Taking Care Of Your Dog

When people choose to own a dog they are responsible for it. Apart from the moral responsibility, the Animals Protection and the Dog Control Act require the owner to provide: Adequate food daily.

Free access to clean drinking water at all times. Shelter from the elements and sufficient exercise. Control of the dog for it's own safety. Veterinary care as required.

Euthanasia

It is a sad fact that euthanasia may also be necessary to provide a release from suffering for a much loved pet. This, unfortunately, is also a part of the responsibility of pet ownership

Signs Of Good Health

A dog should be active, alert and outgoing and its appetite good, but not ravenous. General signs of good health include:

• Eyes: Bright and clear and without any discharge.
• Ears: Clean and without any discharge.
• Teeth: Firm and clean. A dogs gums should be pink and its breath free from any offensive odour.
• Coat: Clean, unmatted and free from parasites and bare or sore patches. A dog should not be constantly scratching.
• Skin: Free and pliable.
• Urine: Clean, easily passed and free of blood.
• Faeces: Firm and free of blood and mucus.

Preventative Health Program

A dog owner should seek veterinarian advice and assistance on a preventative health program for their dog. the programme should include the dog's diet, grooming and coat care, flea control, vaccinations and parasite control.

Diet

Dog owners should ensure their dog has a balanced diet and the correct amount of food for its size, age and health.

Grooming And Coat Care

Regular grooming and bathing will keep the dog clean and relatively odour free. Grooming helps massage the skin and is a good opportunity for the dog owner to check for grass seeds, fleas and injuries.

A dog should be bathed with a gentle shampoo or mild dog soap combined with a flea control product. Care must be taken to ensure soapy water does not enter into the dog's eyes or ears, or that the dog does not get a chill by being left outside to dry in cold weather. Detergents or disinfectants must not be used to wash the dog.

Vaccinations

Dogs should be regularly vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvo-virus and kennel cough. These viral diseases are highly contagious and potentially fatal, especially in puppies. Dog owners must check with their veterinarian when their pups are 4 weeks of age regarding the correct series of vaccinations to be followed. The vaccinations will protect a dog for 12 months and the dog must be revaccinated each year for the rest of its life.

Flea Control

Fleas are a constant problem during the summer months. A veterinarian should be consulted for the implementation of a co-ordinated and integrated flea control programme.

This should include bathing the dog with a combined shampoo/flea control product as well using a flea powder, spray or flea collar. The dog's bedding should also be treated. All instructions should be followed carefully and only those products intended for dogs should be useful. If an irritation persists, then the owner should take the dog to the veterinarian.

Worms

These live in the intestines of dogs and can be a health risk to humans, especially if children swallow the eggs. Dog owners can reduce this risk by a regular worming programme, removing the dog's faeces from their backyard and preventing their dog from wandering and scavenging.

Pups should be wormed every fourteen days until twelve weeks of age and then monthly until six months. An adult dog should be wormed at least every three months.