in the UK!) willing to add this beautiful cat to their ticket - please reach out 🙏🏼

Smudge has been separated from her humans for an extended period due to a family emergency and her now UK based family are desperate to get her back safely.

All paperwork and logistics will be handled by her shippers - and her people will be waiting at the UK end for her - literally just need someone flying, that she can be added to their itinerary up to 5 days pre / post your flight! 🙏🏼

Let’s make this families Christmas and get their beloved girl back to them.

Please PM me for owner contact or WhatsApp me on 67739907

If you are unable to help with the flight - please help SHARE! 🩷 Thank you!!

11/11/2024

It’s been a wonderful few weeks recharging the batteries and getting ready for all the fun, fabulous weather, great hikes and time with your beloved companions, as the end of 2024 rapidly approaches!

ACAS is providing walkies and pet checks all weekends and public holidays, so your companions can have some festive fun too and give you peace of mind!

WhatsApp Kaz on 6773 9907 to discuss your companion’s needs and book in for Dec!
Very limited spots available. Sai Kung District Only.



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

17/10/2024

ACAS is taking a little break to see family and we’ll be back in action from 15th Nov ✈️ 💜

Looking forward to seeing all the fur crew when we return! 🐾

You can still email needs to [email protected] and I’ll get back to you asap 👍🏼

02/10/2024

It’s been busy!!! 👟🥰🐶🐾 And we are so so excited about the tease of cooler days!!! 🎉



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

01/10/2024

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
It may be really disappointing and frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.

Many believe dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.

Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.

Early, appropriately timed and correct socialisation is vitally important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable.

Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout life.

If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?

Do we label every person that has an argument, doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, doesn’t like every other person, prefers not to socialise - as having a problem that needs to be fixed?

Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?

When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that a dog is not comfortable with.

30/09/2024

SPCA rescued over 25 cats from Sai Kung last week that had been cruelty dumped in carriers in 3 different areas and are now calling for fosters and help. If you are in a position to help a cat in need, please do reach out to them 🙏🏼

Chinese:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wtSQB8UxQf3iNZtj/?mibextid=WC7FNe

English:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4C47DaUc2yuL6YU8/?mibextid=WC7FNe

25/09/2024

25/09/2024

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem to some, but it is something that many people have a problem with, even more so if you have a reactive dog.

I compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some people might say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that.

But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, are not sociable, are recovering from an illness, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs. Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of relationship, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and teaching wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected from the unknown.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive.

Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.

18/09/2024

𝗔𝗕𝗧𝗖 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
The recent publication of the study titled Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs (Johnson and Wynne, 2024) has sparked significant debate across the animal welfare community. This study, which adds to the growing body of evidence on the adverse effects of shock collars (e-collars), highlights serious concerns regarding the welfare of dogs subjected to this training method. Please see our Statement relating to this via our News page at https://abtc.org.uk/about/news/

[Image/text description: Graphic states ABTC Statement - on recent study concerning the use of shock collars in dog training]

𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘉𝘛𝘊 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 24 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

18/09/2024

Let’s Talk Turtles! 🐢

This morning’s activities on this glorious public holiday here in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 involved responding to a message for help for 4 turtles kept in quite poor condition, cramped into a small box, with a small bowl of dirty water, no food seen or shade (they need sun ☀️, but not direct blazing heat all day long). It is hoped improvements will be made soon for these 4 and I’ll be back to check on them again following notices left for the owner, offering help and guidance, and a better enclosure, if accepted.

Not long ago ACAS helped make improvements to another local turtle, who’s grateful owner has thankfully kept the new enclosure they were provided with clean and tidy and refreshed with clean water, following a check up on that turtle too this morning 👍🏼

But it brings me to the point of this post that turtles need the same (if not more) care as dogs, cats and other pets, they should be provided with the things necessary to meet their needs, be afforded veterinary care and check ups just like any other common companion and not suffer from wilful or ignorant neglect.

Turtle rescues in Hong Kong are inundated just like rescues for other species.
They are a long term commitment of decades when cared for correctly in most cases!

The most common ‘pet’ species seen here are the red eared sliders - often sadly bought from markets when they are the diameter of a soda can, often unbeknownst to the new owner that they can grow to the diameter of large plates!

It is often heard of people releasing them into waterways streams or even sadly dumping them in the ocean (they need freshwater!) when they get too big or for ‘mercy’ release, leaving many sick, injured or dying OR impacting and competing with local species. Please, don’t release them into the wild.

Nutrition is also something that can be challenging to get right for them. They need a variety of things to keep their shells and general health good. Pellet diets specific to freshwater turtles can be found in numerous pet stores, and should be supplemented with fresh foods such as leafy greens and some vegetables / fruit (sparingly). Red eared sliders are omnivorous.

