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Free Dog Food page.
Health Care Of Dogs
The flat-coats ideal weight is 25 - 34 kg for female dogs and 25 - 35 kg for male dogs. Most
male dogs will reach a height of 58 -61 cm whilst female dogs will reach between 56 - 59 cm.
The average lifespan of a flat coated retriever is 12 years.
You should get your new dog/puppy registered at a veterinary surgery and checked over
by the vet. The vet can then advise you about vaccinations, worming and general care of
your dog. It should be vaccinated against distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis
and parvovirus, with annual vaccinations after the initial course.
FLEAS
Persistent scratching and self biting, especially at the base of the tail could be a sign of fleas
in your dog. Grooming your dog outside with a flea comb will help detect the parasites. Treatment varies from
shampoos, collars, powders and special chemicals that are dropped onto the dog's coat.
Pet Planet
have a range of up to date flea treatments. Do also remember to clean the dog's basket and wash their
bedding and vaccum the carpets to remove any flea eggs
TICKS
Ticks are usually found in rural areas where sheep are found. The ticks can be picked up
onto the dog's coat as it runs around the undergrowth. The tick adheres to the skin of the dog
and sucks the blood, swelling to as large as 1cm. During this blood sucking the tick can transfer
protozoal diseases, so early removal is essential. most ticks can be removed by dabbing the area
with cottonwool soaked with methylated spirit which should loosen their grip. Then they can be
removed with tweezers. Antiseptic cream can be applied to the area incase the tick's jaws have been
left in the skin.
WORMS
The most common worms are tapeworms and roundworms:
Tapeworms are flat and ribbon like and attach their heads to the dog's gut wall whilst
the body is passed out in the dog's stool. Preventative three monthly de-worming is
recommended for adult dogs, though pregnant and nursing dogs should be wormed more
frequently. Puppies are normally wormed every 2 - 3 weeks until they are 3 months old, then wormed
monthly until they are 6 months old, then treated as adult dogs.
Roundworms (Toxocara canis) live in the dog's intestines and continually shed eggs. Preventative
twice yearly de-worming is recommended. The larvae can move around the body to other organs
such as the liver. These type of worms can infect humans.
SIGNS OF WORMS IN DOGS
Weight loss or being underweight
Unhealthy coat and skin which looks dull
Hunger
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Worms appear in the faeces or vomit of the dog
Tapeworm eggs may look like white rice clinging to the anus of the dog
Lethargy
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Click the links below to learn more about these dog conditions and health problems:
