Pet Care

Caring for your Dog

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Choosing your dog:

Consider the cost of upkeep, final adult size, desired temperament and whether you want a male or female. Females are better tempered and tend to roam less. You might also want to consider whether you want a pure breed or a mongrel. If you are going to buy a pure breed dog make sure that you buy from reputable breeders and those that have the proper papers for the dogs.

A young puppy is more adaptable than a fully grown dog but should be at least 6-7 weeks old. Check that the puppy is fully weaned before you bring it home by watching it eat before taking it home. Also check to make sure the puppy has been wormed .

A healthy puppy will have a clean, fluffy coat with no bare patches, a plump body but not a fat belly, bright clear eyes and a damp nose with no signs of discharge. The skin should be clean, with no sores, pimples or eveidence of fleas or lice. A puppy should, of course, be playful and full of life.

Accommodation

Your puppy will require a suitably large wooden bed-box or plastic bed box. Put newspapers inside it and a blanket. Shake out the blanket daily and regularly wash it. There should also be a cushion with a washable cover in its bedding area. Put the bed in a draught-free quiet corner.

Dogs especially as they begin to grow up need outdoor as well as indoor acccommodation. Ideally a large enclosed garden from which your dog cannot escape is best. The ground may be cement, shingle or grass.

If you dog is to live outside then a kennel will be necessary. The kennel should be large enough to allow comfortable room for standing and turning around. It must be of sturdy build , raised off the ground, weatherproof and draught-free. Place the kennel in a dry, shady spot, preferably over concrete or hard ground, and facing the mildest weather. Provide plenty of dry bedding and renew often.

Collars

Non-chafing leather collars and leather or nylon leads should be chosen to suit the size of your dog. There must be a metal tab or disc for the name and address of the dogs owner. Remember too to have a licence for your dog.

Training

Every dog should be given appropriate training to make it a good companion, behaving well both at home and when out for walks. A dog is much happier knowing what is expected of it, and being able to do it, than if it gets into trouble for things it does not know are wrong.

The principles of simple dog training are:
(a) It must be given regularly, for short periods once or twice a day.
(b) It must be systematic and consistent, preferably the responsibility of one person, but supported by the rest of the household.
(c) It must be given kindly, patiently, and with complete self-control. Temper must never be shown, even when circumstance requires extreme displeasure.
(d) Obedience must always be rewarded by praise, and at first also with a treat, until it becomes automatic.
(e) Displeasure must be shown as little as possible, so that the dog and trainer enjoy their work. If a dog is shouted at or hit, it becomes too nervous to understand what is required of it and may become altogether unreliable through fear.

Diet

Weaning of puppies should begin when they are three to four weeks old. Start with warm milk, then milky cereals and gravies, finally introducing finely chopped or scraped portions of meat. By the end of the 2nd month, your puppy should be taking four meals a day. By the 6th month the puppy should have 3 meals a day and by the 9th month it should be on 2 meals per day. Never exercise your dog too soon after a meal and do not give heavy meals late at night. Your dog should have fresh water at all times. Frequent cleaning of its water dish and replenishing of the water is essential.

Grooming and Cleaning

Daily grooming is essential for a healthy coat. Smooth-coated dogs will need a soft brush or hound-glove, and longer coated dogs a suitably sized bristle brush and blunt-toothed steel comb. Gently tease out matted areas first and then groom the rest of the coat, working from head to tail. Wet and muddy coats may be rubbed down with a cloth or chamois leather, followed if necessary with a 'dry' shampoo. Only if your dog is excessively dirty should you bath him and special shampoos for dogs are needed. Do not use ordinary shampoo or detergents. Take care to avoid the eyes and ears. Dry off finally with the dogs own towel and do not let your dog get cold. Claws need checking regularly, especially dew claws, and if they need shortening this should be only done by a veterinarian.

Exercise and Play

Daily exercise is essential to keep your dog happy and healthy. It is best arranged as a combination of play and games. Your dog should be left off the leash in a safe open space for your dog. Also remember to take other people into consideration when leaving your dog loose. Walking distances may depend on your dogs size. A large dog might need up to ten miles a day. Puppies require plenty of play and also much rest and sleep. No dog should be exercised soon after a meal.

Spay and Neutering

The problem of stray dogs is very serious and the responsilbility for controling breeding rests with the owner. You should consider sterilising your pet to prevent unwanted puppies. Please consult a veterinarian about this procedure.

Health

If dogs are properly cared for they should stay healthy, but it is absolutely necessary to have puppies innoculated against several serious diseases, which include distemper, hepatitis and two leprospiroses or jaundice-like infections. Innoculations can be given in a single dose and you will need to return for a booster shot later on. Your vet will provide you with all the details about innoculations.

The health of your dog should be checked regularly, looking for abnormal external signs - the mouth, ears, eyes and nose. Look for any unusual behaviour such as coughing, shallow breathing, tiredness or even over-drinking. In all cases of suspected illness, seek veterinary advice at the earliest opportunity.