Dog information

Very few pet shops now sell puppies. Several factors have contributed to this trend which was accelerated by the Amendment to the Pet Animals Act in 1983. Club Row in London's East End where puppies were traditionally sold. Public opinion and a growing sense of awareness of the distress which was often caused by these street sales, forced Parliament to act. At the same time the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other official bodies mounted a campaign designed to curb the impulse buying of puppies.They also claimed that many puppies were subjected to undue stress and the riskof disease by travelling long distances from the breeder.

Puppy Farms have also come in for a great deal of adverse publicity.In some cases the care and housing conditions are inadequate with bitches being bred from at every season.There is also a good deal of evidence that puppies which are bought from several breeders and taken to a central collecting point before they are distributed to selling points can be caused a high level of distress.

Many dog breeders are still not licensed and inspection of premisesis not so rigorously enforced as it is in pet shops. At the same time the BVA and other organisations advise a potential dog owner to see the dam and if possible the sire of the puppy they are purchasing.

In the past few years many Local Authorities have taken a hard line when granting or renewing Pet Shop Licences.Puppies in the shop are an undoubted attraction. Unfortunately they attract a gooddeal of adverse comment and criticism from many members of the public and they also attract people who only wish to look, and have no intention of buying.

• Pet shops continue to be used as a prime source of advice on:
  how and where to buy a puppy.
• which breed is most suitable.
• how to care for it when it arrives in its new home.
• the preferred source of all items needed for a new puppy.
  

Biological Data

Male = Sire...................................................dog
Female = Dam................................................bitch
Young ............................................................pups

• Sexual maturity, depending on breed. A bitch can conceive at five months.
• Oestrus depending on breed, average twice a year last from 14 to 21 days
• Gestation average 63 days from conception.
• Although weaning commences at around three weeks of age depending on breed and litter size, as a general rule the puppies should not be separated completely from their dam until at least the sixth week. Some smaller breeds will require to be left even longer with the mother. Puppies are born fully haired but their eyes do not open until about the tenth day after birth.
  

Breeders

The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 defines a breeder as any person who keeps more than two bitches between the ages of nine months and eight years with the intention of breeding litters for sale. The Act requires that the breeder takes the initiative and approaches the Local Authority for a licence.

Although the Pet Animals Act of 1951 stipulates that no animal may be sold before it is weaned there is no actual definition of age laid down. Many of the smaller breeds of dogs such as Toy Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers are not ready to leave their dam until they are eight or even ten weeks old.

Veterinary advice should be taken about inoculations, if this has already been done a certificate stating this will accompany each animal. Puppies should be inoculated against: distemper (sometimes called hardpad); hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. Your veterinary surgeon will advise on the timing of these injections. While diagnosis and treatment of disease must be left to the professionals a daily inspection and close observation is important in caring for puppies. Any departure from the normal should be viewed with suspicion and veterinary
advice sought promptly.

The breeder must be asked to supply a written diet sheet and the puppies kept to this as far as possible, with any changes being made very gradually. A livestock register is kept with details of source of supply and names and telephone number or address of purchasers.

Puppies must be carefully checked and any minor defects noted and put in writing at the point of sale, as breeders often pass on to pet shops animals which though perfectly healthy are not suitable for the show ring.

The following defects might be noted. Undershot or overshot jaws, Mismarking (e.g. a black poodle with white markings or a pink nose), Umbilical hernia Supernumerary dew claws (that is extra claws on hind feet as well as front. This is only allowable on very few breeds) Pointing these things out to a prospective customer ensures that at a later date a complaint cannot be made that these particular defects were not known at the time of the sale.

Pedigree puppies must each have a four or five generation pedigree certificate signed by the breeder and for the pedigree to have any value it must have been registered with the Kennel Club. Registration is the responsibility of the breeder, that is the person who was the owner of the bitch at the time the puppies were born. It is most important that this registration is supplied with the puppies, as under the Trades Description Act the retailer is accountable for the goods he sells and this could include the particulars shown in the pedigree.

