Dog Care, Owners Guide and Buying Guide from Bits for Pets.

As a responsible dog owner you will need to regularly check your dog is in good health. This will involve taking your dog to the vet for regular check ups, and doing the basics yourself.

To keep your dog fit any healthy, there are many health care rules to help keep your pet in tip top condition for the rest of its life.

Buying

There are many places to consider getting your new arrival from. A local animal shelter is an excellent place to start. They have a wide variety of dogs to choose from, all of which desperately need a loving home to go to. An advantage of buying from a re-homing centre is that you dog will have already received its vaccinations, been neutered and had medical checks.

You can also go to a pedigree breeder but do ensure they are reputable. If reputable they will be able to provide you with certificates relating to screening for hereditary diseases, and will be able to show you the condition of the mother. Do check the breeder is selling from hygienic premises, and can answer any question your have about the dog. Puppies should be at least 8 weeks before they are re-homed. A pedigree breeder will register the puppy with the kennel club, and you should receive from the breeder a four- five generation certificate.

Check your dog/puppy is in good health before purchasing, and thoroughly check the puppy for any defects. Signs of good health include…

A healthy puppy will be inquisitive, alert and playful.
Clear bright ears, free from stains or crusty residue.
A good weight, an underweight dog may have underlying health problems such as internal parasites.
Ears free from irritation, with no wax build up. They are clean, pink, and odour free.
A shinny coat, free from infestation. The skin should be pink with no irritation, lumps, or dark specks.
White teeth free from excessive plaque, and pink gums.
No runny nose.
A healthy appetite.
A fresh smell.
Check the tail is free from blood stains or diarrhea.
A healthy appetite.
Active and not lethargic.
Not coughing or sneezing.

The first six month of dog ownership can be the most trying. It is during this time you will need to lay down the ground rules including house training, feeding schedules, health régimes, and exercise schedules. This can be a daunting time, but the result will be a content and well trained dog, with a happy owner.

Vaccinations

There are unfortunately quite a few diseases around that could prove harmful to your dog. It is very important to vaccinate your dog against these diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. Your can expect an initial injection (or two) followed by annual boosters, with the exception of kennel cough, as treatment is sprayed up the nostril. Should an unvaccinated dog be exposed to one of these diseases it could prove fatal. These diseases share common symptoms; these include loss of appetite, lethargy, high temperature, and depression. If you believe your dog may have one of these diseases or are concerned with your pets health, seek vetinary advice immediately.

Off on holiday? Rabies vaccinations are available for pets traveling abroad. A vaccine must be followed by a blood test 30 days later.

Identification

It is essential to provide your dog with an ID collar, especially when out in a public place. This must include the owners name and contact details. If a dog is found without a collar, it will be unfortunately treated as a stray. As collars can be easily removed, it is advisable to get your dog micro chipped. This involves a 'one of a kind' chip the size of a grain of rice being implanted under your dog's skin, which takes seconds. A special scanner is used to read the chip, and the owners details appear. This is used to contact the owner and identify the dog. Consult your vet for information on Dog Micro chipping.

Neutering

It is advisable to have your dog spayed or neutered. The main reason is to prevent any unwanted puppies. Neutering can be done at any age, but it is advisable to neuter as soon as possible, preferably in the dogs first year. Your vet will advise you on the best time to neuter, as there are times when this can't be done.

Neutering has health benefits as well. Dogs tend to live longer if they have had this procedure, and have fewer behavioral problems. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to inflict female dogs; spaying helps reduce the risk of developing this disease. Spaying helps prevent 'false pregnancy', symptoms are moodiness, irritability, and milk production. Spaying also stops any womb infections that may develop in later life.

In male dogs it can prevent prostates disease and testicular tumors, as well as stopping aggressive behavior and roaming.

Feeding

Dogs diet is very important to a dogs health and well being. They will eat the most unlikely of food stuffs, but bad feeding will potentially lead to health conditions, such as skin disorders, hysteria, obesity, wasting of muscles and a shortening of life. So it is important to get your dogs food just right.

Puppies need well balance food to help them develop normally. Puppies need high quality food, including protein, calcium, fat and carbohydrates. It is important the puppy receives protein to support the growth of bone and muscle while fat is needed for energy. Feed your puppy small meals throughout the day, as they have small stomachs, and this will help release energy throughout the day to sustain your puppy's active life. Do not over feed your puppy, this will lead to obesity, and related health problems.

