Dogs
Caring for a dog
Caring for a dog is a big responsibility. While they make great companions, they also require a lot of care – daily exercise and a lot of attention. A dog is not a good choice for anyone who is out all day or doesn’t have the time to devote to their pet.
Companionship
Dogs are very social animals that need to interact with other dogs and people. Dogs can’t be left alone for too long, so you should only consider getting one as a pet if you have the time to care for it properly.
Space
No matter whether you have a small dog or a larger breed, your pet will need a lot of space. Ideally you should have a well fenced garden that your dog can play and exercise in, though you can still keep a dog as long as you take it for regular walks.
Ask your vet for advice on how often and how long your dog will need to be walked. Small breeds might be happy with just one walk a day and time in the garden but large dogs like Labradors and German shepherds need lots of walks.
Puppies need extra care and training, so ask your vet for tips.
You will also need to make sure that you have a lead for walking near traffic or farm animals and be prepared to clean up after your dog.
Make sure that your dog has a collar and identity tag in case it gets lost. Ideally you should have your dog microchipped as a way of easily identifying your pet – even if its collar has been removed.
Having your dog properly trained is essential and will make walks and time off the lead a lot easier.
A balanced diet
Dogs need a balanced diet to keep them healthy. Ask your vet for more advice about the dietary requirements of your specific breed.
Your dog will also need a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Grooming
Dogs need a lot of care and should be brushed every day – especially if they’re a long-haired breed.
You will also need to help your dog keep its teeth clean. You should have your dog’s teeth and gums checked regularly by your vet.
Make sure your dog has a bed and a blanket in a cosy spot to sleep.
Holiday care
No matter what kind of pet you have, it’s essential that you have adequate carers to look after them when you go on holiday. Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety so it’s a good idea to let them get to know anyone who will be looking after them before you go on holiday.
Health
You need to make sure that your dog been vaccinated against illnesses. It will also need regular worming and flea treatments.
The RSPCA recommends that all dogs are neutered at an early age – this helps to prevent unwanted litters and deal with aggression issues in males. However, if you have a pedigree you might want to breed it at a later date so talk to your vet for more advice.
Get to know your dog well so that you can spot any signs of injury or illness and take it to the vet as soon as possible.
Vets’ bills can soon add up so it might be worth considering pet insurance.
You also need to make sure that your dog stays cool during the summer months – especially if it has a long coat. Never leave your dog in a warm car – even if the window is open.
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