Discover: Dogs
Your Dog’s Pregnancy Week by Week
Female dogs (bitches) generally give birth around 63 days after conception, with a few variations between 56 and 70 days depending on the exact time of fertilisation in relation to mating. This step by step guide tells you what to expect during your dog’s pregnancy and gives you practical advice and important information to…
Body Condition Score
[bodycondition] Drag the slider so that it roughly matches your pet's weight, and check the accompanying descriptions to assess your pet's body condition. This tool should only be used as a guide to recognise that different breeds have different body characteristics. If you have any concerns, you are strongly advised to consult your vet for…
How to Choose Your Puppy
Sign up to our newsletter The decision to have a dog as a pet has long term consequences and should not be taken lightly. A dog lives more than ten years on average and therefore you should aim to choose a dog whose specific requirements and needs (e.g. exercise, training, grooming etc), you will be…
Dog Body Condition Check
Please note that some breeds and different lifestages may have different ideal body condition scores. Always consult your vet if you are unsure. Click here to check your dog’s body condition.
Preventing Excess Weight in Dogs
Keeping your dog in shape Excess weight corresponds to an imbalance between energy intakes and energy outputs. Excess food consumption (greater than an animal’s requirements) is usually central to this problem. If the trend continues, weight gain will lead to obesity: a recognised disease. A weight-loss plan which includes a specifically adapted diet will best…
Dog Care & Maintenance
Looking after your dog This includes dedicating time daily to outings and activities. It also includes a couple of regular practices in hygiene and observation which will ensure good health and identify any possible problems. Outings Social outings and providing physical activity is one of the first considerations when caring for a dog. As a…
Microchipping Your Dog
The prospect of your pup getting lost – and maybe slipping out of his collar or losing his name tag – is unbearable. Dog theft is on the increase today as well, so security is becoming an issue for all dog owners. How microchipping works Microchipping, which is the painless insertion of a microchip under…
Feeding Your Dog
To each dog, their own diet The nutritional requirements of a dog vary greatly from that of man; you shouldn’t be tempted to feed your pets as you feed yourself! Your dog’s daily intake should include not only the energy they require but a balance of all of the nutrients essential to health. The best…
Injections and Vaccinations for Dogs
Vaccinations Canine distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis,contagious hepatitis, rabies… potentially deadly diseases can lie in wait, and puppies are particularly at risk when protective maternal antibodies wane. It is therefore essential to keep to a vaccination schedule as directed by your veterinarian and follow-up with regular boosters throughout your dog’s life. The health checks and advice you’ll…
Neutering Your Dog
A decision you need to make Neutering is one of the most responsible decisions any dog owner can make. Neutering not only protects against unwanted pregnancies, helping to keep down the number of dogs in rescue, it also offers protection against various diseases including cancers. It can also help with some behavioural problems, although this…
What to Feed Your Puppy
Your puppy’s first meals Ask what your puppy is eating before he comes home, and keep him on that for a week or so before you change it. The most important thing to remember with feeding puppies is that their digestive systems are still developing – so they are prone to upset tummies. Try an ultra-digestible food…
Oral Health for Puppies
Sign up to our newsletter Teething and oral health When puppies are born they have no visible teeth, the first milk teeth normally start to appear around the third week of life, these, teeth are very sharp almost needle-like and your puppy will soon learn to put these to good use! However these teeth are…