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If your dog has had any illnesses or ailments, you can tell us about them at any time without having to complete the rest of the questionnaire. Simply login to your dog's profile by visiting www.dogslife.ac.uk and click on the link underneath your dog's graph.
Is your dog microchipped?
Our bond with animals
Leptospirosis vaccination
Prize winners!
Is your dog microchipped?
On the 6th of April this year, all dogs in the UK will be required by law to have a microchip. It is the responsibility of the keeper (owner) of the dog to make sure that a microchip has been put in place and that the details are registered on a microchip database. It is also the keeper’s responsibility (or the new keeper’s responsibility if the dog has been sold or transferred to them) to keep the correct contact details up to date on the microchip database.
The compulsory microchipping of dogs is one of the measures in a government package which has been set up to improve dog welfare, and challenge irresponsible dog ownership. The main aim of microchipping becoming mandatory is so that any stray or lost dogs can be reunited with their keeper, should they become separated. The information recorded on a microchip includes: the dog’s name, sex, breed (or breed description), colour, and date of birth, the keeper’s name, address and phone number, and the unique microchip number.
Microchips provide permanent, safe and effective identification, and encourage responsible ownership. Microchipping can also help to report hereditary health problems, and tackle puppy farming. Petlog (managed by the Kennel Club), is one of the largest microchip databases in the UK, used by more than 8.7 million pet owners. If your dog does not yet have a microchip, or if you are unsure if they do, or what the details are, contact your vet practice. They will be able to scan your dog for a microchip and tell you the details, or microchip your dog if they don’t already have one.
For more information on compulsory microchipping (including any penalties or exemptions) please click here and here.
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Our bond with animals
Most of us see our pets as part of the family and form a close bond with them. Humans and animals have formed close bonds since the beginning of civilisation. Archaeological sites have found humans and animals buried together, and cave paintings and literature have also provided confirmation of the relationships humans have had with animals throughout the ages. Pets can give unconditional love and companionship so it is no surprise that we become so attached to them.
Animals are not always kept as just pets, however. The purpose of ownership, and therefore the type of bond, between humans and animals can vary. For example, working dogs, such as those used in the military, police, or as specific detection dogs, are trained to do a certain job (e.g. to help detect weapons, drugs, or cash), so a certain bond is formed between the dog and handler in order for the dog-handler team to carry out their work effectively. Another type of bond is that shared between people and their assistance dogs, which provide emotional support as well as practical support to help their owners with everyday life. Many bonds between humans and animals also involve companionship and the enjoyment that can be found from keeping that particular pet. In the UK, approximately one in two households own a pet. Dogs, cats and fish were recorded as the most popular pets in the UK in 2014.
Since health workers (such as GPs, counsellors, occupational therapists and vets) are becoming more mindful of the effect that pets can have on their clients’ lives, research is continually being carried out on the human-animal bond to find out more about how it works and the benefits it can have. Studies so far have shown that pet ownership can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the risk of a heart attack, encourage exercise, help to prevent disease, improve mood, and reduce stress and depression. Other benefits include lessening loneliness, increasing self-esteem and competence, encouraging socialisation and providing support. In children, studies have established that pets can teach them skills in nurturing, provide comfort during times of transition or family breakdown, and contribute to increased levels of physical activity and fitness.
For more information on the human-animal bond, and findings from some of the research carried out so far, please click here.
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Leptospirosis vaccination
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which affects dogs, and many other species including humans. The disease can cause problems with the liver and/or kidneys of infected dogs (see http://www.dogslife.ac.uk/newsletter/view/11#why), and leptospirosis can be life threatening if not treated. Any dog which is exercised outdoors could potentially catch the disease. Furthermore, an infected dog can shed the bacteria in their urine, which poses a risk to people, and other animals coming into contact with them (or where they urinate).
We have been able to vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis for over half a century. Just like influenza in people, there are many different forms, or “strains” of leptospires which can cause the disease. Historically, most vaccines have protected dogs against infection with two strains of the bacteria. More recently, new strains of leptospirosis have developed which can cause the disease in dogs. This has led to the development of vaccines which can protect against four strains (two of the newer strains and the two older strains).
As these vaccines are new, when they are given for the first time the dog will require a booster relatively shortly afterwards (even if they have previously been vaccinated against leptospirosis with the original vaccine, as the original vaccine only contained the two older strains). The booster is typically given around four weeks after the first vaccination, although it depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. Consequently, older dogs, who are up to date with their vaccinations may be requested to come back for a second booster, around four weeks after their annual booster, if they are receiving a vaccine which protects them against the new strains of leptospirosis for the first time. After this the booster only has to be given annually.
If you have any queries about your dog’s vaccines, please do not hesitate to contact your vet. Thank you to the Dogslife member who asked us to highlight this information to the project.
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Prize winners!
Congratulations to our March prize winners! The following Dogslife members have each won £10 of Pets at Home vouchers: Mrs R from Leicestershire, Mrs M from Merseyside, Mrs M from Tyne and Wear, Mr D from Cambridgeshire, Mr C from Northumberland, Mrs C from Cumbria, Miss H from South Gloucestershire, Mr G from Flintshire, Mrs G from Kent, and Mrs G from Devon. We hope you enjoy spending the vouchers!
Don’t worry if you haven’t won a prize this time, by logging in at www.dogslife.ac.uk and updating your dog’s record, you will automatically be entered into the next prize draw which will take place in June.
Huge thanks to everyone who continues to support the Dogslife project; all the information we receive through the website helps us to find out what affects dogs, and what keeps dogs healthy over their lifetime. Thank you again for taking part in the study!
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Don't forget to come back to www.dogslife.ac.uk to update your dog's record!
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