Choosing a dog
So, you've decided you're ready to get a dog. "Now what breed should I get?", is a question often asked. There are many factors to consider when adopting or purchasing a dog and choosing the breed of dog. These things should always be considered before you acquire your new pet. If not considered, the implications could be huge. Some of these might be..
How much time can I give to my dog?
Some dogs require more time and exercise than others. Puppies are always a little more destructive than adult dogs and toilet and general training requires quite a bit of time. If you work full time and are away most of the day, you may be best with a placid dog that doesn't require lots of exercise or be prepared to consider doggy day care or a second dog to keep your dog company.
Can I afford this dog?
What are the costs of having a dog? Firstly, there's the purchase price if bought from a breeder or pet shop. Next is the basic costs of food, leads etc, vaccinations, de-sexing, microchipping, registration, grooming and worming and flea prevention. Then you should also consider pet insurance and the costs involved if your dog became ill or had an injury. These costs can be quite significant and may be greater in certain breeds and larger size dogs. Some breeds are more prone to certain disorders and it would be good to discuss this with your vet.
What space do I have to keep my dog?
If you only have a small unit or yard, then it would not be wise to get a dog that requires a lot of exercise unless you have the time to take it out at least twice a day for a good walk.
Will the dog get along with my other pets?
If you already have another pet, you will need to think about the impact the new dog would have on that pet. Two male dogs for instance (or sometimes two female dogs) may fight whereas a male and female, both de-sexed, may get along better. A puppy may stimulate an older dog and improve quality of life but two puppies together may be more work than you bargained for. Cats may become stressed with a new dog in the house and a period of adjustment will be required.
I have children.... what's a good breed of dog for kids?
Children under approximately 10 years need to be actively watched with any dog. Any breed of dog is capable of biting if under stress
or pain. Children need to be taught the correct ways of approaching & handling dogs. Socialisation and training are extremely important i.e. not to jump up on people, responding to instruction, lead walking manners, food manners etc. Some breeds are more placid than others and these breeds should be chosen for families with young children.
So please do your research, chat with your vet and other people who have the breed of dog you desire so you can make an informed choice. Hopefully then, you will have a stress free relationship with your new dog.
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Although chocolate may be one of your favourite treats, never feed chocolate to your pet. It is poisonous for them! It contains substances called theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthine alkaloids) which are also contained in coffee, tea and some over-the-counter stimulants.
Chocolate poisoning is most commonly seen in dogs because of their habit to ingest food rapidly and they often have a “sweet tooth”. We see a higher incidence in puppies and young dogs, probably because they tend to ingest large amounts of unusual foods.
Chocolate poisoning can also affect cats, birds, rodents and reptiles however we see these cases much less frequently.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
The toxins in chocolate can affect you pet’s digestive system, nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Digestive system
- Vomiting & diarrhoea (2-4 hours after ingestion)
Nervous System
- Excitation/restlessness (increased body temperature, alertness)
- Muscle rigidity & tremors
- Seizures
Cardiovascular
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced blood pressure (hypotension)
- Progresses to cardiac failure leading to weakness, coma and death can occur within 12-36 hours after ingestion.
The toxins are found in the highest concentration in cooking chocolate and dark chocolate, and there are lesser amounts in milk chocolate. There is almost no toxins are found in white chocolate.
Diagnosis
Chocolate poisoning can look similar to many poisonings or other conditions. Serious poisonings such as that caused by strychnine, amphetamines, pesticides, and some rodenticides can cause similar signs.
If you know your pet has eaten chocolate, contact us immediately, especially if your pet is showing any of the symptoms above. If possible, bring any vomit to the clinic as well, since this may aid in rapid identification of the toxic substance. Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog's nervous system and cardiac function carefully. He/she may want to run some blood tests to check for blood sugar levels and rule out other diseases. Since this poisoning progresses rapidly, signs may need to be treated symptomatically until a laboratory diagnosis is confirmed.
Treatment
There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Your veterinarian may use drugs to induce vomiting if the chocolate was consumed within the previous 2 - 4 hours or they may even need to administer a general anaesthetic in order to pass a tube into the stomach to wash
Once the chocolate is out activated charcoal treatment may be given to prevent any toxins remaining from being absorbed.
Pets that show more severe symptoms may need more specific medications in order to control the seizures and to prevent heart failure.
The expected course of chocolate poisoning is 12 to 36 hours depending on the dosage and effectiveness of treatment. Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within 2 to 4 hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction. So, please remember to keep your chocolates, cakes and chocolate-coated goodies safely away from your pets. Stick to healthy treats if you want to reward your special furry or feathered friend.
Have more questions?
Our state-of-the-art facility offers separate consultation rooms for dogs and cats, a fully equipped in-house laboratory, and specialised suites for surgery and dental care. For those tender moments, our uniquely designed Grief.
