Visiting the vet

Transporting your puppy or dog
Few pets enjoy a visit to the vet, although the scents and smells of the other animal patients will probably be a bonus to a young puppy! It is best tot take your dog to the vet in a carrying case. If your pet is small or is still a puppy, you can take it to the vet in a special carrying box which will keep it safe and easy to handle while you wait your turn. Large dogs are more difficult to transport, although if you have a car a special cage can be fitted in the back. Your local pet supply store may have a selection of these.

Your pet’s records
The veterinary clinic will keep a record of your pet’s name, address, and medical details. The record will list information about all the vaccinations and treatment your pet has had. The vet can use the record to check what medicines have been used in the past.

Meeting the vet
Always keep your dog or puppy close to you in the waiting room as there may be animals that are ill or difficult to control. When it is your turn to go into the examination room introduce your pet to the vet by name and explain what the problem is. You can also ask your vet to answer any queries you have about your pet’s health.

Explaining what is wrong
You will probably know better than anyone else how your dog or puppy is feeling because of your close relationship. It will help the vet to diagnose what is wrong with your pet if you make a note of any changes you have noticed in its behavior.

The examination
The vet will ask you to lift your pet onto the examination table where it is easier to feel the dog’s muscles and bones, examine its mouth an teeth and take your pet’s temperature. With regular examinations and vaccinations, plenty of exercise and a balanced diet, your pet should be free of health problems.

In an emergency

Moving the dog to safety
If your puppy or dog is involved in a traffic accident you should act quickly. If necessary, remove your pet from immediate danger by gently placing a sheet underneath it and lifting it to a safe place. Contact your vet immediately and find out whether you should visit the clinic or wait for the to come to the scene of the accident.

First aid
Check for the dog’s pulse on the inside of its thigh. If the dog is having trouble breathing open its mouth and bring the tongue forward to check the airway is clear. If a wound is bleeding heavily, hold a clean cloth pad over it to stop the flow of  blood. Keep the dog  warm with blankets in case it goes into shock. A dog in shock or a lot of  pain could bite without warning so you may have to muzzle your pet by tying a strip of cloth around its jaws.

Emergency first aid kit
This should contain essential items like tweezers, safe disinfectant, eye wash, antiseptic cream, adhesive dressing, and cotton batting.

Keeping your dog healthy : Part 2

Skin and coat
Your dog’s coat can tell you a lot about its general health. When you groom your pet you will notice any changes suck as bald patches, which could mean a skin infection. Your dog may be suffering from a mite infection, such as mange or eczema. If your pet has a skin problem, you should take it to the vet. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be for your vet to treat it.

Worming
All puppies and dogs must regularly be given medicine to protect them from internal parasites, such as tapeworm. Puppies can be infected by worms before and after birth and should be regularly wormed up to the age of five months. After that they can be rewormed every six months. Treatments for tape worm can be given every year to an adult dog. Your vet will be able to advise you about suitable worming medicines.

Fleas
Dogs and puppies can easily pick up fleas. If your dog is affected, you can treat the problem with sprays and powders from your vet or pet supply store. You should ask for a preparation that will kill both flea eggs and larvae. Your dog should also wear a special collar to kill fleas.

Treating your pet’s bedding
If there is a severe outbreak of fleas it is essential to treat your pet’s bed and any furniture that it likes to sit on using a spray or powder. This should also be a formula that kills both flea eggs and larvae. Another parasite, the tick, which is usually picked up in the countryside from farm animals such as sheep, can also be treated with a special spray.

Checklist-pet health
Check your dog’s ears and eyes every week for signs of infection. Ask your vet for advice on worming your puppy or dog. During grooming, check your dog’s coat carefully for bald patches. Buy your dog a special collar to help keep it free of fleas.