Pet Shop License

Before puppies are included in a Pet Shop Licence certain guidelines will be laid down as to the accommodation, food storage, isolation quarters and fire precautions. A hot water supply is essential as is a hygienic method of disposing of excreta and soiled bedding. The Pet Shop Licence stipulates that all livestock must be visited at suitable intervals and supplied with food and water as appropriate to their species.

All cages and kennels must be constructed from material which can be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Food and water dishes must be kept scrupulously clean and washed each day. A shop window is not a suitable site for young puppies.

The National Pet Shops Licensing Conditions which have been drawn up by the BVA and the Association of District Councils recommends in the case of puppies, if they are kept longer than five days an exercise pen should be provided.

Tips on your first Puppy

• Keep your new puppy in one room at a time to start with, close the door to keep him with you as this will help you see what the puppy gets up to.
• Keep plenty of newspaper placed on the floor so that your puppy can get to it easily and remember to keep paper on the floor of each room that the puppy goes into, this will help your puppy find the paper quickly and easily.
• Feed your puppy at the same time each day, as this will set a routine. Routine will install the habit to eat at set meal times.
• Feed your puppy half an hour before you eat your meal.
• Do not feed your puppy when you are eating and do not give titbits from your plate, this will only encourage the puppy to want what you are eating.
• Send him to his bed at your meal time.
• NO MILK, ONLY WATER, AS ORDINARY MILK FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WILL CAUSE DIARRHOEA IN YOUNG ANIMALS.
• Give your puppy plenty of things to chew, not edible, i.e. Rubber, Nylon or Cotton only.
• Use biscuits as training treats.
• Start training your puppy at home from day one.
• Use your tone of voice, low for reprimand and higher for praise.

Nutrition

For good health, all the pet's nutritional requirements should be met and there should be no deficiencies or excesses of nutrients. A premium pet food specifically formulated for the animal's lifestage, should be fed.

It is the nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins & minerals) in a food that are needed by an animal; just how much of each is required depends on the pet's lifestage and activity.

Different ingredients contain different proportions of individual nutrients, and if an ingredient is more digestible its nutrients are more readily available. So to supply all the nutrients an animals needs - in the correct amounts and the correct balance - the best pet foods,that consist of a precisely controlled blend of good quality ingredients.

Is one cereal better than another?

All cereals provide a useful source of energy and are often combined to produce a combination of benefits. Some are better than others in certain respects, such as rice.

Why do foods need antioxidants?

All dry foods need to be protected by the use of antioxidants against the breakdown of fats to toxic substances. Any antioxidant used needs to be safe and effective. So-called natural' antioxidants are often not sufficiently powerful to provide long-term protection and prevent fats going rancid.

Is fresh meat in dry petfood better than meat meal?

Both fresh meat and meat meal are valuable protein sources, and both are available in various grades. Meat meal is meat that has had water removed before mixing with other ingredients; when there is 'fresh' meat in a dry food it has to have the water removed after mixing. Foods containing 'fresh' meat are often able to show meat at the top of the list of ingredients; this is because positions in the ingredient list are determined by weight. 'Fresh' meat contains a lot of water and therefore weighs much more than the equivalent amount of meat meal.

• MAIZE is rich in essential fatty acids.
• RICE is highly digestible and low in phosphorus (which helps to regulate mineral levels).
• WHEAT although a good source of energy, is much more likely to cause allergic reactions.

What produces a healthy skin & coat?

A smooth skin and glossy coat depend, in large part upon an adequate intake of fatty acids especially lineolic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) which is found in high levels in Science Plan products. It is not dependent upon the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids. Health benefits have been claimed for omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratios in the range of 5:1 to 10:1, although in fact a ratio outside that range can produce equal or greater benefits. What is most important is the total amounts of these fatty acids.

Minerals-too much of a good thing?

Although foods need to meet an animal's requirements for minerals, an excess of certain minerals has been associated with a number of serious health problems. Most manufacturers take care to formulate products so that they do not contain excessive amounts of these minerals; this is achieved by the careful selection and combination of high quality ingredients. The recipe for a longer healthy life is no secret.

