Resources
Information to help you raise a healthy, happy Border Collie
Border Collies are intelligent, active and highly responsive dogs. They thrive when their physical health, mental stimulation, nutrition and emotional wellbeing are all considered together.
We’ve gathered useful information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your Border Collie’s health, nutrition, safety, development and everyday care.
USEFUL RESOURCES
We’ve collected these resources from a range of veterinary, canine health, breed and educational sources.
Puppy Development & Early Learning
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Learn more about Early Neurological Stimulation and the potential benefits of appropriate early neurological experiences.
Puppy Raising Tips – ENS & ESI
Practical information about Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction.
Puppy Exercise & Development
Your Puppy and Stairs
Information about puppies, stairs and appropriate physical development.
Impact of Exercise on Puppy Growth Plates
Learn more about exercises and the developing growth plates of puppies.
Nutrition & Feeding
Compare Dry Dog Foods
A resource for comparing different dry dog food options.
What Dog Owners Need to Know About the FDA’s Grain-Free Diet Alert and DCM
Information about grain-free diets and the concerns surrounding diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy.
Food Toxic for Dogs
A useful guide to foods that can be dangerous or toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Information about mushrooms and their potential risks to dogs.
Safety & Poison Prevention
Dangerous Dog Toys: What to Avoid
Information about potentially toxic materials and unsafe toy designs.
What to Do If Your Dog Licks a Cane Toad
Important information and emergency guidance for cane-toad exposure.
Cane Toad Poisoning: What To Do!
Additional information about recognising and responding to cane-toad poisoning.
Blue-Green Algae – Toxicity to Pets
Information about the risks of blue-green algae and exposure to pets.
Outdoor & Summer Safety
Top Beach Dangers for Dogs
Important considerations when taking your dog to the beach.
Dangers of Sand Ingestion in Dogs
Information about the risks associated with dogs eating or ingesting sand.
Hot Pavement & Burned Paws
Why hot pavement can cause serious burns and how to protect your dog’s feet.
Health & Reproductive Decisions
Spay-Neuter Considerations to Maximise Health
Information to consider when making decisions about desexing and the timing of spay or neuter surgery.
Risks of Early Spay/Neuter
Further information about potential health considerations associated with early desexing.
Health and reproductive decisions should always be discussed with your veterinarian, taking into account your individual dog’s age, breed, health and circumstances.
Border Collie Information
Border Collie Coat Colour Genetics
Information about coat colour genetics in Border Collies.
What the Border Collie Colour “Seal” Really Looks Like
Information and examples explaining the Border Collie colour known as seal.
Why Double-Coated / Long-Haired Dogs Do Not Require Shaving
Information about the purpose of a dog’s coat and considerations around shaving.
Dog Splooting – Cute Dog Stretching or Cause for Concern?
Information about splooting and when unusual stretching or positioning may warrant attention.
Life With More Than One Dog
Tips for Choosing a Second Dog
Considerations when deciding whether another dog is right for your household.
BORDER COLLIE HEALTH & LONGEVITY
Helping Your Border Collie Live a Long, Healthy Life
Many things affect how long and well your dog lives:
- Genetics
- Food
- Exercise
- Vet Care
- Weight
- Environment
- Emotional Wellbeing.
No single thing guarantees good health. Lifelong wellbeing comes from caring for your dog consistently
1. Good Nutrition
Good food is one of the foundations of lifelong health. Puppies, adults, seniors and very active dogs all need different things, so the best diet changes as your dog grows and ages. A good diet gives your dog the right amounts of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, plus enough energy for their activity level.
Keep an eye on portions, because overfeeding leads to extra weight and puts unnecessary stress on the body.
2. Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Border Collies are intelligent working dogs and need to use their minds as well as their bodies. Balance physical exercise with things like training, scent work, puzzle games, obedience and learning new tricks. A bored Border Collie can get frustrated, so mental work matters just as much as a long walk.
Exercise should suit your dog’s age and development. Growing puppies need extra care to avoid too much repetitive, high-impact exercise like long runs, jumping or lots of stairs.
3. Regular Veterinary Care
Regular check-ups let your vet monitor your dog’s wellbeing and spot problems early, often before you can see any signs at home. Preventative care includes:
- Health checks
- Vaccinations
- Parasite prevention
- Dental care
- Weight and body-condition checks
- Health screening
- Senior health checks
If you notice a big change in your dog’s appetite, behaviour, weight, mobility or general wellbeing, see your vet.
4. Weight Management
A healthy body condition matters at every age. Extra weight puts more strain on joints and can lead to other health problems. The right weight depends on your dog’s build, age, activity level and health, so there’s no single number that suits every dog. Check your dog’s body condition regularly by feeling their ribs and looking at their waist from above. If you’re not sure whether your dog is the right weight, ask your vet.
5. Safe Living Environment
Border Collies are active, curious and clever, which also means they’re good at getting into trouble. Provide secure fencing, proper shelter, clean water and safe places to run and explore. Watch for hazards such as toxic foods and plants, chemicals, medications, unsafe objects and anywhere your dog could escape or get hurt. In hot weather, provide shade, good airflow and plenty of fresh water, and avoid hard exercise during extreme heat.
6. Early & Ongoing Health Screening
Responsible breeding and health testing can help identify inherited health risks and support better decisions for breeders and owners. Depending on the condition, screening may include genetic tests, eye exams, and hip and elbow assessments. No test can guarantee a dog will never get sick, but it gives valuable information. Ask breeders what testing they do and to see the results.
7. Socialisation & Emotional Wellbeing
Socialisation starts in puppyhood and continues for life. Positive experiences with different people, dogs, places and sounds help build confidence and adaptability. Border Collies also need companionship, routine, training and things to keep their minds busy. Always go at your dog’s pace. Never force a dog into situations that overwhelm them, as bad experiences can make them more nervous, not less.
Thinking About Raw Feeding?
Our Nutrition & BARF guide covers what BARF is, protein and plan ingredients, what to watch for and how to feed raw food safely.
A NOTE ABOUT ONLINE INFORMATION
Not everything online about dog health is accurate or right for every dog. These resources are here to help you learn, not to replace advice from your vet. Every Border Collie is different, so check with your vet before making big changes to your dog’s health, diet or care.
CONCLUSION
Helping Your Border Collie Thrive
A long, healthy life comes from looking after the whole dog: good food, exercise, mental stimulation, socialisation, regular vet care and a safe home. There’s no single formula that works for every Border Collie, so get to know your dog and ask your vet when you need help.
A healthy Border Collie is not just physically healthy. They are mentally stimulated, emotionally secure, well exercised and loved by their family.