Keeping your dog healthy : Part 1

First signs of illness
If you dog or puppy isn’t interested in its food or loses weight, you should contact your vet. Any obvious signs of ill health, such as constant scratching, or running eyes or nose should also be investigated by a vet. Puppies with diarrhea can become weak very quickly and should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Adult dogs with the same problem need treatment and possibly a change of diet. Older dogs do not require high protein foods and special dietary foods, available at pet supply store or your veterinary clinic, can be better for them. Ask your vet for advice.

Ears
One of the most vulnerable areas in a dog is its outer ear. If infections are not spotted they can spread to the middle and inner ear and be difficult to treat. It is important to get your puppy or dog used to having its ears examined regularly for signs of soreness or excessive dirt. If your dog has long, floppy ears it is likely to get more infections than breeds with small ears and regular cleaning is important to keep your pet healthy.

Eyes
Regularly wipe the area around your dog’s eyes clean. If your pet’s eyes are watering or are irritated or its tear ducts look blocked, contact your vet, because this can lead to serious eye infections.

Going on vacation

Taking your pet with you
Many guest houses and some hotels will take a pet dog as long as it it is under control at all times. You can find special books listing “pet-friendly” establishments in your library or at your local book store. Puppies rarely travel well and should not be moved unless it is absolutely necessary.

Using kennels
One alternative to taking your pet on vacation is to board it in a kennel. Your vet will probably be able to recommend a good establishment to you. Inspect the kennel first to make sure that it is suitable and that the animals already there are happy and healthy. Make sure that kennel staff will exercise your dog every day during its stay. Remember that you will need to show an up-to-date vaccination certificate for your pet before it will be accepted. A good kennel will not take a dog without a certificate.

Using a dogsitter
Another solution is to use a “dogsitter,” a friend, relative, or neighbor who will keep a daily watch on your dog and give it food and exercise.

Making your pet feel at home
Kennel staff are animal lovers and they will always try to make your dog feel at home. You can help by bringing your pet’s bed, blanket, and toys with you. It is essential that your dog gets the same kind of food as you give it at home. This can be arranged with the kennel owners who will either stock the same food or ask you to bring some with you.

Dog behavior

Different moods

Dogs use body language and sounds to communicate. If you study your dog closely, you will see changes in the position of its head and ears, the “look” in its eyes, the hairs on its tail, according to its mood.

Showing feelings

When your dog’s head and tail are up it is happy, It will wag its tail from side to side or even in a kind of circle when it is glad to see you. If its head is down and its tail is between its legs then it may be very unhappy. Sometimes this means your dog is being “submissive.” Which means that it is allowing another dog or a human to be in charge.

Guarding territory

When a stranger is in your home you will notice your dog’s hair thicken and “stand up,” particularly its back and neck. Your pet will often bark loudly and become very excited. This is your dog’s way of communicating its desire to defend your house.

In the home

All dog thrive on human company. They are pack animals, used to knowing their place within a group. Because of this, your dog may eventually come to believe it is “human” or that your family represents its pack. However, you must always remember that your pet is a dog! Understanding this will help you to keep your dog or puppy happy at home.

Mixing with other pets

Puppies will mix with almost any animal. Dogs that have lived in another home or with a breeder for a long time can be much more difficult to introduce into a new home where there is another animal. This depends very much on the breed and the age of the dog but a vet will advise on each case.
Introducing a new puppy

Introducing a new puppy to another dog has to be attempted carefully. Few happy and healthy adult dogs will show aggression toward a puppy, gut the introduction has to be taken slowly. An existing dog or cat will look on your home as its territory and will aggression from your existing pet should be discouraged and you should keep the animal under control at all times.

Introducing and older dog

When you introduce an older dog to a younger one they should be encouraged to play or exercise in an activity they can both enjoy. All food should be kept away from the meeting. All meals should be given separately for the first few days. Once there is fully acceptance of the newcomer by the existing pet, meals can given in separate dishes at the same time.

