HEALTH & WELFARE

Dogs can suffer from a range of infectious diseases and other illnesses but individual dogs show pain and suffering in different ways.

A change in the way a dog behaves can be an early sign that he/she is ill or in pain. Dogs who are insecure or stressed can also become unwell as a result. Never let the thought of having to pay for veterinary treatment stop you from making sure your dog has the best of care.

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Before deciding to buy/acquire a dog, make sure you find out what health and behaviour problems he/she has, or may be prone to, for instance as a result of his/her breed, how he/she has been bred, and how he/she has been socialised and cared for. Always check with a vet if you are unsure.

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Think about taking out pet insurance and having your dog microchipped. For just a few pounds a month you’ll be covered for unexpected vets’ bills in the future and safeguard your pet’s health. A one-off payment for microchipping your dog means you are more likely to be quickly reunited if he/she goes missing and he/she will receive prompt veterinary care if injured.

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By law, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with his/her owner’s name and address either on the collar or on an attached tag. 

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POISONING

It’s every responsible owner’s nightmare if his/her pet is poisoned. Make sure you’re prepared for such an emergency. Preventing your dog from coming into contact with poisonous substances and treating any accidental poisonings quickly and appropriately is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

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Never ‘watch and wait’ in any case of suspected poisoning. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, act fast and contact your nearest vet for advice immediately.

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Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high temperature and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and tremors.

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You can also check out information on some of the most common poisons that dog owners should be aware of. These include chocolate, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, grapes/ raisins/ sultanas/currants, slug/snail baits and rodent poisons.

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Health checklist 

• Check your dog for signs of injury or illness every day, and make sure someone else does this if you are away. If you suspect that your dog is in pain, ill or injured, go and see your vet immediately.

• Take your dog for a routine health check with your vet at least once a year. It’s a good chance to ask for advice about things you can do to protect your dog’s health, including essential vaccinations and treatments to control parasites (e.g. fleas and worms). Dogs should be routinely vaccinated against canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis.

• Think about getting your dog neutered. Neutering can help reduce the huge number of unwanted pets, prevent illnesses and some unwanted behaviours. If you do decide to breed, talk to your vet to make sure the dogs’ health and personalities are suitable for breeding and make sure you are able to look after both the mother and puppies (including finding them good homes).

• Only use medicines that have been prescribed for your individual dog.

• Make sure your dog’s coat is kept in good condition by grooming him/her regularly. If you’re not sure how to groom your dog’s coat properly, talk to a pet care specialist.

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How to find a behaviour expert

Dogs can develop a range of behaviour problems, such as aggression, destructiveness, inappropriate toileting, nervousness and phobias. If your dog develops a behaviour problem, it’s important to get him/her checked by your vet first, in order to rule out any illness or injury that could be causing the problem. Your vet can then refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist. l Think about getting your dog neutered. Neutering can help reduce the huge number of unwanted pets, prevent illnesses and some unwanted behaviours.

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If you do decide to breed, talk to your vet to make sure the dogs’ health and personalities are suitable for breeding and make sure you are able to look after both the mother and puppies (including finding them good homes).

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*Only use medicines that have been prescribed for your individual dog.

*Make sure your dog’s coat is kept in good condition by grooming him/her regularly. If you’re not sure how to groom your dog’s coat properly, talk to a pet care specialist. Behaviour experts will work to identify the cause of the behaviour problem and then develop structured treatment plans that are suitable for you, your dog and your circumstances.