What should I feed my puppy? Top
Good nutrition is vital at this age when bones are quickly growing. A puppy diet is required as it contains the right balance of nutrients, significantly calcium, and a high quality diet means it is readily digestible (undigested food results in soft, smelly faeces, and also flatulence). Table scraps, all-meat diets and cat food are not adequate to maintain the health of your puppy or dog. There are many different brands of premium pet foods. Tinned food contains the same nutrients as dry food, but considerably more water, so dry food works out as less expensive, and easier to store, and also helps clean the teeth. Large breeds of dogs have specific nutritional requirements during the rapid growth phase, so large breed puppy diets are recommended for these dogs. Raw meaty bones are also an important part of your puppy’s diet to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Ask your veterinarian for more advice on feeding your puppy.
What vaccines does my puppy or dog need and how often? Top
Your puppy should receive a number of vaccinations depending on the age and breed of the pup, and the type of vaccine used. A vaccination program should start at six to eight weeks of age, and boosters are given at approximately four to six week intervals until the puppy is 18 to 20 weeks of age. The reason for these boosters is that the antibodies the puppy got from its mother actually interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. Since these maternal antibodies are lost at different ages in different puppies, we need to give boosters to ensure we have protective levels of antibodies in all puppies. Annual vaccination is recommended to keep antibody levels high throughout life. Your vet will advise you of the best program for your dog. The most basic of vaccines protects against the three fatal viral diseases: distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus (C3). You may wish to use a vaccine that also includes protection against a viral form of kennel (canine) cough (C4) and there is another for the bacterial form of kennel cough (C5). New vaccines are available to protect against canine coronavirus and leptospirosis (C7), and a C3 vaccine that can be given to pups once at 10 weeks of age with boosters required every three years. Annual vaccination against kennel cough is still required. Which vaccine is used depends on your situation and your vet's advice. Click here to read more about the importance of vaccinating your dog.
Should I have my puppy desexed and at what age? Top
Desexing of both male and female dogs is recommended before they reach sexual maturity. Some vets will recommend early desexing at 12 to 16 weeks of age, while others prefer to perform the operation at an older age such as five to six months of age. It is best to ask your own vet and be guided by their preference. Desexing of female dogs (spaying) will prevent unwanted puppies or the annoying attention of male dogs when they come into season twice a year. From a medical standpoint, spaying at a young age will prevent mammary tumours (breast cancer) and pyometra (infection of the uterus which is often a surgical emergency). Neutering, or castration, of male dogs before puberty will decrease the problems of aggression, urine marking, tendency to roam, and hypersexuality (usually with the furniture or with visitors!) seen in entire male dogs. Medically, castrated dogs cannot develop testicular cancer, and reduces the risk of prostate problems in the older dog. Desexing your dog has many advantages.
How big will my puppy get? Top
Adult size will depend on the breed of your dog, whether it is male or female and its overall health. With mixed breed puppies, it can be difficult to predict their adult size, but they will generally be smaller than, or not significantly larger than, their biggest parent. Your vet may be able to give you an idea of your puppy’s adult size. By providing your puppy with a complete and balanced diet, regular exercise, and the required preventative medical care, you can ensure you puppy will reach its full growth potential and become a healthy, happy adult dog.
What is microchipping? Does my dog need a microchip? Top
Microchipping is recommended for dogs as a permanent and safe form of identification. In some states it is compulsory at 12 weeks of age, or when they go to a new home. Unfortunately, many family pets are euthanased every day because they cannot be identified. Microchips cannot be altered and do not fade over time, whereas tags and collars can easily be lost. The microchip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades and remains there for life, ready to be identified by a special scanner and your pet promptly returned to you if lost. Ask your vet for more information on microchipping and the requirements in your area.
How often should I bathe my dog? Top
Washing or bathing your dog can be an important part of your dog’s regular grooming program, which is essential for general skin and coat care. The frequency will depend on your personal preference, the breed and the nature of your dog. A weekly bath is important for some people to have a clean and fresh smelling dog, while for others it is on a needs only basis. Once a month is generally sufficient, unless your dog more frequently likes to roll or wallow in smelly things. Flea and tick shampoos or rinses need to be used weekly if they are sole source of external parasite control. However, washing too often, or using an inappropriate product, can leave the coat dull, and cause dry, flaky and itchy skin. Some breeds, for example cocker spaniels, are prone to skin conditions and do need to be washed more often with medicated shampoos as directed by your vet. Long-haired dogs may need regular washing to help remove tangles and prevent matting. Brushing regularly not only removes dirt and matting but also can reduce the need for washing.
