How to be a responsible dog owner

Keeping your pet healthy

- Register your dog with your local vet
- Don't wait for an emergency. Details will be in the Yellow Pages, or you could ask any pet-owning friends.
- For additional information or advice on the following, consult your vet or pharmacist.

Vaccinations and worming

Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.
- First vaccinations are given at about eight weeks. Puppies should not be allowed on the street or to mix with other animals until your vet advises.
- Always keep your dog's vaccination certificates. You may need them in the future.
- Regular booster vaccinations are necessary, your vet will advise you.
- Roundworms and tapeworms (intestinal parasites) can affect dogs at any age, so they should be treated regularly for worms. Worms can cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no signs. Worming is easy, effective and costs little using a worming preparation obtained from your pharmacist, vet or pet shop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 4 months. Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently. It is essential that puppies are wormed when they are about 2 weeks old and then treated at regular intervals until they are at least 5 months old. Always seek veterinary advice before worming your puppy.

Grooming

It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.

Fleas

If your dog gets fleas treat him with a reliable spray, spot-on dusting powder, or wash. Also clean and treat the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.

Neutering

Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good homes for them, you should have her spayed. Your vet will also be able to give you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog should be neutered.

Dogs and the law

Dogs owners and non-dog owners have the right to live side-by-side. There are, however, several rules which should be followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with safeguarding the environment - for the benefit of everybody.
All dogs must wear a collar and clearly displayed tag. The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner.