Dog Lovers Manual

Yes, it is. Just like old people, elderly dogs need more rest in order to function as well as possible when they are active. Your dog should be allowed to rest undisturbed as and when he feels the need. Make sure that his bed is in a quiet spot in the house. old dogs can [...]

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Make a non-slip and comfortable sling to place under your dog’s tummy using a towel. As he pulls himself along with his forelegs, you can support his hindquarters easily and without straining your back. Lower the sling slightly to allow him to relieve himself when required. On tiled and wooden floors, put down a non-slip [...]

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Yes, for two main reasons. The first is to prevent unwanted pregnancies in females, the second to help prevent both sexes wandering off in search of mates. A bitch is in season (receptive to mating) twice a year in most cases and can have up to eight or more pups per litter. With unplanned pregnancies [...]

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Play expercise is a high priority for puppies, along with sleeping and eating. Short, energetic bursts of play are interspersed with meals and longer bouts of sleeping. Because they are so lively when awake, it’s tempting to sustain play, but such activity in excess can have a detrimental effect on soft, growing bones and joints-especially [...]

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By far the best option is to buy, rent or borrow a suitable-sized dog crate. This can be used to transport your puppy in the car. With a crate, the driver is reassured that the puppy is safely enclosed, so is better able to concentrate on driving. Moreover, in the event of an accident, the [...]

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The number of afterbirths (placentas) expelled should correspond with the number of puppies born. If one is retained it can cause a fatal infection. If your bitch appears to become off-colour within a few days of whelping. Then seek immwdiate veterinary assistance. It is doubtful that the bitch will accept food until all the pups [...]

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Keep him away from other dogs until he is fully vaccinated. It is wise to exercise him only in your enclosed garden or yard until he is protected against canine diseases. You will also have to train your puppy to the collar and leash before you can take him out, and make sure he’ll come [...]

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Dogs are not generally fussy eaters. They thrive on a diet that is not dissimilar to that of humans, albeit with more protein, comprising foods of animal origin, cereal, root vegetables and fats. The most suitable diet for a dog is one that contains: Protein, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamins – A, B-group, D and E; [...]

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Start recognizing your puppy’s normal behaviour as soon as you get him. Then you will know when all is not well. Note any unusual behaviour, altered appetite or demeanour, distressed whining, increased or decreased thirst, staraining on defecation or urination, vomiting or diarrhoea. You will be able to inform your vet of the symptoms. Puppies [...]

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Over the years, inbreeding to fix and maintain a standard has led to inherent genetic weaknesses within the majority of pedigree breeds. Responsible breeders today are doing their best to eliminate these weaknesses by health screening their breeding stock and using only those animals that are sound and are derived from healthy forebears. It pays [...]

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