Nov 5, 2023
Nov 21, 2018
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SERVICES
RESOURCES
LIGHT OF LIFE
VETERINARY CLINIC
THE DOGS
UPDATED 1 NOV 2023
It is important to learn and understand the commitment, dedication, time and financial requirements needed to have a dog or a puppy.
For example, a newly born puppy needs to be nursed every 2 hours with the correct milk formula, a 1-6-month-old puppy needs to be fed 3-4 times a day with good quality puppy food, they must be trained to obey basic commands, such as "sit" and "stay", be able to
walk properly on a leash, and needs annual dental scaling to ensure good oral hygiene that will ensure proper and adequate food intake [1,4,8].
The estimate below is a projected no-frill cost of keeping a relatively, healthy dog in Singapore, not considering the body weight and other premium, luxury products or options marketed, for chronic disease management.
AVERAGE COST OF KEEPING A DOG (SGD)
This is a breakdown of the average and lifetime cost of dog ownership, based on the average health-span of a dog at 12 years.
ITEMS
INITIAL
LIFETIME
ADOPTION
LICENCE
VACCINES
SPAY/NEUTER
GROOMING
FOOD
DENTAL CLEANING
PARASITE PREVENTION
SUPPLEMENTS
VETERINARY CARE
BOARDING
ESTIMATED TOTAL*
$0-500+
$15-150+
$60-170+
$200-800++
$50++
$100++
$50-800+
$30-50+
$50++
$150-800++
$35++
$3500++
N/A
$0-1800
$720-1200++
N/A
$2400++
$14400++
$800-9600++
$720-1200++
$600++
$15000+++
$5000++
$50500++
*Currency used SGD
Estimation does not include diagnostics like x-rays, MRI, CT Scan; other major or additional surgeries, or medication and treatment associated with sudden or chronic diseases, and/or palliative care.
CARE FOR VERY YOUNG PUPPIES (<2 MONTHS OLD)
The Fundamentals
-
Buy a good-quality rectal thermometer to measure the puppy's body temperature.
-
The normal temperature of a young puppy should be kept between the range of 38.0˚C to 39.0˚C.
-
Puppies under 3 weeks old cannot regulate their own body temperature well [8].
-
Do not feed a puppy that is cold with milk because their cold body cannot digest the formula and may cause severe colic, diarrhea, and vomiting.
-
Do not feed cold milk.
-
Drip droplets of milk on the back of your hand to check the temperature before feeding. It should be warm, not hot.
-
Always warm a cold puppy up slowly before feeding any milk [8].
-
Cover the puppy with a sweater and place insulated warm, heating bags nearby to help him/her keep warm.
-
Stimulate the genitalia area, after every feeding, by gently rubbing with a wet, warm cotton swab to mimic a mother dog licking the puppy to encourage it to urinate and defecate. You have to fulfill the role of the mother dog if you have adopted a very young puppy.[8]
-
Always feed freshly made formula milk [8].
-
Always sterilize all the equipment used for feeding, e.g., milk bottles, spoons, and bowls.
KEEP YOUR PUPPY
WARM AT ALL TIMES
Above: One day old puppy. Pic by LOLVet
EMERGENCY PUPPY FORMULA
*This formula is NOT for long term use because there are no published nutrient analyses. Buy a puppy milk replacer powder formula as soon as possible.
Right: Homemade Milk Replacer for puppies adapted from Management of Pregnant and Neonatal Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Pets ( ME in kilocalories per milliliter (kcal/ml) of milk as fed. Bitch’s milk contains 1.46 kcal per 100 g milk as fed) [8].
A guide to estimate the amount of milk to feed according to the approximated age.
The amount of milk and frequency of feeding should be adjusted according to
the type of milk fed, the breed and
resultant weight changes of the puppies.
These figures should be used only as guidelines because the individual requirements of puppies can vary greatly.
AMOUNT OF MILK TO FEED
01 WEEK OLD
BODY WEIGHT: 75-400G
7.5ml - 40ml, every 2 hours
Expect an average 5-10% weight gain weekly.
To feed 10-15% of puppy's weight, split into 4-6 meals.
02 WEEKS OLD
BODY WEIGHT: 82.4-440G
8.25ml - 44ml, every 3 hours
Expect an average 5-10% weight gain weekly.
To feed 10-15% of puppy's weight, split into 4-6 meals.
03 WEEKS OLD
BODY WEIGHT: 90.75-484G
9ml - 48.4ml, every 4 hours
Expect an average 5-10% weight gain weekly.
To feed 10-15% of puppy's weight, split into 4-6 meals.
04 WEEKS OLD
BODY WEIGHT: 100-532.4G
10ml - 53.3ml, every 6 hours
Expect an average 5-10% weight gain weekly.
