Raising dogs, especially taking care of the scotch collie, is old hat for people. Some zoologists theorize that dogs were originally domesticated sometime between 12,000 and twenty five thousand years ago—and that dogs evolved from the wolf. Since then, human beings have selectively bred more than four hundred different breeds, varying in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, who have earned the title of the tallest canine. However, the most widespread pooches are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds. The scotch collie is also a popular choice with dog owners. Some owners are oblivious, however, of some critical scotch collie care tips.
Cost of care for the scotch collie
The annual budget for caring for the scotch collie—including nutrition, veterinary care, toys and license—could vary between $420 and seven hundred eighty dollars. This figure doesn’t include capital expenses for spay/neuter surgery, collar and leash, carrier and dog crate. Note: Be positive you have procured all of your supplies before getting your scotch collie home.
Typical scotch collie Care
scotch collie Feeding Plan
- scotch collie puppies between 8 and 12 weeks need four meals a day.
- Feed scotch collie pups three to 6 months old 3 meals in a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two times in a twenty-four hour period.
- When your scotch collie hits his or her first birthday, one feeding in a day is usually adequate.
- Sometimes adult scotch collies, however, do better with two lighter bowls. It is your duty to learn your scotch collie’s eating tendencies.
Premium-quality dry dogfood ensures a balanced diet to adult scotch collies and may be mixed with broth, canned food, or water. Your scotch collie may also have a taste for cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables, and cooked eggs, but these foods should not total more than 10 pct of his or her daily food intake. scotch collie puppies need to be fed excellent-quality, name brand puppy food. You should cut down on “table food”, though, because it can result in mineral and vitamin imbalances, bone and teeth issues, and may lead to very finicky food choices as well as obesity. Give fresh, clean water exclusively, and be certain to wash water and food bowls very often.
scotch collie Care Tips: Your scotch collie needs physical activity daily
scotch collies need some daily physical activity in order to burn calories, recharge their minds, and remain in good health. Daily physical activity also really helps scotch collies fight boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Physical activity can satisfy most of your scotch collie’s desires to herd, dig, chase, retrieve and chew. Activity needs can vary based on your scotch collie’s age and her level of health—but merely a walk down the street every day and ten minutes in the backyard probably will not suffice. If your scotch collie is a six to eighteen month adolescent, his requirements will probably be greater.
scotch collie Grooming Tips
You can help reduce shedding and keep your scotch collie clean with brushing. Inspect for ticks and fleas every day during the summer or other warm weather. Many scotch collies don’t need to be bathed more than a few times during the year. Before the bath, cut out or comb any mats from the scotch collie’s hair. Rinse all soap from the coat, or the dirt will stick to the soap.
Handling Your scotch collie
Puppies, as opposed to adults, are clearly the easiest to manage. To carry the scotch collie puppy, place 1 hand beneath the dog’s chest, with either the forearm or other hand supporting the back legs and rump. Never try to lift or grab your puppy by his or her forelegs, back of the neck or tail. When you must lift a bigger, adult scotch collie, lift from underneath, holding his or her chest with 1 of your arms and rump with the other.
scotch collie housing
scotch collies need a cozy quiet spot to relax away from all the breezes and away from the ground or floor. You might wish to buy a doggie bed, or try making one out of a wood box. Put a clean comforter or pillow in the bed. Wash the scotch collie’s bed covering frequently. If the scotch collie will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make certain he has shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a dry, covered, warm area when it’s cold.
scotch collie Licensing
Your town has licensing regulations to follow. You should connect the license to your scotch collie’s collar. This, along with an ID tag or tattoo, will most likely help you recover your scotch collie if she happens to go missing.
Info on scotch collie Temperament
Thoughts on scotch collie Training
Well-behaved, companion scotch collies can be a blessing to own. However, untrained, your dog can possibly be a headache. Teaching your scotch collie the standards—”Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Leave it”—will improve the relationship with both the scotch collie and the family. If you have a pup, begin teaching him the appropriate responses as soon as humanly possible! Use meals as a lure and recognition. Puppies should commence obedience classes when they have been adequately vaccinated. Call the community humane society or SPCA for details on obedience classes. Always walk your scotch collie leashed in public, even while a puppy. Be positive your scotch collie will come back to you when you tell him. A disobedient or aggressive scotch collie shouldn’t play with children.
The Health of Your scotch collie
scotch collies should see the veterinarian for a complete examination, shots and a heartworm blood test each and every year, and promptly when he is sick or injured.
