CARING FOR YOUR DOG
Dogs can be the most rewarding of pets; they bring fun, purpose, friendship and love to our lives. They give us so much and, in return, depend entirely on us to ensure that they are happy and healthy. So, apart from giving them plenty of love and attention, what does caring for a dog entail? All pets have the legal right to five welfare needs, which are: to live in a suitable environment eat a suitable diet exhibit normal behaviour patterns be housed with, or apart from, other pets (depending on need) be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease Dogs are complex animals with individual needs, and there are many different things to consider when caring for one. We hope that this guide breaking down the basics of responsible dog ownership into three handy sections is helpful. For more help and advice on caring for your dog visit bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Home...4 Health...8 Happiness...15 3
HOME Bringing your dog home for the first time Welcoming a new dog into your home is an exciting and special time for the whole family, and one that you ll need to be fully prepared for. As well as making sure you have the right equipment and food ready, the whole family will need to understand how to help your dog adjust to its new life. New environments and people can be daunting for pets so it may take a little time for them to feel at home. The first thing you should do when arriving home with your new companion is to show them the garden or nearest outside space so that they can have a good sniff around and go to the toilet if needed. Make sure your dog has regular toilet trips throughout the day after that. On the first day you ll also need to get your dog familiar with where he or she will be sleeping, whether that s upstairs or downstairs. Practise leaving them there a few times with a comfy bed and a biscuit, and when bedtime arrives leave a chew and perhaps a radio turned down low and a nightlight for reassurance. Keep visitors to a minimum for the first few days and spend time building up a bond with your dog doing the things they enjoy. Give them the space they need, and let them get used to your routine and regular walking routes. Once your dog is settled, start practising leaving him or her alone for short periods ideally after a long walk so that they are tired, perhaps with a chew and some background noise. Build up the length of time you leave them for gradually but look out for signs of stress. 4
Checklist for new dogs: A collar and tag with your contact details on; this is a legal requirement in all public places Ensure your dog has a microchip and keep details updated so that you can be contacted if your pet goes missing. Always contact the database company and inform them if your pet is lost or stolen. By law, all dogs must be microchipped and owners can be fined if they re not. A comfortable dog bed in a secluded area away from draughts and direct sunlight. If using an indoor dog kennel, ensure it has plenty of room for your dog to move about in. Something that has the scent of the dog s previous home on it A short walking lead and, if your dog needs recall training, a long line Two dog bowls (one for food and one for a constant supply of clean, fresh water) Appropriate food (see our advice on diet) Treats for training and a good selection of toys A harness or dog crate for car travel Pet insurance to cover any unexpected veterinary costs If your dog has a boisterous or nervous nature, then a houseline may help during the settling in period. This is a light lead without a handle that trails on the ground, so your dog barely notices it. You can use it to guide and move your dog around the house rather than grabbing onto their collar, which can be scary for them. Adaptil products release comforting pheromones which can also help dogs feel more relaxed. 5
Introducing your dog to children Dogs and children can make great playmates as long as doggy rules are in place to keep everyone happy. Even if your dog has lived with little ones previously, it will still take time for them to get used to new children. You ll need to slowly find out what your new companion is comfortable with, always supervising to ensure good behaviour on both sides. Hints and tips Allow the dog to approach the children rather than the other way around. They can encourage the dog to come to them by sitting down and offering a treat or toy. Keep kids as calm as possible and discourage high pitched squeals as this can frighten a dog Ask your children to stroke the dog gently on the shoulder or side closest to them to begin with rather than a pat on the head After initial introductions, ask the children to give the dog space so they don t feel overwhelmed Ensure children do not disturb the dog when they are in a safe place such as bed, asleep or eating Teach your children not to give your dog titbits and do not encourage your pet to beg either Always move your children away if the dog becomes anxious Consider a baby gate or dog crate to separate your pet from children when needed 6
Introducing your dog to other dogs in the home It is best to introduce dogs on neutral territory, so take both dogs out for a long walk together first. The interest of the walk will make the meeting less intense and they can sniff and get to know each other along the way. The relationship is normally established during the first few weeks, but squabbles are possible during this time. Hints and tips If travelling with the dogs together in a car, keep them separated until you arrive home Take them into the garden first, allowing the new dog to go in ahead Remove any toys or objects they are likely to bicker over Feed the dogs apart until they are used to each other and provide a water bowl each Attention may also be a resource to compete for so ignore both until they have settled down Separate them before answering the door Only leave them alone together when it is obvious that they have become friends Try to ignore small disagreements and scuffles, and distract them with something else Be ready to lead the dogs away and isolate them until they have calmed down Introducing your dog to cats in the home Even if your dog has lived with a cat previously, they won t necessarily feel comfortable around new cats, and viceversa. If they are to become friends, it is essential the dog is not allowed to frighten the cat. Hints and tips Keep the dog on a lead when the pets are introduced Ensure the cat has the freedom to get out of the way or approach, if your dog is comfortable Never let the dog give chase as this will upset the relationship Supervise all encounters for several weeks to ensure both cat and dog are happy 7
