Getting a dog is a lifelong commitment. All dogs are different, and all dogs will adjust differently. It can take up to three months for a dog to completely adjust to a new family and environment, so remaining patient, and cooperative with the new addition to your family is a must. The average lifespan of a dog is 12 - 15 years, so keep that in mind when considering bringing a dog/puppy into your home.
All dogs require basic veterinary care. Every dog should be receiving basic veterinary care from a reliable veterinarian. The veterinary care they should be receiving consists of:
- Vaccinations: DA2PPV (annually/every year) to prevent common diseases in dogs (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza). Bordatella (every 6 - 12 months, depending on the vaccine) to prevent Canine Cough. Rabies (every 2 years) to, stating the obvious, prevent your dog from rabies.
- Neuter/Spay: To prevent unwanted pregnancies, as well as reduces the risk of other diseases born in the male and female reproductive systems. Spaying your dog will also save you the mess of a dog in heat. Neutering can also reduce aggression/prey drive in male dogs. This is a one-time procedure, recommended to be done once your pet has reached 6 months of age (or once they have physically matured). Many veterinarians will, however, offer paediatric spays/neuters.
- Deworming: Drontal or Lopatol (recommended every 6 months) to prevent internal parasites, such as tapeworms, administered orally (in mouth). Advantage or Advantage Multi (recommended every 6 months) to prevent external parasites, such as fleas and ear mites, administered topically (on skin). These are three of my recommendations for dewormers from personal experience and veterinary recommendations. They are available for purchase at most veterinary clinics.
- Identification: Microchip; a chip inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, that is easily read at veterinary clinic, shelters and other animal services. Tattoo; a tattoo, usually placed in a dogs' ear, which is readable at veterinary clinics, shelters and other animal services. Only downside is that overtime, the tattoo can become unreadable. Identification tag; includes your phone number, and your pets' name for anyone to contact.
A high-quality dog food is necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy. Dogs should be fed according to weight (there is a weight chart below), with a high-quality dog food. Below are a few highly recommended dog food brands that I currently feed my shelter dogs:
- Acana
- Orijen
- Instinct
- Performatrin
- Earthborn Holistic
- Taste of the Wild
- Merrick
Dogs need mental, and physical stimulation. Both types of stimulation lead to a happy, healthy dog, and will give them a place to focus their activity (mental and physical).
- At least 4 hours a day (in total) of outdoor time; whether it's in the backyard, at the dog park or on a walk.
- Daily, 30 - 60 minute walks; try new places! You can try a dog park, new neighborhood or new walking path. This will also help with socializing your dog.
- Plenty of socialization; with new people, kids, new dogs and cats.
- New, challenging toys; such as treat-dispensing toys, or heavy rubber toys to keep them busy. This will prevent them from finding their own new toys, like your brand new shoes, or baseboards.
- Treats and praise; this will encourage your pets to learn, and is the best training technique.
- Love and attention; to keep them happy, and feeling safe. Dogs can struggle if their new home neglects to meet all of the above needs, and provide attention, and love, as much as possible.
If you have any questions, or want more information regarding a new dog, please feel free to contact me below.
All dogs require basic veterinary care. Every dog should be receiving basic veterinary care from a reliable veterinarian. The veterinary care they should be receiving consists of:
- Vaccinations: DA2PPV (annually/every year) to prevent common diseases in dogs (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza). Bordatella (every 6 - 12 months, depending on the vaccine) to prevent Canine Cough. Rabies (every 2 years) to, stating the obvious, prevent your dog from rabies.
- Neuter/Spay: To prevent unwanted pregnancies, as well as reduces the risk of other diseases born in the male and female reproductive systems. Spaying your dog will also save you the mess of a dog in heat. Neutering can also reduce aggression/prey drive in male dogs. This is a one-time procedure, recommended to be done once your pet has reached 6 months of age (or once they have physically matured). Many veterinarians will, however, offer paediatric spays/neuters.
- Deworming: Drontal or Lopatol (recommended every 6 months) to prevent internal parasites, such as tapeworms, administered orally (in mouth). Advantage or Advantage Multi (recommended every 6 months) to prevent external parasites, such as fleas and ear mites, administered topically (on skin). These are three of my recommendations for dewormers from personal experience and veterinary recommendations. They are available for purchase at most veterinary clinics.
- Identification: Microchip; a chip inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, that is easily read at veterinary clinic, shelters and other animal services. Tattoo; a tattoo, usually placed in a dogs' ear, which is readable at veterinary clinics, shelters and other animal services. Only downside is that overtime, the tattoo can become unreadable. Identification tag; includes your phone number, and your pets' name for anyone to contact.
A high-quality dog food is necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy. Dogs should be fed according to weight (there is a weight chart below), with a high-quality dog food. Below are a few highly recommended dog food brands that I currently feed my shelter dogs:
- Acana
- Orijen
- Instinct
- Performatrin
- Earthborn Holistic
- Taste of the Wild
- Merrick
Dogs need mental, and physical stimulation. Both types of stimulation lead to a happy, healthy dog, and will give them a place to focus their activity (mental and physical).
- At least 4 hours a day (in total) of outdoor time; whether it's in the backyard, at the dog park or on a walk.
- Daily, 30 - 60 minute walks; try new places! You can try a dog park, new neighborhood or new walking path. This will also help with socializing your dog.
- Plenty of socialization; with new people, kids, new dogs and cats.
- New, challenging toys; such as treat-dispensing toys, or heavy rubber toys to keep them busy. This will prevent them from finding their own new toys, like your brand new shoes, or baseboards.
- Treats and praise; this will encourage your pets to learn, and is the best training technique.
- Love and attention; to keep them happy, and feeling safe. Dogs can struggle if their new home neglects to meet all of the above needs, and provide attention, and love, as much as possible.
If you have any questions, or want more information regarding a new dog, please feel free to contact me below.