Dog and cat

Older dog, for example those that have been encouraged to chase cats from gardens, will show very friendly with your own cat and chase others away from your garden but this is because it is protecting its territory. Some dogs and cats will live together in harmony with no problems.

Breeding dogs and caring for the puppies

Breeding dogs

Unless you keep your dog specifically for breeding, you shouldn’t le it become pregnant. Not only you will have the worry and cost of raising puppies but you will have to find each of them a caring home, which may be very difficult.

Pregnancy

A female dog (bitch) and a male dog (dog) are first able to mate at the age of 6 to 12 months old. The bitch is said to be “in heat” at certain times and this means that she is ready to mate. The pregnancy will last for around 63 days. A vet can usually detect signs of pregnancy at around 22-30 days.

Preparing for the birth

A pregnant bitch requires extra food, vitamins, and minerals. From the sixth week of pregnancy she should be fed more often than usual. About two weeks before the puppies are due to born, you should make a warm comfortable bed for her to give birth in. A large cardboard box will do. The bed should be lined with lots of newspaper and placed in a quiet, private corner.

The birth

When the mother is ready to give birth, she will become restless and start to pant. This first stage of labor can last for several hours. The second stage is when the mother pushes out a puppy. A puppy is born about every 30 minutes. After each puppy is born it is followed by a placenta. This is what the puppy feeds from when it is in its mother’s womb.

When to call the vet

Most bitches can give birth without human help, but tell your vet as soon as labor begins so that you can get help quickly if the mother needs it. The birthing stage should not normally last for more than six hours, although large litters may take puppy, contact your vet.

The litter

There are usually between four and eight puppies in a litter. Shortly after the puppies have been born the mother licks them. This is to clean the puppies and keep them warm. The puppies soon begin to drink their mother’s milk which gives them all the nutrition they need at this stage.

The first days of life

Puppies are born blind an deaf and rely on their mother to keep them warm, especially during this period.

Weaning the puppies

The mother will require a highly nutritious diet while she is feeding her puppies. She will also need extra vitamins and minerals. When they are very young, puppies tend to sleep a great deal. As they grow older they become increasingly active and need more food. Gradually the puppies can be weaned off their mother’s milk onto solid food. This can begin from three to five weeks of age. When the puppies are eight weeks old they should be fully weaned.

Providing exercise and toys

Regular exercise

It is essential that you give your dog regular exercise to keep it fit and healthy. It is important not it over exercise puppies less than one year old, because their bones and muscles are still developing.

Walking on a leash

The best form of outdoors exercise is a walk on a leash, but you must have total control over your dog to keep your pet and others safe. When you are walking your dog or puppy keep it close to you and use the “heel” command to keep it under control.

Playing with toys

Toys are a good way of providing exercise. Store them in a special box and always make a fuss when you get them out. Keep the toys for set times as this is a good way of training and controlling your dog.

Using toys

Toys that your pet can run and fetch are the best. They teach obedience and encourage your dog to play with you for a reward. Every time your pet brings the back, praise it and offer it a treat. At first your puppy will ignore your commands. When this happens, it is best to put the toys away to teach your pet that it must obey you if it wants to play.

Choosing toys

Your pet’s toys should be nontoxic and made of strong, solid rubber or special nylon to prevent them from . Puppies can easily swallow stray bits and this can lead to choking. Dogs also enjoy playing with soft toys and can find them very comforting. Rag-type toys are especially good for your pet as they will help to clean its teeth.

Grooming and handling : Part 2

Bathing your pet
Run lukewarm water into the bath. It should be deep enough to reach the top of your dog's legs. Lift your dog into the water and wet it from its head to its tail. Once the dog is wet, rub shampoo into its flanks and underside. A special dog shampoo is best. Most soaps and shampoos are too harsh for a dog's skin and can cause a skin rash. After soaping, rinse the attachment the water should be slightly warm. While your dog is still in the tub, drain the bathwater.

