Why you shouldn’t chain up your dog
Most people chain up their dogs for a variety of reasons while some do this unaware of the harm it can cause to their dogs.
While the intentions behind this act might be innocent, unfortunately, keeping a dog on a chain and restricting its freedom to move around can be extremely detrimental to the dog’s health, well-being, and ability to properly socialise with humans and animals.
The Boksburg SPCA manager, Vicky Finnemore, highlights some of the problems with chaining and tethering a dog:
• Dogs can endure physical harm as a result of being continuously tethered. Their necks can become raw and sore and their collars can painfully grow into their skin.
• They are vulnerable to insect bites and parasites.
• They’re at high risk of entanglement or strangulation.
• They’re vulnerable to harassment or attacks by other dogs or people.
• Tethered dogs may also suffer from irregular feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care and extreme temperatures.
• During rain and storms, these dogs often have no access to shelter. During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun.
• Owners who chain their dogs are less likely to clean the area of confinement, causing the dogs to eat and sleep in an area contaminated with urine and faeces.
• Chained dogs are rarely given affection and can develop behavioural problems such as aggression.
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According to Finnemore, without the freedom to roam around, play, and engage in their natural behaviours, dogs kept on chains or tethers can become bored, lonely and depressed.
“Many owners who keep their dogs chained up often don’t realise the emotional harm it inflicts. Like us, they crave companionship and experience tremendous suffering when they’re forced to spend all their time by themselves without freedom of movement,” Finnemore said.
