This message is sponsored by Cadbury, a chocolate Labrador who lived in Singapore with his feline friend, Fluffy. Cadbury passed in 2014, (three months after his friend), but in photographs and memories, he remains ever present, every vibrant and joyful as he was in life.
This checklist is especially for young children who may be starting out with their first pet.
Bathing
We need regular bathing, preferably once a week.
Brushing Teeth
Dental hygiene is a regular part of our care. Check out the special toothbrushes and toothpastes that are available for dogs.
Cleaning of Ears
Floppy-eared dogs need more regular cleaning than those with upright ears.
Clipping Nails
Our nails need to be clipped regularly. Those of us who live largely indoors require clipping more often than our outdoor friends.
De-worming
Puppies and newly acquired adult dogs need de-worming against roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and pinworms. We’re okay with either tablets or syrups (available at pet clinics or shops).
Feeding
Make sure the pet food you buy is ‘complete and balanced’, with all the nutrients we need. There are different ‘diets’ for puppies, adult and senior dogs.
If you feed us cooked food, please supplement it with multivitamins and minerals. (Check with your vet).
Licensing
Dog licenses are available with the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), the SPCA, veterinary clinics and pet shops. Licensing for sterilised animals costs less than for unsterilised ones.
Parasites
Ticks and fleas can give us skin problems or the fatal tick fever. Help us with shampoos, rinses, sprays or spot-on medications.
Prevention of Heartworm
This worm is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause fatal damage to our heart. The heartworm is highly prevalent in tropical regions. Get advice from your veterinarian.
Sterilisation
This is normally done when we are about six months old. It has a number of health benefits for both male and female dogs.
Vaccinations
All dogs need to be vaccinated annually against distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus and leptospirosis.
A veterinarian will tell you what to do.
Thank you.
Woof.
