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Australians love their dogs, and it’s easy to understand why. Dog ownership comes with a wide range of benefits, including improved mental health, more social connections and better physical wellbeing. There’s also something special about loving and caring for an animal that loves and looks after you in return.
If you own a dog or are thinking about getting one, we’re sharing some advice and tips to help you keep your pet happy and well.
When selecting food for your dog, look for a high-quality option that’s appropriate for their age (puppy, adult dog or senior), size and breed. Dry dog food has dental care advantages, while wet food can be a good option in hot weather, as it helps with hydration. Choose a dog bowl that’s easy to clean. Elevated bowls are best for elderly or arthritic dogs, while a slow-feeder bowl can help put the brakes on a fast eater. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
Keep dog treats to a maximum of 10 percent of their daily intake. Dental chews are good for keeping your dog’s teeth (and breath) in good shape, while lick mats can help with mental stimulation.
Your dog should receive all their core vaccines (canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus) between six and 16 weeks of age. Until they’re fully vaccinated, reduce your puppy’s risk of exposure by keeping them away from public places and other dogs. (A puppy preschool held in a clean environment is considered a safe exception to this rule.)
Your vet may recommend other non-core vaccinations and can also advise on flea, worm and tick prevention. It’s a good idea to plan annual visits to the vet for vaccination boosters and general health checks. Serious illness and injury are always possibilities, so it may be worth looking into pet insurance, as well.
You also need to ensure your home is suitable for a dog. For example, if you have a backyard, make sure it’s fully fenced and free of hazards, including any toxic plants.
Your dog’s exercise requirements can depend on factors like their age, breed and any existing health issues. As a general rule, your dog will need at least one 30-minute walk every day. High-energy dogs will need more exercise, and older dogs might need less. Use a good leash and collar or harness, stick to the rules in leashed or off-leash areas, and make sure your dog’s recall is solid before letting them roam. Provide water on walks and make sure the ground is not too hot for their paws. (If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement, it’s too hot to walk your dog.) And always take poo bags!
There are many ways to exercise your dog beyond a standard dog walk. Alternate between ‘sniffari’ walks (where your dog sets the pace and ‘reads their messages’ along the way), brisk walks or runs, dog park visits and games of fetch. Don’t forget mental exercise, too. Exposure to new sights and smells, or socialisation with other dogs and people are all valuable.
Dog toys help encourage bonding and mental stimulation. Balls are ideal for playing fetch, rope toys are great for tug of war and chew toys are fantastic for teething puppies. Treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats and food puzzle toys also help give your dog a mental challenge. Select toys that are durable enough for your dog and check them regularly for signs of damage – broken pieces, for instance, can cause injury or become a choking hazard.
The RSPCA recommends that dogs be allowed to sleep inside, if they prefer to. If they must sleep outside, provide them with a warm and weatherproof kennel, protected from both rain and sun, and lined with comfortable bedding.
When choosing a dog bed for inside your home, consider your pet’s size and any particular needs. For example, a senior or arthritic dog might need a supportive bed with orthopaedic foam, while a heavy-coated dog that’s prone to overheating might prefer a raised bed that allows for improved air circulation.
If you choose to crate train your dog, the crate will likely become their sleep space, so fit it out with a suitably sized mat.
For successful positive reinforcement training methods, make sure you have plenty of dog treats and reward good behaviour whenever you see it. Toilet training is one of the first things new dog owners want to address.
Puppy preschool programs are a fantastic way to socialise your puppy. It exposes them to other dogs and stimuli during the critical socialisation period (three to 17 weeks of age), plus they learn basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’. Your vet may be able to offer preschool recommendations in your area.
Bathing your dog can be fun, but don’t do it too often as it can strip natural oils from your dog’s skin and lead to irritation. Experts recommend that you wait at least two weeks between baths, but don’t let that extend to longer than four to six weeks.
Make sure you have everything you need within reach, place your dog on a non-slip mat (or a towel) in the bath, and keep the water tepid, not hot. Don’t be tempted to use your own shampoo – a specialist dog shampoo and conditioner is the way to go. Bathtime is also a great time to check to see if your dog has any unusual or recent lumps or bumps.
Regular grooming with a brush or comb helps keep on top of knots and avoid matted fur, which can be damaging to your dog’s skin. Be gentle, use spray-in conditioner on tangles and call on a professional groomer if you need to.
Don’t forget to clip your dog’s nails. These can wear down naturally if the dog is heavier and/or being walked on concrete, but the dew claw (the one that sits up from the foot) needs to be trimmed. Regular nail trimming reduces the risk of bleeding, but if you’re not confident, ask your local vet or groomer for assistance.
Shop our wide range of pet supplies online or in-store today.
Photo credit: Gap Photos (Clive Nichols, Friedrich Strauss), iStock, catnets.com.au, TI Media, all Alamy, Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
