Dog Lovers Manual

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 [...]

[Read more →]

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; [...]

[Read more →]

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 [...]

[Read more →]

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 [...]

[Read more →]

The majority of pedigree breeds (particularly of show type) suffer from genetic weaknesses, with some worse than others. Ear infections, hip, knee and elbow dysplasia (joint deformity), eye and liver defects, malocclusion (jaw/teeth deformity), atopy (allergy/hyper-sensitivity), respiratory and pulmonary (heart/lung) diseases, and skin and muscle ailments are the most commonly seen problems. Examples include the [...]

[Read more →]

Veterinary surgeons are listed in local business telephone directories and also on the internet. Choose one who specializes in small animal care, specifically in dogs. Word of mouth is a useful way of finding a good vet, as in contacting local breeders, dog training schools and/or dog rescue centres.

[Read more →]

Take your pet for a check-up at least once a year. To save on costs, combine the visit with annual vaccination booster. Elderly dogs should be examined every 6 months. It’s worth keeping a diary of your dog’s behavior, health and vaccinations, as this is useful in helping your vet treat your pet appropriately and [...]

[Read more →]

All dogs can swim, although some are much better at it than others. This comes down to their body shape, stamina and overall physical ability. How much they enjoy it is another matter and depends on their confidence in the water, although this can be bolstered by gradual acclimatization. The risks for canine swimmers are [...]

[Read more →]