Raising dogs, in particular taking care of the smooth collie, is a specialty of humans. Zoologists postulate that dogs were first domesticated sometime between 12,000 and 25,000 years ago—and that all dogs evolved from wolves. Since those days, humans have selectively bred more than 400 breeds, varying in size from 4-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, whose 3-ft stature earns them the distinction of tallest dog. But the most popular canines are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds. The smooth collie is also a popular choice with dog owners. Many owners are unaware, however, of some crucial smooth collie care tips.
General cost of care for the smooth collie
The annual cost of raising the smooth collie—including everything from nutrition and treats, to vet bills, toys and license—could vary between four hundred twenty and $780. This doesn’t even consider capital expenses for sterilization operations, dog collar and leash, a dog carrier and a crate. Tip: Be sure you have all the required supplies before getting your smooth collie home for the first time.
General smooth collie Care
smooth collie Feeding Plan
- smooth collie puppies between 8 and twelve weeks need 4 meals in a day.
- smooth collie pups 3 to 6 months old should be fed 3 meals every twenty-four hour period.
- Feed pups 6 months to one year old two bowls of food every twenty-four hours.
- By the time the smooth collie makes his or her 1st birthday, one bowl every twenty-four hours is enough.
- Some smooth collies, however, prefer two lighter helpings. It is your job to adapt to your smooth collie’s eating habits.
Excellent-quality dry food ensures a balanced diet for full-grown smooth collies and may be mixed with canned food, water, or broth. Your smooth collie may also be fond of fruits and vegetables, cooked eggs, and cottage cheese, but these additions should be less than ten pct of his or her daily food allowance. smooth collie puppies should probably be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please cut down on “people food”, however, since it can result in mineral and vitamin imbalances, bone and teeth concerns, and might result in some very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be made exclusively, and be sure to clean water and food bowls very often.
smooth collie Care Tips: Make sure to give your smooth collie plenty of daily physical activity
smooth collies must get exercise so they can burn calories, recharge their brains, and maintain good health. Daily physical activity also tends to help smooth collies fight boredom, which can lead to naughty behavior. Playing outside will satisfy many of your smooth collie’s desires to chew, dig, chase, retrieve and herd. Individual exercise needs can depend on your smooth collie’s level of health and her age—but ten minutes in back of the house and a couple of walks around the block every day probably will not suffice. If your smooth collie is a six to eighteen month adolescent, his requirements will be a little greater.
Grooming tips for smooth collies
You can help reduce shedding and keep your smooth collie clean with frequent brushing. Inspect for ticks and fleas every day during the summer or other warm weather. Many smooth collies don’t need a bath more than a few times per year. Before a bath, comb or cut out any mats from the smooth collie’s coat. Carefully rinse all soap from the coat, or dirt will stick to the soap.
Handling Your smooth collie
Puppies are obviously easier to handle. To carry your smooth collie pup, take one of your hands and place it under the dog’s chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the back legs and rear. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy by her front legs, back of the neck or tail. If you need to pick up a larger, full-grown smooth collie, lift from underneath, supporting his or her chest with 1 of your arms and rear end with the other.
How to House the smooth collie
Your smooth collie needs a comfy quiet location to be able to relax away from all breezes and off the floor. You might wish to purchase a dog bed, or try making one out of a wooden box. Place a clean blanket, comforter, sheet, or pillow inside the bed for cushioning. Wash your smooth collie’s bedding frequently. If the smooth collie will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make certain she has plenty of cool water and shade in the summer, and a dry, warm, covered shelter in winter.
smooth collie Identification
Your area has licensing regulations to follow. You should attach the license to the smooth collie’s collar. This, together with an ID tattoo or tag, can help you recover your smooth collie should she become lost.
smooth collie Temperament Facts
smooth collie Training
A well-behaved, companion smooth collie is a blessing to raise. However, left untrained, your smooth collie can easily be trouble. Teaching your smooth collie the standards—”Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, and “Leave it”—strengthens the relationship both with your smooth collie as well as the neighbors. If you’re the owner of a puppy, begin training him on the right behavior quickly! Use treats as recognition and incentive. Puppies should start obedience class when they are adequately vaccinated. Call the local SPCA or humane society for information about training schools. You should always keep your smooth collie leashed in public, even while a pup. Be certain your dog will come back to you if you call him. An aggressive or disobedient smooth collie is not yet ready to play with children.
Your smooth collie’s Health
Your smooth collie should see the vet for a full diagnosis, shots and a heartworm exam every single year, and immediately if she is ill or injured.
