Love Bug Pet Services

08/09/2021

BASIC DOG NEEDS

Please, if you don't have the time or the money to provide the following for a dog, don't get one.

1. BASIC VET CARE
Your dog NEEDS to be treated for worms, fleas and ticks, as well as be up to date on its vaccinations.
This protects your dog from parasite infestations which can cause anemia, as well as deadly parasites like the paralysis tick or deadly viruses like the canine parvovirus.
If your dog becomes ill or injured, you are required by law to seek vet care.

2. ID
Under Australian law, your dog is required to be microchipped as well as wearing a collar with an ID tag.

3. SHELTER
You need to provide your dog adequate shelter, as well as keeping it secured in your yard.
Your dog needs to be able to get out of bad weather, whether that be inside with you, or have a kennel or patio to retreat to.
Your dog MUST be secured in your yard. Letting your dog roam isn't okay and is considered a form of neglect. It is a fineable offense.

4. EXCERCISE
This can be a walk around the block (ON A LEASH!!), a good game of fetch or flirt pole, training, or a run at a designated dog park (we don't recommend dog parks, but that's for another post).

5. FOOD AND WATER
Your dog should ALWAYS have access to clean, fresh drinking water. Make sure to do your research on dog foods to make sure your dogs nutritional needs are being met.

Not providing any of the above can be considered neglect and can lead to your animal being siezed, not to mention you run the risk of copping a fine for animal abuse.
If you can't afford to supply any of your dogs needs, or don't have the time to, please don't get a dog.
If for some reason you fall into financial hardship and are struggling to provide adequate care for your dog, there are services out there who can help.

DOGS ALSO REQUIRE...
Training, Time, Grooming, Affection and Love!

If you can't provide certain things, like play time, walks, training... There a professionals, like us, out there who can help

10/08/2021

WHY ILL NEVER USE A FLEXI LEAD

We've all seen them, they're incredibly popular. They extend out to give your pet more room to walk, sniff, greet other dogs....
And in my personal opinion, are the WORST leash out there.
This style of leash is extremely dangerous for a number of reasons

I personally have witnessed injuries to both people and dogs due to this type of leash. They have this system where it pulls the leash back into the handle - at quite a fast speed. I've witnessed these leave gashes on the legs of the dog handlers, or injure the dog because of how fast they can rip back when there is no opposing force.

This leash gives your dog more room to walk... That's great for things like an oval, but even then, use a long line.
It only takes a second for your dog to decide it wants to chase something to then run out onto the road and get hit by a car... This is also why I think teaching commands such as "leave it", and "heel" are key with leash walking.

These leashes allow your dog to greet other dogs quicker than you being closer. But not all dogs want to, or should be, approached. When on walks, your dogs main focus should be you, and not greeting other dogs.
General rule of thumb is assume every dog is aggressive until otherwise informed.

Honestly, a good polypropylene or leather leash is your best option. These come in a range of sizes, from 2 foot to 8 foot. A longline is a good option to allow your dog "off leash" time without actually being off leash (great tool for recall training!)

23/07/2021

Why you absolutely NEED to take care of your dogs coat.

Bathing and brushing is necessary for ALL dogs. Dirty fur can cause irritation, matting can cause physical pain and grooming your dog is not only amazing bonding time, but it's vital to help detect some health issues before they worsen.

Grooming your dog allows you to feel for any lumps, bumps, cuts, grass seeds of anything else that shouldn't be there. It helps keep your dog smelling fresh, feeling great and itch free!

Grooming is absolutely vital for all dogs, but particularly important for longer hair or curly haired dogs who become matted easier. A daily brush with a brush suited to your dogs particular coat will keep those pesky matts at bay!
Your local groomer, or even a quick Google, should be able to tell you what sort of brush is best suited to your dogs coat. Poodle hair requires a different brush than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels fur does.

What are the impacts of matting?

"Matting is a condition in your dog's fur that is caused by dense tangles and knots. It's a painful condition that can lead to other health concerns such as infections or skin irritations and can also mask other health issues or parasites. Mats cut off the air flow in your dog's hair and can trap moisture, which can cause irritation and sores on your dog. Even mild matting can be painful, but in severe cases, matting can cut off circulation to your dog's skin and cause hematomas. In some circumstances, matting may be so severe that you would need to take your dog to a veterinarian for treatment. " (Source: https://woofgangflemingisland.com/blog/what-your-groomer-wants-you-to-know-about-matting/)

Please wash and brush your dogs. If you don't have time to, hire a professional, or even your local pet sitter, to come and give your pooch some pampering.

Image sourced from Google

07/07/2021