People are always very excited to have a new cute puppy.
A little creature, with fluffy fur who has an innocent look
and roams around your house with curiosity, always waging
its tail when you say hello. This is a very exciting experience-
but do you realise what kind of responsibility you will face?
The reality behind the puppy dog eyes
You may think that having a puppy beside you is all fun, something
to cuddle, to socialise with and run with you on the beach
and ultimately be your best friend. Have you imagined the
puppy you adore may not stop whining, chews everything it
finds, it may scare children with its super active attitute,
or will not come when it is called and sometimes refuses to
be cuddled.
The most important thing is to educate yourself first so that
you are aware of the potential needs of your puppy. Here are
some ways to keep your puppy safe, healthy and happy.
Before you get a puppy
What kind of food will he need and how often will the puppy
need to eat and drink a day?
How many times a day will the puppy need go to the toilet
and urinate, and where will he do this?
How will you keep the puppy safe in the new home – from
other dogs, from being stolen, from being run over?
Who will excercise the puppy?
Who will discipline the puppy and what methods will you use?
Where will the puppy sleep?
Who will look after the puppy when you are not home or when
you go away?
Are you willing to pay for innoculations, worm pills and any
health problems that may arise?
How big will the puppy get?
Does the puppy have long or short hair – will it need
brushing, washing regularly, will it shed hairs ?
Before you get your puppy you may want to call your veterinarian
to ask any questions you may have about the breed and how
to keep the puppy in good health.
Choosing your puppy
Choose a suitable breed to suit your needs. Consider the size,
character and disposition of the breed – are there possible
predisposed health weaknesses. If you have a small space don’t
get a large breed of dog, If you have a crowded busy home
choose a breed with a calm character and not one that gets
excited or scared easily.
The breed of dog you choose will have an individual temperament
and behaviour. A sociable active dog will suit an active family
that has time to spend playing with it and is able to give
the attention it needs. Aggressive behaviour towards people
or other animals must be recognised as a dominant character
which may harm others. A shy and submissive character may
need special care and attention.
A healthy puppy
Make sure the puppy is in a healthy condition and has a good
character to suit your particular environment.
The signs of a healthy puppy are:
clear bright eyes
a healthy shinny full coat of hair
a wet nose
pink gum color
clean teeth
clean ears
active and normal gait
normal belly size
Ask for the vaccination record and if the puppy had been dewormed
by the owner. A veterinarian can do a check up, inoculation
and deworming treatment.
Dr. Made Restiati is a local veterinary, her practice is in
Pererenan near Canggu.
Next month – Dog poisoning
If you have any questions please email Made Restiati: restiati@balivetclinic.com
