Here are the answers to just a few of the questions most commonly posed by dog owners.

1. I’m getting my puppy today – what supplies should I have ready at home?

The first thing you’ll need is a travel crate for your dog’s trip home. Think of the other puppy essentials such as food and water bowls, and these need to be in place before you bring your puppy home. If you need some advice about which food to buy, ask your vet. Other items you’ll need to get in advance of the new puppy’s arrival are: an adjustable collar, a lead, toys and bedding. Make your first appointment with the vet to get your puppy checked over.

2. Tell me more about microchips.

Microchipping is very popular these days and it is an essential part of dog health care. A microchip is a very tiny device that is injected underneath the dog’s skin, usually at the neck. If your dog is lost, then any veterinarian or shelter can use a scanner to read the information on the microchip and then return the dog to you. Some people question whether they actually need to microchip their pet, and if you never really let it out of your sight then you probably don’t need to worry. Even if you have reservations about microchipping, it is a pain-free process and completely safe so it is definitely worth considering. Some dogs are always with their owners, but they can still run away given half the chance.

4. How can I tell if my dog has worms?

If you need to know more about dog health care, you should take into consideration troublesome worms. There are some common types of worms that you should be aware of and these include hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. All can cause internal irritation and damage to your dog, but heartworms can be fatal. Get your vet to check for worms on a regular basis so your dog can stay fit and healthy.

5. Neutering – is it worth it?

Unless you plan to professionally breed your dog, you should get him or her neutered or spayed (fixed). There are far too many puppies born each year and they don’t have loving homes to go to, so if we can do our bit to prevent the problem then this is good. If there are no complications, your dog can usually come home on the same day.

By getting your pet fixed it can also help with its health in the long-term. You can reduce the risk of cancer and infection by getting your dog spayed or neutered before the age of 6months.