What pet foods do vets really recommend?

Surveys reveal that across Europe and around the world, veterinary surgeons recommend, and feed to their own pets, dry products more than any other food.

Training

• Do not leave your puppy unattended for more than four hours in the day.
• At night time, do not attend to your puppy when it cries, your puppy will learn that it is night time and that you will be back in the morning. This may take a few nights but if you attend to your puppy in the night it will be longer before it settles all night.
• Your puppy can go out into a private garden before it is fully vaccinated, even in a friends garden or home. Your puppy can mix with other friends and family domestic cats and dogs that are healthy and vaccinated.
• Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but all have the same basic need.......
  LOVE AND ATTENTION.

Worms

All young Animals should be regularly wormed from 2 wks old. Products from the shop shelves are perfectly adequate as a prevention and will even kill mild infestation of worms. Providing an animal is wormed regularly, worms will not be a problem. If a pet is not wormed you will see symptoms such as thin waste and bloated stomach, possible listlessness and lack of appetite and even vomiting. The animal will look frail and the coat will appear dull. Worms in the animal faeces can be a danger to young children, PREGNANT WOMEN and the elderly.

Worming your PET. .......Prevention is better than cure. Cure is available.

WORM YOUR PET AT............

2wks ....4wks....6wks....8wks....12wks....16wks....20wks....24wks..... and then 3 to 4 times a year for the rest of its life .

GENERAL

Worms found in Dogs and Cats fall into two main categories-

Roundworms(Toxocara Canis for Dogs and Toxocara cati for cats) and tapeworms although there are several species of roundworms that effects dogs, the most important one being called Toxocara canis. The cat worm species is called Toxocara cati.

Tapeworms( Taenia and Dipylidium )

Dipylidium Caninum the most common tapeworm. The symptoms can vary in their intensity. In young pups and kittens, worms may cause abdominal swelling and pain, loss of weight, vomiting or diarrhoea and on rare occasions rupture of the bowel.

N.B fleas pass on the tape worm larvae. To successfully prevent worms in your pet you should use an effective flea remedy. Deflea your pet and your pets bedding.

The flea is the intermediate host for the tapeworm as the eggs of the worm are swallowed by fleas (or by wild mice or rabbits). Within the host the eggs become larvae and when the host is eaten by the animal the life cycle is complete.

Every so often 'scare' stories appear about the danger to humans from round or tapeworm in cats or dogs. A programme of regular worming coupled with common sense hygiene is a wise precaution even though the danger to human heafth is very slight.

The most common sign of tapeworm infestation is to find the dried segments clinging to the hair round the anus. These segments look like melon seeds or grains of rice. Young animals are seldom infested with tapeworm but if symptoms of this parasite are found a vet should be consulted. Some proprietary tapeworm treatments are not suitable for very young animals.

(Taenia and Dipylidium) Dipylidium caninum the most common tapeworm is usually passed on at the larvae stage by Fleas which bite its host to feed from or the dog or cat swallowing a flea containing the larvae of the tapeworm whilst grooming and thus becomes infected. Because tapeworm is passed on by fleas biting to feed on the host blood the tapeworm therefore starts its journey in the dog or cats blood and due to tempreture ends up in the stomach where it is warmest for the tapeworm larvae to develope, breed and feed. The other main tapeworm Taenia comes from the dog or cat eating a bird, mouse or uncooked animal carcass that is infected.

Roundworms

(Toxocara) is commonly found in dogs and cats. Almost all puppies are born with Toxocara, they and kittens can catch Toxocara through their mother`s milk. Microscopic Toxocara eggs are present in the faeces of infected animals. Many of these eggs can remain in the soil for 2 years or more after the faeces have disappeared, and these eggs can still be infective. An animal will pick up Toxocara eggs by simply swallowing the infective Toxocara eggs from the ground, either playing or sniffing or licking the ground.

