Caring for Dogs and Puppies

Dogs and puppies need time, energy and attention to ensure they remain your best friend for many years. Please take the time to read the following important information on how to properly care for your dog or puppy.

New Surroundings

When you purchase your new puppy or dog allow 2 to 6 weeks for him or her to adjust to the new surroundings. Keep your dog confined and enclosed until it settles into its new home. Never let your dog to roam away from your property and ensure it is safe with good fencing and closed gates.

Vaccinate

Vaccinate your puppy and dog for distemper, parvo, canine cough viruses and bordetella bacteria. Heartworm is a killer disease of dogs carried by mosquitoes. Once contracted treatment is long, expensive and stressful. You can dose daily, monthly or annually.

Bathing, Grooming and Fleas

Bathing your dog once a week in appropriate animal washes will keep your dog clean and fresh and will keep fleas and parasites at bay. Check with your vet about additional flea control methods. Grooming is essential for your dog. Brushing to keep hair unmatted and clean, clipping nails, cleaning teeth, checking ears and eyes on a regular basis is necessary to ensure your dog remains healthy.

Training

No matter what stage in life most dogs are in need of training. Sometimes it is an easy fix and just require the services of basic dog trainer or a little research on your part. When a dog has developed behavioural issues, it's always best to address them quickly and with a Behavioural Dog Trainer. They look for the reasons behind the problem, whether it's digging, escaping, being anti social with other dogs or anxiety.

Desex your puppy

Desex your puppy or dog to ensure the reduction of unwanted dogs which are abandoned in our community. All animals admitted to the refuge are de-sexed if they are over 5 months old. If you need to have your puppy de-sexed, do not feed or allow it water after 8pm the night before. Always take your dog on a leash and under control. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. After the de-sexing, ensure your puppy is warm and comfortable. Offer a little soft food and water under supervision and the next day resume normal meals. Limit activity and do not let the stitches get wet for the next 10 days.

When adopting from the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge all our dogs are desexed prior to you taking them home. The only time a dog will leave the refuge not desexed is if it was a female puppy under the age of 5 months. It is part of our adoption contract that adopters sign that all female entire puppies are required to be returned to the Refuge for our SCARS Vet to perform the procedure. This is a requirement of being approved for adoption.

Check for ticks

The paralysis tick is a blood sucking parasite that causes paralysis and death in dogs and cats. Check with your vet for which method of tick control is best for your pet. Always check your dog for ticks after the daily walks.