HEALTH Vaccinations Vaccinations protect your dog against killer diseases and they are likely to be a requirement if your dog goes into boarding kennels or travels abroad with you. Puppies will need to be vaccinated against the lifethreatening infections from six to nine weeks of age. Until your puppy s vaccination course is complete (follow your vet s advice, but this is normally at between 11 to 13 weeks), they should not go to any public areas where an unvaccinated dog may have been; but this doesn t mean that you can t carry them around or take them on public transport. All dogs need a booster vaccination annually but not all components of the injection need to be given every year. Vaccinations usually protect against: Parvovirus Canine distemper Leptospirosis Adenovirus 1 and 2 Canine parainfluenza A kennel cough vaccine may also be required if you are putting your dog into boarding kennels and protection against rabies will be needed if you are taking your pet abroad. 8
Flea control The only way to be certain that your dog does not have fleas is by using regular, good quality flea control recommended by your vet. Fleas are very common in the environment and can easily be picked up on walks, especially during summer, so a single application of any product is not sufficient. Spot-on treatments, medication and injections are the most effective, and many products also protect against ear mites and other parasites. If your dog does catch fleas, you ll need to get them treatment as soon as possible, as well as treating carpets and furnishings in your home with an aerosol spray. This is because the parasites only spend a limited time on the animal; their eggs tend to build up in cracks and crevices, such as down the sides of armchairs and can survive for anything up to a year. Other pets in the household will also need treating with species-specific products. Your dog may also need protection against ticks, which can carry dangerous diseases (ask your vet for advice). Even if your dog has had tick prevention treatment, always check them over after walking in areas with sheep or deer (which can carry the parasites) as they need to be removed straight away. Worming your dog Without preventative treatment dogs are vulnerable to intestinal worms, which can have serious health implications, particularly among puppies. Injections, tablets and spot-on treatments are available, but always ask your vet about what is best for your dog. Lungworm, which invades the heart and blood vessels, also poses a serious threat to dogs and has been a common problem in southern areas of England and Wales for some time. Dogs get lungworm by eating larvae found in infected snails, slugs or frogs, and it can be fatal. Consult your vet about whether or not regular lungworm treatment is needed in your area and be extra vigilant if you spot slugs and snails in your garden or local parks. 9
Household dangers Dogs are naturally interested in human activity especially when it involves food. But the kitchen can present a whole host of dangers to dogs, like accidental spills of hot oil and boiling water, so keep your pet away when cooking. There are also many human foods which are toxic to dogs if consumed so store food out of reach. Keep your own medicines and any for other pets locked away. Common poisons include: Chocolate Alcohol Raisins Grapes Onions Macadamia nuts Bread dough Xylitol (a natural sweetener found in some chewing gums, toothpastes and even peanut butter) 10
A long list of plants are also poisonous azalea, daffodil, dieffenbachia, rhododendron, sago palm and yew are among the most toxic. Horse chestnut twigs, leaves, fungi and conkers can also be poisonous. It s best to keep an eye on your dog when out and about, and don t let them chew or eat anything instead, distract him with a favourite toy or treat and ensure that your dog gets to know the leave command (see our training section). But the most dangerous hazard of all is traffic keep your dog on a lead near cars. Diet Like people, dogs need a healthy, nutritious diet with access to clean, fresh water at all times. There is a bewildering choice of dog food available in pet shops, supermarkets and from your vet, so it can be hard to decide which is best for your dog. Any commercial dry or wet dog food, appropriate for the age and size of your dog and described as complete will be nutritionally balanced for your dog and won t need to be mixed with anything else. Some people like to feed homemade diets prepared from foods such as raw or cooked butchers meat, fish, bread, rice and added vitamins and minerals this is the most complicated way of feeding dogs and is unlikely to provide a balanced diet, so is not recommended. Human titbits are best kept away from dogs, too. Consider introducing your dog to food toys and slow feeding bowls as these are fun and make a meal last longer. 11
