JSPCA DOG FACT SHEET

History and Biology

Dogs were reportedly the first animals to become tamed and this probably happened at least 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age.  All pet dogs today, whatever their shape and size, are descended from the Grey Wolf. 

With selective breeding, dogs began to vary in appearance and build, most of them becoming less wolf like.  Today there are almost 150 different breeds throughout the world, many retaining the characteristics bred into them thousands of years ago.  In recent years, some types of dogs have been used for a variety of special purposes: as police dogs they use their excellent sense of smell to track criminals; as guide dogs they become the eyes of blind people; as sheep dogs they round up sheep; and as guard dogs they protect people and buildings.

But regardless of its role, the dog’s best-loved job is one of companionship and protection, and it is this unselfish eagerness to please which has won him the title of “man’s best friend”. There are many benefits for children who grow up in a caring relationship with a dog.  It teaches children to take responsibility for the dog’s welfare and shows them how to treat and respect animals.

Responsibility

Dogs can make wonderful pets, but keeping a dog is a big responsibility.  A dog owner must be prepared to look after the animal for its whole life, which can be as long as sixteen years.  Every year, thousands of dogs are abandoned or suffer from neglect because owners do not provide correct care.

It is important to be fully aware of the extra responsibilities that owning a dog will involve, such as obtaining veterinary treatment for the animal if it becomes sick or injured and arranging for it to be properly cared for while you are away from home.  Owners must keep their dog under control and not allow it out alone, so that the dog does not become a nuisance to other people or their pets.  Dog mess in public places is unacceptable and owners must clean up after their dogs. Dog licences are available from the appropriate Parish Hall.

Before obtaining a dog or a puppy, the size of the animal, as an adult dog, is another important consideration.  Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and a dog should be selected that suits the family’s lifestyle and environment.

Diet and Husbandry

Dogs are carnivores.  All dogs require a balanced diet and need certain nutritional components to remain fit and healthy, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre.  Today, many pet food manufacturers produce excellent meat and cereal-based products to provide a varied, but balanced diet for your pet.   Fresh, clean water in a suitable water bowl should be available at all times. 

Adult dogs are fed once or twice daily, at a regular time and should always be fed from their own bowls.  Bones are not recommended, as they can cause damage to the teeth and may even injure the dog’s stomach or intestines.  Rawhide bones and chews provide a good material to chew and help maintain the teeth.

Puppies require feeding more often than adult dogs.  At eight weeks of age, a puppy should have four meals a day, fed from its own food bowl.  As the puppy grows, the number of meals given daily can be gradually reduced from four to two until it reaches about twelve to sixteen months of age when one main meal a day could be fed.  There are many brands of commercial puppy foods available for feeding to puppies and for further advice on the frequency of feeding puppies and the most suitable type of puppy food for your puppy, please contact your veterinary surgery.

Obesity is a common problem in dogs.  If given the opportunity, many dogs will over eat, so it is very important not to overfeed your dog.  Do not become accustomed to giving your dog tit-bits between meals.  Overweight dogs live shorter lives.

Daily grooming is essential to keep a dog’s coat in good condition.  In addition to improving the appearance, grooming removes old, dead hair and so reduces the amount of hair falling onto carpets and furnishings.  It prevents matting and helps to remove parasites and dirt from the hair.  Grooming also produces a healthier coat by stimulating the blood supply to the skin.  In general, ten minutes grooming every day should be sufficient.  Basically, there are two types of coat, the long-haired variety and the short-haired variety.  Each different coat type requires different types of grooming equipment and further advice can be obtained from a local pet shop.  Most dogs need occasional baths, the frequency of which is determined by the coat characteristics.

Dogs like company and are social animals, but they should have their own warm and comfortable bed, positioned away from draughts.

Potential hazards for dogs within the home should be considered.  The kitchen is often the most dangerous place and it is wise to keep pets out of the way when cooking.  Kitchen waste, particularly old food and empty tin cans can also be dangerous if not kept out of the dog’s reach.  If a dog eats decaying food, it may cause illness and dogs could injure themselves if they try to lick the inside of an empty tin can.  Detergents, disinfectant, polishes, bleach and other chemicals can be poisonous to animals and therefore must be kept out of reach.  Electrical appliances are also a serious potential hazard, especially for puppies.  All electrical cables should be covered to prevent them being chewed and appliances should be switched off if leaving the animal unattended.  Dogs should be protected from open fires and heaters by using a suitable fireguard.