Food requirements are different for every breed and for individual dogs within a breed. Requirements are based on size and energy output, a working Gun Dog needs more than a sedentary dog of the same breed.

Dogs with long ears such as Cocker Spaniels should be fed from a tall narrow dish to prevent the ears from trailing in the food bowl. Very big breeds such as Irish Wolf Hounds and Great Danes are often fed from elevated bowls (approx 60cm); this is believed to reduce digestive problems.

Although table scraps are not considered suitable food, there is no reason why meat and vegetable scraps should not be added to your dog's food providing it is not over your dog's normal amount. Potato and onion should not be given to your dog, as it upsets their tummies.

If you choose to prepare your dogs foods yourself, provide raw or lightly cooked meat, with rice or pasta.

Take vetinary advice on the amount and frequency to feed your dog and whether you dog will benefit from vitamin supplements.

It important to know over a third of dogs are over weight which can dramatically reduce its lifespan.

What not to feed your dog…

Sweets, cakes or chocolate (human chocolate is poisonous to them).
Only give your dog treats specially formulated for dogs.
Do not give your dog cat food as it is too high in protein.
Alcohol, as this can result in coma or death.
Tea or coffee, as the caffeine can affect the heart and the nervous system..
Grapes and Raisins, which contain a toxin which harms a dogs kidneys.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron, as this affects the stomach lining, liver and kidneys.
Mushrooms, as the toxins can put a dogs body into shock and result in death.
Onions and Garlic, as they damage the red blood cells and cause anemia.
Potato as it affects the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Raw eggs, as this leads to skin and coat problems.
Raw Fish.
Sugary foods, as this may lead to obesity.

Grooming

Grooming is an important part of dog care. All dogs regardless of breed or hair type will need grooming; the amount of grooming a dog requires will depend on its coat. Brushing helps keep your dogs hair in good condition by removing dirt, and releasing natural oils which spread throughout the coat help give the coat shine and make it more manageable.

Start with the least sensitive areas along the dogs back and finish with the face. Remove all loose hair with the brush, and then repeat the process with the comb. Follow the direction of the hair growth when brushing. Remove any big knots with scissors; trying to brush them out will distress your pet.

Introduce your dog to grooming slowly as not all dogs enjoy grooming, and be sure to use treats and give praise to make the experience happier for both of you.

Bathing

A healthy dog does not normally develop a really smelly coat and washing too often makes the dogs coat less water resistant. With this in mind only wash the dog when absolutely necessary no more than once a month. If it is just muddy, wash your dog off with a hosepipe. Use dog shampoo, as some human shampoos can irritate your pet's skin. Your vet will be able to advise what type of shampoo would best suit your dog. Do give your dog a good brush before it gets in a bath to get any tangles out.

When bathing, shampoo from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Try to avoid getting shampoo in your dog's eyes, if you do rinse with warm water. Thoroughly rinse your dogs coat with warm water, and dry your dog properly.

Dental Care

Dogs, like humans produce tarter and plaque. If these substances build up they will inevitably cause gum disease, tooth rot and bad breath. Certain breeds, particularly the smaller ones, are prone to dental problems, so extra preventative care should be taken. To prevent oral diseases you must keep your dogs teeth clean with daily brushing, and this routine should begin straight away, start when the dog is young before Tatar develops. Never use human tooth paste, you must use dog tooth paste, but you can use human tooth brushes to clean their teeth.

Hard dog biscuits are good for your dog's teeth, and there are many chews available which help keep teeth clean. Chewing a bone is a classic remedy, but do always ensure you give your dog a big raw marrow bone, never cooked chicken or lamb bones which can splinter and pierce the dog's stomach lining. Biscuits and chew toys help clean teeth but they don't always clean at the gum line where most dental problems begin.

Chose something that is tough and chewy, avoid anything hard that may damage your dogs teeth.

Once tartar has formed it can only be removed by your vet with an ultrasonic dental scaler under general anesthetic. The only way to help prevent the formation of plaque in the first place is by giving your dog a hard diet and tooth brushing daily.

