Good Dog Housing: A Step in Hydatid Control

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 98, Issue 4, 15 April 1959, Page 385

Good Dog Housing: A Step in Hydatid Control

By

R. G. GILL,

Livestock instructor, Department of Agriculture, Levin

EFFORTS now being made throughout New *"• Zealand to tackle the problem of hydatids have led to recognition of the need for much better control and treatment of working dogs. The result has been wide interest in improved dog housing. The type of construction used in two good, similar houses in the Horowhenua district, where many new types are being used, is illustrated. The aim is to provide freedom of movement and comfort for the dogs at all times in escape-proof and weatherproof accommodation.

DOG owners now realise that a dog can remain free of the tapeworms responsible for hydatids and other diseases only if he is under full control at all times. Dogs will slip their collars very easily and many dog owners find their dogs off the chain after they had been tied up. , Healthy and well fed dogs will generally work better provided they are properly housed. Mr K. R. Moody of Koputaroa, who is a fat-sheep farmer and dealer and a member of the Levin and District Hydatid Committee, has provided the excellent housing shown in the illustration above. He has stated that he wants only fit and healthy dogs which must be ready to work at all times. Since the photo was taken the surrounding grass has been cleared from the ground

about and under the house and the ground treated with waste oil. Another set of kennels is on Mr H. G. Gundersen’s property near Otaki. Using builder’s reject timber - Mr Gundersen completed his kennels in 1 week at low cost. • The kennels are similar in design and have been provided with a removable bottom bar on the exercise pens to make cleaning easier and more thorough.

Both these dog owners have no trouble with their dogs. They are always willing to be locked up and the owners know that when their dogs are shut up they have no chance to get at dead carcasses or to worry neighbours’ stock and can be left for short periods with the owners confident that the dogs are safe. With good feeding and housing and with regular dosing with arecoline tablets these dogs are free from hydatids.