What we think you'll need to know as a dog owner in Singapore.
This segment might appear a little unhinged as it is an "info-drop" section. We do a lot of science based research to give our furkids the best life possible. We believe that proactive health care is key to a joyful, healthy and active furkid.
AVS License required Dog Groomer/Trainer/Boarding?
Dog groomers do not need to be licensed the same way hair dressers are not licensed.
For dog trainers, accreditation is not required unless they are training Schedule B dogs.
For commercial dog boarding, the facility needs to be licensed by URA and AVS for operation.
Heartworms, Ticks and Fleas.
Prevention is always better than cure. Among the 3, I am more concerned about heartworms. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, Ticks and Fleas can be discouraged with our dry shampoo because the diatomaceous earth will kill them on contact plus the scent of rosemary and thyme is also a deterrent.
Nexgard Spectra is a decent monthly preventive but there have been cases of some dogs going into seizures after consuming them. There are many fake products sold in the market so I would recommend obtaining your supplies directly from a vet.
Annual Vaccination
It is highly debated if we are actually over vaccinating our pets by insisting on their annual jabs. Do they actually need it? Every vaccination has its pros and cons. I would recommend pawrents request for a titre test for their furkids before deciding if another vaccination jab is needed.
Dog Allergies
We keep hearing of dogs being allergic to almost everything they eat. It is quite scary and frustrating for pawrents who are spending a lot of money on pet visits without much effect. It is quite scary when you find out how bad the side effects of apoquel can be or you wonder how much damage is being done to your furkid's organs after so much steroid and antibiotics.
But have you heard of "leaky gut syndrome"? It is linked to allergies because a compromised gut barrier can allow undigested food particles and other substances to enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering immune and allergic responses. This increased intestinal permeability, often associated with an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), can trigger inflammation and contribute to the development or worsening of conditions like food allergies and eczema.
Perhaps all they need are high quality food and a good daily dose of pre + probiotics to resolve their health issues.
My dog keeps eating his/her Poo!!
Coprophagia can be due to a combination of behavioral, medical, and instinctual issues. This could include hunger, boredom, anxiety or lack of nutrients.
Sometimes if your furkid is left alone in a fenced up area for long hours, they might eat poop as a instinctive way to keep their "den" clean. Some furkids are just doing it for attention because they enjoy watching you scream and run after them. Very.. thrilling.
How to resolve this issue? You need to figure out what is the cause and address it!