Exercise

Whatever the weather, dogs need to be taken for a walk every day.  However, for adults, the length of the walk and the amount of exercise will depend on the breed and size of the dog.  If walked in wet weather, dogs must be dried off thoroughly.  A walk to the end of the road twice daily is not sufficient exercise for healthy adult dogs. Dogs should not be let out onto the street alone – ‘Latch key’ dogs are often involved in traffic accidents and can cause a nuisance 

Socialisation of puppies, as well as adult dogs, with other dogs is very important in raising a well-behaved and happy dog.  Socialisation provides your dog with positive experiences in situations where he might meet people or other animals and it enables the dog to learn how to behave acceptably in these situations.

Training

An untrained dog is a nuisance and can also be a source of danger.  It is the animal owner's responsibility to keep their dog under control.

Dogs need to be house trained and trained to walk to heel, both on and off the lead, and to ‘come’ and ‘sit’ on command. 

Dogs are naturally clean animals, so with careful supervision and patience, most puppies and dogs can be house trained in under two weeks and will soon learn to relieve themselves outside. 

Identification

The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter strongly recommends microchipping dogs for identification purposes.

Neutering

It is strongly recommended that you have your dog neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help prevent adding to the problem of stray dogs.  Neutering can also reduce the risk of mammary gland tumours and uterine infections in the female and prostatic disease and testicular tumours in the male.

Generally, bitches come into season (also known as coming into ‘heat’) for the first time between the ages of six and twelve months of age.  They will continue to come into season, on average, every six months for the rest of their lives.  Each season will last approximately three weeks and will start with swelling of the vulva, followed by bleeding.  The bitch becomes very attractive to male dogs.  Bitches can be neutered (spayed) at the mid point in between their seasons.  Male dogs tend to roam in search of bitches in heat.  If neutered (castrated), male dogs are less inclined to stray. 

There is no truth behind the ‘old wives tale’ that bitches need to have a litter of pups before they can be neutered.  Young dogs are often neutered once they reach six months of age, but contact your veterinary surgery for further advice.

Common Diseases and Ailments

During some point in a dog’s life, most dogs will require veterinary treatment.  Unforeseen emergency treatment can be expensive.  By insuring your pet, financial assistance would be available. 

Vaccination is essential for all puppies and dogs and helps to protect them against viruses that can be fatal.  After an initial course of inoculations dogs require a booster vaccination every year.  Your veterinary surgery can provide more information about vaccination protocols.

Internal parasites (endoparasites) – puppies and dogs can suffer from various types of worms, including roundworms and tapeworms.  Regular de-worming is essential, as humans, especially children, can also be infected by some of these parasites.

External parasites (ectoparasites) - these can be a common problem for puppies and dogs and require immediate treatment.  External parasites, such as fleas, ticks and lice, can be detected by thoroughly checking the coat.  Effective, regular preventative medications should be used.  For advice about preventative flea treatment, contact your veterinary surgery.

Diarrhoea – this could be a symptom of a variety of illnesses or may be related to diet.  Always contact your veterinary surgery for advice.

Kennel cough – this is a highly contagious respiratory condition, which causes a persistent cough that can vary in severity.  It is especially a potential problem when dogs are confined together, such as in a kennelling situation.  If you are worried that your dog may have kennel cough, contact your veterinary surgery.

Stings – bee and wasp stings can produce a swelling and can be very painful.  Stings in the mouth or throat require urgent veterinary attention, as the swelling can be so severe as to cause death by suffocation.  Contact your veterinary surgery if an insect has stung your dog.

Bad breath – disease of teeth and gums is common in pets and can cause pain and discomfort, as well as bad breath.  Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth may help to prevent dental disease.  If your dog paws at his mouth, shows signs of bleeding from the gums or has bad breath, seek veterinary advice.

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

 

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

 

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