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Looking after your pet

If you have decided to go ahead and buy a dog or cat then you will have to adopt a care routine for him/her. This will include set times for feeding, walks (if you have a dog) and grooming/bathing. Animals adjust very quickly to a routine and once you have set that routine they find it very difficult to change. If you have a dog, then he/she will require a once maybe twice daily walk. This can mean getting up first thing in the morning to take him/her out and last thing at night. Plus, you will have to do this in all weathers, which includes cold, wet and windy weather.

If you have a cat then he/she will have to be let out though having a cat flap can help. If you have a dog then you can have a dog flap fitted which allows him/her to come and go when he pleases.

Identification

It is recommended that you get your pet microchipped. This is a permanent form of identification in which a microchip is implanted (painlessly) under the skin at the back of the neck. Each pet has a unique number which is placed on a pet log register. If your pet has got lost or stolen and is handed in to either a dogs home or to the RSPCA, its identification can be checked. It will be scanned with a special hand held reader, which will display its unique ID number. As a result of this, the animal can then be reunited with its owner.

This is 100 per cent safe, reliable and can be very useful especially in the case of an accident. If you buy your pet from either a Dogs home or a cat welfare charity it will be microchipped for free.

If you own a dog there is a legal requirement for it to wear a collar with an identifying tag. The Animal Health Act (1981) has made it an offence to allow a dog into a public place without a collar and identifying tag. Failure to do so may result in your dog being picked up as a stray and handed in to the RSPCA. If this happens only once you will be sent a letter advising you to get a collar and tag. If it happens for a second time then you may be liable to prosecution which can carry a fine of up to £5,000.

If you opt to have your dog microchipped, which is NOT a legal requirement, you must still ensure that he/she wears a collar and tag. If you have a dog it is a good idea to prevent him/her from wandering onto the streets and into the roads. If you are out with your dog, make sure that he/she is placed on a lead, and be careful if you leave him/her outsides shops. Try to ensure that you know where your dog is at all times. When you take your dog out for a walk you are required to clean up after your dog, especially in a public place. So, it is a good idea to take a ‘pooper scooper’ and a small disposable bag with you to clear and dispose of any mess.

Obedience Training and Discipline (Dogs)

Dogs and cats tend to be playful creatures and so thrive on stimulating and enjoyable forms of play. If you have chosen a puppy or kitten this is even more important and you will need to spend some time in a day playing with your pet. Related to this is the issue of obedience training. If you have a dog, especially a puppy, he/she will need to be trained so that he/she obeys your commands as and when necessary. As you are the dog’s ‘pack leader’ he/she needs to be subservient to you and do as you say. Set rules, and boundaries which are clear cut and non-negotiable. You will need to be consistent in this. Failure to do so can result in the dog ‘taking over’: or running wild and displaying aggressive or anti-social tendencies. These can have serious consequences if they are not dealt with.

In regard to discipline: if your dog has misbehaved then you will have to reprimand him/her. This should take the form of a command, delivered in a firm voice, followed by leaving them alone for a few moments. This combined with your body language should be enough. Smacking or some other form of physical chastisement is not recommended.

Remember to praise and reward your dog for good behaviour. This can take the form of small treats, though giving your dog chocolate (human chocolate) is not recommended as it is toxic to animals. Stroking and a positive tone of voice are good examples of praise.

You will have to designate an area or space within your house for the dog to sleep in. This means purchasing a bed or bedding for him/her to sleep on. You can do the same for a cat though they will tend to sleep where they like, usually on your bed. Dogs can do the same though you may want to discourage this type of behaviour. If you have children, they will encourage the dog or cat to sleep on their bed and you will need to decide whether you want to allow this or not. Remember that both dogs and cats shed hairs, and saliva and this may be something you do not want on your bed or your furniture in general. In the case of a dog, letting him/her sleep on your bed can be seen as a sign of the dog looking to usurp your position as pack leader. If so, this is something you will want to nip in the bud.

