A Dog Is Not For Christmas

Bella, a few weeks old
(c) Louise Lambert

As all responsible dog owners know, Christmas is absolutely the worst time of year to bring a new puppy into your home!

The idea of a cute little furry thing with a red ribbon round its neck sitting under the Christmas tree waiting to surprise someone is the stuff of dreams and cheesy films. All too often puppies are given as if they're toys, not real life creatures with emotions and needs, and with no thought given to the amount of care and attention they will need, particularly in the first few weeks of their lives.

So what happens? Before the holidays are even over, dog homes up and down the country are having to take in pets that new owners have not been able to cope with.

What puppies need in their first few weeks with you is a calm and welcoming environment to help them settle into their new 'family'. They also need the undivided attention of one person who will be responsible for training and socialising them from the moment they arrive. Christmas is not a time of calm for most families. It's a time of noise, parties and lots of comings and goings. The worst possible environment for a small vulnerable creature who has just left its mother to find itself in!

My daughter and I really wanted a dog - and had our hearts set on a Labrador. But my husband was not keen. Too much responsibility, he said - so that was that. But over time he obviously started thinking more and more about it and taking in what we were saying (we did go on about it a bit!), because one Christmas, among the gifts I got from him was a book on Labradors! He had given us his blessing to bring a dog into our lives and by the following spring we had a beautiful 8-week old puppy - Bella - living with us. That was nine years ago and she is still as loved now as she was all those years ago. It was hard work for the first few weeks and I can't image how we'd have coped with her if she'd come to us over Christmas!

So my advice to anyone thinking of getting someone a dog for Christmas is this - buy them a 'dog information pack' instead, with books on dogs (different dog breeds, how to train and socialise them, etc.) and the details of a reputable breeder, or perhaps a dog rehoming centre, that you've already been in touch with and will contact again after the holidays.

Believe me, it will be worth the wait. And in the meantime, you'll have lots to talk about!

First Aid Essentials for Your Dog

© Mdk572

Sooner of later most dogs have accidents and suffer cuts, bruises, or strains just like us humans! To ensure you are at the ready should an accident happen, it's a good idea to have a doggie 'first aid kit' that you can keep in the bathroom and take with you if you are going away or on a long hike. Here are some suggested essentials you should keep in your first aid kit:

• Saline (in pods) to wash away dirt and debris from your pet's eyes and other areas. 
• Alcohol free cleansing wipes to clean wounds prior to applying dressings. 
• Gauze swabs to use for cleaning up fluid or saline. 
• Dressings of different sizes to cover any injury. 
• Bandages for use around a limb if a sprain is suspected or to cover dressings for extra protection. 
• Microporous tape for holding dressings or bandages in place. 
• Blanket (either regular or a special foil blanket) to retain body warmth and help combat shock. 
• Latex gloves to keep yourself clean and avoid cross contamination. 
• Plastic pouches to cover foot injuries and help keep them clean, fasten with microporous tape 
• A pair of tweezers for removing foreign bodies such as thorns, pieces of glass, ticks etc.
• A pair of scissors 

With this little lot, you should be ready for most eventualities while you are out and about with your hound!

The photograph used in this blog is licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Caring for your Older Dog

As your dog gets older it's time to start taking some preventative steps in order to make sure they remain healthy, happy and active.

Speak to your vet about possible supplements and vitamins you could give your dog, depending on their condition.

Keep your dog's weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions.

Cut down on the amount of treats you give. It's hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. If you have children, explain why over-indulging them with treats is not a good idea.

Feed your dog once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you give dry food, you may want to switch to a moist or canned food as your dog ages; their teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry pellets. Alternatively, make sure you soak the pellets thoroughly. 

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

It's important to keep exercising your dog, even if you have to reduce the distance walked as time goes by. Walking helps blood circulation and provides new sights and smells to stimulate them (they may be older but they are still curious!).

Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep them healthy and happy longer.

Three Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Dog Bed

by Anita Funkhouser

(c) Hundehalter

Like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. You will often find them sleeping in the same area, so it is important to choose the right dog bed to fit into your dog's current habits.

There are three important factors to consider when selecting a dog bed:

Looking After your Dog in the Wintertime

By Isaac MaCalister

Winter can be a fun time for dogs. Their owners know how much they love to play in fresh snow, for example, but protecting them during the colder months can be a challenge. So here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your furry friends healthy and looking their best.

Talk To The Paw: Learn To Communicate With Dogs In Their Own Language

By Cattie Coyle

(c) Moshe Blank

Whether you're a dog owner, work with dogs, or just enjoy spending time with them (maybe you're volunteering at your local shelter or dog sit for traveling friends), these books are must-reads. They will, in various ways, help you understand dogs (and other animals) better, by teaching you how they think, move, and why they behave the way they do. Even the tiniest gesture means something when it comes to dogs, and by paying closer attention to your own reactions and gestures, you can improve your communication and relationship with the dogs in your life.

Nervous Dogs, How to Help

By Debbie Connolly

By the time I get to see a dog whose behaviour is so nervous their quality of life is compromised the dog is reacting to just about anything. It often starts with one issue and then spreads over time. There is one common factor, their owners have rewarded and encouraged the behaviour however unwittingly and the real level is usually lower than it appears.

Dog Toys - Stimulating a Restless Companion

By Matthew Hick

Dog playing with Kong toy
(c) Ginny

Dogs can get bored and restless easily. This is usually when they cause problems. They need to be stimulated through play. Your dog needs plenty of playtimes with you, but you can't always play with your dog and this is when toys are important. Toys can satisfy a number of a dogs needs. There are some basic toys available for dogs today and hundreds of different selections. When choosing toys for your dog, consider its size and what it enjoys doing.