Your dog's needs

You control your dog's lifestyle and it is your responsibility to make sure that its needs are met, whatever the circumstances.

A suitable environment

Your dog needs a suitable place to sleep and rest which should be:

• their own bed, with comfortable bedding and in a quiet place
• placed in a dry, draught-free area.

Bedding should be regularly cleaned, washed or removed and replaced. The bed should have no sharp corners or splinters.

If you wish to keep your dog outside you still need to provide:

• security
• adequate comfort and shelter
• companionship and interaction.

Outside housing should consist of a kennel and run and there should be protection from adverse weather conditions including heat, cold and damp. The kennel should be large enough for your dog to lie comfortably both in and beside its bed and it should be provided with clean comfortable bedding.

A suitable diet

Your dog must always have access to fresh clean water from a clean bowl. This is essential for all dogs unless your vet tells you differently.

Feed your dog from its own clean bowl.

It is essential to provide a nutritionally balanced diet from early in a dog's life to ensure it receives essential nutrients in the correct quantities for good health. A good diet can help prevent the effects of many diseases.

The number of meals per day will depend upon the age of your dog and how much work or exercise it takes. Generally, it is better to feed an adult dog twice a day rather than the traditional once.

Dogs should not be given more food than they need as overeating leads to obesity. An obese dog is an unhealthy dog. If a dog eats too much and exercises too little, it will put on weight leading to a reduced quality of life. It may also lead to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Ability to express itself and behave normally

Socialising

Both you and your dog will be happier if your pet is socialised with people and other animals, and is easy to control. Dog training classes allow your dog to meet others in a controlled environment, and enable you to learn correct handling techniques. This will strengthen the bond between you. Socialising from an early age will help prevent behavioural problems. Regular walks provide your dog with a change of scene and the chance to meet other dogs. Remember, your dog needs a social life too.

Good behaviour

Don't encourage your dog to chase cats or other small animals.

Take note of local dog bylaws in your area - there could be restrictions on where dogs can be walked in your area. Check for signs in the park or contact your local authority.

Keep your dog under control. Keep your dog on a lead in busy areas, on pavements and around roads. If your dog strays onto the road it could cause an accident and get injured. Only let your dog off the lead if you are in a safe, secure and appropriate place. Even whilst off the lead you should be still in control of your dog - if you call your dog he/she should come back to you promptly. Be considerate of others, children maybe nervous of dogs and not all dogs will want to play with yours. Call your dog away from such issues and put your dog on a lead if necessary.

Exercise

Your dog requires adequate exercise every day regardless of the weather. The amount of exercise depends on your dog's breed and age. For example, as your dog gets older it may prefer a more sedentary life, or your vet may recommend a restricted exercise regime.

You should walk your dog at least twice a day.

Appropriate company

Dogs learn how to properly behave from other dogs - it's important for puppies to learn social skills from adult dogs.

Dogs should not be routinely left on their own for more than a few hours during the day. Leaving your dog alone for large amount of time can lead to boredom, which can then lead to barking and destructive behaviour. If your dog has to be left for long periods, feed and exercise your dog before you go out, and provide fresh water, and a comfortable bed and toys. Also ensure that the room is not too cold or too hot and that the ventilation is sufficient.

Many welfare organisations recommend that dogs are not left alone for more than four hours. Employing a dog walker whilst you are away from home is a possible solution. It is an offence to allow your dog to freely roam.

Protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Good health is an essential part of good dog welfare. Your dog's 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 your dog may have.

As the person responsible for your dog's welfare you need to consider:

• vaccinations to prevent disease
• worming to prevent parasite problems
• flea treatment to prevent fleas
• neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancy and certain health and behaviour problems
• regular dental and health care check ups.

Illness

If your dog is ill it's important to seek advice from your vet as soon as possible. Possible signs of illness include:

• sickness and diarrhoea
• loss or lack of appetite
• drinking more or drinking less
• lethargy
• unusual swellings or lumps
• skin conditions
• limping
• coughing
• unusual bleeding
• sensitivity to touch.

Veterinary surgeries in Lambeth offering discounted neutering

Goddard Veterinary Group
212 Brixton Hill
Brixton
Tel: 0208 671 5566

348 South Lambeth Road
Stockwell
Tel: 020 7498 6363

Brockwell Veterinary Surgery
224-228 Railton Road
Herne Hill
Tel: 020 7737 2526