FAQs

Feeding your pet

Is it alright to feed your dog human food?

Although pets are considered members of the family, their digestive systems and metabolism are uniquely canine. There are a number of differences between dogs and humans:

1. Whilst humans can eat a vegetarian diet with high grain and will maintain optimum health, dogs must have meat in their diet to be in optimum health. The dog's canine teeth are evidence of their need to tear meat.
2. Dogs cannot handle the high levels of cereals that humans can. The difference is the amount of enzymes that they make to break down carbohydrates.
3. Most nutritionists agree that a human diet should not contain more than 15% protein, while protein requirements in dog food depend on the amount of fat, amino acids and other nutrients in the food.

What makes a good dog food?

Dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy and full of energy. The dog's diet must contain the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates and a minimum of 13 different vitamins and 20 minerals.

1. Minerals are required for the dog's strong teeth and bones as well as for an efficient metabolism. The major minerals a dog needs are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium chloride and magnesium.
2. Vitamins are essential for the dog's good vision, bone growth and an efficient metabolism. Every vitamin has a specific role to play.
3. Essential Fatty Acids to maintain the health of his skin, coat, reproductive system and metabolism. Fat and essential fatty acids are extremely important to the dog's health as they are a major source of energy and help to make the food taste better.
4. Carbohydrates and fibre are important for the dog's energy and good digestion. Fibre is also important for firm stool formation.
5. Protein is essential for the dog's healthy growth and muscle tone as it's the major structural material in most living tissue.

What guidelines should I follow to ensure that my dog remains healthy?

1. Most dogs should be fed twice a day at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a regular bathroom schedule.
2. Feed your dog the same type and brand of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system cannot handle sudden changes in food. It can cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea.
3. When switching to a new food, gradually make the transition by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your dog may experience diarrhoea if his food is changed too suddenly.
4. If you are mixing water with dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
5. Keep fresh drinking water available at all times. Change the water at least once a day, or more for dogs who drool.
6. Keep food and water bowls clean.
7. Don't over feed your dog.
8. Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
9. Monitor your dog's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.

Why is it important to buy pet food according to the size / weight of your dog?

Giving your dog a food specially formulated for his breed size is an important step to make sure he is getting the right balance of essential nutrients for his body metabolism and growth rate. For puppies in particular, proper nutrition is an investment in future health.

The importance of exercise

What is the benefit of regular exercise?
The primary benefit of keeping your dog physically fit will be a substantially improved quality of life throughout the ageing process. And when old age does come knocking, your dog will be much better equipped to continue to be mobile, alert and enthusiastic throughout the day.

In the presence of age related debilitation such as arthritis, circulatory inefficiency, or cognitive dysfunction, any physically active dog will be far better off than one that has led a sedentary life. Fitness and exercise have the same beneficial affects in the dog as they do in the human - it helps to keep unwanted weight off the dog and improves overall physical health. One of the most important benefits that exercise has on dogs is the positive effect on their psychological well-being. Sedentary canines have a much higher risk of health and medical problems than active dogs.

Do all pets need exercise?
Dogs build up a level of stress and energy everyday which can determine how they interact with you, your kids and other dogs. Exercise releases stress and energy so it is vital for your dog's wellbeing. A bored dog can become a "bad dog", whereas an exercised dog leads to a calm, well-behaved dog. Remember, an exhausted dog does nothing wrong!

What is the best form of exercise?
One of the best forms of exercise is getting your dog interested in a ball or Frisbee. Find places where your dog is able to run freely because although long walks are helpful, running releases the most amount of energy and stress.

Allow your dog to have "dog time" where he can run, jump, play, chew and dig. Most of a dog's natural behaviours are what we don't want them to do, so allow them to behave in these ways while they are exercising. Dogs naturally greet one another by jumping, mouthing, and smelling. Within their pack the greeting is a big deal - there is competition for attention, and that naturally raises the dog's energy level.

How much exercise do pets need?
The amount of exercise that is needed for your dog depends on several factors. One important factor to consider is his type of breed because this has an effect on his need for proper exercise. Examples of breeds that require plenty of exercise are hunting dogs, herding dogs, and sled dogs - these breed of dogs have high energy levels and were developed for tireless activity.

An older dog would need less exercise than a younger dog. Another factor to consider in recognising how much exercise your dog needs is whether he is the only pet in the house or if there is another dog or cat that he can exercise and play with.

Just as humans need regular exercise to maintain a healthy physical and mental state of wellbeing, frequent exercise is vital in order for your dogs to stay happy and healthy. And like humans, dogs get the most health and mental benefits from exercise only if it is done frequently and extensively.

Also, if you notice your dog panting during his dog exercise do not mistake this for him being tired and that it is time to stop the exercise. Dogs pant as a way of cooling themselves, much like humans do when we sweat. A panting dog does not mean that he is out of breath and gasping for air.

What are the key benefits of regular exercise?

1. End unruly behaviour
2. Reduce risk of serious injury
3. Provide versatility in exercise
4. Develop muscle strength & stamina
5. Prevent obesity & associated problems
6. Improve health, well-being & longevity
7. Condition muscles to show ring speed
8. Maintain a vibrant coat year-round