Answering all those questions you're too embarrassed to ask now! Dog Advice Room - Part 1

According to data released by Anicom Insurance, the average lifespan of dogs is 14.0 years. This is about one year longer than it was 10 years ago. Like humans, lifespans seem to be increasing. Food these days is tasty and nutritious. Incidentally, lifespan varies depending on the size of the dog. For example, a toy poodle lives for 15.2 years, while a golden retriever lives for 11.0 years.

Basically, dog food will be the main daily expense, but in addition to pet sheets and dog supplies, dogs with long fur will also need to be groomed, and as dogs' lifespans are getting longer every year, medical expenses will also increase. The cost of caring for a dog over its lifetime is said to be around 2 million yen. On average, it's about 10,000 yen per month. The larger the dog, the more money you'll need.

Unlike cats, dogs must be registered with their local government. This is stipulated in a law called the Rabies Prevention Act. In addition, they are required to receive a rabies vaccination once a year, and to wear a license tag and (latest) vaccination certificate that are issued when they are registered. When it's time for the vaccination, I get a chill and think, "Here we go again this year."

I had mine neutered as soon as I came to live with him, and he seems to have calmed down a lot more. Just like spaying females, it seems to alleviate the stress caused by sex. It may also reduce reproductive diseases and make them easier to keep. However, if breeding results in too many puppies and you can no longer keep them, the operation is mandatory.

For example, in the United States, there is data that suggests that males are more aggressive and females have a higher need for affection. However, choosing a breed that is appropriate for your current living environment will likely directly affect how easy it is to keep. Also, dogs inherit their parents' personalities. I don't know my own parents, but if you're getting one from a breeder, it's a good idea to look at their parents as well.

Newborn puppies are protected by the immunity they receive from their mother's milk. However, this antibody level decreases between 6 and 8 weeks of age, so they need to be vaccinated. The first type is the core vaccine that all dogs should receive. The other type is the non-core vaccine, which is administered selectively depending on the environment in which the puppy lives, such as if the puppy spends a lot of time outdoors or interacts with other dogs.

As you may know, dog breeds are the result of repeated breeding by humans. In order to pursue a standard shape and characteristics for each breed, inbreeding is promoted. As a result, diseases have emerged as a negative side effect.

That's why hereditary diseases are more common in purebred dogs, and the diseases that develop vary from breed to breed. It doesn't necessarily appear when a dog is older; the way they develop varies depending on the type of disease and the dog. I haven't had any problems yet, but apparently the Corgi your husband had before me developed epilepsy when he was about four years old.

Reputable breeders will make an effort to avoid breeding dogs with genetic abnormalities, so when buying a dog it's important to determine the quality of the breeder and look at the pedigree.

It's like a family register for humans. The other day, my husband showed it to me, and it not only contained information about my parents, but also my ancestors going back several generations. It also lists the pet's award history and, recently, genetic diseases, so if you're concerned about illnesses, it's a good idea to take a look at that before getting a pet.

Starting in 2022, it will be mandatory for breeders and pet shops to install them on all dogs and cats sold there. For the general public, it's a voluntary obligation. A veterinarian can do it for around 6,000 yen. It's not only a precaution for emergencies or when your pet gets lost, but it also helps prevent abuse and abandonment.

Don't worry. That happens to me too. Be careful, even in properties that allow pets, not just those with pets, there are people who don't have pets. I once saw a large dog suddenly appear in the elevator as soon as it opened, startling the people waiting. Some properties have elevators with a "Pet on board" button. It's also important to train your pet not to relieve itself in the common areas.

Leaving your dog at a pet hotel is one option, but why not try traveling with your dog? There are now many dog-friendly accommodations all over Japan, from chain hotels to resorts. Shinkansen and airplanes are also increasingly offering services to support traveling with pets. My husband and I were treated to a luxurious stay at the accommodation we stayed at last year.

Your husband's niece comes over to our house sometimes, but she can be a bit pushy... It's important for adults to understand dogs' feelings and communicate that to children, but I think it's best to install a dog gate until you and your partner can live together in peace. Of course, it's fine to let them play when you're around.