Exercise All dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy, and the amount and type of activity they need will depend on age, breed and the individual dog. It helps to think about what different dogs were originally bred for. For example, huskies are runners, so will benefit more from two short off-lead runs per day than one long lead walk. Retriever breeds will usually enjoy playing fetch games with a favourite toy. Active dogs such as border collies need lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, so it is a good idea to consider activities such as agility or obedience classes to help keep waistlines trim and behavioural issues at bay. All dogs benefit from being off the lead for exercise, because human walking speed is not a natural pace for dogs. Dogs will get much more out of 30 minutes off the lead in a safe, traffic-free environment, than they will from a 30 minute walk along a pavement on a lead. But only let your dog off lead when good recall is established. Puppies need controlled exercise to keep them occupied and to build strong muscles. However, their bones are still soft and joints are still developing, so hard exercise and games that make them twist and turn suddenly are not recommended, especially for large breeds. 12
Neutering Neutering your dog not only prevents unwanted litters, it also has many health and wellbeing benefits. Spaying females under a year of age reduces the risk of breast cancer, the most common cancer among bitches. Unless spayed, older female dogs also risk developing a dangerous, lifethreatening condition called pyometra (an infected womb). In male dogs, neutering makes both prostatic disease and some cancers less likely. Neutering makes for happier dogs, too. Male dogs that are not neutered and are confined can be frustrated and may make determined efforts to escape, putting them at risk of fights with other dogs or accidents. Meanwhile many bitches can suffer from false pregnancies following their season if they are not spayed. While this is natural, it can lead to stress for your pet, behavioural problems and, in some cases, medical issues. For these reasons, we believe all dogs should be neutered. Both males and females recover quickly after surgery, which is done under general anaesthetic. Dogs can be neutered at any age but, for the greatest benefit, it should be done under one year of age. Dental care We humans get used to looking after our teeth from a young age, and the same should apply to dogs. Bad teeth heavily coated in plaque (containing bacteria) can spoil your dog s appetite and could even spread infection elsewhere in the body. Ideally, start brushing your dog s teeth from an early age although it is possible to train an older dog to accept it. Dogs require a special brush and toothpaste from the vet or pet shop. Good quality dental chews may also be helpful and raw vegetables are good for your dog s oral health. Grooming Regular grooming is essential for all dogs to look and feel their best, regardless of the length or type of coat they have. It also reduces hair-shedding in the house and is a good time to check for any lumps or bumps, as well as eye and ear health. Consult your vet if you find anything unusual. 13
Keeping cool As well as ensuring your dog has somewhere warm and cosy in winter, make sure that they have somewhere to cool off when temperatures rise. Unlike humans, dogs can t sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature. They can suffer fatal heatstroke within minutes and can also be sunburnt, particularly those with palecoloured coats. Hints and tips Make sure your dog has access to clean, cool water at all times On hot days walk your dog in the early morning and late evening when it s cooler Dogs paw pads can burn on hot pavements if it s too hot for your hand, it s too hot for their paws Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car, even for a few minutes with the windows open Make cooling tasty treats such as ice cubes with your dog s favourite food inside or freeze a stuffed Kong Watch your pet for signs of over-heating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognise these signs when on a walk, stop in a shady spot and give your dog water. Be particularly careful with short-nosed dogs such as bull breeds, boxers, pugs, older dogs, and those that are overweight. These dogs can get heatstroke simply by running around. 14
HAPPINESS Training your dog A well trained dog is a happy dog. Well behaved pets can take part in family life and are welcome in more places. For example, a dog that greets politely rather than jumping up will not need to be shut out of the room when visitors arrive and a dog that walks well on the lead and has good recall is likely to be taken out more enhancing their life as well as yours. And the saying you can t teach an old dog new tricks is a fallacy; it may take a little longer than it would with a puppy, but dogs of any age can be trained. The first thing to teach your dog is to respond to his or her name, and come to you when called. Once he or she has mastered this, you can move on to the basic commands, which are: sit, down, wait or stay and leave or off. 15
Hints and tips Different training techniques are needed to teach each command, but basic principles include: Dogs learn by association, so if your dog does something and is rewarded, the action is much more likely to be repeated. For this to be effective the reward must be linked to the action when training, the dog should get the reward within one second of the action. Rewards can be food (this can be part of your dog s dinner or small treats), praise or a toy or game Make learning fun. Your dog will respond much more quickly, and if you do make mistakes the dog will not be afraid of trying again. Keep sessions short (about two minutes) and practise about five to six times every day Practise in different areas, for example in the house, out on walks and in the garden, but keep distractions to a minimum until your dog understands your requests When your dog has learned the basics and learned to work for rewards, you can teach lots of fun and useful things such as go to bed, settle, retrieve and tricks such as shutting doors, roll over, give a paw and so on. You may also consider joining a dog training club for your dog to work towards gaining the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award, or taking part in a sport such as agility. The Kennel Club and Association of Pet Dog Trainers will have a list of training clubs. Toilet training Dogs naturally want to toilet away from their living area, so unless your dog has been raised in dirty conditions, house training should be relatively easy, particularly if you stick to