To feed 10-15% of puppy's weight, split into 4-6 meals.
Chart and information adapted from Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd Ed.
The different compositions in the milk of different species show that dog’s and cat’s milk provides a larger proportion of their calories from fat and protein and lower proportions from lactose, unlike the milk of cows and goats.
When converted to a calorie basis, the lactose content of cow’s milk is much higher than that found in a dog’s milk, and puppies that are fed straight cow’s milk will develop severe diarrhea. [1,4,8]
COW'S MILK, GOAT'S MILK OR FRESH MILK
ARE NOT A SUITABLE
SUBSTITUTES FOR PUPPIES AND DOGS.
Above: One day old puppies suckling mummy (natural birth). Pic by LOLVet.
FEEDING COMMERCIAL
MILK REPLACER FORMULA
Commercial milk replacers are the preferred source of nutrition as they have been tested for the specific purpose of raising neonatal puppies [1,4,8].
These formulas from reputable manufacturers are now easily available in Singapore pet shops.
The most important aspect of nursing a very young puppies is not to change the brands abruptly as this may cause severe issues in the puppies' digestive system.
The bottle or packaging of these puppy formulas should have clear mixing and feeding instruction to guide you.
QUARANTINE [8]
MAIN ACTIVITY
OTHER PETS ARE KEPT.
SELF
DISINFECTING
AREA
SELF
DISINFECTING
AREA
QUARANTINE
NEW DOG IS KEPT.
What is quarantine?
It is to place a pet in an area isolated and separated from the main activity area, such that other animals have no access to it.
When the pet is under quarantine, the primary caretaker must thoroughly clean and disinfect himself/herself before and after attending to that quarantined pet to prevent fomite transmission (refer to the flow diagram below).
Why must we quarantine?
It is important to quarantine your new puppy from your other pets, including cats, dogs parrots, etc.
This will prevent any infectious diseases from passing between the puppy and your home pets.
For how long must the quarantine be?
We recommend a minimum quarantine period of 14 days from other pets (an ideal quarantine period would be 30 days).
During the quarantine period, the primary caretaker must ensure that the puppy is eating normally, monitor if the stool remains firm, adequate urine is produced and the urine colour is normal, and if the puppy develops other conditions such as sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, and to seek medical attention immediately.
Above: One day old puppies (immediately post cesarean). Pic by LOLVet
PROTECT YOUR PUPPY
AND KEEP OTHER ANIMALS AWAY.
CARE FOR OLDER PUPPIES
(2-11 MONTHS OLD)
Ten things you should know:
FOOD AND WATER
Nutrient and energy requirements of puppies, between 3-6 months old, exceed those of any other life stages, except during pregnancy and lactation. During this period of rapid growth, the energy needs are approximately double those of adult dogs of similar size [1,4,8].
To support the growth of new tissues and vital organs, only feed food formulated for puppies that have higher protein content than foods formulated for adult maintenance, and contain high-quality protein in the correct amount [1,4,8].
Always feed commercially-formulated food from a reputable company.
You must be able to decipher the ingredient labels on the puppy food packaging, and choose a diet that is appropriate for your puppy's breed, age, lifestyle, and body condition [4].
Homecooked food or raw food at this lifestage is not recommended because of the lack of adequate calcium, protein, vitamins, etc, and the risk of infection [4,8].
We noticed that Singapore's weather is getting warmer and recommend that you train your puppy to accept the routine of eating canned food or homecooked food spiked with water (mixed into a porridge consistency) daily, in order to increase the water intake now.
Teach your puppy to drink fresh water daily and make it a fun routine so that he/she will carry it through to adulthood.
VACCINATION
The first puppy vaccine should be given at 6-8 weeks old, followed by a second and a third vaccine 1 month apart.
This type of vaccination program are timed to coincide with the period that maternal colostrum-derived immune protection is waning and the puppies' own immunity is maturing.
Click HERE for vaccination recommendations.
Socialisation with other pets should be allowed only 2 weeks after the last puppy vaccine.
DEWORMING
Anti-intestinal-worm medication should be given every 2 weeks until the completion of its last puppy vaccine.
The future schedule can be quarterly, 6 monthly or annually, depending on the lifestyle of the pet.
TICKS, FLEAS AND LICE CONTROL
External parasites should be eliminated because they spread diseases and cause extreme discomfort to your pet.
There are many topical and oral medication available to prevent infestation of these external parasites.
We recommend monthly topical preventative medication only because of their wider safety margin.
Above: 3 months old puppies. Pic by LOLVet.
Below are some common and easily available treatments-:
STERILIZATION
We recommend sterilizing your pet at about 5-6 months old.
Click HERE for further explanation
DENTAL CARE
Train your puppy to let you examine its mouth and teeth.
