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How to choose a puppy

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Puppies

It is important to know how to choose a puppy.

Do your homework decide on size and basic type of breed before you even start looking. Look at your working and time commitments. Can you really afford the time and expense of dog ownership? Does everyone in the family want a dog? Never buy a puppy from a pet shop or a place where you can’t see the mother; you could be supporting the horrific trade in puppy-farmed dogs. Never buy on impulse. Check the appearance of the mother and puppies. Do they appear healthy; eyes clear and bright, free of any discharge? Are their coats shiny? If possible get confirmation of the eye and hip scores of both the mother and the father.

  • Don’t assume that your dog is a pedigree, just because the breeder has supplied a certificate, especially if parents cannot be seen. Research with The Kennel Club; ask for previous litter owners names for reference.
  • Don’t pick the pup sitting alone and not playing with the rest of the litter. It’s too shy, scared, ill or dominant. It will more than likely grow up to be a problem dog.
  • Do pick a puppy that is happily playing but not too bossy.
  • Don’t choose the biggest or the smallest in the litter. They’re either very dominant or nervous and may become high maintenance!
  • Don’t choose the puppy that was rejected by its mother. She instinctively rejected it for a reason and it will be trouble later in life.
  • Educate yourself on the responsibilities and cost of owning a dog.
  • Leave a soft toy or blanket with the litter to pick up the scent. Bring it home with you when you collect your puppy to give comfort to your pup and help it to settle in.
  • Register with a local vets, especially one who is experienced with your breed of dog.
  • Your garden must be secure and safe.
  • Do use a crate. Puppies love small, dark places to sleep and feel secure. They speed up toilet training too.
  • Never leave children alone with a puppy or dog they can be rough and over handle it.
  • Feed your puppy well and research the benefits of a natural diet.
  • Start gentle and simple obedience training with your puppy as soon as possible; you need to be its pack leader.

Puppies

It is never too early to start training your pup.

Professional advice

Seek the advice of an experienced behaviourist, early on to avoid behavioural problems.

As your young pup grows and develops it will periodically challenge your authority to check that you are committed to your new role as pack leader. You may need initial reassurance and help with this.

It is better to avoid issues than to wait until they have become a habit.

A dog is not going to grow out of behaviour, it needs to be educated just like our children!

Dog food

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Dog Food

BARF stands for Bones And Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The basic principle is to feed a diet that the animals have evolved to eat, i.e. AS NATURE INTENDED. It is advisable to do your own research in order to make up your own mind. People do not eat processed foods everyday of their lives so why should our pets?

We are becoming more aware of the affects of colourings, additives and preservatives in our own diets, causing allergies and hyperactivity in our children. Dogs are also affected.

Dog Food

People have now forgotten that they used to feed their dogs’ meat, bones and vegetable scraps – a broad variety of foods which, being minimally processed, retained their nutritional value and were cheap. Dogs were regarded as animals not people and Dog

Behaviourists were never heard of!

Always be mindful of the age, breed and amount of exercise your dog gets and feed accordingly.

How many times a day do YOU eat? How much do you feed your baby, teenager? How hungry would you feel on one meal a day? How would you like to eat the same thing day in day out?

PICA

A common problem in dogs is the ingestion of nonfood objects such as sweet wrappers, toilet paper, socks, cables, plaster, stones. Not only is this behaviour a nuisance, but it can be life threatening. This problem requires attention and treatment.

COPROPHAGY

Coprophagy (eating faeces) In the domesticated dog is a behavioural problem, it needs to be investigated but can be corrected. Itis considered normal among puppies and represents a small health risk to the offending puppy eating its own faeces, but eating that of other dogs may cause parasitic infections (e.g. coccidiosis) or increase a puppy’s risk of coming into contact with viral pathogens (parvovirus) shed in the faeces. Despite reassurances, owners are often disgusted with the habit and may be unwilling to tolerate it. Many persistent coprophagous dogs have been given up for rehoming as a direct result of stooleating behaviour. The problem is especially intolerable in situations where a dog comes into close contact with children, who may be licked on the mouth by the dog.

Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading for those interested in natural feeding their dog

www.holisticvet.co.uk Nick Thompson, Veterinary Surgeon
www.ukbarfclub.co.uk

Work Wonders by Tom Lonsdale, Veterinary Surgeon
Description: inspires us to see a dog’s dietary needs from a dog’s perspective into taking account Nature’s teachings, easily understood science, and sound common sense. Work Wonders provides essential information for anyone interested in dogs, diets and health. The entertaining and informative chapters lead you through the practical essentials of dog feeding

Food Pets Die for: Shocking Facts About Pet Food By Ann N. Martin
Description: Ann uncovers the unsavory ingredients that can legally be used by the commercial pet food industry. Ann arms consumers with crucial information on how to read labels on pet food, and discern for themselves whether or not they want to feed their pets commercial food. She offers healthy alternatives for feeding animal companions with nutritious and easy-to-prepare recipes. For people who don’t have the time to cook, Martin provides information on several pet food companies that produce healthy, human-grade pet food. Ann Martin builds a strong case for why our pets will live longer, healthier lives without commercial pet food.

Give Your Dog A Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, Veterinary Surgeon
Description: deals with feeding dogs their natural or evolutionary diet. This book contains vital information for all dog owners. It is a must for the owners of new puppies. Its pages are packed with practical authoritative dog feeding advice that will drastically reduce vet bills. It shows that a dog’s diet, which is based on raw meaty bones, is simple to produce, promotes health and is inexpensive. It explains why processed foods are the major cause of growth, reproductive, dental and most of the degenerative diseases including problems such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, cardiac disease, the auto-immune diseases etc.

Grow Your Pups With Bones by Dr. Ian Billinghurst
Description: This deals with feeding companion animals for maximum health. It shows how easy it is to grow pups into healthy adults with a sound skeletal system.

Not Fit for a Dog!: The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food by Michael W. Fox, Elizabeth Hodgkins
Description: highlights the dangers of modern pet food how it is unbalanced, creates addiction, and often contains ingredients that can literally poison your pet. It destroys the myths propounded by pet food companies that human food is bad for pets, and that natural food diets are unsafe. The authors are three veterinarians share their expertise to provide an in-depth appraisal of the pet food industry and what people are feeding to their cats and dogs.

Poisonous plants

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Poisonous Plants

There are many common plants growing in your garden that may – if eaten in small or large quantities, upset your dog or even prove fatal. Always seek a vet’s advice if you think your dog has eaten a plant that may be poisonous. Your pet may also have an allergy to a plant that is not on the list, so always be vigilant and seek help if you are worried about your pet’s health.

Best Buddies assumes no liability for the content of the following list. This does not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants and is only intended as a guide.

Letter, Plant Name & Effects

A
Aconite (roots, foliage, seeds) Aconitum species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May also affect cardiac function – increased heart rate.
African violet (leaves) Saintpaulia ionantha
Aloe vera Aloe vera Diarrhoea
Amaryllis (bulbs) Hippeastrum species Upset stomach, hyperactivity, lethargy, coma, shock. Can be fatal.
Angels’ trumpets Brugmansia species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Angel wings Caladium species Upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, loss of balance. Can be fatal.
Apple (seeds) Malus species Seeds contain cyanide. Varied toxic effects.
Apple leaf croton
Apricot (kernels) Prunus armeniaca Kernels contain cyanide. Can be fatal.
Arborvitae Thuja species Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Arrow grasses (leaves) Triglochin species
Asparagus fern Asparagus setaceus Contains a wide variety of poisons resulting in a large range of symptoms.
Autumn crocus Crocus speciosus Vomiting, nervous excitement. May cause dermatitis.
Avocado (fruit & pith) Persea americana Diarrhoea, vomiting, laboured breathing. Can be fatal.
Azalea (all parts) Rhododendron occidentale Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal if eaten in large enough quantities.

B
Baby’s breath Gypsophila paniculata
Barilla (leaves & stems) Salsola soda
Bird of paradise (seeds) Strelitzia reginae Gastrointestinal tract affected by the plant toxins.
Bittersweet Celastrus angulatus Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding heart (foliage, roots) Dicentra formosa Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsants. May also cause dermatitis.
Bluebell Hyacinthoides Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Box (leaves) Buxus sempervirens
Boxwood (leaves, twigs) Hebe odora Upset stomach, heart failure, excitability or lethargy. May also cause dermatitis.
Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic syndrome, blindness, tumours
Broom Cytisus species
Buckeyes (nuts & immature growths) Aesculus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Burning bush Kochia scoparia Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Buttercup Ranunculus species Juice may severely injure digestive system. May also cause dermatitis.