a good routine. Hints and tips When you first wake up, last thing at night and very regularly during the day, take your dog outside to a place that you have chosen. If you use newspaper or toilet pads overnight, pop some of the soiled paper in this area as the smell will help your dog to know where to go. Ideally, let them out in garden without a lead on as it will be too restrictive otherwise, but an extendable lead is a good solution if this is not possible Avoid playing exciting games in the garden before your dog has toileted, as this is likely to distract them from the main purpose of going outside Stay outside with your dog until they have done their business and give gentle praise If they still haven t gone to the toilet after five minutes, come back inside the house, but keep a very close eye on them. Repeat this process 10 minutes later (20 minutes for an adult dog), and so on. Watch out for signs that your dog needs to go to the toilet such as sniffing the floor, circling, looking restless or going into a room they have previously toileted in. Then immediately take them to their toilet spot. 16
Socialisation Socialisation is how dogs learn to relate appropriately to people and other animals. It involves meeting and having pleasant encounters with as many adults, children, dogs and other animals as possible, as well as becoming used to a wide range of events, environments and situations. It can result in a friendly, well-adjusted pet who enjoys the company of people, can be taken anywhere and lives life to the full. Ideally, socialisation should be done during the first few months of puppyhood, but it is possible to socialise an older dog it will just take more time. Hints and tips Never pick up your dog and pass them to someone or drag your pet towards them. Dogs should always be able to make an approach in their own time and retreat if they want to. An anxious dog will try to look smaller, avoid eye contact, hold the tail low, put ears back and keep away. If your dog is anxious about something move away and take the introduction more slowly once they are comfortable at a distance. A happy, relaxed dog will stand up straight with tail wagging and be keen to investigate The most important part of socialisation is with people. So if you live alone, find people who would like to meet your dog. Make sure they also have happy encounters with staff at the vets and delivery people who come to the home. A good puppy socialisation class can help your training, but should be a supplement as most of the work should be done by you away from the class 17
Enrichment for your dog Dogs are social animals and one of the ways they build and learn about relationships and communication is through play. Playing with your dog regularly will teach you about your dog s personality and strengthen the bond between you. By preventing boredom, providing exercise and giving an outlet for your dog s natural instincts, play can stop inappropriate behaviour from developing. What your dog likes to play will depend on their personality. Watch what your dog does when excited. Does your dog chase, grab or pounce on things? Experiment with a few different toys and, using a toy, mimic your dog s natural play behaviour. Games fall into four main categories: Tug of war toys to use include raggers and rubber rings Chase and retrieve use balls and Kongs on rope Hide, seek and search can be played with people, toys or food Pounce and shake squeaky toys encourage this type of play While you are out, ensure there are toys available and experiment with puzzle toys or a Kong stuffed with treats. Hints and tips Don t play rough and tumble wrestling games or allow your dog to chase children. Both are exciting for your dog but can encourage games that are out of your control. Keep toys below waist height so that you don t encourage your dog to jump up Have frequent, daily play sessions at home and when out for walks Play in short bursts of up to five minutes and finish whilst your dog is still keen to play When playing use an exciting voice with lots of praise and encouragement. For dogs that are keen to play, only start the game when they are doing something you want them to do. This will encourage good behaviour. Make sure you can always take things away from your dog, with training if needed Never force your dog to play Whatever toys you use make sure they are suitable for your dog. Check the toys regularly to ensure there are no small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Have a selection of toys and swap them every day to keep your dog interested. 18
We hope you enjoy many happy years with your dog. You ll also find a wealth of further healthcare, training and behaviour advice on our website. 19
Blue Cross how we help pets Blue Cross is a charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets since 1897. Pets help us in so many ways and they depend entirely on us. That s why at Blue Cross we believe in helping pets because they help us. Rehoming: our tailor-made rehoming service means we help each pet find the right owner for them, and until we find them the perfect home they re part of our Blue Cross family. Veterinary: our animal hospitals and clinics treat cats, dogs, small pets and horses whose owners cannot afford private vet s fees. We provide everything from routine vaccinations to lifesaving surgery. Behaviour: Our experienced behaviourists make sure animals heading off to their new homes are prepared for the future. Education: Our Education Team gives free talks across the UK promoting responsible pet ownership to children in schools and youth groups, as well as talking to groups in prisons and individual families. Our talks are tailored to the audience and cover topics such as how to look after your pet, animal welfare and keeping safe around dogs. Blue Cross helps more than 40,000 pets every year. We receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of the pet-loving public to continue our vital work. If you would like to know more about Blue Cross please visit our website bluecross.org.uk or call 0300 790 9903. Thank you