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SECTION 5: THE NEED TO BE PROTECTED FROM PAIN, SUFFERING, INJURY AND DISEASE
Make sure you receive regular health care advice about your dog
5.1. Good health is an essential part of good dog welfare. Your vet is the best person to advise you about routine health care, such as neutering, vaccination and internal and external parasite control, as well as any health problems it may have.
5.2. As the person responsible for your pet's welfare you need to consider:
- prevention of disease. There are various vaccinations that are designed to protect your dog from certain diseases;
- prevention of parasite problems. Many worming and flea preparations are available and your vet or pet care specialist will be able to advise you on which are most suitable;
- provision of a healthy, balanced diet ( see section 2) ;
- provision of the right environment that minimises the risk of injury and disease ( see section 1);
- prompt action if your dog becomes ill or begins to behave in an unusual way;
- good dental hygiene.
Obtaining a dog
Always obtain your dog from a reputable source
5.3. The future health and welfare of your dog may be affected by the circumstances under which it was bred. Not all dogs are bred with appropriate care for their physical and behavioural well-being and health. It is best to take advice from your vet or other relevant organisations ( see Appendix 2) about where to obtain your dog. This will help to ensure thatit is fit, healthy and of good quality.
5.4. You should check as far as is possible with the breeder, pet shop, rescue centre or sanctuary:
- that the dog's parents have been appropriately screened for inherited defects commonly found in the breed (for example, hip scores for hip dysplasia or eye screening for inherited eye conditions ); and
- where available, the dog's medical history and background.
This will give you information to help you be sure that you are able to meet its needs. Some rescue dogs for example require special care. However, this information is less likely to be available for dogs from sanctuaries and rescue shelters.
5.5. Take your new dog or puppy to a veterinary surgeon for general health care advice within a couple of days of welcoming it into your home. Follow your vet's advice about continuing healthcare throughout its life.
Illness
Be aware of the signs of illness and if you notice any of them contact your vet
5.6. It is important that you are aware of the signs of illness and that you consult a vet if your dog shows these or a change in its behaviour.
A healthy dog or puppy will:
- be alert, active and bright eyed, responsive to sounds and the world around it;
- have no signs of discharge around its eyes, mouth and nostrils;
- be breathing quietly and regularly with no coughing;
- have a clean skin, with no lumps, bumps or sores;
- have a coat that is clean, glossy and free from parasites, loose hairs and dirt;
- have no signs of diarrhoea around its tail;
- show no signs of limping;
- have healthy gums and clean teeth, free from tartar
Indications of illness include:
- sickness and diarrhoea;
- lack of appetite;
- drinking much more or less than normal;
- lack of energy;
- unusual swellings;
- skin conditions;
- limping;
- coughing;
- unusual bleeding;
- signs of pain, such as sensitivity to touch.
5.7. This list is not exhaustive and any change in your dog's behaviour should alert you to the possibility that it may be ill. If you think that there is anything wrong with your dog, call your veterinary practice for advice.
Neutering
5.8. This subject is discussed in section 3. Although there is much debate as to whether it is appropriate to neuter a dog, there is evidence that neutering has some positive health benefits:
- neutered bitches will not develop a life threatening womb infection called pyometra;
- neutered bitches are thought to be less prone to mammary tumours;
- neutering male dogs prevents testicular cancer;
- neutering male dogs may help prevent some unwanted behaviours such as inappropriate mounting, aggression and straying;
- un-neutered animals which are prevented from breeding may suffer frustration leading to behavioural problems.
5.9. If you decide not to have your dog neutered and wish to breed from it, there are a number of considerations to be taken into account which include:
- finding suitable homes for the puppies;
- health screening to ensure that the parents do not carry any inherited defects which may be passed on to their offspring.
You will also need to consider the potential problem of unplanned matings.
You should ensure your dog's coat and teeth are properly maintained
Grooming
5.10. A long-haired dog will need more coat attention than a short-haired one, and will need grooming daily to keep its coat free from matts and tangles. However, all dogs need regular grooming and the occasional bath to keep their skin and coats well maintained. You will need a brush and comb suited to your dog's type of coat. A pet care specialist will be able to advise you about coat care.
Dental care
5.11. Care of your dog's teeth should be part of its routine grooming schedule. Special canine toothpaste and brushes are recommended for daily use and are now widely available from vets and pet shops. There are also special dental chews and toys that can also help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy.
Euthanasia
5.12. It may be necessary, in the event of incurable illness, old age or, more suddenly, in the event of an accident, to arrange the euthanasia of your dog. The dog's welfare must always come first. Therefore, in the interests of your dog, you must give the issue your full consideration well before the time comes to make a decision to prevent your dog suffering unnecessary pain and distress. Where, in the opinion of a veterinary surgeon, your dog will not respond to treatment for any serious injury or condition involving significant pain, or is in such a condition that it would be cruel to keep it alive, the animal should be humanely destroyed without delay.
5.13. In a non-emergency situation, where your dog is permanently unsound or has a recurring or permanent and steadily worsening condition, a rational decision must be made with due regard for the animal's future and welfare. In some cases it will be kinder to have your dog painlessly destroyed by a vet.
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