Dog help sheets

Dogs are the second most popular domestic pets in the UK after cats. Dogs come in a whole range of different shapes and sizes and if you are thinking of buying one it is really important to think carefully about all aspects of the choice before going ahead. The type and breed of dog you choose is likely to have a big influence on the care it needs so make sure that your dog is suitable for you.

Dogs provide unrivaled companionship but need lots of love and care, including regular preventative treatment for worms and other parasites, vaccinations and dental care. You will also need to keep an eye out for potential health problems, including ticks, fleas and ear mites. Neutering your dog is extremely important to help prevent disease later in life.

Although most dogs do not often wander off on their own it is important that it carries some form of permanent identification to identify it if it is lost or stolen. In dogs the simplest form of permanent identification is a tiny microchip inserted under the skin in the neck which carries a unique number which identifies your dog’s details on a central database. Micro-chipping will become compulsory for dogs from April 2016.

Small dogs and mixed breed dogs generally live longer than large pedigree animals.