How to clean your dog's teeth

Introduce your dog to teeth cleaning straight away. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, and you don't need to rush the process. This will make it easier for both of you.

Try brushing without tooth paste first, and then progress to paste when your dog accepts brushing. Once happy put the tooth paste on the brush, pushing it into all the bristles to make the paste last the whole brush. Never use human toothpaste use canine tooth paste in a flavor your dog will enjoy, malt and meat are the preferred flavors.

With the dog sitting down or sitting on your lap, gently but firmly hold the muzzle shut, then lift the top lip and insert the toothbrush towards the outside back teeth. Fortunately, the outside of the teeth need the most attention and they can easily be reached. Moving the brush in gentle circular motions at a 45 degree angle, start by brushing at the back of the mouth paying particular attention to the upper back teeth then moving forward to the front. Repeat this process on the other side. Cleaning the inner surfaces of the teeth can prove tricky. If your dog allows you to clean them then do so, but if it distresses your dog or it proves too awkward, they can be left out of the brushing régime fortunately the tongue does a good enough job of keeping these teeth clean. Finish with the small teeth at the front.

If the use of the tooth brush is too distressing for your dog, start with a finger brush, this will help build up your dogs confidence. Then you can progress to the toothbrush when you are both ready.

Try and make the process fun, give constant praise and ensure you give your dog a healthy treat when the job is done.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to infection and other more serious health problems for your dog.

Signs of poor dental health…

Unevenly coloured teeth
If the teeth are greyish or brown, or have a grey brown coating it may mean your dog has plaque build up.
If there is a foul or unpleasant odour.
Where the teeth meet the gums, the gum should be a healthy shade of pink, if they are red and inflamed this could be a sign of gum disease.

If your dog has any of these symptoms consult your vet for advice.

Eyes and Ears

Dog's eyes are normally well lubricated but conjunctivitis causes the eyes to produce more tears than can be drained away and the eyes become reddened. Before you get vetinary treatment, can clean away any discharge using a piece of tissue or cotton wool soaked in warm, previously boiled, water (do not use soap!). Only use the tissue/cotton wool once, do discard after one use and wipe from the inside of the eye area to the outside. Consult your vet if the symptoms persist for more than a day.

Inspect your dog's ears weekly, be more vigilant with Long-eared dogs that are particularly prone to ear infections. If there is reddening or a discharge, consult your vet. Never poke anything into the dog's ear canal, as this can damage the ear drum. To clean use a mineral oil applied to a small square of lint or cotton, and gently wipe the surface of the external ear. Once a week check your dogs ears for wax build up, matting of the hair, foreign objects, and any bad smells. Dogs will let you know if there is something wrong with their ears by shaking their heads often and pawing its ear.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is vital to take your dog to the vets as soon as possible. Any untreated ear problem can lead to a severe infection, and even deafness.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

It is not uncommon that your dog will get a poorly tummy after eating something it shouldn't have. As long as the dog is well in other respects you can help the dog recover by yourself. Halt food for 24 hours, and give your dog sips of previously boiled water that has cooled. Don't allow your dog to drink too much as this may make it sick again. If the Diarrhoea and Vomiting ceases, you can introduce food again, in small amounts. Give your dog plain food such as chicken or fish, and plain boiled rice. Once satisfied your dog is on the mend, re-introduce its regular diet. If the symptoms persist, or your pet's health deteriorates, do not hesitate to take your dog to the vet.

Worming

Roundworm can cause illness in dogs at any age. Puppies are infected by their mother; the worms live in the gut and shed eggs in the faeces, puppies require worming every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. After which time the puppy can be wormed quarterly. Worms can cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no signs.

Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 3 months, although if pregnant or feeding worming should be carried out more frequently. Roundworms can be transmitted to humans, in particular young children which is why it is imperative to treat your dog for roundworm.

Symptoms of worms can include: segments in your dog's faeces which look like a grain of rice, scooting (rubbing its bottom along ground), increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and in severe cases anemia.

Tapeworms are less threatening to your dog's health, but do still need to be treated. This worm is carried by fleas so regular flea control is necessary to prevent re-infestation.

Seek veterinary advice for advice on worming your dog.

