Pet owners are being warned against tying balloons, string, elastic bands, wire or any other object tightly around an animal’s body following a recent incident involving a puppy brought to Paws Haven.

The animal welfare organisation said the incident highlighted the dangers of myths and practices that can cause animals unnecessary pain and suffering.

According to Paws Haven, a young man arrived at the organisation carrying a sick puppy in a cardboard box. When the puppy was removed from the box, staff noticed that a balloon had been tied tightly around its tail.

The explanation given was that tying something around the puppy’s tail would supposedly make it “big and fat” and stronger so that it could eventually protect the family.

Paws Haven strongly warned that this is not true.

Tying something tightly around a puppy’s tail will not make it bigger, stronger or a better guard dog.

Instead, restricting blood flow to the tail can cause severe pain, swelling, infection and tissue damage. If left in place, the affected tissue can die and the animal may lose part of its tail. In severe cases, such injuries can become life-threatening.

Paws Haven said the same warning applies to any attempt to tie, band or cut an animal’s body as a homemade alternative to veterinary treatment.

This includes using elastic bands, string or other materials to try to make a puppy’s tail “fall off”, cutting or cropping a dog’s ears for cosmetic reasons, docking tails at home, or attempting to sterilise a male dog by tying off his testicles.

“These are not acceptable DIY procedures,” Paws Haven warned.

South African law also protects animals from unnecessary suffering.

Under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, it is an offence to cruelly treat, torture or maim an animal or subject it to unnecessary suffering.

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has also stated that cosmetic tail docking is not condoned and that procedures involving the removal of an animal’s body parts should only be performed by a qualified veterinarian when medically justified.

There is an important difference between an animal being mutilated for cosmetic or other non-medical reasons and a veterinarian performing a procedure because it is medically necessary.

If a dog’s tail, ear or another body part needs medical attention or removal because of an injury or disease, the animal should be assessed and treated by a qualified veterinarian.

The same applies to sterilisation.

Owners who want their dogs sterilised should take them to a veterinarian rather than attempting the procedure themselves. Trying to sterilise an animal by tying something around its testicles can cause severe pain, tissue damage, infection and potentially death.

Paws Haven said there is no shortcut to raising a healthy and strong dog.

Owners should provide their animals with nutritious food, clean drinking water, proper shelter, vaccinations, regular deworming and appropriate veterinary care.

Sterilisation should also be carried out by a qualified veterinary professional.

The organisation said people should also be cautious about following advice simply because it is an old belief or something they have been told by someone else.

If you are unsure whether something is safe for your animal, ask a veterinarian or an animal welfare organisation for advice.

“If you cannot afford veterinary care, ask for help. But do not experiment on an animal because somebody told you an old story or myth,” Paws Haven said.

The puppy involved in the recent incident was taken into Paws Haven’s care after concerns were raised about its welfare. Sadly, the organisation later confirmed that it did not survive the night.

Paws Haven said the incident should serve as an important reminder that animals feel pain and can suffer serious consequences from practices that may appear harmless.

The organisation urged members of the public to educate one another about responsible animal care and to speak up when they see practices that could harm an animal.

When it comes to your pet, there is no safe DIY alternative to proper veterinary care.