Toxocara Canis, the dog roundworm, can endanger human health. toxocara cati, the cat worm, has been associated with rare cases of Toxocariasis. 100 new cases of Toxocariasis are diagnosed each year.Once swallowed, Toxocara eggs release larvae into the intestine. These larvae travel through the body until they die, which may take several years. Danger to Children. It is recommended that dogs and cats are wormed routinely to avoid any risk of infection to children through contamination of parks and playgrounds by faeces from dogs or cats infected with roundworm. Adult worms are pinkish white and similar to very thin garden worms. They can be coiled up like a ball of string and can be vomited up or passed in the faeces.

WHEN TO TREAT YOUR PET

PUPPIES and KITTENS are wormed at 2 weeks old then 4, 6 and 8 weeks old and then once a month until 6 months old.

For roundworms, Puppies and kittens must be treated from 2 weeks old and continue to be wormed on a regular basis for the rest of their life.
Typical signs of roundworm in a young kitten or puppy are poor growth, swollen stomach, poor coat and general listlessness.
Roundworms are transmitted directly owing to their simple life cycle. The adult worms, which feed on partly digested food in the stomach and the small intestine, shed thousands of eggs when they reach maturity. The eggs which are only visible under a microscope, are passed out of the body in the faeces and then swallowed again by the animal while grooming.

DOGS AND CATS should be wormed 3 or 4 times a year throughout their adult life.

ROUNDWORM AND TAPEWORM = Once a puppy or kitten reaches 6 months old you should worm against Roundworm and Tapeworm at 6, 9 and 12 months old.

PREGNANCY

The mother must be treated for Roundworms in the 6th week of her pregnancy. Traditional products are available off the shop shelf and do not need proffesional attendance when administering.

HOW TO TREAT YOUR PET

The Roundworm. Control of ascarids (Toxascaris and Toxocara) are treated with a course of tablets given two weeks apart.

The Tapeworm. (Taenia and Dipylidium but not Echinococcus) are treated with just one dose.

These treatments should be given separately.

There are other worms that can occur in adult cats and dogs but are not so common. If you feel that your cat or dog has not benefited by the above treatment then you should consult a Vet.

Products presently available for cats are

• Johnson`s Twin Wormer for cats
• Sherley`s Multi Wormer for Cats

These are just two examples available that will treat the more common worms in adult cats.
Johnson`s and Sherley`s both have products that treat just Roundworms in Kittens under 6 months old.

Products presently available for Dogs are

• Johnson`s Easy Dose Wormer for Dogs and Puppies.
• Sherley`s One Dose Wormer for Dogs and Puppies

These are just two examples available that will treat the more common worms in Dogs.

Traditional Products are :- Common contents in Worming products are three doses given over two weeks of treatment Example :- Pink tablets for treatment of Roundworm given on the first day. Beige tablets for the treatment of Tapeworm given on the 7th day. Pink tablets for the treatment of Roundworm given on the 14th day. Number of tablets to give are relevant to the animals weight. A more recent product for DOGS ONLY is a one dose given in the number of tablets relevant to the dogs weight. You can email us for more info on the latest products available

Fleas

Fleas can carry the tapeworm larvae and pass the larvae on when they bite their host. So to worm your pet is to also DeFlee it. The best way to DeFlee a young animal is to use a Flea shampoo. At the same time use a household spray for the pets bedding and home. Other products such as Flea collars, Sprays and powders are all good preventative measures on an ongoing basis.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Pets can be protected from Fleas in a variety of ways. You can use a collar, shampoo, spray, powder or drops on the body of your pet or you can use a powder that you put in their food. All these things will keep fleas away from your pet but you must also treat your home and the pets bedding to do a thorough job, along with worming your pet to be complete. Visit us at West London Pet Centre to obtain the right product for your PETS needs.

Read below about Fleas and how they can pass on worms to your PET.

