Dogs For The World!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Hi Potential Dog lovers,
For those of you who are planning or have just gotten a new dog, here are ten tips to help you take care of your dog (information taken from http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/caring_for_your_dog_the_top_ten_essentials.html and

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.

Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. All dogs 3 months and above must be licensed by the Centre for Animal Welfare & Control (CAWC). A yearly renewable license for male and sterilized female dogs is $14 and $70 for unsterilized female dogs. Current HDB rules only allow one toy breed per residential unit. Private premises are allowed to keep up to 3 dogs.
Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times (my friend’s beagle was run over by a car when it dashed out of his semi-detached house). Certain breeds classified as dangerous & fierce need to be muzzled and leashed when in a public place.

Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time (my tuition teachers Husky died of dehydration when exposed to the sun for long periods of time). Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family. Another thing is arrange for dog sitters when going on vacations (friends & relatives are a gift in this area).
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. Yearly health checks can help detect problems before they turn serious. It’s the only responsible thing to do for our faithful dependants (fight the urge to damp the dog when it gets expensive).

Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs with this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spraying or nuetering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.

Give your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. A well fed dog is a healthy and happy dog (some even cook for their dogs).

Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. You can read up and DIY too (my family did that and it works).
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise (can be trying especially when we are all tired. That’s why its all about Commitment).

Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Have reasonable expectations of your dog and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, ask for advice from vets, books on pets, on-line pet forums, etc (I’ve personally been helped by Singapore’s community of dog lovers who share their experiences & expertise willingly).

Well in conclusion; BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER and all doggies says: “WOOF WOOF!”.

writtin @@