Dog & Puppy Care

In Australia buyers unfortunately need to be aware of ‘Puppy Farms’ also known as ‘Puppy Mills’ or ‘Puppy Factories’ – these are the names given to breeders who produce large numbers of puppies without looking after their welfare- the puppies may be sold to some pet stores or sold privately. By avoiding the breeders and suppliers that don’t look after the well-being of their dogs we can all ensure that they don’t make a profit and this should discourage them from future breeding.

After purchasing your puppy or dog, there are several important aspects of their care, to consider:

• We strongly recommend that you take out a Pet Insurance policy. Please see our page on Pet Insurance for more about this topic.
• Suitable bedding such as washable rugs, cushions or blankets need to be provided in a weatherproof kennel or indoors.
• A secure area such as a dog-proof yard is essential. Your dog should never be left unsupervised when tethered.
• All dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation to help avoid behavioural and health problems. It is also vitally important that dogs are socialised with people and other dogs from an early age in order to learn appropriate interactive behaviours –Puppy Preschool is an excellent way to socialise a new puppy.
• All pets require a minimum of one health check a year. On average, dogs age five to eight times faster than humans, allowing major health changes to develop in a relatively short amount of time. The risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age. However, a visit to us helps us diagnose, treat or even prevent health problems before they become life-threatening. Routine vaccinations, flea and tick control and worming are also recommended. A visit to us is also a good opportunity to ask about nutrition, behaviour, and other issues.
• Nutrition is an important part of your dog’s care. A healthy and balanced diet is essential. This will provide protein to build the body; fats for skin and coat health; carbohydrates for energy; and minerals and vitamins for good bone development and healthy tissues.
• It is essential to keep your dog’s teeth clean. A regular dental care routine will minimise tartar build-up on your pet’s teeth. Never give your dog cooked bones, as these can be brittle and easily splinter, causing harm to your dog.
• Fresh water bowls must always be available for your dog. They should be kept clean and placed in the shade
• Grooming and brushing is essential, particularly for long-haired breeds. This helps remove dust, dead skin, loose hairs, grass seeds, and tangles and it also assists to shorten the coat moult, which occurs every autumn and spring. Dirty or smelly dogs should be bathed. However, keep in mind that frequent shampooing can strip the natural oils from the coat and cause skin dryness and irritation.