Pet Care

By: Maynestaff Staffordshire Bull Terriers

 

Worming
Worming medication only kills the adult worms in the intestines, not any immature ones developing within the dog. Therefore, medication needs to be given often enough to prevent new worms reaching maturity.

Young puppies from 2 weeks old commonly have large numbers of roundworms, which are also capable of causing illness in humans, although they cannot develop into intestinal worms in people. Therefore pups must be treated for roundworm every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly to 6 months. As dogs get older they become immune to roundworm, although stress and pregnancy can reduce this immunity.

After 3 months of age, recommendation is to use a broad spectrum wormer please consult with your vet for type of worming medication.
 

One type of worm, which is not always detected, is the tapeworm which dogs acquire by swallowing infected fleas. If your dog is infected, the segments are passed with the faeces, or sometimes stick to the hair around the anus. They are small, flat segments, which move around when freshly passed and dry out to resemble yellowish grains of rice. Treat your dog for this type of worm when you see these. Some broad spectrum wormers do kill this worm, but others may not.

Researchers have suggested that you should vary the type of worming tablets used so that your dog does not build up immunity to one type of medication.

 

Barking
Reasons they may bark are; next door cat, strange cars stopping outside, phones ringing or sirens going along the road, or the dog is bored, cold or hungry. Dogs without companionship during the day will yap from boredom, even dig and chew. This is not the dog fault, but the owners. Never make a fuss when leaving home or returning this excites the dog and will stir it to bark. If you have irritable neighbours, it may be best to leave pup in the back area of your house if you are out for a short period.

 

Grooming
Grooming aids required are a brush, nail cutters and a soft chamois. A slip collar and lead is also required. Always remember that if cutting nails, that only a small area is trimmed off, otherwise the quick of the nail can be cut, and will bleed. It also hurts the dog and can put him off nail cutting for life.

Your terrier need only have a bath 3 – 4 times a year, or if he is exceptionally dirty. Choose a warm day and use a non-softening shampoo.

 

Showing
Your breeder will give you a demonstration of show presentation if you require it. This is best done by practical demonstration. You will also be advised on the best type of show lead. Before you show your dog you must be a member of the Canine Association of your state, and your dog must be registered on the main register. You will then receive the association’s monthly magazine, which will list shows and trials to be held.

 

Teeth
To keep teeth clean, help teething and keep pup settled at night. Beef brisket bone, a bonio or similar, any of which the pup will welcome.

Meat meals may be varied with the use of egg yolks, boned fish, sardines, chicken etc. Vegetables and pasta, rice is excellent, with the exception of the starchy ones such as potatoes, peas and haricot beans.

The size of the meals is to increase, as does the size of the puppy. It is suggested meals not be left down, but be removed after the puppy has eaten. A dogs digestive system is quite different from ours and is therefore incapable of digesting sugars, sweets, fancy biscuits or excess fats, and they can cause skin eruptions, heart problems and contribute to other problems.