Take the Ruff With the Smooth

Kathy Carter takes a look at the responsibilities of being a dog owner

There are now over 12 million dogs in Great Britain, making them our most popular pet. (Insurer Pet Plan’s largescale 2018 Pet Census agrees, with Northern Ireland being the UK’s doggiest area, and built-up London being the least). But with canine companionship and fun comes responsibility. Here, we look at insurance, exercise, diet and nutrition, as well as legal considerations; do you have what it takes to become a dog owner?

Insurance

Dogs are not cheap to buy – the charity PDSA reports that most medium sized dog breeds cost over £6k – hence many owners like to protect that investment.

There’s no law requiring dog insurance; however, with the average pet claim topping £800 according to the Association of British Insurers, if you opt against pet insurance, you’ll need to be sure you can afford such sums. As a rough guide, online veterinary resource vethelpdirect.com, reports that the average annual insurance premium is £324 per year, for a dog.

Common insurance policies include:

Lifetime policies, which cover the pet for their entire lifetime, providing you renew every year. These generally offer the most comprehensive coverage.

Maximum-benefit insurance policies, which give you a pre-agreed amount to spend on recuperation or management of each injury or illness, with no time limit.

Time limited policies, e.g. for the current year; perhaps useful for owners that take on older pets. Here, as soon as either the monetary or time limit has been reached, there is no more cover available for that condition.

Accident only policies, which cover vet fees for unexpected injuries; not ongoing medical conditions. (NB, insurer Pet Plan reports that 90% of its claims are for canine illness, as opposed to accidental injury).

Be aware that with the correct paperwork ascertained, insurers do readily pay out. According to the Association of British Insurers, pet insurers paid out £799 million in claims, in 2020 – the equivalent of £2.2 million a day.

Altruistically, animal charities such as the PDSA, Blue Cross and RSPCA may be able to offer medical care to families in receipt of benefits, who cannot afford high-level insurance.

It is also important to bear in mind that aside from accident or illness cover, an insurance policy can cover the owner for third party liability. This means your insurance will 

pay out to someone who puts forward a legitimate claim for harm or damage incurred as a result of your dog’s actions.

Can insurance affect the dog you choose?

Perhaps the potential insurance fees may affect the type of dog you choose to re-home, or purchase?

Age is a significant factor; as pets get older, the premium will increase.

The insurance for pedigree dogs can be more expensive, as crossbreeds are usually less likely to suffer from the inherited medical conditions that pedigree breeds can experience. (Labradors for example are particularly prone to hip dysplasia.)

According to website vethelpdirect.com, most insurance companies charge more to insure a male dog; they’re reportedly more likely to get injured.

Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for all dogs, according to charity, the PDSA. It helps keep canines in good physical shape; and fit, active dogs are less likely to suffer from problems such as arthritis and obesity. Exercise and socialisation also maintains mental wellness, just as it does for us humans.

It can be easy to underestimate the amount of commitment that’s required around exercising a dog – potential owners should consider if they have the time. Most young, fit canines benefit from 1-2 hours of exercise per day, while working breeds such as the German Shepherd, one of the UK’s most popular pet dog breeds, need even more. A breed such as the pug, which is small in stature and has a shortened snout and flat face, and therefore likely breathing issues, will need less exercise; usually under an hour a day. Dogs naturally need less exercise as they age.

Diet And Nutrition

Diet also underpins animal health. There are many excellent commercial dog foods available that are appropriate for the animal’s life stage (e.g. puppy, adolescent, adult, pregnant, senior etc). The choice is yours, although your vet can recommend the type of product that would meet your pet’s needs. Adult dogs should be fed at least twice a day, and drinking water must be available at all times.

Your vet will also be able to weigh your dog, assess its body condition score and provide advice; and the food packaging will offer guidelines for suggested amounts of food by weight, so we don’t over-feed!

As a small addition to their commercial food, dogs may be offered in moderation: tinned fish; some cooked vegetables; plain pasta or rice; cooked meat such as chicken, and

Legal Responsibilities Of Dog Ownership

There are a number of legal responsibilities that we must follow as dog owners, including:

COLLAR, TAG AND MICROCHIP

When in a public place, your dog must wear a collar and tag detailing the owner’s name and address. A phone number is also advised. (It’s not recommended to include your dog’s name on their ID tag, in case unscrupulous individuals take the animal). Microchips are also a legal requirement, and should be fitted within the first eight weeks of life – a vet or a trained professional representing Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross centres, the Dogs Trust, or the local authority, can also fit the I.D device.

DOG CONTROL ORDERS

These orders are laid down by local authorities, and include aspects like: cleaning up dog poo; keeping dogs on leads in designated areas; and keeping dogs entirely out of dog-free zones, e.g. children’s play areas.

Dangerous Dogs

Some dog breeds are prohibited, including Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese fruit such as apples or pears. Dental chews are often recommended, for tooth and gum health. Toxic foods to be avoided include onions, chocolate, coffee, grapes, nuts, mushrooms and tomatoes; your vet can provide further, detailed advice.

Supplements

Some of the most popular supplements for dogs include -

Glucosamine - an amino sugar that is found naturally in the fluid around the joints, and builds cartilage. Many dog owners and vets believe that glucosamine reduces canine arthritis.

Fish Oil – this contains omega-3 fatty acids that are thought to improve coat quality and shine, and alleviate skin allergies. Some dog owners and vets also believe that that fish oils reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants – these compounds are thought to counteract some of the effects of aging, and reduce heart disease and inflammation. Antioxidants are found in substances

Tosas. Although any dog deemed to be dangerously out of control could result in a fine, an ownership ban or even a prison sentence for the animal’s owners.

Animal welfare

Dog owners must ensure the welfare needs of their pet are met. These include the need for a good enough home and environment; a suitable and healthy diet; to behave normally; to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease; and to like vitamins C and E. be purchased by a person aged at least 16 years old.

Probiotics - these live naturally in the body in the form of yeasts and live bacteria that aid intestinal health. As supplements, they’re used to boost digestion.

(Always consult your vet before giving your dog supplements.)

There are more than 35 acts of parliament that apply to dogs; some other legal aspects to consider include the Protection of Livestock Act (e.g. worrying sheep); the Environmental Protection Act (e.g. nuisance barking); the Road Traffic Act (e.g. a loose dog); as well as third party liability claims (e.g. damage to property). Visit gov.uk/caring-for-pets

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