• FLEAS
  Only adult fleas are found on dogs and cats. They don't come and go, but stay until they die naturally or are removed.
• Within 48 hours of its first bite, the female flea starts to produce eggs, 20 or so at a time. These simply fall from the animals coat into the environment. (A single flea can produce over 2,000 eggs in its lifetime.)
• Flea larvae hatch from the eggs and begin to feed on organic debris, such as flea dirt and tapeworm eggs.
• The larvae pupate and spin a cocoon, within which the adult flea develops. Stimulated by the warmth and movement of a nearby cat, dog or owner, the flea emerges and jumps on, to start the whole cycle again. Under favourable conditions, the whole process can take as little as 12 days.

and now a fuller explanation.............read on

Eggs

Eggs are laid in hundreds by adult fleas only, they are laid on their host where the fleas live and feed, although as their host moves around the eggs and the fleas fall off into the carpet, bedding etc. Eggs can lie dormant for months, it all depends on temperature and vibration from people and pets around them.

Larvae.

When eggs hatch they are called larvae, at this stage they will move around to cocoon where they develop into adolescent fleas, this period can last 2/3 days. Whilst moving around in the pet bedding or carpet the larvae will feed on other mites and Tapeworm eggs that have also been laid recently.

Adolescent Flea.

The adolescent Flea will live on their host purely to feed from it, this enables them to develop into the last stage of their life which is the only stage that they can reproduce. As an adolescent flea it will pass on the tapeworm larvae when feeding from its host.

Adult Flea.

This is the final stage in the flea life cycle, the only time in its life that it can reproduce. The adult flea can lay hundreds of eggs within a few days and in doing so then dies and so the cycle continues.

Ear Mites

Another common problem in young animals is Ear mites. Clean ears with soft tissue first before putting 2/3 drops in each ear, this should be done once a day for at least 2 weeks and continue using drops even if ears look clean, using drops once or twice a week will prevent ear mites. Ear drop products from our shop shelves quote, that they kill ear mites, and are perfectly adequate to clear mild infestations of ear mites.

If you do not clean your pets' ears and ear mites are present you will see your pet scratching at its ears and eventually a black discharge will cause further infection that may need an antibiotic to cure.

Vaccinations

Your pet is not recommended for at least one week from the date of purchase due to the stress caused by the change of environment. Until your pet is fully vaccinated it should not be taken out to walk in public places. Your own home or garden is safe so long as there is no access for stray animals.

VACCINES

So what can you do to protect your pet?

WHEN TO HAVE YOUR PET VACCINATED

The best possible advice is to discuss timing of vaccination with your Veterinary Surgeon. In high risk areas he may recommend a vaccination course starting from as early as six weeks. As most pups are bought between the ages of six to nine weeks, the need for immediate consultation cannot be over-emphasised. If you have bought an older pet and there is uncertainty about its vaccination history, you should also seek the advice of your Veterinary Surgeon without delay.

BOOSTER VACCINATIONS

Upon completion of the initIal vaccination course, your Veterinary Surgeon will hand you a Vaccination Record Card. Within this card you will find a section reserved for Booster Vaccinations and a date advising when your pet should be re-vaccinated. When the time comes, please remember to take your Vaccination Record Card to the surgery in order that your pet`s vaccination history can be up-dated.

Remember! BOOSTER VACCINATIONS are Vital to maintain protection

BOARDING KENNELS AND CATERY may not accept your pet unless regularly Vaccinated

YOUR RECORD OF VACCINATION is an important document. Please keep it in a safe place.

About CATS Vaccines coming soon! Firstly.........

CANINE VACCINATIONS

Ensure that your pet is protected from an early age - to delay could be FATAL. Remember that your pet requires regular booster vaccinations to remain protected. Unless vaccinated, your pet runs a very high risk of contracting one of several fatal viral diseases. Of these diseases in dogs, Distemper and Parvovirus are the most serious, but it is also necessary to protect against Hepatitis and the two Leptospiral diseases. Some hepatitis vaccines (CAV2 designated) also have the ability to protect against an infectious agent implicated in the Kennel Cough syndrome. Modern vaccines, such as NOB 1-VAC PARVO-C and DHP are products of extensive research and provide an extremely high degree of protection over long periods. Such vaccines are manufactured to standards which are no less exacting than those demanded for the production of vaccines for human use. With such effective vaccines available it makes sense to protect your pet at the earliest opportunity.