Drying your dog
Leave your dog in the empty bath tub for a few minutes so that it can shake off some of the water and then quickly dry it with old towels. Finish off with a blow-dryer set on low if you wish.

Clipping the coat
Some long-haired and terrier dogs need to have their coats clipped regularly. This should be done by professional dog groomers. Find a good groomer through your vet or from the telephone directory.

Claws
If you walk your dog on the sidewalk its claws will probably be worn down naturally. If claws grow very long they can make a dog lame. They will need trimming occasionally with special clippers which you can buy from a pet supply store. Your vet will be able to show you how to trim your pet's claws.

Grooming and handling : Part 1

Grooming and handling

Dogs should be brushed regularly to keep their coats healthy. Grooming will also help you to control your dog or puppy as brushing around your pet's head and shoulders is an important way of establising your authority.

Brushing and combing
Some breeds molt at certain times of the year and should be brushed or combed every day. This is the best time to check your pet for skin infections and fleas. There is a range of grooming tools available. Some multipurpose brushes and hand gloves or wire bristle brushes are suitable for fine or short-hired dogs. Most combs and deep brushes are recommended for long-haired or thick-coated dogs. Brush or comb through your dog's coat following the direction that its hair grows. Groom your pet's hind quarters and underside carefully, so that it learns to trust you.

Keeping your dog clean
Most dogs need a bath sometimes, although puppies just need to be wiped over with a warm, damp cloth. Bathing needs to be done carefully. It is good idea to ask someone in your family to help you to control your dog. Some dogs enjoy a good bath and rubdown while others behave as though their lives are at stake! If you make bathtime a fun family occasion it will help to put your pet at ease.

Feeding your dog : Part 2

A balanced diet
There are many different types of prepared dog meals ranging from dried “complete” foods to canned foods. Older dogs need less exercise and may benefit from dried “complete” foods, because they do not need as much protein. Younger dogs, especially healthy active puppies, require more protein in their meals and will benefit from a mixture of prepared foods and fresh food.

Feeding scraps
Dogs should never be offered food at your dining table. Any scraps (especially meat and vegetables) should be added to your dog's food dish. It is a good idea to mix table scraps with your dog's usual food, otherwise your pet could come to prefer your food and leave its own uneaten! Feeding your dog lots of tidbits may make it overweight and unhealthy.

Treats
Don't give your pet too many treats. They make a good reward during training, but not all the time.

Feeding your dog : Part 1

The young puppy

A growing puppy needs four moist meals a day. These can include scrambled eggs, boiled fish, and prepared puppy foods. Most prepared puppy foods have been developed to meet the dietary needs of very young dogs. Read the feeding instructions on the can carefully to check the amount of food that is needed by your breed. If you buy your puppy from a breeder, you will be given a diet sheet for your new pet. Puppies of large breeds may benefit from calcium and vitamin supplements. Your vet will be able to advise you about these.

Checklist

• Wash your pet's dishes every day.
• Read the feeding instructions on your pet's food carefully.
• Ask your vet for advice on vitamin supplements for your puppy.

Making your dog comfortable : Part 2

Settling your puppy in

Everything will be new and strange to your puppy, so try to protect it from too much fuss. Don't let younger brothers and sisters pester your pet. The puppy will need peace and quiet to help it to settle.

The first few days

Few puppies settle immediately on their first night and there could be some crying or howling. Your puppy will find life very different away from its mother and the litter. If you show your pet plenty of love it will soon happily accept its new family.

Your pet's bed

A cosy bed with a warm blanket will soon make a new puppy feel settled. You can buy various types of bed from your pet supply store. The most common types are made of molded plastic or wicker. Plastic beds can be easily washed and cleaned and usually come in a wide range of sizes. Wicker baskets are less practical because young dogs often chew them.

Feeding dishes

Heavy pottery or stainless steel bowls are best for water and food. Dishes should be washed thoroughly every day, because bits of uneaten food can carry germs. Make sure your pet always has a bowl of fresh, clean water to drink.