C
Caladium Caladium species
Calico bush Kalmia species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Calla lily (leaves) Zantedeschia species (as above)
Caper Spurge Euphorbia lathyris
Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
Castor bean (leaves and seeds) Ricinus communis May cause dermatitis. A single Rosary Pea or one/two Castor bean seeds can be fatal.
Ceriman Monstera deliciosa Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Chenille Plant Acalypha hispida
Cherry (kernels) Prunus species Kernels contain cyanide.
Cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus Harmful if eaten in quantity.
China Berry Melia azedarach
Chinese evergreen Aglaonema
Christmas rose (leaves, roots) Helleborus niger Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Chrysanthemum (leaves & stems) Chrysanthemum species May cause dermatitis.
Cineraria Senecio species
Clematis Clematis armandii Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected by plant toxins. May cause dermatitis.
Cocoa husks or mulch Similar toxic effects to that of chocolate – hyperactivity, increased heart rate. Can kill if enough is eaten.
Corn cockle (seeds) Agrostemma species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Corn plant Dracaena species
Crocus Anemone species
Colchicum autumnale
Croton Codiaeum species
Crown vetch Coronilla variaCuckoo pint Arum maculatum Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Crowfoot Anunculus species
Cycads Encephalartos species
Cyclamen Cyclamen species Gastrointestinal tract affected. Convulsions and paralysis.

D
Daffodil (bulbs) Narcissus species Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. May also cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Daphne Daphne species Gastrointestinal tract and kidneys affected. May cause dermatitis.
Datura Brugmansia species
Deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Delphinium (seeds, young plants) Delphinium species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Devil’s fig Solanum hispidium Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia species Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dragon tree Dracaena species Vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dumb cane Dieffenbachia amaena Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dwarf morning glory Convolvulus tricolor Harmful if eaten in quantity.

E
Easter lily Lilium longiflorum (Especially poisonous to cats).
Echium Echium species Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Elder (leaves, root, bark) Sambuccus species
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Nausea and vomiting.
Elephant ears Bergenia species Intense burning, irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. If
tongue swells enough to block air passage can be fatal.
English ivy (berries & leaves) Hedera helix Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
European spindle Euonymus europaeus Harmful if eaten in quantity.

F
False hellebore (roots, seeds, leaves) Veratrum album Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Flannel flower Phylica plumosa Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Flax Linum usitatissimum Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Foxglove (leaves, seeds) Digitalis species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Fritillary Fritillaria species
Fruit salad plant Monstera deliciosa Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

G
Gaultheria Gaulthera mucronata Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Geranium Geranium species
German ivy (berries & leaves) Delairea odorata Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
German primula Toxic if eaten. May cause skin allergy.
Glory lily Gloriosa superba Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Golden chain (seed capsules) Laburnum Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Granny’s bonnets Aquilegia vulgaris Harmful if eaten in quantity.

H
Heavenly bamboo Nandina domestica
Hellebores Helleborus species
Heliotrope Heliotropum arborescens
Hemlock Tsuga species
Henbane Hyposcyamus niger Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Hibiscus Hibiscus species
Holly (berries) Ilex species Upset stomach, tremors, seizures, loss of balance.
Horse chestnut (nuts, leaves) Aesculus hippocastanum Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Hurricane plant (bulb) Monstera deliciosa Varied toxic effects. Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Hyacinth (bulbs) Hyacinthus orientalis Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Hydrangea Hydrangea species

I
Iris (roots) Iris species Severe digestive upset. May cause dermatitis.
Ivy (entire plant) Hedera helix Harmful if eaten in quantity.

J
Jack in the pulpit Arisaema species Causes burning to the mouth. Can cause hallucinations.
Japanese spindle Euonymus sieboldianus Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Japanese yew Taxus speciesJessamine (berries & sap) Cestrum species Digestive disturbance. Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected. Can be fatal.
Jerusalem Cherry (immature growths) Solanum pseudocapsicum Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Jimson weed (Thorn Apple) Datura stramonium Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence, coma. Can be fatal.
Jonquil (bulb) Narcissus species
Juniper Juniperus species

K
Kalanchoe Kalanchoe species Depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia, paralysis
Kale Brassica oleracea Haemolytic anaemia, goitre, possible reduced fertility
Kingcup Caltha palustris Harmful if eaten in quantity.

L
Laburnum (leaves, seeds) Laburnum anagyroides Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Lantana Lantana camara Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Larkspur (young plants & seeds) Delphinium species Digestive upset, nervousness, depression. Cardiovascular system affected. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Laurel Prunus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Lenton rose Helleborus orientalis Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Leopard lily Belamcanda species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Leyland cypress Cupressocyparis leylandii Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Lily Lilium species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Lily of the valley (leaves, flowers, roots) Convallaria species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Lily of the valley bush Pieris japonica
Lobelia Lobelia species Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Locust Robinia species Nausea and weakness
Lupin (leaves, seeds) Lupinus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.