What shampoo should I use on my dog? Top
There are many shampoos available for dogs. Human shampoos or products are inappropriate as they are formulated with a different pH from what a dog needs. The type of shampoo you use depends on your dog and your personal preference. There are shampoos to brighten white coats, revitalise red and yellow coats, aromatherapy shampoos, conditioning shampoos for fluffy coats, gentle and tearless shampoos for puppies, hypoallergenic shampoos for gentle cleaning and oatmeal shampoos for itchy skins. The list is endless! There are also many flea shampoos and rinses available but check the label first and always follow the directions. Medicated shampoos may be prescribed by your vet for specific skin conditions.
I think my dog has fleas, what should I do? Top
Your dog may have fleas, even if you can’t see them. Fleas can build up rapidly to plague-like proportions under the right conditions. Adult fleas live and feed on your pet but 95% of the flea population live as eggs, larvae and pupae in the dirt, carpet, bedding and cracks and crevices, ready to jump on your pet. Fleas can cause itching, scratching, skin allergies, dermatitis and anaemia and transmit tapeworms. They can bite humans as well. The only effective way to get rid of fleas is to start a flea control program, both on and off your pet. All fleas must be removed from the dog and its environment, including other household pets. Cats are often overlooked as the source of fleas especially if they are not scratching themselves. There are many safe and effective flea products available for killing fleas on your dog and cat (also for puppies and kittens), and for preventing fleas reinfesting them. Your vet will be able to recommend the best product for your pet. Then you need to kill fleas and the other stages of the flea life cycle in the environment. This means flea-bombing areas in the house that the dog can access, treating kennels, baskets or bedding, and identifying outdoor areas where fleas may exist. This may mean blocking off access to under the house, and using outdoor flea products in places like sandpits or favourite resting areas. Don’t forget the car if you travel with your pet!
How often should I worm my dog? Top
Intestinal worms such as tapeworm and roundworm are common parasites of puppies, and since roundworm can affect humans, especially children, puppies need to be wormed every two weeks from two to 12 weeks of age, then monthly to six months, and then every three months as an adult dog. Regular worming is essential – while treatment kills worms present in the intestine at the time, reinfections can occur from other pets and the environment. Once is not enough. Female dogs need to be wormed prior to mating, 10 days before whelping and at two weeks and four weeks after whelping. Dogs in hydatid areas (where your dog has access to raw offal) need to be wormed every six weeks, as hydatid tapeworms are a serious health risk to humans. Your vet can check your dog for the presence of worms, give the appropriate treatment and advise you on the best worm control program for your dog. Not all over-the-counter products available treat all the worms, and not all are effective.
How can I clip my dog's nails? Top
Get your puppy accustomed to having its paws handled early in life. Handle your pup often and offer lots of praise or a treat when he or she stays still and lets you examine the toes and nails. This will make it a pleasurable experience for your dog, and your life a lot easier! Keep the nails regularly trimmed by using nail clippers specially designed for dogs. Clip the tip of each nail with a swift action, being careful to stop short of the quick where the blood vessels and nerves are. Ask your vet to show you the correct technique the first time, especially if your dog has dark nails.
My dog seems to be itchy and is always scratching, what can I do? Top
Itching in dogs is often caused by parasites (especially fleas), allergies, dry or greasy skin, or bacterial skin infections. There are also several medical conditions that can result in itching. Itching and constant scratching can lead to more serious skin problems. If your dog appears unwell or you can see any signs of hair loss, inflammation, sores or scabs, you should have your dog examined by a vet to determine the underlying cause and offer the appropriate treatment. For a healthy dog with normal skin, the problem may simply be fleas or a dry skin. There are a few steps you can take that may help:
- Flea control is essential, both on your dog and in the environment, including other dogs and cats in the household (read the section on flea control for more information).
- Choose a high quality diet that is nutritionally balanced and complete. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, are required in the proper amounts in a diet for optimum skin and coat condition. Correct packaging, storage and adequate antioxidants, such as vitamin E are also important.
- Consider supplementing the diet with the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6, if the food you use doesn’t have a balanced fatty acid supplement. Several products are available, such as Megaderm.
- Try a colloidal oatmeal shampoo and conditioner for dry skin to help reduce itchiness and flaky skin. Your vet will be able to prescribe the most effective medicated shampoos.