Sun is important for shell health. While they should have access to sunlight daily, with options for places to seek shade, keeping them in direct sunlight - is not in their best interest.
Ultraviolet (UV) light helps maintain health because it aids in the absorption and use of dietary calcium. Regular incandescent and florescent light bulbs (including plant lights) do not emit the proper spectrum of UV light. Also, the UV light is filtered from sunlight as it passes through window glass or plastic. If artificial UV light sources are unavailable, turtles should be exposed to direct sunlight for 2-4 hours daily. Most take advantage of the warm sunlight resting on their basking areas. The water in small aquariums can readily become overheated if no shade is provided. Turtles should be monitored and caution should be exercised. An alternative to direct sunlight is an artificial UV light source (such as a Vitalite or ZooMed bulb), that can be used during daylight hours. These should be left on during the day to approximate a natural photo period (12-14 hours daily)

Many species tolerate room temperatures for both air and water. Most experts believe turtles remain healthier if they are permitted to seek out heat when they desire it. Great care should be taken to ensure the temperature at the level of the basking surface does not exceed 32°C. Such heat sources may also increase the water temperature in very small aquariums to undesirable levels. A thermometer should be placed in the water and another on or near the basking surface so the temperature of these areas can be continually monitored.

Water should be cleaned daily! Turtles, when fed right, do produce a lot of ‘output’!! 💩 would you want to swim in toilet water?!? The answer (I hope!) should be no - so why would we subject our turtles to? Fresh, clean water is vital to their health. Ideally, they should be fed in a seperate container to where they swim and bask, but if this isn’t possible, clean the water DAILY!!

The water level provided should be at least as deep as the turtle is long, preferably several times this measure. Because of the relatively small water volumes of aquariums and ponds, these limited enclosures tend to concentrate waste material. This represents a potential hazard for the turtles because disease-causing microorganisms that feed in this material also multiply. Water turtles, therefore, live in a “soup” of potentially harmful microbes and disease is an ever-present threat if sanitation is poor. Every effort should be made to prevent soiling of the environment. All f***l matter should be netted or siphoned away as soon as possible. Water turtles should be fed in an environment separate from their living environment to reduce contamination of the water. A small aquarium, hard plastic dishpan, or even a bucket works well in this capacity. A filtration system is necessary to maintain optimum water quality. Outside filters are efficient, provide high flow fates, and are relatively easy to clean. At least once a month the tank should be thoroughly cleaned.

They should also as standard be seen by a vet annually for a check up. It can be challenging to know when they are unwell, but by seeking expert advice from vets, you can keep your turtle happy and importantly healthy.

If you decide to keep turtles, please, do your homework on what they need.

For more information on the appropriate care of various common turtle species, I encourage you to visit 香港兩棲及爬行動物保育基金 香港兩棲及爬蟲協會 Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation before deciding to bring a turtle home. They also offer courses and seminars on what turtles need.

Care sheet from Hong Kong Herpetology
(Chinese)https://en.hkherp.org.hk/_files/ugd/aca66a_168f3e69e2104031ba48fc2d363fe131.pdf

Finally if you have decided that a turtle is the pet for you, PLEASE adopt!! SPCA (HK) 香港愛護動物協會, 漁農自然護理署 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department 香港兩棲及爬蟲協會 - 動物領養區 HKHerp - Animal Adoption Section all have numerous turtles needing homes - so please choose adoption, don’t buy 🙏🏼

16/09/2024

Wishing everyone a peaceful, relaxed, joyous and safe Mid Autumn 🍂 🏮 🥮 🌕 🐮🧡



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

10/09/2024

THE INVOLUNTARY MOHAWK

Technically called Piloerection – when the fur on a dog’s back area stands on end.

Piloerection in dogs is an involuntary response – not within conscious control. It’s usually linked to feeling a strong emotion and could be compared to a person getting goosebumps.

It’s far easier to see in short haired dogs than those with a longer coat.

A breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a clear distinctive ridge of fur on their back. This is formed by a selected gene mutation which causes that particular fur to grow in the opposite direction from the rest. This ridge is standard for this breed and is not related to an emotional state.

Piloerection is commonly thought only to be seen in reactive or aggressive dogs, but that’s not always the case.

Dogs that are feeling aroused, excited, fearful, startled, stimulated, conflicted or insecure in some way, also exhibit this.

As with all behaviour, it’s important to look at the context, in conjunction with other body language, the environment and specific situation in order to establish the cause and decide on the best way to intervene if necessary.

Dr Karen London - an ethologist and highly qualified behaviourist, trained in observing animals and behaviour, has made some very interesting observations about different patterns of raised fur being linked to different emotional states.

In Dr London’s professional opinion -
A thin patch of fur all along the back to the base of the tail is associated with a high level of confidence. These dogs are more likely to be on the offensive and react more aggressively.

A thick patch across shoulders to around ¼ way down the back is associated with a low level of confidence and is seen in dogs that are more fearful.

A patch of fur raised at the shoulders and another patch at the base of the tail – the fur in between is not raised, is associated with dogs that are conflicted and unsure of how to react. These dogs may be unpredictable and more likely to be reactive.

Dr London states that there are many exceptions, but in general, this applies to the majority of dogs that she observes.

06/09/2024

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

31/08/2024

Happiest when with dogs!!!🐕🩵 Great week with so many nice walkies and the tease of Autumn in the air 🎉🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️💕



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com

28/08/2024

Hate these things!!!! Please don’t!!! 🤦🏼‍♀️🥵😢

21/08/2024

Wet 💦 but happy! Racing the rain break and spending time with so many lovely fur friends 🩵



www.allcreaturesanimalservices.com