Obedience Training and Discipline (Cats)

There tends to be fewer problems with cats as they are much more independent creatures than dogs. However, cats can indulge in unacceptable or annoying behaviours such as scratching the furniture, climbing on various surfaces including areas in the kitchen, eating house plants and bringing home prey such as dead mice.

You can train your cat not to do these things, for example, you can buy a scratching post for your cat. Another option is to have a spray bottle filled with water which you can lightly spray your cat with to discourage such behaviour.

Cats do tend to roam and like to cover large areas. You may find that your cat disappears for a day or two but this is entirely normal. If it is for a longer period of time then it is worth checking through all areas of your house as the cat may be hidden on top of a cupboard or under a bed. He/she may be in your neighbours garden or house. If your cat does go missing, don’t give up hope and assume he/she is lost as they very often turn up, even after a few months.

Nutrition

In respect to nutrition: both cats and dogs require a healthy balanced diet. As with adults though, there is the danger of overfeeding your pet which can lead to excessive weight gain and subsequent health problems. A sensible diet with the odd treat and plenty of exercise can help to prevent this. Cats tend to thrive on a high protein (especially meat), high fat diet, and also enjoy fish, though be careful if you give your cat fish to the presence of bones. Ensure that it is cooked thoroughly and carefully filleted.

In regard to cat food, the choice ranges from canned, through to foil trays and pouches. Whichever you choose, ensure that your cat gets the full range of protein (especially important), carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Avoid a vegetarian diet as cats are carnivorous by nature and need meat (or chicken and fish) to survive.

It is commonly assumed that all cats enjoy milk, however, contrary to popular opinion; milk is not a good option as it can cause health problems, such as diarrhoea, in cats. You are better giving your cat water to drink: for a special treat you can give him/her cream, though in moderation.

With regard to dogs and nutrition, you have the choice of dry food (in large bags), semi-moist and tinned food or home-made food. As with cats, you need to ensure that your dog has a well balanced diet with the optimum amount of protein, carbohydrate, essential fats, vitamins and minerals.

Another aspect of caring for your cat or dog is that of annual check ups and vaccinations at the vets. Plus, dogs and cats can be prone to fleas and/or worms so it is a good idea to have them wormed and fleas/ticks controlled on a regular basis. All of this can be expensive, which is where pet insurance can help, as it can cover veterinary costs amongst other things.

Whether you own a cat or dog you will have the issue of neutering or spaying. This may seem harsh but there are problems if you fail to do so. These can include unwanted pregnancies in the female and aggressive and dominant behaviour in the male.

Cats and Neutering

Neutering is the technical term for sterilisation of an animal. In the female cat it means the removal of the ovaries and the womb so that she is unable to have a litter. It can also mean that she is at less risk of reproductive cancers and contracting potentially lethal diseases via mating.

In the male cat it involves the removal of the testicles. This results in him being less likely to stray or engaging in fights with other cats in your neighbourhood. It will also mean he is less likely to mark his territory by spraying strong smelling urine in and around your house.

It is recommended that you neuter or spay your cat at around 5 to 6 months of age. If you buy an adult cat then this is likely to have been done though you will need to check.

Many owners worry that their neutered cat will become fat as a result of this treatment but this is only likely to happen if you overfeed your cat.

Dogs and Neutering

This equally applies to if you own a dog: allowing your female dog to have unwanted litters of puppies can be irresponsible and cruel. Again, owners worry that their dog will become either overweight (female) or too passive (male) but, in reality, this is not the case.

If you have a male dog, neutering involves the removal of the testicles. This results in him being less dominant and territorial, plus he is less likely to spray territory and to roam.

If you have a female dog, removal of the ovaries and womb will prevent pregnancy. She too will be at less risk from reproductive cancers or potentially lethal diseases as a result of mating.

Contrary to opinion, your dog will not become fat as a result of neutering or spaying. This is only likely to happen if your dog eats too much and is exercised too little.

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