Read on...............

MORE ABOUT THE MAJOR CANINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

CANINE DISTEMPER

Cause = A virus infection, usually complicated by secondary bacterial invasion.

Major Signs Initially, a cough accompanied by high temperature, lethargy, lack of appetite, reddened eyes, runny nose, noisy breathing and, possibly, also diarrhoea and vomiting. Subsequently, usually after some weeks, nervous signs - a nervous twitch (chorea), fits or paralysis - may develop often accompanied by thickening of the pads and the nose (hyperkeratosis).

Prevention = Primary vaccination with modified live vaccines when puppies are 6 to 12 weeks of age and subsequently booster doses annually is usually advised.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS (also known as Ru barth's Disease, or Canine Viral Hepatitis)

Cause = This highly contagious disease is caused by a canine adenovirus (CAV-1). It has no connection with hepatitis in man.

Signs = Puppies in their first year of life are most commonly affected but all ages of dog are susceptible. The major early signs are generalised illness and lack of appetite, with pale conjunctivae and gums, greatly raised temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes jaundice) may occur. Some 20 per cent of dogs which are recovering from hepatitis show a blue clouding over the whole of the cornea of one or both eyes (blue eye). In most cases this clouding will disappear within a few days without additional treatment but, if it persists, veterinary advice should be sought. A similar clouding of the eye may be seen in some puppies after vaccination against infectious canine hepatitis when live CAV-1 vaccines are used.

Prevention = Have puppies vaccinated early.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

This is a disease caused by a group of bacteria called Leptospires. Dogs can be infected by two of these: Leptospira ~terohaemorrhagiae and Leptospira canicola. Both these organisms can be passed onto children and adults.

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae

Signs = High temperature, severe thirst, increased frequency of urination, abdominal pain, depression, possibly ulceration of the mouth, coated tongue, diarrhoea containing blood, jaundice and persistent vomiting.

Prevention = keep dogs away from rat-infested water and do not leave drinking bowls outdoors overnight. Take steps to rid your premises of rats, but put the poison where dogs cannot get at it. Do not neglect vaccination against leptospirosis, and the annual boosters.

Leptospira canicola (also known as Lamppost Disease, and Stuttgart Disease)

Signs = Similar to those described under Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae except that jaundice is much less frequently seen and less marked. Mild cases with few signs occur quite frequently. This infection can cause damage to the kidneys which may become critical later in life.

Prevention = Most of the dogs which recover will excrete bacteria in their urine for up to a year. It must be a matter for consideration whether such dogs should be kept on the same premises as young puppies. Prompt vaccination of puppies at 8 to 12 weeks of age, and regular annual boosters are necessary.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS INFECTION (CPV)

Cause = A small, but very tough and persistent virus. This disease has only been recognised in dogs since 1978.

Signs = Two forms of canine parvovirus are recognised =

Canine Parvovirus Myocarditis This form of CPV is now becoming rare, as most breeding bitches will have some antibody to the infection either through previous exposure to the disease or through vaccinations.

Intestinal form of Canine Parvovirus Infection.This is the most common form of CPV. It affects dogs from 4 weeks of age right into old age, but most severely in their first year, when the disease can be quickly fatal.

The signs seen in this form of the disease are: depression, severe protracted vomiting, abdominal pain, refusal of food and water, and very profuse diarrhoea, often with considerable blood content. Mostly CPV infection is rapid in resolution, and if the dog is going to survive it will be noticeably better within 4 to 5 days of the start of the illness. When puppies are badly affected by CPV, growth may be stunted and the puppy may be bald for up to a year.

Prevention = Consult your veterinary surgeon about a course of vaccinations to protect against CPV and do not neglect annual boosters. When a dog is suspected of having CPV, not only should it be kept in isolation, but all members of the owners household should avoid dogs also, as the virus can be carried on shoes and clothing.

