With a lifespan of 10-13 years, having a dog is a big responsibility. Your loyal doggo buddy will be by your side from day one, so make sure you’ve got their back too by providing the best care you can.
It’s your responsibility to provide all the necessary care for your pooch Here’s some of the basics to keep them happy healthy.
Exercise doesn’t just mean a daily walk or a run around the living room. Dogs need to be physically challenged to build strong bodies, but their brains need a workout too — games, tasks and training all help keep them mentally sharp and out of mischief. A bored dog with too much energy can quickly become a destructive one, so mixing up play and keeping things interesting is key to a happy home.
Maintaining good cardiovascular health and muscle tone is vital, so strike the right balance to keep your pooch fit and ready for their next adventure. Ideally, daily exercise should include a trip to a designated dog park where they can run free and socialise with other dogs and people. Make sure exercise is supervised at all times.
Mental and physical stimulation are vital for a happy home so mix up play to keep it interesting. Here are some easy ways to mix up exercise:
A healthy diet is as important for pets as it is for people. The right diet can protect against preventable health issues and give your pet energy for all their adventures. Learn what to feed your pet to keep them in top shape and avoid costly vet bills.
Sometimes it isn’t easy to spot if your pet is losing weight under all that fluff. The easiest way to tell is if your pet isn’t eating normally. If you notice a change in your pet’s appetite consult your vet because there could be an underlying health problem
If your dog is overweight and unfit it will impact their health, it could mean a shorter life expectancy, cause painful joint problems and increase the risk of diabete, heart disease, kidney issues and some cancers.
Obesity occurs when your dog accumulate more body fat than is healthy, usually because they’re consuming more calories than they burn through daily movement and play. It’s a common nutritional issue, and it’s very manageable with the right support.
A combination of a healthy diet, appropriate exercise and a weight loss plan can get your pet back on track. Talk to your vet before making significant changes to your pet’s diet and exercise routine. RSPCA Victoria has a weight loss clinic that can help get your pet back to a healthy weight.
Here’s what a good dog diet should insist of:
*RSPCA Victoria recommend Royal Canin pet food.
RSPCA Victoria recommends positive reinforcement training (PRT) as the method for training your dog. PRT is all about rewarding good behaviour. This can be with lots of verbal praise, cuddles and tasty treats. Every dog will learn at a different pace so always be patient and remember that your dog wants to make you proud.
If your dog is misbehaving, redirect them and reward them for better behaviour. For example, if your dog is chewing your furniture, redirect them with a chew toy and give lots of praise.
If training isn’t working, contact RSPCA Victoria, your local shelter, veterinary clinic, dog obedience club, or registered dog trainer for advice. Some municipal councils provide a reduced registration fee for dogs that have successfully completed a registered obedience course.
At RSCPA Victoria we offer free and paid pet behaviour services for dogs and cats.
Most dogs require grooming. Whether it’s just an occasional nail clip, or full two hours of pampering. Some breeds of dog require regular grooming to stay healthy.
Grooming your dog isn’t just about fashion, it keeps them comfortable. For some breeds grooming is essential to stay healthy. Reasons to keep up with your dog’s grooming include:
Your dog will need to go to the vet for checkups, treatment and any health concerns throughout their life.
If you’re taking your dog for their first vet visit, you’ll want to make sure they leave microchipped, up to date with vaccinations, treated for worms and fleas, and with a clean bill of health.
Your dog should be vaccinated against:
Your dog will also need regular check-ups and booster vaccinations throughout their life. As well as treatment for worms (Tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworms) and fleas, which are very common and difficult to get rid of.
Dogs stick their snoots into everything and often get into trouble. Know when to apply basic first aid, call an emergency vet or when you may be able to wait it out.
Here are the five most common concerns and what to do:
1. Wounds and infection
If your pet is wounded and bleeding, apply pressure, clean the area and remove debris. Apply a firm bandage and monitor the bleeding. For significant wounds, always take a trip to your vet. Tip! Have a pet first aid kit handy so you’re always prepared.
Infection can easily cause more problems than the original wound. Most wounds will require antibiotic treatment, so make an appointment with your vet to be safe.
2. Poisoning
There are many household items and plants that can be fatal to pets. Symptoms are often extreme. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned as you may not have much time.
3. Bites and snake bites
Insect bites may require vet treatment. Minor symptoms include swelling, but in severe cases insect bites can result in respiratory distress and even death.
If your pet is bitten by a snake, keep it still and contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of a snake bite include anxiety, respiratory distress, shallow breathing and bloody urine.
4. Burns
For heat or chemical burns, flush the area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes and seek advice from your vet.Tip: Your pet first aid kit should include: bandages, dressings, surgical sticky tape, cotton wool, sterile absorbent gauze, scissors, a thick towel and a cone collar.
5. Seizures
Do not try to stop the seizure. Instead, use a calming voice so your pet relaxes. Clear the surrounding area and seek veterinary advice if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes.
As a dog owner, you are legally responsible for your pet and could face damages if they:
Some local governments require your dog to be:
Many municipalities also prohibit the housing of more than two dogs within the same residence without obtaining prior consent. Contact your local council for more information.
Dog owners should also be aware of offences under the Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. These offences include but are not limited to:
If you suspect animal cruelty, report it to the RSPCA Inspectorate or Victorian Police immediately.
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