Freedom of movement
Dogs should not be curtailed for prolonged periods of time in a kennel, outhouse or chained up at the bottom of the garden. |
Food and water
 Your dog should have constant access to clean, fresh water. Your dog should be fed at least twice a day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old. Pet food manufacturers now produce breed-specific formulae which have a certain balance of protein and vitamins for that breed, e.g. working dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds or Border Collies require higher levels of protein than an average pet. Check dog food packaging for details. | |
Shelter
Your dog should have a clean, draught free building or kennel which protects them from the elements. Kennels should be cleaned out every other day to ensure the dog's continued good health. Exercise
Depending on the breed, your dog should get anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour's exercise every day, if you don't have time to take your dog for a walk, see if you can get a mate to take the dog for a walk. |
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER Grooming
Depending on the breed, some dogs will require regular grooming. It is advised that dogs be brought to a professional groomer if they have long, difficult coats. In summer be on the lookout for fleas and ticks on your dog's scalp. |
Insurance
Insuring a dog will cover owners against third party liability; if your dog should damage property or individuals the insurance company will be liable for damages. Insurance also covers the prohibitive costs of some veterinary treatment. Always check the individual policy beforehand. Please note: routine treatment like spaying and neutering, and treatment during pregnancy are not included in most policies. Consult your vet for more advice.
Lloyds TSB Pet Insurance Whatever they get up to, we'll be there.
If you've got a dog or a cat you'll know they can get into all sorts of trouble! Our comprehensive pet insurance can help you cope with the unexpected.
10% online discount
Applying for pet insurance online is quick and easy. You'll receive an instant quote, immediate cover, and even 10% off our normal rates. So as well as looking after your pet, you're looked after too.
You could benefit from up to...
£3,000 a year in paid vet's fees
£1,000 to help find your lost or stolen pet
£750 for kennel or cattery fees if you are in hospital for over 4 days
£3,000 towards holiday cancellation costs if you need to cancel or cut short a holiday, should your pet require life-saving surgery. 10% off Lloyds TSB pet insurance at insurance.co.uk  |
Neutering
This prevents the misery of unwanted litter. Promotes the health and well being of your pet. Vaccinations
Five serious infectious diseases threaten a dog throughout its life: canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus infection and two forms of leptospirosis. Prevention by vaccination is therefore important (a combined vaccination giving full protection against all five diseases is normally advised), and must be started in puppyhood and maintained by annual booster doses throughout the animal's life.
Older dogs that are rehomed from a shelter are normally vaccinated and the new owner will receive a certificate of vaccination. Vets normally advise that older dogs with no vaccination history do have a complete primary course followed by annual booster. Cars are death traps for your dog
 Never leave your dog in a car in warm weather. A dog cannot cope with the high temperatures inside a car, and will quickly suffer from heatstroke and eventual heart failure. Even parking in the shade is a risk- the sun could move directly overhead, even with the car windows wound partly down!!. When travelling always ensure your pet is safely contained in a travel harness or kept in a travelling crate strapped into the back seat. Any dog allowed to wander loose in the back of a car is lethal baggage because in an accident a dog will hurtle, like a missile, forwards, often maiming itself, the driver, as well as proving a danger if it goes through the windscreen. |
|
