Check list for responsible dog owners
My dog
has a dog bed
My dog has regular
daily walks
My dog has regular meals and a
balanced diet
My dog knows
the 4 basic commands
My dog
is insured
My dog
is neutered
My dog wears a collar
and ID tag
My dog
is microchipped
My dog is up to date
with vaccinations
My dog is regularly treated
against eas, ticks and worms
What dogs need
A Suitable Environment
All dogs need a safe and suitable environment; a comfortable bed in a quiet area that is secure and free from hazards. Their bed should be somewhere undisturbed, warm, out of direct sunlight and free from draughts. Dogs need to be given the opportunity to go to the toilet at regular intervals throughout the day.
A Daily Routine
A daily routine is vital for your dog’s well-being. You must be prepared to provide your dog with regular exercise with playtime in between. Dogs are sociable animals that need company so shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time as they may become bored or destructive. If you need to leave them, make sure someone you know can come and check on them, let them out to the toilet and play with them.
A Balanced Diet
It is important that dogs have a balanced diet. Most dog foods are designed to supply the health needs of any dog but you can buy food that is more suited to your particular dog’s breed, size or age. Feed your dog at least once a day and ensure fresh water is available at all times. Puppies will need more frequent feeding. Human food is not recommended for dogs. Some foods can be harmful to dogs, for example, chocolate, raisins and onion. Keep a check on your dog’s weight and if you think they are under or overweight contact your vet for advice.
Socialising and Training
Praise your dog’s progress. Dogs need to be well-socialized and trained from an early age, making sure they are safe and well-behaved with people and other animals. Praise him lavishly for obeying commands and behaving well. Using positive, rather than negative reinforcement will help your dog enjoy training. Attending a training class and being consistent with training will help you raise a polite pooch.
To keep your dog safe, here are 4 basic commands they should know:
Important
Always carry poo bags with you on your walks. It is every dog owner’s duty to clean up after their dog. There are no excuses for leaving it behind.
Avoid leaving your dog unattended in a public place. Tying them outside a shop leaves them at risk of being stolen. If you plan on going somewhere where you can’t take your dog with you, consider leaving them at home, or taking someone with you who can stay with the dog.
Supervise play with children. Children and dogs can be great friends, but they need supervision when playing together, no matter how friendly your canine companion might be.
Never leave your dog in a car – particularly in warm weather when they are at risk of overheating.
Grooming
Grooming your dog regularly keeps their coat clean and healthy and is a great way to bond. Getting them used to being handled also allows you to check for anything unusual. Some short-coated breeds need just a quick brushing every week, while some longer-coated breeds need daily brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Long-haired dogs may need clipping in the summer to keep them cool. Remember to keep a check on their claws and get them clipped should they become overgrown.
Tooth Cleaning
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, clean your dog’s teeth regularly. You can also give him hard biscuits, rope bones, or nylon chews to help keep them clean.
Tooth Cleaning
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, clean your dog’s teeth regularly. You can also give him hard biscuits, rope bones, or nylon chews to help keep them clean.
Vaccinations, Flea, Tick and Worm Treatments
Vet care is essential for your dog and every dog should be registered with a local vet. Dogs must be kept up to date with vaccinations, worming, flea and tick treatments, and regular check-ups.
Puppies are normally vaccinated at 6-9 weeks old and then again at around 10 -12 weeks old. This should be checked with your vet. Vaccinations cover dogs from distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis, all of which can be highly infectious to other dogs, costly to treat and fatal. For some diseases, an annual booster injection will be needed to maintain immunity. Contact your veterinary surgeon to discuss vaccination timings and protocols for your dog.
Your vet may also recommend a kennel cough vaccination depending on your dog’s lifestyle. Contact your veterinary surgeon for further information. Dogs need regular flea, tick and worming treatment. Lungworm is particularly dangerous and can be caught by eating snails and slugs that can carry the parasite. Contact your veterinary surgeon for advice on what treatment is needed and how often.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance is extremely important for all dog owners. It will help manage unexpected veterinary fees whilst ensuring the best care for your dog. Many vets o er payment plan where the cost of all preventative health care for your dog is split into monthly payments, so check with your vet about the payment options available to you.
Why Neuter?
Neutering is the most responsible way to prevent unwanted puppies. It improves the overall health and behavior of your dog. Dogs can be neutered from an early age. Speak to your vet for advice on when to neuter your pet.
Microchipping
It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, with the keeper’s details kept up to date. This guarantees that an owner can be traced quickly and the dog returned should it go missing. To update your details contact your microchip database. If your dog is lost or stolen, inform the database and your local dog warden immediately.
Solutions to avoid nes or your dog end up in public shelter:
Collar + Tag + Microchip
When in a public place all dogs must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on it, or a plate or badge attached to it. It is an offense not to comply and you could be liable for a fine.
A collar and tag will ensure that any member of the public or local dog warden can return your dog straight away and avoid your dog being impounded.
Car safety
Dogs need to be suitably restrained in a car so that they cannot distract or injure you or themselves whilst you are driving. You can use a dog guard, crate or a properly fitted car harness to secure them.
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Terms & Conditions
The information, guidance and recommendations contained on website or printable materials (in brief, “info”) are based on ROLDA understanding of good practice for animal welfare emergency planning.
ROLDA uses all reasonable efforts to ensure that the info is accurate at the time it is published.However, ROLDA makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the Information and does not commit to keeping the Information updated.
ROLDA excludes all liability of any kind whatsoever (including negligence) for loss, injury or damage (whether direct, indirect, or consequential, and whether foreseeable or not) suffered by any person or animal resulting in any way from the use of or reliance on the info.
The info is of a general nature only and is not intended to cover every emergency situation. In no way should the info be seen as a replacement for specialist advice. Please contact your vet for specific advice regarding your pet(s).