Start teeth cleaning with a soft cloth and warm water so the puppy becomes receptive to oral examination and brushing.
Click HERE for further explanation
WEIGHT GAIN
The most rapid growth period occurs during the first 3 to 6 months of their lives.
Your puppy should be growing quite rapidly - average increment should be at least 10-15% of previous body weight per week, depending on the puppy's breed [1,4].
PLAY
Playing with your puppy will help them develop motor skills, vent their frustration of being cooped up and also help them bond to you.
PUPPY-PROOF YOUR HOUSE
Ensure that you have installed puppy-gate at appropriate places to prevent your puppy from escaping and getting into danger. Move all electric wires and chemicals up from ground level to prevent accidental electrocution and toxin consumption.
Above: Graph showing the relative growth rate differences among dog breeds of different sizes. Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd Ed.
CARE FOR YOUNG ADULT DOGS
(>12 MONTHS OLD)
Dogs are carnivores that have an adaptive metabolism for grains and fiber, therefore they should be fed food with an appropriate level of protein and a small amount of carbohydrates and fiber [1,4].
Providing a nutritionally complete and balanced food that supplies adequate energy to support the dog's daily nutrient needs is the primary nutritional concern in this period of life [1,4].
You may start feeding the small breed puppy with food that is formulated for adult dog maintenance when they reach about 1 year old. The bigger breed dogs, like the Great Dane puppies, require specially formulated food to prevent excessive growth too soon which can cause future joint issues, and maintain steady growth until they are approximately 2-3 years old when they are considered full-grown adult dogs [1,4].
Some dogs are happy to eat at a fixed time, some prefer to graze. You can provide dry food all the time or canned food 2-4 times a day to accommodate their preference and ensure that eating is a more pleasurable enjoyment for them [4].
Encourage good water intake at a young age making it into a fun game. Most pets should be taking about 60ml/kg of water daily.
You can feed your pets a fixed variety of good quality food.
Do not change you food randomly or excessively or introduce large amount of new food and treats so they do not develop a palate that is difficult to please.
Change their diet slowly when you are feeding a brand new food by mixing the old and new food (50%-50%) together for at least 1 week before increase the percentage of the new food slowly and with a complete replacement after about 3-4 weeks [4].
Monitor your dog's daily poop consistency, colour and smell so that you can detect digestive issues as early as possible.
You should arrange for a veterinary consultation and discussion at least every 6 months so that the veterinary team can become more in-tuned to your dogs' personalities, behaviour, habits and medical status. The familiarity will help the team recognise illnesses in your dogs and derive at a diagnostic decision faster.
BODY CONDITION SCORE 1-9
Dog Body Condition Score
Chart to check your dog's body condition score. Adapted from WSAVA 2013.
-
ONE: Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences are evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass.
-
TWO: Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones are easily visible. No palpable fat. Some evidence of other bony prominences.Minimal loss of muscle mass.
-
THREE: Ribs are easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae are visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
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FOUR: Ribs easily palpable, with minimal fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed from above. Abdominal tuck evident.
-
FIVE: Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side.
-
SIX: Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernible
viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck
apparent.
-
SEVEN: Ribs palpable with difficulty; heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over the lumbar area and base of the tail. Waist is absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be present.
-
EIGHT: Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over the lumbar area and base of the tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distention may be present.
-
NINE: Massive fat deposits over the thorax, spine, and base of the tail. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat deposits on neck and limbs. Obvious abdominal distention.
We recommend that the body condition score of your dog be maintained at about Score 6 because we noticed from the statistics of our client-patient group in Singapore that most pet dogs fare better when there is a little more body reserve.
MUSCLE CONDITION SCORE
Muscle condition score is assessed by visualization and palpation of the spine, scapulae, skull, and wings of the ilia. Muscle loss is typically first noted in the epaxial muscles on each side of the spine; muscle loss at other sites can be more variable. Muscle condition score is graded as normal, mild loss, moderate loss, or severe loss.
Note that animals can have significant muscle loss if they are overweight (body condition score > 5).
Conversely, animals can have a low body condition score (< 4) but have minimal muscle loss. Therefore, assessing both body condition score and muscle condition score on every animal at every visit is important.
Palpation (Left Pic) is especially important when muscle loss is mild and in animals that are overweight. An example of each score is shown below
NORMAL MUSCLE CONDITION
MILD MUSCLE LOSS
MODERATE MUSCLE LOSS
SEVERE MUSCLE LOSS
Chart to check your dog's body condition score. Adapted from WSAVA 2013.
CARE FOR AGING DOGS
(>7 YEARS OLD)
A dog ages faster than a human physiologically.
At about 7-9 years old, your dog's body condition is roughly equivalent to a 45- to 75-year-old human.
Some dogs may have inherited slower aging genes so they appear healthier and more youthful even at an older age.
