The dog

Approximately 15,000 years ago, humans began domesticating wolves, which eventually gave rise to our loyal four-legged companion. Through selective breeding for various traits, around 350 officially recognized dog breeds have since been developed, which can differ greatly in both appearance and temperament. Thanks to this diversity, there is a suitable dog for almost every owner!
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Unfortunately, years of selective breeding for physical characteristics have also led to a significant number of hereditary conditions that are more common in certain breeds. It is therefore important to thoroughly research the breed you are considering before making a decision. Useful and reliable websites include www.licg.nl & www.rashondenwijzer.nl .

A new puppy

When you get a new puppy, there is a lot to take in. To ensure a good start, it is important that your puppy is properly vaccinated and checked (at 6, 9, 12, and sometimes 16 weeks). In addition, it is mandatory to have the puppy microchipped and registered (often already done by the breeder), and advisable to provide proper deworming and flea prevention.

 

Puppies are much like young children; proper upbringing is essential. If you are consistent from the beginning and train your dog well, it will greatly benefit you in the long run. You can choose to train your puppy yourself or enroll in various training courses; an added benefit of a course is that your dog will be socialized with other dogs from the outset.

Nutrition

Naturally, you want to keep your dog as healthy as possible. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in achieving this. In the canine world, few topics have sparked as much discussion recently as nutrition, with opinions varying widely. A dog living with humans is no longer a wolf in the wild and has different needs. Moreover, we want our dogs to remain healthy and with us for as long as possible. A well-balanced diet is therefore of most importance. Not every dog has the same nutritional requirements or tolerates every type of food equally well, so let us help you find the most suitable diet for your dog.

Health & Illness

Regular health check-ups are extremely important. Through a thorough clinical examination, we can detect and address potential issues early on. We therefore recommend an annual health check-up by a veterinarian. During this check-up, advice will also be provided on topics such as behavior, nutrition, and parasites, and we can administer tailored vaccinations for your dog. Please see also: vaccination or sorology.

 

Almost all diseases that affect humans can also be found in our pets: cancer, hormonal disorders, allergies, heart problems, etc. Fortunately, there are increasingly more therapeutic options available, allowing us to cure or make many diseases more manageable for your pet. If we diagnose a disease in your dog, we will provide you with detailed information about the prognosis, therapy, and expected course of the condition. For many diseases, we have informational leaflets that you can read at home at your leisure.

 

Are you unsure if something is wrong with your pet? You can always call us for advice.

Saying goodbye

Although we would like to keep them with us forever, for every owner, the time comes when they must say goodbye to their dog. Determining when this moment arrives is not always easy. We are here to support you with advice, thorough examination, and a listening ear. When the time does come, we will ensure that the farewell is dignified and peaceful.

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