DOG
CARE
CHOOSING
A PUPPY/DOG
When choosing a dog, make sure you choose a breed that will suit your
lifestyle. Decide if you want a puppy, adolescent or older dog.
CONSIDERATIONS
Exercise
Think how much time you have to exercise the dog.
Grooming
Short hair dogs need grooming 2-3 times a week. Longhair dogs need grooming
everyday. Trainability - Some dogs are highly trainable and alert, e.g.
Border Collies and German Shepherds are good for agility.
Feeding
The bigger the dog, the more it will eat, so be prepared for larger food
bills.
Vet
Bills
All dogs incur vet bills, e.g. yearly boosters. You can take out Pet Insurance
to cover emergencies.
Children
Shetland Sheepdogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus are usually
good with children.
PEDIGREE
DOGS
Always go to a reputable breeder. Kennel Clubs provide lists of breeders
in your area. With pedigree dogs, you’ll know basically what size,
feeding and energy requirements, as well as temperament. Once you have
found a breeder, visiting the litter is a must. Always ask to see the
mother and if possible, the father of the puppies. Select a puppy that
is alert and does not shy away.
CROSS-BRED
DOGS
If cost is a consideration, you can choose a crossbred dog. A crossbred
dog is the offspring of two different pure-bred dogs and often has the
better traits of both. As these dogs are further removed from pure-bred
dogs, they are less likely to inherit diseases and disabilities than pure-breds,
and are also associated with having a happy nature. One problem with these
dogs is that it can be difficult to determine just how big a puppy will
grow.
RESCUE
DOGS
Most rescue dogs are not suitable for first time owners; many may have
behavioral problems and will need a lot of time and patience to be retrained.
You have to be a dedicated owner. Spend time getting to know the dog you
choose. Take it for a walk to see how it reacts to other dogs and different
situations, before you commit yourself. The plus side of getting a rescue
dog is that you know you are giving it a good home after a bad start.
EQUIPMENT
YOU WILL NEED
Bowls
2 bowls, one for food and one for water.
Collar
and Identity Tag
Make sure your collar is not too loose or too tight. An identity tag is
essential whenever your dog is out of the house.
Lead
Choose a strong lead for walking and training. Longer, retractable leads
are available to give more freedom with control.
Bed
There are a large selection of plastic, soft, beanbags, duvets and vetbeds
available. Place the bed in a draught free corner in a busy part of the
home.
Pens
& Cages
For peace of mind. Theses are a good safe place to put your dog for short
periods, while you are out and to sleep in at night. You will know that
it is safe and not up to any mischief! Always leave fresh water, newspaper
or absorbent pet mat for toilet training, a toy and a comfortable bed
in the cage. It should not be a punishment place; it should be somewhere
you pet enjoys going.
Halters
& Harnesses
For dogs who pull on the lead excessively. When wearing a head halter,
the dog’s pulling action causes its head to either turn to the side
or down, stopping the momentum. A harness slips over the body and around
the chest, and the lead is fastened over the dog’s back to avoid
collar pressure on the neck.
Toys
Dogs enjoy chewing, chasing and pulling, so choose them a toy to play
with instead of letting them loose on your household furnishings! Chew
bones are good for the teeth and also exercise the jaws. Dog pulls made
of either rubber or rope are great for tug of war games, but make sure
you always win or your dog will think he is dominant over you, which could
lead to problems. Balls and Frisbees are great exercise for your dog.
They also test your dog’s reactions and obedience. Never choose a
ball small enough that you dog could swallow it.
FEEDING
Canned
Food
There are many varieties on the market. Add an equal amount of mixer biscuits.
Do not leave the food out for too long, as it can soon go stale.
Semi-Moist
Food
This can be given by itself or with mixer biscuits.
Dry
Food
These are becoming more popular. They are more convenient as you can leave
the food out for longer and it will not go stale. Dry foods tend to have
more calories per gram, so feed smaller quantities. Nothing needs to be
added, as they are a complete meal in themselves. Always leave fresh water
down, as dogs will drink more on dry foods.
Treats
You can get chew bones in all shapes, flavours and sizes. Biscuits are
also tasty snacks and can be used for training. You can get bacon flavoured,
marrowbones, wholemeal…. The list goes on!
GROOMING
All dogs need grooming. There are many reasons why brushing your dog is
important: - It allows you to examine your dog, prevents matting, removes
dead hair, loosens dry flaky skin, stimulates the sebaceous glands and
also reinforces your dominant position. There are many combs and brushes
to choose from depending on the type of coat your dog has.
Moulting
Comb
Lifts loose hair
Utility
Comb
Removes undercoat in longer coated breeds
Wide
& Fine Toothed Combs
Removes mattes and tangles
Rake
Good for dogs with a double coat, removes undercoat
Pin
Brush
Lifts out hair and gives coat a shine
Bristle
Brush
Puts gloss on coat, lifts out loose hair
BATHING
Make sure you have got everything you need around you. Place the dog in
the bath on non-slip mats. Ensure the water is at the correct temperature,
this should be hand hot.
Keep the shower spray as close as possible and wet the rear half of the
dog first, making sure it is wet right down to the skin. Apply shampoo
and work up to a good lather with a sponge.
Next, wet the rest of the dog, apart from the head and ears, and shampoo
as before. Make sure the feet, anal and groin areas are cleaned properly.
Then wet face and ears, being careful no water goes down the ear canal,
and give the face a good wash.
When rinsing the dog, start off with the face, and make sure the shampoo
is rinsed out thoroughly so it doesn’t irritate the eyes. Then rinse
off the rest of the dog.
Allow the dog to shake when you have finished bathing, as this helps to
remove excess water, then towel dry.
NAIL
TRIMMING
This
is best done after a bath, as the nails will be softer then. Do not cut
into the quick (the pink area lying inside the nail) If in doubt, ask
your vet to show you first.
TEETH
CARE
It
is essential that dogs’ teeth be cleaned in some way. They can suffer
from tooth decay and gum disease.
You can get toothbrushes and oral hygiene kits for dogs, which have a
toothbrush and gum massager that fits onto your finger, making it easy
to reach difficult area.
Meat flavoured toothpaste is used in conjunction with the brushing. Alternatively,
toothpaste wipes can be used, which have an abrasive surface to remove
plaque.
Dental chews also help. The choice is yours, whichever suits you and your
dog the best!
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Pet
Company
974-976 Abbeydale Rd
Sheffield, S7 2QF
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Tel:
0114 262 0370
Fax: 0114 262 0600
E-mail
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Pet
Company
Established 1995
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