Click HERE for more.
ensure that the dietary intake is not affected by mastication problems associated with bad oral health [2,3,4,5,6,9].
EXERCISES
Moderate to slow exercises and walks should be scheduled into the daily lives of senior pets [2,3,7,9].
Never exercise them in the afternoon under the hot Singapore sun and never force them to do what they refused to do or intensify the exercises when they are not physically ready.
ENTERTAINMENT
Toys, at this point in time, should not require them to dash or run around.
More appropriate toys and games may be a gentle tug-war on the bed with his favorite pillow or soft toy, a short session of peek-a-boo with his special towel, a treasure hunt for treats hidden around the living room, and even a food puzzle for him/her to solve [2,3,7,8,9].
SPECIAL AIDS
Some senior dogs may need you to change your lifestyle in order to accommodate their aging physiological requirements [2,3,5,6,7,9].
For example, dogs with arthritis need beds that lower, short ramps and staircases, non-slip mats on the floor for better traction while walking, and bowls that are placed higher so that do not need to lower their neck too much to eat and drink [2,3,5,6,7,9].
QUIET TIME
Spending quiet, quality, and exclusive time with your elderly dog is the most important aspect of loving him/her.
Ten things you should know:
A CHAT WITH THE VET
By now, you should have established a very close working relationship with your regular veterinary clinic and team.
Your biannual to annual veterinary check for your apparently healthy dog should continue even if he/she appears perfectly healthy, as the early stages of many diseases are hidden and not apparent.
Remember, the accumulated bill for regular checkups is still cheaper than the treatment for any advanced, unmanaged, and complicated disease that can cause death.
FOOD
Normal aging is associated with a decrease in lean body tissue (muscles) and total body water because lean tissue contains 73% water and an increase in the proportion of body fats [1,4].
As the physical condition of your dog changes with age, he/she may not be able to eat convenient, off-the-shelf, commercial food anymore [1,2,3].
Chewing big pieces of hard, rubbery food can become a mechanical problem, their ability to expel excess additive and chemical components like colouring or iodine may be inefficient, and their digestive capabilities and ability to maintain proper hydration through food may be significantly reduced [4].
Nutritional goals should include supporting, and preventing the onset or slowing the progression of, age-related disorders, improving the pet’s quality of life, and, if possible, prolonging life expectancy [1,4].
Therefore, providing a larger portion of an easily consumed and highly digestible diet containing high-quality protein to your older dog at regular intervals throughout the day at this point in time is essential. This type of diet will supply the essential amino acids needed for body maintenance and minimize losses of lean body tissue [1,4].
WATER
The minimum water intake of a dog should be approximately 60ml/kg/day.
Ensure that cool, clean water is available all the time.
If your senior dog does not drink enough water, his /her organs can start to malfunction and develop problems such as kidney, liver, and cardiopulmonary failure easily, or suffer from deadly conditions associated with heat stress or heat stroke in hot and humid Singapore.
WEIGHT
Feeding the correct type of food that suits your dog's unique body requirement will ensure that your senior dog stays healthy and fit, with an ideal body weight [4].
Obese dogs can develop diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, skin diseases, even cancer [1].
Underweight dogs are prone to have poor immune systems, skin diseases, digestive problem, even cancer [1].
SUPPLEMENTS
The simplest supplement to help fortify your senior dog’s health is fatty acids such as Omega 3 (DHA and EPA) and probiotics. They have been shown to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis, help skin conditions, improve digestion, and assist the aging heart [4].
ORAL HYGIENE
Brushing is a simple way to keep the teeth of your dog clean.
If your dog does not allow brushing, consider annual dental scaling by your regular veterinary team which will help
can maintain a better cognitive connection with his/her surrounding and people with such interactions.
Your senior pet can already feel more secure, draw strength and comfort from just laying beside you and probably
RELATED ARTICLES
Attribution:
1. Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd Ed. USA: Mosby
2. Coffey, L.T. (2015). My Old Dog. Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts. California: New World Library
3. Davies, M. (1996). Canine and Feline Geriatrics. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
4. Fascetti, A. J., Delaney, S. J. (2012). Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell
5. Gardner, M., McVety, D. (2017). Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
6. Gram, W.D.; Milner, R.J.; Lobetti, R. (2018). Chronic Disease Management for Small Animal. USA: Wiley-Blackwell
7. Landsberg, G.; Madari, A.; Zilka, N. (2017). Canine and Feline Dementia. Molecular Basis, Diagnostics and Therapy. Switzerland: Springer
8. Lopate, C. (2012). Management of Pregnant and Neonatal Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Pets. USA: Wiley-Blackwell
9. Shanan, A.; Pierce, J.; Shearer, T. (2017). Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals. Principles and Practice. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
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