This information on the major infectious diseases of dogs has been adapted with the kind permission of Mr J M Evans MRCVS, from a section of THE DOGLOPAEDIA, A Complete Guide to Dog Care, written by J M Evans & Kay White and published by Henston. INTERVET U.K. LIMITED. Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 4FP Tel: Cambridge 420221 Telex: 81691 INTERVET (IRELAND) LIMITED, Ballyboggan Induatrial Eatate, Ballyboggan Road, Finglea, Dublin 11 Tel: 01-309446/309012.

Health Check

• Any sudden changes in behaviour, such as shivering, lethargy, lack of appetite, an unusual bowel movement should be investigated without delay.
• Young puppies who do not have a formed motion but a very loose or evil smelling motion or one which contains blood or mucus is cause for concern.
• Vomiting which persists for more than a few hours.
• Discharge from eyes or nostrils.
• Coughing or difficulty in breathing.
• Excessive scratching.
• Normal temperature is 101.5 F when taken in the rectum. Any significant change in this, (either higher or lower) should be a warning sign.
• A sick puppy must be isolated and any others with which it has been in contact. It should be placed in a quiet, warm place and attended to by one person who does not handle any other puppies. Many young puppies are infected with roundworm(Toxocara canis). Roundworm can be controlled and eradicated by medication and hygiene. Responsible breeders will worm litters at two or three weeks of age. Dosing has to be repeated at intervals with a suitable worming preparation.
  

 Shopping List

• 'Treats' such as chocolate and rich chews should not be given until at least 6 months old.
• Food
• Food dish
• Water dish
• Chews
• Basket/bed
• Blanket/Liner
• Brush
• Comb
• Collar and Lead
• ID Tag/disc
• Wormers
• Flea Preparation
• Toys
• Carry kennel
• A book on puppy care and a special breed book

We advise that you have your pet neutered from around six months old

Diseases and Ailments

Anal Gland Trouble

Symptoms are sliding and rubbing the hindquarters along the ground, or biting and licking around the tail. In some cases the dog will inflame the skin at the base of the tail until it becomes raw. The anal glands are small pear-shaped sacs situated at each side of the anus just below the skin. They are scent glands and produce a foul smelling substance which is normally discharged through a small pore-like opening at each side of the rectum when the dog passes a bowel motion. Soft motions caused by wrong feeding can cause the glands to become filled up thus causing discomfort. The glands can be emptied quite easily and your vet will be willing to show you how to do this. Should there be any signs of pus or blood in the discharge, antibiotic treatment is required. This condition can also be caused by severe worm infestation, so accurate diagnosis is important.

Bites

Dog or rodent bites should never be neglected. First aid treatment consists of clipping off the hair around the wound and bathing with an antiseptic solution. Should inflammation persist veterinary treatment is required.

Canker

Any inflammation of the ear canal is termed as canker.There is also a form of gum disease which is described as mouth canker. Long haired breeds and dogs such a spaniels and poodles who have hanging earflaps, are especially prone to ear troubles. Symptoms are shaking and scratching of ears with signs of inflammation. If the condition is advanced there is usually a distinctive and unpleasant smell from the ears. The primary cause is infection by an ear mite. Treatment depends greatly on the extent of the damage to the sensitive skin of the ear. Some cases can be resistant to treatment and surgery may be required to help recovery.

Cysts

Any swelling in the body which contains fluid is described as a cyst. One of the most common forms occurs between the toes (inter digital). Grass seed or small pieces of grit can become embedded in the skin between the toes. It is a painful condition and bathing with warm water and antiseptic can ease the inflammation. In some cases the cyst will burst by itself but if the site becomes infected antibiotic treatment is necessary.

Diarrhoea

In a great many diseases diarrhoea is a first symptom but it can also be caused by unusual food or just over-eating. Simple cases will respond to a 24 hour period of no solid food and frequent drinks of water to which a little glucose has been added (heaped teaspoonful to one pint). Veterinary attention is required urgently if motions contain blood, mucus or pus.