A collar and leash

A leather dog collar can be worn indoors and outside. A choke chain and collar will be needed for leash training. Collars should be a good fit, and not too large or too tight for your pet. A name tag showing your telephone number on your dog's collar or a modern “chip” are essential because they will help you to trace your pet if it is missing.

Making your dog comfortable : Part 1

Taking your new puppy home
Ideally, your puppy should be about ten weeks old when it is taken form the litter. Any younger, and important social skills, such as play and feeding, that it learns from its mother and the rest of the litter, will not be fully developed. This can lead to troublesome behavior as your puppy develops into a mature dog. Take your new puppy home in a special carry case or wrapped in a blanket on your knee. Always have some tissues in case the puppy is car sick.

House breaking your puppy
As soon as you arrive home, offer your puppy the chance to relieve itself outside. If the weather is cold and wet, stand your puppy on some newspapers indoors. Praise your pet when it uses the newspapers. Ignore it if it soils any other surface unless it is outside the home. The puppy will soon realize that it must only use the newspapers.
 

Going outside

Eventually, you can reduce the newspapers to one sheet at the back door and this can removed altogether when the dog learns to relieve itself outside. House breaking your pet could take up to four or five weeks depending on the breed of puppy and its age.

Understanding your dog : Part 2

Hearing

The ears of a dog vary in shape depending on the breed. Some are long and floppy, like the Cocker Spaniel's, while others are smaller and pricked, like a terrier's. Regardless of ear shape, a dog's hearing is much sharper than a human's. Your puppy or dog can detect high pitched sounds which you can't hear.

The dog's coat

A dog's coat acts as a protective layer. Some breeds have very fine hair while others have a wiry or coarse coat. There are also so-called “hairless” breeds that have a thick, protective skin rather than a coat of hair. Some breeds molt while others, such as many terriers, do not. This is worth taking into account when choosing the ideal breed for your family.

Teeth

A dog has 42 teeth. They are specially developed to allow dogs to tear and chew meat and gnaw bones Dogs have large fangs, called canines, at the front of their mouths. Wild dogs use these as weapon to attack their prey.

Claws

A dog's claws grow continually and can cause your pet discomfort if the are not kept to a reasonable length. If your dog walks regularly on concrete its claws may naturally wear down. Otherwise they will need regular trimming. Your vet will be able to advise you about this.

Understanding your dog : Part 1

The dog's skeleton

The dog's skeleton is made up of tow main type of bone; long bones that are located in the spine and flat bones which are found, for example, in the skull and pelvis. Although all dogs have the same basic skeleton, their bones do vary in size and shape form breed to breed.

Sight

The dog's eye has upper and lower eyelids with a duct to drain away fluid and a third eyelid which helps to keep the surface of the eye clean. The dog's eye has developed from the time when packs hunted at dusk and light was limited. In semidarkness the dog's eye reflects back light and this enhances any slight movements in the distance.

Sense of smell

A dog's sense of smell is much more developed than a human's “Sniffing” is a very important part of a dog's life. When dogs meet each other, smelling is part of there greeting. A dog also uses smell to mark out its territory. When your dog or puppy urinates it leaves its scent and, by doing so, marks its territory which other dogs can smell when they visit the same spot. A healthy dog has a wet nose. This helps it to detect smells.

Choosing the right dog for you.

Small dogs or big dog?

Some of the smaller terriers and spaniels make excellent pets for families that live in a town or city. They are easy to train, need only modest amounts of food, and can be handled by the smallest of children under parental supervision.

Large dogs need big homes, plenty of exercise, and strong handlers, Outdoors, especially if distracted by scents or other dogs, large dogs could send young members of the family sprawling or yank a lead from a weak hand and run free.

Pedigree or mongrel?

