1448. FINAL YEAR TALK 5. First webpage 1997. Updated 2001 and 2010.

Since 1997, Asia USA Realty has supported the Community Education:  Be Kind To Pets which use narrative stories and pictures to educate the Singaporean community in how to care for their pets. It is hoped that more pet owners will realise the importance of good health for their companions as Singapore rolls into a fast-paced society in 2010. Some updates in 2010 are inserted below:

Vaccination reaction. Swollen eyes after vaccination. This puppy would not be vaccinated anymore as it may be fatal the next time.  The dog was sensitized to something inside the vaccine.  The Owner would just have to be careful that it would not be in contact with other unvaccinated dogs.  (2010 update: An anti-histamine injection may be given to prevent vaccine reaction during the annual vaccination.) Some boarding kennels insist that dogs be vaccinated one week before boarding so as to prevent your dogs from becoming infected with viral diseases. Therefore, check out the policies and board your dog there. It is advised that you vaccinate your dog and cat yearly to protect them against deadly diseases affecting the brain, lungs, kidneys, intestines, amongst other diseases.

Testicular Tumour in a 10-year old Spitz. It is best to remove the testicle which has not dropped into the scrotum, a condition called retained testicle. This testicle will be present under the skin or inside the abdomen.  In many cases, it develops into a testicular tumour bigger than a golf ball as shown in the picture on the left.  If the dog is sent for annual veterinary examination, the retained testicular tumour may be discovered by the veterinarian.  Examine your dog regularly especially when it is over 5 years old.  2010 Case: See:Tumours in 3 male dogs - Sertoli cell tumour, circum-anal tumour and oral tumour

Ventral dermatitis: Itchy skin at the lower "stomach" area or groin area. Causes varies and may be due to contact with chemicals from strong floor detergent, rough flooring or dampness in the bathrooms. Or even skin mite infestations. The dog keeps licking area till hair thins and skin changes to black colour over several years of irritation. Do check with your vet.  (2010 update: Skin diseases in dogs and dwarf hamsters are common.)

Generalised dermatitis. Causes vary. Many Singapore owners hop from one vet to another in search of a cure. Some cases are incurable. Shaving off the long coat, keeping ear canals clean (see neck redness due to scratching), checking on impacted and infected anal glands, excellent food and plenty of water, find out what stresses the dog and regular veterinary follow up with your veterinarian may help alleviate the intense itch and suffering and resolve the problem.

Cellulitis: A large patch of hairless and red skin wound in the left hip area of dog. It is usually due to a small wound which becomes infected and the dog in this case keeps licking and causing more infection. Prompt veterinary treatment of small wounds is essential especially in cases which do not heal within 7 days.

Dermatitis due to tick infestations are common in Singapore stray or wandering dogs. Cross-breds usually neglected till ears, eyes (see arrow in photo) and body are infested by thousands of ticks. Consult your veterinary surgeon early to prevent suffering.

Best type of dog for a child in Singapore's hot and humid climate? Short hair (no grooming needed), erect ears which are not covered and therefore ventilated unlike smelly floppy ears and a dark coat (easier to maintain than white). The picture on the right  is a Kerry Blue puppy, a rare breed in this world and may be mistaken for a "mongrel" by anyone not familiar with Kerry Blues.