Seriously Cool English
PETS AT HOME
Queen Elizabeth II had a real love for animals. In particular, corgis and horses.
Her Majesty’s love for animals started at a young age when she was gifted a corgi puppy from her father, George VI.
For her 18th birthday, she was given a corgi named Susan. She is perhaps the most well-known of all the corgis Her Majesty owned. That is because she was used to breed 14 generations of Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis!
In total, it is believed that Her Majesty went on to own at least 30 corgis in her lifetime. She has also owned dorgis - which are a mixed breed of dachshund and corgi - as well as labradors and spaniels.
Her Majesty loved her corgis so much that it is believed that they had their own room at Buckingham Palace and their own menu prepared for them by a chef! It was reported that she once said: “my corgis are family”.
Dogs - who are they?
Dogs are domesticated relatives of wolves and part of the canine family. They have been man’s best friend for millennia and are loved pets across the world.
What do dogs eat?
A dog’s diet depends on their age, health and breed so it is best to ask your vet for guidance. Many dogs are on a high-quality, complete kibble diet. However, some owners prefer to add plain cooked meat, cooked lentils and vegetables, including grated carrot, to their dog’s diet. Bones are popular treats for dogs to chew on. It is important that these are uncooked and too large to fully fit into your dog’s mouth. They are a great source of minerals and help prevent plaque.
They also need access to fresh, clean water at all times.
How long do dogs live?
A dog’s lifespan lies between 8 and 13 years and depends on the breed.
What equipment does my dog need?
Your dog has to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address by law in the UK.
Make sure to choose a collar that’s tight enough your dog can’t pull it off and you can still comfortably fit two fingers between your pet’s neck and the collar. Buying a harness and leash for walks is essential, as are dog waste bags.
When travelling in a car, your dog should wear a car harness, be in a travelling crate or behind a dog guard. In your home, dogs like to have a space of their own, for example a cosy dog bed.
How do I best exercise my dog?
Dogs like to go on daily walks.
Depending on your dog’s breed and age, they should be walked between 30 mins and 2 hours every day.
For puppies, two weeks after their final vaccination booster, usually at around 16 to 18 weeks of age, is a good time to start taking them on short walks.
Visiting the vet
Do I need to groom my dog?
Grooming is part of daily dog care, as many breeds need to be brushed daily or weekly and some need regular haircuts. Some owners take care of this at home, others prefer to visit a groomer. Dogs with a thick undercoat, like Huskies and Bernese Mountain Dogs, particularly benefit from professional grooming.
Your dog’s nails also need trimming, usually once a month.
How often does my dog need to visit the vet?
Generally, dogs should visit their vet twice a year for check-ups.
Vaccinations are also very important for puppies, usually starting at 8 weeks of age.
They require several appointments at a young age and your vet will discuss this with you.
You may also want to make an appointment to have your dog neutered and microchipped. If you notice unusual behaviour in your pet or a lack of appetite, it’s best to contact your vet practice straight away.
Daily care checklist
Today I have ...
Fed the dog
Gone for a long walk
Let them out for bathroom breaks
Changed the water