M
Mallow Lavatera species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Maple Tree Acer species
Marijuana Cannabis sativa Contains hallucinogens.
Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Harmful if eaten in quantity.
May apple (apples, roots, foliage) Podophyllum peltatum Severe diarrhoea. Nervous system affected.
Meadow rue Thalistrum delavayi Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Mezereon Daphne mezereum
Milkweed Ascepias syriaca Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Mistletoe (berries) Phoradendron flavescens Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis. If eaten by a puppy, a few berries can be fatal.
Monkshood Aconitum napellus Digestive upset and nervous excitement. Cardiovascular system affected.
Morning glory (seeds, roots) Ipomea species. Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Moroccan broom Cytisus battandieri Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Mother-in-law’s tongue (leaves) Dieffenbachia amaena Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia Harmful if eaten in quantity.

N
Naked ladies Colchium species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Narcissus Narcissus (bulbs) Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Needlepoint ivy (berries & leaves) Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Nerine Nerine bowdenii
Nightshades Solanum species Intense digestive disturbances. Can be fatal.

O
Oak tree (foliage & acorns) Quercus species Affects kidneys. Symptoms appear after several days.
Oleander Nerium oleander Affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset, extremely poisonous. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Onion Allium species Causes anemia. Onions should not be fed to dogs in any form.

P
Paspalum (seeds) Paspalum species Dermatitis
Pasque flower Pulsatilla vulgaris Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Peace lily Spathiphyllum species Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Peach (stones & leaves) Prunus persica Contain cyanide.
Pencil cactus Opuntia leptocaulis
Peony (roots) Paeonia species
Peruvian lily Chlidanthus fragans Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.Philodendron Philodendron species (leaves) Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Pineapple broom Cytisus battandieri Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Poinsettia (leaves, stems & sap) Euphorbia pulcherrima Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, delirium. Sap can cause irritation and if rubbed in eyes, blindness. May also cause dermatitis.
Poison hemlock Conium maculatum Nervous system affected. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Poison ivy (leaves, bark & fruit) Toxicodendron radicans Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Poison oak (leaves, bark & fruit) Toxicodendron May cause dermatitis.
Poison sumac Toxicodendron vernix Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Pokeroot Phytolacca americana Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Poppy (unripe seedpod) Papaver species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Potato (green skin & sprouts) Solanum tuberosum
Prickly poppy Argemone mexicana Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Primrose (leaves) Primula vulgaris Upset stomach. May cause dermatitis.
Privet (leaves) Ligustrum species Harmful if eaten in quantity.

R
Ragwort Senecio species Causes kidney failure and liver damage which is irreversible. Minute doses fatal, often wrongly diagnosed.
Raisins Causes kidney failure. Can be fatal.
Rape Brassicus napus Haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damage to nervous system, digestive disorders, breathing problems
Red-ink plant Phytolacca americana Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Rhododendron Rhododendron species Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal.
Rhubarb (leaves) Rheum species Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions and coma. Can be fatal.
Rosebay Rhododendron aureum Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Ros periwinkle Catharanthus roseus Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Rue Ruta graveolens Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.

S
Sago palm Cycas revoluta Can be fatal
Savin Juniperus sabina Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Schefflera Brassaia actinophylla Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Silkweed Asclepias species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Snowdrops Galanthus species
Solomon’s seal Polygonatum Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Spider plant Chlorophytum species May cause vomiting and salivation.
Spruce Tree Picea species
Spurge Euphorbia species Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Squill Scilla species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Star-of-Bethlehem (bulbs) Ornithogalum species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Starflower Smilacina stellata Harmful if eaten in quantity.
St Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum Harmful if eaten in quantity.
String of pearls/beads Senecio rowleyanus or herreianus
Sweet pea (stem) Lathyrus odoratus Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

T
Taro vine Monstera deliciosa Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Tiger lily Lilium (Especially poisonous to cats)
Tobacco plant (leaves) Nicotiana Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Tobira Pittosporum tobira
Tomato plant (green fruit, stem & leaves) Lycopersicon lycospersicum
Tulip Tulipa species Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

U
Umbrella plant Schlefflera species Toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhoea.

V
Varnish tree Toxicodendron vernicifluum Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.

W
Walnut (green hull juice) Juglans nigra
Water hemlock Cicuta maculata Violent painful convulsions. Can be fatal.
Wax tree Toxicodendron succedaneum Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Weeping fig Ficus species
Wild cherry tree (twigs & foliage) Prunus avium Gasping, excitement, prostration. Can be fatal.
Windflower Anemone species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Wisteria (pods, seeds) Wisteria Nausea, repeated vomiting, stomach pains, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse.
Wolfsbane Aconitum septentrionale Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Woody nightshade Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Y
Yarrow Achillea species
Yew (berries & foliage) Taxus species Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within one hour, followed by abdominal cramping, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries, death can be sudden without warning or symptoms. Can be fatal.

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