Breeders of pedigree dogs usually have a clear idea of their animal's likely personalities. It may be difficult for you to guess a mongrel's final size or personality accurately. Discuss the kind of dog you want with your vet and get advice on the most suitable breeds.

If you want to show your pet professionally, it is best to buy a registered pedigree animal, which can be expensive. Of course, you can show any pet dog, including a mongrel, in a junior pet competition.

Male Dogs or Female Dogs

Male dogs roam more than female dogs. However, male dogs do not come into “season,” time when bitches are “in heat” and ready to breed. When bitches are “in season” they should be isolated from male dogs to prevent unplanned matings.

Bitches are usually less aggressive and more homeloving than dogs. Male dogs are more active when young but settle down as they get older. Dogs scent and mark their and mark their territories with urine, but Female dogs are much less likely to behave in this way.

Choosing Dogs breed (Part 2)

Terriers
This class of dog includes Airedales, Borders, Cairns, Jack Russells, and West Highlands Whites. Terriers are small, strong-minded dogs and are happy and energetic by nature. They are also extremely alert and can make excellent watchdogs. Terriers tend to be easy to train and are extremely loyal dogs. They need daily exercise, but not as much as the larger working dogs. This makes them ideal pets for the town or city. With firm handling, terriers can make lovely family pets and are usually good with other dogs and children.

Toy dogs
These include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. As their name suggests, toy dogs are small but they have great characters. Toy dogs are lively and intelligent. They do not need a great deal of exercise but they usually demand a lot of attention from their owners.

Utility dogs
These include some easily recognized breeds, such as Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Shih-tzu, and Poodles. Sizes can vary dramatically within each breed, especially in the Poodle group which includes small to fairly large dogs. Some, like the smaller Poodles and Dalmatians, can make good family pets while others, such as the Bulldog, are very strong and can be too difficult for children to handle properly.

Choosing Dogs breed (Part 1)

Choosing Dogs breed : Gundogs

These include Golden Retrieves, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Red Setters, Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, and Springer Spaniels, In general, these dogs are medium-sized and are cheerful and intelligent. They make good family pets, especially Retrievers, which are well known for their gentle nature.

Choosing Dogs breed : Hounds

These include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Irish Wolfhounds. Hounds vary tremendously in size depending on the breed. Basset Hounds can grow to 14 in in height whereas Irish Wolfhounds are about 30 in tall! Hounds are lively and can make good family pets, although some of the larger breeds can need firm handling.

Choosing Dogs breed : Working dogs
These include Boxers, Border Collies, Welsh Corgis, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and St. Bernards. Apart from the Corgi which stands at 12 in tall, the dogs in this group are medium to large and need a lot of exercise and control.

Choosing Dogs breed : Handling working dogs
The larger breeds in this group are very strong and can be difficult to handle if not fully trained in obedience skills. Working dogs are generally affectionate and protective toward family members but it is important to get your puppy from a good breeder to make sure it is just as good natured with strangers and other animals.

Choosing Dog Breed : Domesticated Dogs

Selective breeding
Several thousand years of selective breeding, probably with a number of wild animals, such as the gray wolf and the jackal, has produced the wonderful variety of dog breeds that is available today.

Different breeds
There are working dogs such as retrievers, pointers, herders, and hunters. In addition to these, a great many ornamental and toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, have been developed.

How modern dogs have developed
Modern dogs have been finely trained to guide the blind, pull sleds, round up sheep, search for smuggled goods, track down criminals, and rescue people from treacherous weather conditions.

Performing tasks
Most breeds have been developed with a particular task or characteristic in mind. A gundog usually has a waterproof coat, sharp eyes, and a well-developed sense of smell. Dogs that control cattle often have short, powerfully muscular front and hind legs. Hunting hounds are small with short legs, a deep chest, and a strong head. Racing dogs are sleek, fine-boned and short-haired. Mountain dogs, used to rescue people in bad weather conditions, are usually massive animals a large head and thick coat.