FAQ: Supplies for dogs

Boots are useful on salted pavements in winter, on hot asphalt in summer, on rocky hikes or when a paw is injured. Dogs need to get used to them gradually, and the size should be chosen by paw width and length.

Yes, on a sunny day asphalt gets much hotter than the air. Put your palm on it: if you can't hold it there for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog, so choose grass, shade and cooler times of day.

Ticks are active from spring to late autumn, and in mild winters sometimes even in winter. Use a tick prevention product your vet recommends and check your dog after every walk.

The easiest way is with a tick hook or tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible and twisting or pulling steadily without squeezing the tick's body. Disinfect the spot and watch the dog for a few weeks; if it becomes lethargic, stops eating or has a fever, see a vet.

A waterproof suit or a coat with belly protection, an absorbent towel and a mat by the door help. For long-haired dogs, trimming the fur on the belly and between the pads reduces how much mud collects.

Brush the dog more often during shedding, ideally daily, with an undercoat brush or comb. This reduces hair around the house and helps the skin breathe; unusually heavy hair loss or bald patches are a reason to see a vet.

Chocolate, sweets, bones from the table, alcohol, tinsel and tree ornaments the dog could swallow are all dangerous. Keep cables and gift wrapping out of reach and ask guests not to feed the dog from the table.

Many dogs love swimming, but avoid water with an algal bloom that looks green and murky, as blue-green algae can be poisonous. After swimming in the sea, rinse off the salt with fresh water and don't let the dog drink salt water.

Dogs aren't allowed on every beach; some have specially marked areas for pets. Check the municipality's rules before you go and always pick up after your dog.

Silicone collapsible bowls are light and fit in a pocket, while bottles with a built-in bowl let you give the dog water without spilling. Choose BPA-free plastic and models that are easy to wash.

Pack the dog's things last and unpack them first, so it quickly finds its bed, bowls and toys. In the new home keep to the usual routine for the first days and check that the garden is securely fenced.

The dog must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in it. Measure from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the ear tips, and for a bag carrier also check the maximum weight.

Usually regular vaccinations, deworming and protection against ticks and fleas. Your vet will choose the exact schedule and products based on the dog's age, lifestyle and surroundings.

It depends on age and lifestyle: puppies are dewormed more often, adults regularly on a schedule set by the vet. Always follow the pack instructions and choose the product for your dog's weight.

Drops are applied to the skin, tablets are given by mouth and collars release the active ingredient over a long period. They differ in how long and how they work, so your vet can help you choose; use only a product made for dogs and your dog's weight.

Many non-prescription products can be bought online, but buy from reliable shops and check that the product is meant for dogs and your dog's weight. Prescription veterinary medicines are sold only with a vet's prescription.

It is worth having bandages, sterile wipes, adhesive tape, antiseptic, a tick hook, round-tipped scissors, a thermometer and the vet clinic's contacts. Don't give your dog any medicine without a vet's instruction, as some human medicines are poisonous to dogs.

No. Many human painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be poisonous to dogs even in small amounts. If you think your dog is in pain, see a vet.

Seek help urgently if the dog struggles to breathe, vomits repeatedly or has bloody diarrhoea, has a swollen belly, won't put weight on a leg, collapses, has a seizure or has eaten something poisonous. If in doubt, call the clinic.

You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and seen from above the dog should have a clear waist. If you can't feel the ribs or they are visible from a distance, discuss the dog's weight and food amount with a vet.