How can I stop my dog from shedding hair everywhere? Top
Shedding hair is a natural process for most dogs and occurs throughout the year, especially in spring and during periods of illness or stress, pregnancy or nursing. Some breeds such as poodles do not shed significantly (though they need regular trimming). The best way to control shedding is to regularly brush and groom your dog. Slicker brushes, rakes and shedding tools are useful. A regular bath with a good quality shampoo may also help to keep the coat and skin healthy. If you are concerned, or you notice any unusual skin or general health problems, you should seek your vet’s advice. There are some medical conditions that may increase shedding.
Help! My dog has dandruff, what should I do? Top
Dandruff, or scaly skin, is called seborrhoea in dogs. It is usually more severe than human dandruff and can be an inherited condition in some breeds. There are two types of seborrhoea: a dry form with dry, scaly skin (seborrhoea sicca) or an oily form with greasy crusting (seborrhoea oleosa). Consider a veterinary examination first to rule out medical conditions that can cause the problem. Skin parasites (such as fleas), allergy or bacterial and fungal infections can cause the problem. For a simple, mild 'dandruff' in an otherwise healthy dog there are a few things you can do to help:
- Flea control is essential, both on your dog and in the environment, including other pets in the household. See the section on flea control for more information.
- Choose a high quality diet that is nutritionally complete and balanced. Diet influences skin condition, specifically a proper content of essential fatty acids. Ask your vet to recommend the best diet for your dog.
- A dietary fatty acid supplement, containing omega-3 and omega-6 may be required if the food you use doesn’t have a balanced fatty acid supplement. Several products are available.
- Try a colloidal oatmeal shampoo and conditioner to soothe itchy, dry skin. Your vet will be able to prescribe the most effective medicated shampoos.
How can I housetrain my puppy? Top
New puppies can be house trained within a few days with careful supervision, consistent commands and rewards, and no punishment. Puppies will go to the toilet after waking up and after eating. Taking your puppy to the place you would like it to use, such as on newspaper in a corner, or outside, using a command such as ‘Empty’, or ‘Hurry Up’ and then giving a reward in the form of a special food treat or lavish praise and cuddles, will give the puppy incentive to repeat this behaviour due to positive reinforcement. Even if he or she makes a mistake, never punish, as it will make the matter worse, probably because the dog can become anxious and it will try to wait to go to the toilet when the owner is away. If a reprimand is needed, a loud ‘no’ is sufficient to distract the puppy so that you can then redirect it to the correct area. When you cannot supervise your puppy, such as during the night, confine it to a secure area that contains its bed and toys and an area covered with paper for its toilet. For more information on housetraining read about the 'Wee Time' program.
What sort of toys should I get for my puppy? Top
There are many suitable toys available for your puppy or dog. Toys for smaller dogs or puppies won’t be as interesting for a larger dog, and toys that are too small, or have pieces that can be broken off may be swallowed or get stuck at the back of the mouth or throat. Avoid human toys, as they are not designed for dog’s teeth or chewing. Hard rubber and nylon chew toys or bones are good choices and help maintain healthy gums and teeth. Vinyl and latex toys are good for lighter chewers and many contain a squeaking device to keep your dog entertained. Rope toys can assist in dental care and can be used as throw and retrieve or tug devices. Treat toys have a hole in the centre to hide your puppy’s favourite treat – this will entertain for hours! Soft toys can be provided for comfort as long as they don’t chew or rip them. Dogs like variety, so have several different toys available.
Why does my dog scratch at his ears and shake his head? Top
Any ear problem can cause affected dogs to scratch or paw at their ears, shake their heads and hang them to the side of the affected ear. Foreign objects in the ear, allergies, ear mites, certain skin conditions and infections with bacteria, fungi and yeasts can all cause ear disease. Dogs such as spaniels, hounds and bassets are prone to bacterial infections of the outer ear because their floppy ears prevent air circulation and drainage of any moisture in the ear canal. If you notice any discharge, unpleasant smell, redness, swelling, lumps or pain, you should visit your veterinarian immediately. A special tool (an otoscope) is required to look down the ear canal to diagnose the problem and prompt treatment will ensure the problem doesn’t become more serious.
Do I need to brush my dog's teeth? Top
It is a good idea to incorporate brushing your dog’s teeth into his or her regular grooming program. Apart from tooth problems, dental disease can also affect general health as bacteria are released into the bloodstream through the inflamed gums and can lodge in places like the kidneys and heart valves, causing problems in these sites. There are flavoured pet toothpastes containing enzymes that help break down plaque and kill bacteria, although the mechanical removal of tartar is the aim. Do not use human toothpastes, as these are not designed to be swallowed and can irritate the stomach if ingested. There are also various gels and liquids that contain the same sort of ingredients, and are an alternative if your pet disagrees with having its teeth brushed! Again, it is much easier to train your dog or cat to allow toothbrushing from an early age, rewarding for good behaviour. You can use a pet toothbrush or a finger toothbrush. You only need to clean the outside surface of the teeth, concentrating on the gum margin.