Your scotch collie’s Dental Health
Although we may object to our scotch collie’s foul breath, we must be aware of what it may mean. Foul-smelling breath usually signifies that your scotch collie is in need of an oral check up. Dental plaque , which is caused by unhealthy bacteria creates a foul stench that can only be cured by professional treatment. Once your scotch collie has had a cleaning done by a professional, her teeth and gums can be maintained by feeding a special diet focused on dental health, eliminating table food, and regular brushing. The veterinarian can provide you with other tips for eliminating oral ailments and stinky breath. You can use a baking soda and water paste or a dog toothpaste once or twice per week to brush your scotch collie’s teeth. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon stocking stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, sometimes affects scotch collies. Frequently, loss of teeth takes place because of gum disease. Infections can possibly also propagate to other areas of your scotch collie’s body. Veterinarians can brush her teeth as a regular part of your scotch collie’s health appointment.
Bad scotch collie Breath
While bad breath caused by periodontal disease might not be very serious if caught early enough, sometimes halitosis may indicate serious, persistent problems. A fruity, sweet smell may sometimes be a sign of diabetes, while diseases of the intestines or liver may cause foul breath. If your scotch collie’s breath smells of ammonia or urine, kidney disease might be the cause. When you find your scotch collie has smelly breath along with other indicators of ill health, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, bad mood, excessive urination or drinking, set a trip to his doctor.
Fleas and Ticks in scotch collies
Daily, regular inspections of your scotch collie for ticks and fleas during the warm seasons are important. Use a flea comb to find fleas. There are many new procedures of tick control. Speak to your vet about his or her recommendations.
scotch collies With Heartworm Issues
Your scotch collie is at risk of heartworms if she is exposed to mosquitoes often. Mosquitoes transport this parasite from dog to dog. Many scotch collies die each year as a result of heartworms. It’s very important to make sure your scotch collie submits to a blood test for heartworms each year during the spring. It is recommended that you give your scotch collie a monthly pill during mosquito season to help you protect him from heartworms. If you ever vacation south with your scotch collie in the winter, he should be on the preventive medicine during the trip. There are some regions, usually the places with milder temperatures, where vets recommend parasite medication be taken continuously.
Poisons and Medications
Never, ever give your scotch collie medicine that hasn’t been prescribed by a vet. Did you know that 1 regular-strength ibuprofen tablet can easily cause stomach ulcers in scotch collies? Keep rat poison and other rodenticides away from your scotch collie. If you believe that your doggie has been exposed to a poison, immediately call the veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 24 hrs. a day for information.
scotch collie Sterilization Procedures
It is recommended that male scotch collies should be neutered – the removal of the testes – and females spayed – the removal of the ovaries and uterus – by 6 months old. You usually will greatly reduce your female’s breast cancer risk by spaying prior to adulthood. The risk of a sick uterus, which is also a serious disease that affects older females, will also be eliminated by spaying before 6 months. Neutering male scotch collies helps prevent prostate diseases, some hernias and certain aggressive behavior.
scotch collie Innoculations
- The combo vaccine (also called the “five-in-1 shot”) should be given to your scotch collie at two, 3, and 4 months of age and again once annually. This innoculation protects your puppy from parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper. The scotch collie puppy’s innoculation regimen cannot be finished before four months of age.
- If your scotch collie has not been innoculated and is older than 4 months, he will need to be given 2 vaccinations as soon as possible, two or three weeks apart. Then you must vaccinate annualy.
- scotch collie pup socialization and immunization should coincide. You may bring your scotch collie puppy to socialization courses by eight to nine weeks of age, as recommended by most veterinarians. They should have already received their first vaccinations by this age.
Statutes vary so much around the country, that it’s best to contact your community veterinarian about rabies innoculation details. For instance, NYC laws declare that pets older than three months be immunized for rabies. After the first innoculation, she must get another immunization the following year, and then every three years. There are many immunizations, many of which are right for your scotch collie. There are others that are not, however. Your veterinarian can give you her opinion. By the way, if your scotch collie gets ill because she is not vaccinated, do not give the immunization until the dog has made a full recovery.
Hookworms in scotch collies
scotch collies are often exposed to worms—even in urban areas. Eggs that carry roundworms and hookworms are transmitted through a scotch collie’s feces. Even the healthiest of scotch collie puppies carry intestinal worms. An accurate, early detection is the key to treatment. This will make sure that the medicine is effective against the parasite your dog has. A dewormer that eradicates hookworms, for example, can’t kill tapeworms. Your vet can best figure out the culprit—and decide the most effective treatment.
Miscellaneous scotch collie Care Tips
Checklist of scotch collie Supplies
- High-quality dog food and snacks designed for scotch collies and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Brush & comb for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with license and identification tag
- Leash
- Carrier (for pups)
- Crate for training
- Box or dog bed with warm quilt or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
Warnings to be Heeded
The following items should never be fed to scotch collies:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Spoiled or moldy food of any kind
- Onions, chives or garlic
- Poultry bones
- Salt and salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit and stems
- Yeast dough
The “Bottom” Line
Unless you are at home, or in a secured, fenced-in space, keep your scotch collie on a leash at all times. If your scotch collie does number 2 on a neighbor’s yard, the sidewalk or any other public place, please remove and dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about scotch collies
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