Resources to Help Those Without a Voice

The street dog/cat issue, both in Mexico and elsewhere, is complex.  While there are some irresponsible pet owners, the majority of problems fall into two categories: uncontrolled breeding and lack of knowledge, and access to resources. 

The first is addressed head on through the growing number of spay and neuter programs available. This is key to improving animal welfare by reducing the number of unwanted litters. Mexican animal groups are working for change, but they can’t do it quickly enough, and travelers play an important role.

The second is a more challenging issue. 

The sad reality is that many owners part ways with their pets due to time, space, or behavioral issues.  Many of these animals are abandoned, highlighting a gap between intention and responsible pet ownership. It’s clear that more education such as dog and owner training programs are needed to build more harmony in the household. 

Because animal by-law control is non-existent in many parts of Mexico, the standards for pet ownership is different. While Canada and the USA are further ahead, it wasn’t always that way and even their systems are not perfect. The best visitors can do is to help where that can and demonstrate care and compassion. When you see something, do something 

Many travelers quickly become friends with some of the stray animals in their neighborhoods while visiting Mexico. Thankfully, many have kind hearts and when they see something, they want to do something. The following provides some guidelines on how you can help. 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Observe the Animal and Determine Ownership

• Check for a collar, tags, or signs of an owner (ask around locally with kids,       neighbors, store owners). 

2. Provide Basic Care

• Approach calmly—let the dog or cat  come to       you if possible.
• Note the animal’s condition (injured, malnourished, scared, aggressive).
• Offer clean water and food (avoid spicy or processed foods).

3. Check for Medical Needs

• Look for wounds, ticks, mange, limping, or severe malnutrition (note that erhlichia       is a huge problem due to ticks in Mexico – see more below).
• Take the animal to a vet for assessment. See list of local vets below.

4. Find a Safe Place

• If no owner is found, consider fostering or finding temporary shelter.
• Post on local social media groups to find fosters or potential owners

5,. Explore Long-Term Solutions

• If adopting isn’t an option, network to find a responsible home.
• Support sterilization programs to prevent future stray populations.

•  Clinica Veterinaria BARBA:    La Penita, Calle Vasco de Gama #20,  322 148 9999, provides wide range of vet services include blood testing, ultra-sound, vaccination, sterilizations, surgeries, health certification, food, examinations, treatment, pet grooming.

• Veterinaria Pet Vet:  La Penita, Esteban Baca Calderón #4,  327 274 0973,  provides vaccination, health certification, food, examinations, treatment, pet grooming.

• Bigotes Con Estilo:  La Penita, Calle Bahia Acapulco North #74, 311 131 3373, provides vaccination, sterilizations /surgeries, health certification, food, examinations, treatment, pet grooming.

The Jaltemba Bay region in Nayarit is home to two active animal support groups: JBay Animal Resources Society (JBARS) and The Hilltop Refugio (JEEP). Both are operated by dedicated volunteers, rely on donations, and, like many animal support groups, they’re always at capacity and short on funds.

What is Erhlichia & Anaplasma?

 Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are genera of bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, respectively, in dogs and other mammals. These diseases are transmitted through tick bites and can cause a variety of symptoms, from mild illness to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Both Ehrlichia and Anaplasma bacteria are spread to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. 

Ehrlichia is primarily transmitted by the brown dog tick or lone star tick, while Anaplasma is transmitted by the brown dog tick or deer tick.   In our experience over 95% of all dogs in this part of Mexico are infected.

Transmission time

The tick must typically be attached for at least 24–48 hours to transmit Anaplasma, but Ehrlichia can be transmitted in as little as 3–6 hours. 

Common Symptoms 

Symptoms can range from nonspecific and flu-like to severe, depending on the bacterial species involved and whether the infection becomes chronic. 

• Fever
• Lethargy and depression
• Decreased appetite
• Joint pain or lameness
• Nose bleeds
• Eye inflamation

Diagnosis and treatment 

Blood tests are used to detect antibodies or the bacteria.   The treatment of choice for both ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis is the antibiotic doxycycline, typically for a 28- to 30-day course.

• Treatment should begin immediately if a tick-borne illness is suspected, without waiting for test results.
• Most dogs in the acute or subclinical phase respond quickly to antibiotics and have a good prognosis for recovery.
• Dogs with chronic anaplasma may require more aggressive supportive care, such as blood transfusions, and have a more guarded prognosis. 

Prevention 

Prevention is the most effective way to protect your dog from these diseases. 

• Keep dogs on a veterinarian-recommended, year-round tick preventative medication.
• Avoid areas where ticks thrive, such as tall grass and wooded areas.
• Check your dog for ticks daily, especially after spending time outdoors, and remove any ticks promptly and safely.
• Consider that although these diseases are not spread directly from dogs to humans, both can become infected from ticks in the same environment.