The
start of a new year is a great time to check your dog's needs and
sort through a few of your dog’s details to make sure everything
is in order.
Get
Set for the New Year
When did you last check that all your dog’s
details are correct and up to date? The New Year is a great time
to do this. If your dog’s details are held externally, check
that all details logged with the company are correct such as your
address and contact phone numbers. If your dog is microchipped,
don’t forget to make sure those details are also correct.
Check that your dog’s ID complies with
the current law. It is a legal requirement in England for a dog
to wear a collar and ID tag in a public place, regardless of whether
it is microchipped or not. So check out your dog’s ID tag.
Make sure all the info is still legible. If not, get a new dog tag
for your pooch.
At
the D for Dog online store we sell a number of stylish ID
dog tags specifically designed with the discerning pet
in mind.
An optional engraving service is offered
on the round enamel dog ID tags. |
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Go
through your diary for the coming year and make a note of worming
dates. Responsible dog owners must make sure their dog is regularly
wormed. Also note on your calendar other important dates such as
when to do flea and tick treatments, when vaccinations are due and
when pet insurances are up for renewal.
It is also the law that dog owners must pick
up their dog’s poop if the dog fouls in public. Carry a supply
of poop bags with you on your dog walks. Why not treat yourself
to a fancy poop bag holder and dispenser such as the stylish Bon
Ton.
These
handy little Bon
Ton carry cases hold and dispense your pooper bags and
they easily clip onto your belt, clothes or dog lead. Bon
tons are available in orange, red, blue and black and come
with a roll of bags.
Refills can be purchased separately. |
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As
a responsible dog owner you must also ensure that your dog does
not stray. Do a yearly inspection of garden gates, fences and
perimeters. Check that everything is intact and that there are
no areas of rot or damage to external fencing and no potential
areas of escape.
Another Year Older
The New Year is also a good time to think about your
pooch and consider that they are another year older. Think about
their age and consider if they need to start a senior diet or
if their daily exercise needs any adjustments. Think about any
supplements that an older dog might benefit from.
When did your pooch last get a health check at the vet? Ask your
vet to do a general check of their health, their teeth and gums,
hearing, eye sight and so on. Is your dog’s weight OK, are
all their vaccinations up to date? It is also a good idea to get
your vet to check that they can pick up a microchip reading from
your dog. There are known cases of microchips migrating, so it
is worth having a reading check at least yearly.
Finally, review your dog’s feeding.
A food that has suited them for years can become a problem to
their system over time. As another year has passed, a review of
their food can be beneficial. Your dog’s general health,
skin condition and poop will tell you all you need to know. Look
out for any signs of intolerance such as pink or itchy skin or
poop that is a light colour or of a less than solid consistency.
Make sure you are up on all the foods
to avoid - foods that can be potentially harmful to your pooch.
New Year Resolutions
Resolutions can be for your dog as well as for you. Is there anything
you could improve next year or anything you would like to do in
the form of new activities? Think about all the things your dog
needs or loves. Do they get enough walks, would they benefit from
having their teeth cleaned more often, do you groom them enough,
could you teach them a few more tricks or do other types of training
or activities with them. Don't forget that a mentally stimulated,
healthy dog is a happy dog.
Fireworks
Many of our pets will have to contend with sounds of fireworks
at this time of year. There
are a number of things you can do to make things more bearable
for your dog. Our Surviving
Bonfire Night article will
give you some ideas on how to deal with fireworks.
Enjoy another great year with your pooch
We wish you all a safe, happy and healthy year with your furry
friends. |