Flea Control

If you own a dog, you will at some point need to deal with fleas; even the best kept dog is likely to catch fleas at some point. It is better to start flea control before your dog gets fleas, this way when the flea bites it will get killed instantly and your dog won't get irritable and itchy. Fleas thrive in warm conditions and it used to be the case that fleas would be most prominent in the summer times, but as homes are often kept warm and toasty, fleas can be constant all year round.

It is important to remember that if your dog has fleas you must treat any other cats and dogs in the house as well. You must also treat your pet's bed and the dog house, as this is where most of the flea eggs will be. Pay particular attention to dark crevices, such as skirting boards, behind radiators and floor boards as eggs accumulate in cracks.

You may notice if your pet has fleas if see your pet your pet scratching a lot and over-grooming his coat. Fleas are very small they will look like black/ dark brown specks in your pet's fur. Moisten a tissue and damp it down over the specks, if the tissue stains brown/red this is flea dirt and would confirm your pet has fleas.

Dogs can also become allergic to fleas; this is when the dog has a reaction to the saliva from the flea bite. This can be very painful and irritating to your pet. You may notice this on your pet when it over scratches one area, making it hot and sore, then becoming red and infected.

Flea Treatment

Regular treatment is important, and should be carried out on a monthly basis. Your vet will be able to provide you with a strong, effective and long lasting treatment, or purchase treatment online at www.bitsforpets.com.

Remember treatment does not just include your dog; it involves other pets in the house hold as well as the home itself. Effective flea control consists not only of killing the fleas but also preventing them from breeding in the house. Regular vacuuming and keeping your pet's bed clean is important ensure you wash the blankets and the bed regularly.

Fleas don't just make your dog itch they can also transmit tapeworms, so it is important to treat your dog for both fleas and worms.

Toilet Training

With dedication from the owner, puppies can be house trained in a few weeks. It is worth considering when buying a dog from a shelter, that older dogs will most likely be house trained already. If training a puppy, be understanding it will likely 'wee' in inappropriate places, due to its small bladder. This will improve as it gets older, and with training.

How to toilet train your dog…

After your puppy wakes, eats or plays, take it to a place you have designated for it to relieve itself. Be sure to clean up after it. Feed your puppy at regular times to create a régime, this will in turn help develop a training régime.

If your dog is circling, suddenly sniffs the ground or appears restless, it is a strong sign that your dog is about to relieve itself. Find an area indoors that you can clean up easily, and use that in the beginning. Put down plenty of newspaper. When you think your puppy needs to go, pick it up putting one hand under the chest and one under the hindquarters, and transport it to the paper. Once your puppy has been to the toilet in the correct place you must give praise and make a fuss. If your dog moves from the paper, say 'no' firmly and put the puppy back on to the designated area.

As soon as your puppy has received its vaccinations and is protected you can let it go into the garden. You need to repeat the same procedure as you started indoors. Put down newspaper in the new designated outside toilet area, use the same technique you did inside using positive reinforcement praise for success. Gradually you can do away with the paper and your dog will be completely toilet trained.

You must never punish your dog for relieving itself in the wrong place. Simply clean up the mess and be vigilant so that next time you can ensure that you carry your dog to the proper place. Making a fuss over a mistake will only confuse your dog and possibly cause stress.

For all dog training the advice is simple: Praise your dog for doing right. If your dog receives a treat or a pat and a cuddle it will soon learn what you are trying to teach.

Home alone

Dogs prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time, this is something to consider before getting a dog... can you give it the time and attention it will require? If you do chose to leave your dog at home it is important to provide it with entertainment or distraction, without this dogs left in the house may develop anti-social behaviour, chew/wreck furniture, scratch doors, bark and whine incessantly, and feel general frustration or fear.

Adequate distraction includes leaving a radio or television on, or leaving toys out to play with. But do be careful leaving too many toys out as your dog might start thinking everything is a toy to chew on. Exercise your dog before you leave the house so it has the chance to go to the toilet and to release some energy.

Leaving your dog outside is a popular option as they can not wreck your home. But do ensure they have shelter incase of poor weather, and somewhere cool to take shade when it gets hot, a kennel provides shelter and a place to hide and snuggle in. Always have a supply of water for your dog to drink from.. Ensure your dog can not escape from the garden, and there is nothing in the garden that will endanger your dog such as pesticides, paint, or chemicals.