Distemper

Symptoms of distemper are varied and in the early stages the dog may simply lack appetite and show a slight rise in temperature. In some cases the temperature can be below normal. The incubation period is from 10 to 14 days following contact with an infected animal. There can be inflammation and discharge from the eyes accompanied by a cough and nasal discharge. Diarrhoea is a common symptom.Preventative vaccination is almost completely effective against distemper and all puppies should be vaccinated at around nine weeks of age. Before this age they have some inherited maternal immunity but this cannot be relied on. Hard pad is a form of distemper which produces severe nervous symptoms.In the later stages the pads of the feet may become thickened. The risk of distemper is one of the very good reasons for not mixing together puppies from different sources.

Kennel Cough

Symptoms are often described by owners as the dog behaving as if it had something stuck in its throat. This develops into a persistent cough which in some cases can lead to more generalised illness. The illness is more prevalent where a lot of dogs from different homes are housed together (as in boarding kennels) and the condition is worsened by continual barking.

• Infection is airborne.
• Vaccination is available.

Mange (Sarcoptic)

First signs of this common type of mange is persistent scratching and reddening of sensitive areas of the skin, such as in the armpits and groin. Bare patches appear on the ears and surrounding the eyes. The animal can lose condition quite rapidly and the ailment is most common in puppies and young dogs. The cause is a mite which burrows into the skin and a scrape test under the microscope will confirm the diagnosis. Sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to humans where it is known as scabies. First signs will appear between the fingers, and children are particularly at risk from the infection. Veterinary attention is essential with a strict hygiene routine. Infected animals must be isolated. Bedding should be thoroughly disinfected or destroyed. Even when all external symptoms have dis-appeared the treatment should be continued for some time as any mites still under the skin can cause a recurrence.

Mange (Demodectic)

First symptoms are dry and scaly patches in the coat and smooth coated breeds seem to be most often aftected. Constant scratching causes the skin to break down and become infected. The skin can become coarsened and thickened and show characteristic small pustulates and abscesses. An aftected dog gives off a 'musty' or fungus like odour.

If the condition is neglected it can lead to severe illness or death from generalised poisoning. The cause is a mite which burrows into and invades the skin tissues.Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of skin scraping. Demodectic mange is not transmissible to humans and does not pass readily from dog to dog. It is possible that it is passed on from mother to pups at an early stage even though the pups show no immediate sign of infection. Demodectic mange requires veterinary treatment. Some cases are difficult to treat and take a considerable time to respond to antibiotics and other drugs.

Obesity

Many pet dogs are vastly overweight and the cause is almost always over-feeding. Owners often give sweets and treats in addition to several meals a day. Overweight dogs can be placed on a calorie controlled diet which is available under veterinary supervision.

Parvovirus

Symptoms can be diarrhoea often accompanied by passing of blood.In some cases the dog collapses suddenly with no previous indication of illness.
Dehydration follows very quickly. The conditon is often fatal, especially in young, growing dogs and is highly infectious.

A vaccine is available and it is essential that all dogs are protected against this serious disease.

Rabies

Rabies is afatal disease which can be contracted by any mammal including humans. The most common carriers of the disease are foxes, dogs and cat. It is widespread in most countries of the European mainland and has been kept out of this country by our strict quarantine laws. First symptoms in the dog are a noticeable change in behaviour, lack of appetite, muscular tremor and the inability to swallow. Frothing at the mouth may occur and the animal may attack wooden or metal objects.
The disease is transmitted through direct contact of saliva or blood and every precaution must be taken in handling a suspected animal. The period between the original infection and the development of symptoms may be a few weeks to six months, but it can be even longer.

Quarantine

Dogs entering the UK are required to undergo six months quarantine in kennels licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in England or by the Department of Agriculture in Scotland. A new Pet Passport Plan is underway.
A licence is required before entry and the animal must then be taken from the port of entry to the quarantine kennels by a licensed Carrying Agent. At the present time the regulations lay down that the animal receives an approved antirabies vaccine after arrival. Full details of quarantine regulations and a list of kennels is available from MAFF, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey or Department of Agri-culture and Fisheries for Scotland, Chesser House, 500 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EHi 13AW