Puppy and Older Dog Care

Puppy Care
When you first bring your puppy home it is always an exciting time and a day which you and your family will always remember. All puppies require a lot of attention, care and socialisation. By starting your puppies’ education early it builds good foundations of confidence, desired behaviour and obedience. While your puppy is growing and finding their paws into a routine they will need extra consideration and cannot be left on their own for long hours. It is vital in this early stage of their education of being house trained that their training is consistent and rewarding when they have behaved correctly. This can be very demanding, caring for your puppy and attending other commitments, like work or university.

Walk Sit Stay can visit your puppy during your absence to let them out to “do their business”, clean up any accidents, feed and top up their water bowl. When they are ready we will also be able to take them for short walks so they can have some stimulation, fresh air and a little play.

Older Dog Care
As your beloved loyal friend begins to age and slow down, this shouldn’t stop him having some of the most fulfilling years of his life. Dogs tend to age slowly over a period of time. It is foreseeable that natural mental and physical changes will take place. By providing an enriched and stimulating environment for your dog you can make sure he enjoys his natural life expectancy to the full.

Arthritis is common in older dogs, especially large breed dogs and more petite breeds.Older dogs that have injured joints earlier in their life also have a tendency to develop arthritis as they age. As in people, arthritis in dogs may only cause a slight stiffness, or it can develop into a more painful ache. You may find that in your dogs later years they may start to have difficulty going up and down stairs or jumping into the car. Muscles that aren’t used often deteriorate in size and strength, older dogs who are inactive will loose muscle mass and tone. This may make it more difficult for them to move, so they move less, this can then be the beginning of a vicious cycle.

Exercise for an older dog is important for the health of the muscles, as well as the heart, digestive system, joints and attitude. Exercise routines can be adapted according to the dog's abilities. Several short walks a day may help maintain and strengthen the dog's muscles. It is important to exercise your dog daily, but he may not be able to manage the long walks he always enjoyed. Short walks will still increase his circulation, improving heart and lung function. It will also keep his muscles toned and joints mobile. It will also add interest to his day.

Older dogs may need to go outside more often to “do their business”. Some older dogs that have been housetrained for years may start having “accidents” due to incontinence or anxiety. If your work or other commitments mean you have to be gone for extended periods during the day, you may want to consider having Walk Sit Stay come to your home during the day to let your dog out and give him some exercise. We can clean up any “accidents” while we are there and take them for a short walk to help break up their day.

***Fully Insured***