Your Dog and the Law

Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a lifelong responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for him properly and responsibly including staying within the law.

Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be kept on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and muzzled in public. No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with the police.

Understand you legal responsibilities. For example if you dog causes accident, damage or injury you will need to cover the costs.

Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul indiscriminately in public areas, be responsible and carry a pooper-scooper or plastic bag to collect the mess and dispose of it appropriately. It is not only disgusting to walk or land in dog mess, it is also a health risk, especially to young children who often touch the ground and put their fingers in their mouth.

Be understanding of your neighbours, they do not wish to hear barking all day and night. Your neighbours have the right to complain to Environmental services under the Noise Abatement Act if the barking is excessive.

Be aware if your local council has bye-laws for dog owners i.e Dog control bye-laws can require dogs to be held on leads in certain areas and indeed ban dogs altogether from other more sensitive areas.

Follow the country side code. The main countryside rule is - DOGS MUST NEVER WORRY LIVESTOCK. Even letting your dog walk in the same field as farm animals may be considered as "worrying". Remember the farmer is entitled to kill your dog if it is worrying livestock.

Penalties for breaking dog rules can be tough and in extreme cases may allow for the destruction of the dog. The courts and police have a range of powers to deal with offenders. For example, owners who allow their dogs to get dangerously out of control can be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined.

Dogs must wear a collar, and a clearly displayed tag including the owners name and contact details. The local authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure you aren't put to unnecessary expense. If a dog is not claimed within seven days the authority has the right to find him a new home, or destroy him.

Dog Dangers

As a responsible dog owner you would never want your dog to come to any harm, there are potential dangers in the home, garden and out and about. There are ways to help keep your dog safe, and ways you can save your dog if it comes to harm.

Keep your dog free from harm by checking out our top 10 tips…

1.Keep your dog on a lead when near busy roads and traffic.

2.An untrained dog is an unsafe dog. Make sure your dog can obey commands that will keep it safe such as 'sit', 'heal' and 'no'.

3.Dangers in the home include open and electric fires, and hot radiators. Ovens, hot hobs, and hot liquids.

4.Dangers in the garden include poisonous plants, uncovered ponds, means of escaping i.e a broken fence or open gate, pesticides and chemicals.

5.Keep medicines, cleaning products and toxic substances securely out of reach. If your dog does ingest any poison note down as many details as possible, or take the poison with you to the vet. Do not induce vomiting unless the vet advises it.

6.Make sure your dog only has specifically designed dog toys, your dog can easily swallow and choke on small items. Buy toys that are too big to be swallowed.

What to do if your dog chokes…

If your dog does choke on an object, it takes two people to help the dog. One holds the mouth open, while the other tries to remove the object. If it cannot be removed lie the dog down on a flat surface, then apply a sudden downward push on the abdomen with both hands, just behind the last rib, the second person should open the dog's mouth and try to grab the object before it goes back down the throat.

7.Don't leave your dog in a car or confined place, especially in hot weather.

8.Don't be without a 'dog first aid kit' to treat minor cuts and burns.

9.Heatstroke is caused by hot surroundings. Your dog will become distressed and will be panting.

What to do if you dog has heatstroke…

To help you need to lower your dogs body temperature, firstly remove it from the hot surrounding, cover it with wet sheets or place it near a fan. Never throw a bucket of water over it. Always allow plenty of water for your dog to drink, and provide cool shelter.

10.Dogs are excellent swimmers, but drowning occurs if they become exhausted, or have no means to get out of the water. Make sure you know how to resuscitate your dog if you allow it to swim.

How to revive your dog…

To revive your dog, clear its mouth from any debris or mud, then grasp the dog's thighs, one in each hand, and lift the dog off the ground, upside down. Put the dog on the ground after the water has drained from the airways, if possible with the head lower than the rest of the body. Resuscitate if necessary. Dry off and keep warm, but do not stop artificial respiration to do this.

IMPORTANT: never put your life or the lives of others at risk to save your dog.

This is a very basic guide to caring for your dog, this information is not exhaustive. Please find out as much information as you can regarding dog care specifically for your breed of dog to ensure that your dogt gets the most out of you and you out of your dog.

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