3 - 6 weeks temporary teeth

3 - 8 months permanent teeth

Puppies should be wormed regularly and in accordance with veterinary advice.

Dogs can be affected by the following parasites:

Ectoparasites (which live outside the dog) and include cheyletiella, lice, fleas and ticks.

Treat with insecticidal sprays, creams and flea collars available from your vet.

Regular bathing and clean bedding.

A tick can be removed by dabbing with alcohol, leave for a couple of minutes, then with fine pointed tweezers grasp near the mouth section (not on) and dislodge with a sharp jerk.

Endoparasites (which live inside the dog) and include roundworms, hook worms, whip worms, tape worms, giardia and coccidia.

Treat by regular worming.

Ears need to be cleaned out regularly, a small amount of wax is acceptable but a plug of wax or hair blocking the ear requires removal. Wax can be treated with warm cod liver oil, or special ear treatments. Gently pluck out any hair by using your thumb and finger. Chalk, if available, can be used as an abrasive, but insure all is removed on completion of the task. Do remember that the ear is a very sensitive area and great care should be taken when cleaning.

A healthy ear has a warm and waxy smell to it, if there a strong odour, veterinary consultation is advised.

Check your dogs eyes regularly, clean around the eye, do not allow any discharge to accumulate. To do this use a propriety eye wash and lint soaked in warm water.

Matted coat around the eye can be a problem and could easily cause an infection. Make sure that the coat is clean and separated. Excessive discharge requires consultation with your vet.

Testes - if both testicles are not fully descended at ten months, consult a veterinary surgeon. Surgical removal may be required as the testes are prone to cancer.

Penis - consult your vet about any discharge or bleeding.

Castration - may be advisable if a dog is very aggressive and/or nervous or over sexed.

Season - a bitch will normally have her first season between 6 - 15 months of age, although some giant breeds may not begin until the age of two years.

Pro-oestrus - this is the stage which lasts 8 - 13 days, when there is usually some swelling of the vulva, a clear discharge which is followed by blood, which can vary from spotting to a heavy amount.

Oestrus - bleeding will normally have stopped, the vulva will have turned turgid but still swollen and there may be a clear of straw coloured discharge. This is the period when the bitch is likely to seek out dogs and accept them. Ovulation is said to occur on the second day of oestrus, making it the best day for mating.

Spaying - if a bitch is not being considered for breeding, it is best to spay 3 - 5 months after her first season, or as recommended by a veterinary surgeon.

Pyometra - pus in the womb, this can occur at the end of an abnormal season and the signs are: excessive thirst, abnormal discharge (yellow, greenish, reddish), dullness, vomiting.

Should a bitch show any of these signs, it is imperative a veterinary surgeon be consulted as soon as possible.

Keep vaccinations up to date

Avoid obesity

In summer, check coat, ears and pads of feet for grass seeds

In winter wash feet if walked on treated roads or pavements

If ever in doubt, consult a vet

Take out health insurance cover

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