Your smooth collie’s Oral Health
While many of us might simply dislike our smooth collie’s foul breath, it’s important to be aware of what it may represent. Halitosis is a symptom that your smooth collie needs an oral check up. Plaque , which is caused by bacteria causes a bad odor that can only be eliminated by treatment by a professional. Once you have given your smooth collie a professional cleaning, the gums and teeth may be kept healthy by brushing regularly, feeding a special diet focused on dental health, and eliminating table food. The vet can supply you with additional advice for mitigating oral diseases as well as bad breath. You can brush your smooth collie’s teeth using a doggie toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste twice weekly. 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, often affects smooth collies. This painful condition can sometimes cause your smooth collie’s loss of teeth as well as spread infection throughout his body. The doctor usually will clean the smooth collie’s teeth during the typical health assessment.
smooth collie Bad Breath
Although oral disease itself is not critical if it is found early enough, the foul odors may also indicate serious, long-term issues. A pleasant, even sweet smell can often be indicative of diabetes, while diseases of the liver or intestines may cause foul breath. Kidney disease is a possible cause when your smooth collie’s breath smells of ammonia or urine. If you determine your smooth collie has halitosis in conjunction with other indicators of disease, like loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, loss of weight, depression, excessive urinating and drinking, schedule a consultation with her veterinarian.
smooth collie Flea and Tick Issues
When it’s warm, it’s important for you to perform daily, regular inspections of your smooth collie for ticks and fleas. Remove fleas with a flea comb. There are numerous new methods of tick reduction. Visit your veterinarian about these and other recommendations.
smooth collies With Heartworm Issues
The heartworm is a parasite that resides in the heart and is passed from an infested dog to your smooth collie by mosquitoes. Many smooth collies die each year from heartworm infestations. It’s extremely important you make sure your smooth collie has a blood test for worms annually each spring. You should also give your smooth collie a once-a-month tablet throughout the course of mosquito season to help you protect him from heartworms. Your smooth collie should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. In some more moderate climates, vets advise preventative worm medication be taken continuously.
Medicines and Poisons
Don’t ever give your smooth collie medication that has not been prescribed by her vet. Are you aware that one ibuprofen tablet can possibly cause stomach ulcers in some dogs Make sure your smooth collie is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. If you have reason to suspect your pooch has been exposed to a poison, contact the doctor or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 twenty-four hrs. per day for instructions.
smooth collie Reproductive Operations
Male smooth collies should be neutered – the removal of the testicles – and females spayed – the removal of the ovaries and uterus – by six months old. You will significantly reduce your female’s risk of breast cancer by spaying prior to maturity. Spaying also eradicates the chance of a diseased uterus, a very serious problem in more mature females that necessitates surgery and intensive medical care. Neutering males eliminates the risk of prostate diseases, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias.
Innoculating your smooth collie
- The combo vaccine (also known as a “five-in-1 shot”) should be given to your smooth collie at two, three, and four months old and then once yearly. This innoculation protects your pup from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Your smooth collie puppy’s innoculation program cannot be completed prior to four months old.
- If you have an uninnoculated smooth collie older than 4 or 5 months, she must get a series of two vaccinations 2 or 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly innoculation.
- smooth collie puppy innoculation and socialization should coincide. You should bring your smooth collie pup to socialization classes by 8 to nine weeks old, as recommended by most doctors. They should have received their first innoculations by this age.
Because rules vary so much around the country, contact your community veterinarian to get instructions on rabies vaccination. In New York City, for example, the law states that all pets older than 3 months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. The first rabies immunization must be followed by another vaccination the next year, and then every 3 years after that. There are a variety of immunizations, many of which are appropriate for your smooth collie. There are others that are not, however. Your vet can tell you about them. Also, if your smooth collie gets sick because he is not vaccinated, do not administer the immunization until the dog has made a full recovery.
Hookworms in smooth collies
smooth collies are commonly exposed to worms and possible infestation—even in urban areas. Microscopic eggs made by hookworms are passed in an infested dog’s feces. Even the healthiest of smooth collie puppies carry roundworms or hookworms. An accurate, early diagnosis is the secret to effective treatment. This will maximize the possibility that the treatment is successful against the parasite your dog has. A dewormer that eliminates roundworms, for example, cannot kill tapeworms. Your vet can best figure out the culprit—and assign the right medicine.
Miscellaneous smooth collie Care Tips
Checklist of smooth collie Supplies
- Premium-quality dog food and snacks specifically for smooth collies and similarly-sized dogs
- Food dish
- Water dish
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Comb & brush for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with license and identification tag
- Quality leash
- Dog carrier (for pups)
- Crate for training
- Dog bed or box with sheet or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
Warnings to be Heeded
Do not feed your smooth collie the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocoloate or any food with caffeine
- Raisins or grapes
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, chives or garlic
- Bones of chicken, turkey, or any other animal (choking hazard)
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems or unripe fruit
- Dough
The “Bottom” Line
Keep your smooth collie on a leash whenever you are outside, unless you are in a secured, fenced-in space. If your smooth collie goes number two on your neighbor’s grass, his sidewalk or any other public place, please dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about smooth collies
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