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FAQS
Information kindly provided by Steph Tufft Veterinary Nurse, Trainer and Groomer - view her website
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 What things should I consider before I adopt a Dog |
The first things you should obviously consider before getting a dog is, are you able to keep one where you are?. If you rent, make sure your landlord is ok with it. I have known of dogs getting chucked straight back into the pound because of an annoyed houseowner.
The next very important thing is do you have time for a dog? Its not just something you can switch on and off. They are extremely time consuming and dependant on you. If you work very long hours, is it wise to bring in a 4 legged friend of this sort, especially a rescue as they could need an awful lot of time dedicated to them to undo any bad habits, bad experiences etc.
Do you have time to walk it? Do you have time to take it to the vet if it needs it? Do you have time to work on creating a bond with it? Financially are you able to cope with an extra mouth? Aside from the food bills you must consider vet treatment - both the standard variety in the form of annual vaccinations, to expensive surgery or other medical problems.
You don't need the most expensive food to have a happy, healthy dog and if you study the backs of packages (as I have many many times) you will often find that the content of an in-expensive brand is exactly the same as your higher end food such as Hills.
Finally, and I think this one is kept till last to stick in your minds more than anything, will you begin the passport process in order to be able to take the dog to the UK or wherever it is you originated from SHOULD something arise that requires you to leave. Believe me, this can happen and one minute you are living the Tenerife dream, the next you are having to rush to the UK for whatever reason. Will you make efforts to ensure your dog can go with you?
I think that if the answer to any of the above is "No" then sadly dog ownership is not for you. You have to think of the animal as opposed to your own feelings and if you are unable to provide the basic necessities then it best not to venture down the path of a canine commitment.
If, however you have answered "Yes" then there is nothing stopping you and the very best of luck with your new 4 legged buddy.
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| What regular vaccinations and treatments are needed in Tenerife for your dog
As far as regular vaccinations are concerned, the basic ones are obviously the 7 main canine diseases including Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Distemper and hepatitis.
In Tenerife, when doing the first puppy course of vaccinations they tend to do Parvo twice with a couple of weeks in between as this is more of a threat here than, say, the UK. Then you really should consider the Heartworm/Filaria injection OR monthly tablets. This is not present in the UK unless the dog has picked it up from elsewhere and brought it back. It is passed on by mosquitos and is only found in the warmer climates. It is a horrible thing and can kill your dog slowly, so it is wise to take precautions.
Rabies, again, not something required in the UK but sensible to have here and also it will begin your passport process.
Monthly de-fleaing and worming are important, especially if your dog is mixing with others.The spot on varieties tend to be most effective as opposed to sprays as the spray will only kill what is already alive on the surface, as opposed to un-hatched eggs.
There is a lot to consider when owning a dog but if you take the necessary precautions you can save yourself high vet bills later on in life, not to mention the upset and misery of if your dog came down with something you could have prevented.
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| How do I care for my rescue dog when he first arrives to his new home
First thing is obviously ensure your property is fully secure. Low fences etc are easily cleared by a good jumper and frequently you will find a rescue dog has been used to jumping to get to higher ground or out or unpleasant situations.
Secondly, start as you mean to go on. As much as the temptation might be, dont molycoddle the dog.
It will be very tempting to let it get away with things on the first few days but you must remain strong and treat it as you would a dog you have had for years.
Some rescue dogs find an exclosed space very comforting so in this instance a kennel would be advisable. They feel happy with the walls and ceiling around them....no one can get them!
Basically enjoy your dog. It may not be an easy ride for the first couple of weeks or so but remain patient and remain strong.
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What to do if you need to take your dog back to the UK from Tenerife
No matter how much you might convince yourself that you will never leave this island, sometimes situations are beyond your control. If you have a dog then it is best to be prepared, after all, why leave your best mate behind when it is so easy to take them with you now?
In order to get your dog into the UK you will need to ensure they are microchipped and have their annual vaccination up to date (this is the one which covers Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, and Parainfluenza). Also you will need to have vaccinated them against Rabies AND carried out the blood test.
There is a 6 month period from the date the blood is taken for testing where the dog is not allowed to set foot on UK Soil. (They can be flown back in this time however they will be immediately quarantined at the other end for however long remains). Once you have had the initial blood test you WON'T need to keep this up each year. As long as the Rabies vaccination is administered over here annually on exactly the same date or shortly before, the blood test need not be done again. So, as long as you have seen to all of the above prior to the decision to move, there is no reason why your dog can’t travel with you.
When it comes to actually leaving, be sure to obtain an Airline Approved Container which allows the dog to stand and turn inside it, also ensure that the airline does actually accept dogs (if you wish to take them on the same flight as you). Twenty to forty eight hours before flying, the dog will need to see the vet for one final check up to ensure he is healthy enough to travel and has been de-flead and wormed.
So, be sure to take your fluffy friend with you if you return to the UK. As long as you are prepared, they are just as welcome on board the plane as you are.
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email:nikki@tenerifedogs.com
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