Why does my dog have bad breath? Top
Dental disease is one of the most common problems affecting dogs and cats today. In humans, tartar builds up if we do not remove it by brushing. Likewise in animals, tartar builds up if it is not removed by chewing on raw bones or other gnawing toys, or by brushing. Tartar then develops into calculus, which is the visible hard, yellowy, mineral build-up. Then the gums recede from around the teeth, and other supporting structures for the teeth are weakened, leading to tooth infections, tooth loss and bad breath. This process is called periodontal disease. Apart from tooth problems, periodontal disease can also affect general health as bacteria are released into the bloodstream through the inflamed gums and can lodge in places like the kidneys and heart valves, causing problems in these sites. Therefore, mouth health is important for your pet’s overall health and longevity. If there is a significant tartar build up or inflamed gums (gingivitis), your dog will need ultrasonic scaling by your vet, which needs to be performed under an anaesthetic.
How do I clean my dog's ears? Top
Checking and cleaning your dog’s ears, preferably once a week, is an important part of the grooming routine to help prevent excess wax build up and ear infections. If you suspect your dog already has an ear problem, you should consult your veterinarian straight away for correct diagnosis and treatment. Any discharges, unpleasant smells, redness, pain, swelling, excess scratching or rubbing of the ears may indicate an ear infection or other problem. Ears can be simply cleaned by using an ear cleaning solution provided by your vet. Ear cleaners remove excess moisture, wax and debris from the outer ear canal. Only use products specifically for dogs and avoid medicated products unless advised by your vet. Hold up the earflap and dribble a few drops of ear cleaner into the ear canal. Massage gently at the base of the ear (you will hear a squelching sound as you do so) to work in the solution. Stop if this appears to be painful to your pet and consult your vet. Repeat with the other ear. Use cotton wool to wipe away any excess solution, and to clean out any wax or debris. Use your forefinger and only clean as far as it will naturally reach to avoid hurting the eardrum. Never use cotton buds as they can damage the sensitive lining of the ear canal or perforate the eardrum.
How can I stop my puppy from biting? Top
Biting and mouthing is normal when puppies play with other dogs. However, biting humans should be discouraged as it can lead to bigger problems as your dog gets older. Male puppies especially can use it to establish dominance over family members, so stop the behaviour before a real problem emerges. Try not to engage in rough play such as tug-of-war games as they can lead to dominance problems. Transfer biting behaviour onto toys and chewing objects, and praise the puppy when he uses the toys. When puppies are small, their biting and mouthing isn’t painful, so owners tend to allow it, and then try to stop the behaviour when the puppy is bigger. If a puppy is biting you, say ‘no’ once and withdraw play and attention. You and all members of the family need to be immediate and consistent for the training to work. If there continues to be a problem, you may need to leave the room in order to withdraw attention. Punishment is often ineffective, and can serve to reinforce the aggression, or cause the puppy to become anxious, fearful or perhaps more excited. Distraction such as loud noises (a shake can filled with pebbles, air horn, or loud whistle) can be effective. A head halter and lead is useful as pulling the lead closes the mouth while you say ‘no’. Withdraw play until the puppy has quietened down, then praise. As with other training lessons, control and leadership over your puppy make learning much faster, and longer lasting. Establish dominance over the puppy, and start obedience training early. Ensure all family members are consistent and assertive in their training.
How can I stop my dog from barking? Top
The answer to this question depends on why your dog is barking, whether it is in your presence or absence, and if it is a sign of a behavioural problem. Many dogs will bark for attention, and they get it when the owner goes to try to quieten the dog with attention or food, thereby reinforcing the barking behaviour. The barking is reinforced by reward in this case. Therefore, the first step is not to give attention to your barking dog. If the barking is caused by passing pedestrians or other stimuli, you may need to keep your dog away from the stimuli, such as keeping him in the backyard or inside. Using a halter and lead, you can stop a dog barking by pulling on the lead, which closes the mouth and distracts the dog. As he stops barking, give the ‘hush’ command. There are some anti-barking devices available, such as the Aboistop Collar that emits a spray of citronella each time the dog barks and is sufficiently unpleasant to deter most dogs. Some dogs only require to wear the collar for a couple of weeks to stop barking, although others will require training as well since they learn when they collar is off or on. Distractions such as loud noises (loud whistles, stones in a can) that result in silence that is then rewarded, can be useful. Your vet can help you with solutions for problem barking in your dog.