Basic guidelines for the care of dogs and cats

Dental care 

Loss of baby teeth starts from about 3,5 months of age and ends around 8 months. Usually owners are unaware their loss, as they are swallowed along with food.  When baby tooth does not fall out it must be extracted. The retention of baby teeth causes the accumulation of food between the teeth and gums, which can damage the permanent tooth root, leading to its loss.
The dog has a great tendency to form plaque and tartar. Tartar is deposited in teeth from bacterial plaque and presents a colour from yellow to black. The excessive accumulation of tartar on the teeth causes halitosis (bad breath), retraction of the gums and gum disease, leading to the detachment and early loss of teeth.  Moreover, it is scientifically proven that the bacteria present in inflamed gums can reach the heart through the bloodstream causing cardiac pathologies with serious consequences for the health of your dog. The only existing treatment for the removal of tartar is the mechanical cleaning of the teeth with specific instruments and under general anaesthesia.
But you can prevent tartar just by brushing. There are toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs and cats. Brushing should be done 2 to 3 times a week at least. Although this is the ideal method, some animals are more difficult to brush and many owners fail to maintain a regular brushing.  A cotton swab dip on a solution of 50% water and 50% of oral antiseptic rubbed on the teeth of the animal also prevents bad breath.
Chewing toys, artificial bones or oral bars are well accepted by dogs and act as a natural brushing.  There are some dental treats for cats too but they do not replace brushing.

Baths

Basically all dogs and cats can be bathed frequently dependant on the type of coat and breed. There are shampoos for each type of coat (clear, dark, short, long, 2 in 1), as well as shampoos for specific situations (e.g., puppies and kittens, anti-allergic) and dermatologic diseases (seborrhoea dermatitis, fungal infections, etc). Long-haired breeds can make use of hair conditioners for animals.
Never give baths during vaccination and do not use insecticides in puppies under 6 months. Old dogs also should not be bathed, and a good option is dry-shampoo.
Be careful if you are using something specific for the species: cats are not small dogs and products for dogs can be extremely dangerous for cats.
Bathe the animal with tepid water and put cotton in his ears to keep out water. Dry with towel and hairdryer (but avoid hot temperatures, prefer cool or medium) and watch the weather: if it is cold or windy do let your pet go out after a bath.

Heat (season)

The females come into heat between 8 months to 1 year of age, depending of the size and breed of the animal (smaller breeds may have it earlier). The heat lasts about 15 days and is accompanied by bleeding (mild to moderate) and a noticeable increase in the genital region.  Some females do not bleed ("dry heat").  Neutering is a very effective method of birth control, when the owner does not intend to breed the dog.  Neutered females do not have heat.
The male has no heat and becomes able to breed from 9 month as to 1 year.  They may start to have a sexual behaviour from 3 months old, especially when they smell a female in heat, but are not able to breed.  Spaying the male will make him stop marking territory, urinating in the house and escaping to find girlfriends.

Please also take a moment to read the Common Illness and Disease page which our Vet has put together, the information can save your dog or cat's life.