Canine Health and Nutrition and Canine Science QLS Level 3

• Describe the anatomy of the canine digestive system.
• Explain the structures associated with the canine digestive system.
• Evaluate the physiology of the canine digestive system.
• Describe common problems related to the canine digestive system.

• Describe what nutrients are required to formulate a correctly balanced diet.
• Evaluate the need for carbohydrate, fats and protein in a balanced diet.
• Describe the importance of minerals and vitamins in a balanced diet.
• Explain the significance of water in a balanced diet.

• Describe the legal requirements on dog food labels.
• Evaluate the nutrition supplied in different types of diet.
• Describe the difference between wet, dry and semi-moist food.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of feeding home-made and raw diets.

• Describe the correct diet for growing puppies.
• Evaluate the nutritional requirements of healthy adult companion dogs.
• Describe the importance of correct nutrition for working dogs.
• Explain the nutritional needs of geriatric dogs.

• Describe the development of behaviour problems caused by poor nutrition.
• Evaluate the health issues caused by a decreased intake of nutrients.
• Describe the health issues caused by an excessive intake of nutrients.
• Explain the common medical diseases seen as a result of poor nutrition.

• Describe the nutritional changes required for obese dogs.
• Evaluate the nutritional changes required for dogs with hepatic disease.
• Describe the importance of supplements for skin disorders.
• Explain how nutrition can be used to support dogs with renal disease.

• The evolution from Canis lupus to Canis familiaris
• The domestication of the canine
• The diversity of Canis familiaris
• Common genetic disorders in the dog

• Why humans have required certain characteristics in dogs
• The major similarities between dogs and wolves
• The anatomical differences between dogs and wolves
• The importance, advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding

• Commonly seen dog behaviours and compare with the wolf
• The importance of canine communication
• How understanding dog behaviour enhances the training process
• The history of dog training

• The roles of the canine in society since known domestication
• The changing role of the dog in society
• The importance of dogs as pets
• The importance of working dogs

• The purpose of good nutrition
• The digestive tract and impact of poor nutrition
• The need for breed-specific nutrition and breed-size-specific nutrition
• The importance of correct life-stage nutrition

• The function and role of the special senses
• The adaptation of the special senses
• The differences between sight and scent hounds
• Anatomical and possible behavioural problems associated with the special senses

This course is assessed by a series of assignments which are submitted to your tutor for marking.

Once enrolled, you will have two years to complete this bundle (one year per course), which will allow you to work at your own pace without the pressure of tight deadlines. You will also receive 12 months tutor support for each course, so you can feel confident that you’ll get the help you need. This bundle will take you approximately 160 hours. Studying around your work and family commitments has never been easier.

You will study this course by distance learning, which will enable you to learn when and where you want. You can study from home or at work; it is completely up to you. All your materials will be posted to you or sent by email, it’s that simple. You will also receive our tutor support by email, so help is only a click away!

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive two Certificates of Achievement from the Quality License Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).