Dogs have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good dog care from you, you can help your dog lead a healthier, happier life. In the first three months of your puppy's life, your veterinarian will probably want to see your puppy every two or three weeks for vaccinations. Initial vaccinations for many diseases start at about six weeks and are repeated every two to three weeks until your puppy reaches 14 weeks of age.
After six months, veterinarian visits will probably taper off. You'll need boosters at regular intervals. Vaccination protocols may vary; follow your veterinarian's recommended immunization schedule.
A Quick Puppy Check-Up
Your puppy can't talk and tell you if he's not feeling well. Here is a quick "Top-to-Bottom Physical" you can do on your puppy (and he'll love the attention!) to make sure everything is "all systems go." Remember, the information below is not intended to diagnose illness or to be used as a substitute for qualified veterinary care. Also, to maintain the puppy's health make sure he has regular veterinary visits.
Eyes, nose, and ears
Check to make sure his eyes are bright, clear, and shiny, without discharge or discoloration. His nose should be cool and moist, without any discharge. The ears should be clean. Pay attention if he scratches his ears excessively.
Mouth
Check his gums for swelling or bleeding, his teeth for any tartar buildup, and ensure that his tongue is clean and his breath doesn't have a bad odor.
Abdomen
Check for any tenderness or swelling that's firm to the touch. If there is excessive vomiting over several days, visit your veterinarian.
Paws
Check between the toes for any foreign materials, the pads for excessive abrasion or cuts, and ensure that his nails are trimmed short.
Fur
Check for clumps, matting, bare patches, and any foreign matter. Plus, look for signs of fleas or ticks (the signs are small black specks or raised red lumps). His fur should be soft and shiny. To see if he is properly hydrated, pick up a fold of skin in the middle of his back area and then release it. If the skin falls slowly or remains up, he is dehydrated. Contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause, and to administer fluids.
Urine and Stools
When you take him out to do his business, look for signs of blood in his urine, and any mucus or blood in the stool, and note if it is foul smelling.
Behavior
Make sure he has an appetite (it is normal for him to occasionally go off his food for a day or two, but a loss of healthy appetite is cause for concern). If he wants to hide in dark places, or displays a general lack of interest in what's happening around him, he may need to see his veterinarian.
When in Doubt, Consult His Veterinarian
Whenever you have concerns about your puppy, avoid the advice of well-meaning friends and talk with his veterinarian. He or she will be familiar with your puppy's medical history, and has the skill and knowledge to diagnose the problem.
Dogs have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good dog care from you, you can help your dog lead a healthier, happier life. The prime adult years of your dog’s life, from age 1 to age 7 for most breeds, will generally be a time of health, companionship and enjoyment. To maintain your dog in peak shape, keep these tips in mind.
Be sure to get annual exams from your veterinarian.
Between the ages of 1 and 7, your veterinarian will probably only need to see your dog once a year. At the annual exam, he’ll likely administer a routine check-up, during which he’ll check vital signs, like pulse, weight, and respiration, administer vaccine boosters, and check on your dog’s dental health. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends blood chemistry tests, blood counts, urinalysis and fecal tests once a year to identify any problems that may exist but for which the dog may not yet be showing symptoms.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.
Dogs are built for running, and few things will help a dog stay healthy more than getting sufficient exercise. Whether it’s walking or jogging together or simply playing fetch, you’ll find that sufficient exercise will also improve his mental well-being, making him calmer, better behaved, and more content.
Maintain a good diet.
Serving your dog appropriate and nutritious food in the right quantities is an important way to maintain a good energy level and general good health. It’ll also help give him a healthy coat, which will reduce shedding. If your dog is gaining weight, consult your veterinarian about the right amount to reduce his intake. Being overweight is a prime risk factor for heart disease.
Brush his teeth.
Maintaining good dental health for your dog is important not only to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but also for his general health, since some gum infections can spread to the sinus cavities, to the kidneys or even to the heart. Deep cleaning is the veterinarian's responsibility, but day-to-day tooth brushing is yours. At the pet store you can find toothpaste specially made for dogs – they like the flavor and it's okay to swallow – as well as a variety of toothbrushes. Making sure the dog eats hard kibble will also help keep his teeth and gums in good condition.
Keep the parasites at bay.
There are several topical solutions that prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your dog. Your veterinarian can recommend the best for your pet based on the environment and the season. And keep an eye out for ear mites and other mites that live in your dog's skin, or signs that worms are in his digestive tract. If you have any questions, or think your dog might be infested, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Dogs have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good dog care from you, you can help your dog lead a healthier, happier life. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and pet care, dogs are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. For owners, this means they often end up dealing with the issues of old age more than they used to. When exactly your dog becomes senior depends on his size, breed and individual factors like activity level. Your veterinarian is the best person to tell you when you should consider your dog senior. Keep these tips in mind when caring for a senior pet.
Get a regular veterinary exam twice a year.
An annual exam is sufficient for adult dogs, but senior dogs have more illnesses and chronic problems. Getting a check-up every six months is the best way to catch illnesses and disorders early, and begin treatment for maximum effectiveness. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends blood chemistry tests, blood counts, urinalysis and fecal tests at each visit – these are the best ways to tell if your dog has an underlying problem, even if he appears healthy.
Keep them active.
Although senior pets will slow down as they age, the best way to keep them sharp and able is to keep them as active as possible. You may have to slow down the pace of runs and walks, but animals that don’t exercise generally age more quickly than those that do.
Manage sensory failure.
Like humans, senior pets begin to lose their sight, hearing and other senses as they age. Usually, this is a gradual process. Let your veterinarian know if there’s a sudden change in one of these senses, it may be a sign of another problem. And take steps to manage your dog’s sensory loss around the house by making sure things are where he expects them to be, like his dog dish, and get his attention in new ways if he’s losing hearing.
Consider a special diet.
As older pets become less active, it’s important to adjust their diet so that they don’t gain weight, since weight gain is a leading factor for heart disease. You may also want to consider a special diet designed for senior dogs.
Manage your pet's pain.
As chronic conditions like arthritis develop, your pet may feel pain that inhibits activity and causes discomfort. Consult your veterinarian about steps you can take or medications that may reduce the pain your pet feels. Reducing the pain will enable him to remain active longer, which in turn will promote and maintain good overall health.
Dealing with elimination problems.
One unfortunately common problem faced by senior dogs is problems with incontinence and other elimination problems. If you find that your dog is having trouble holding his urine the way he used to, or is wetting himself while he sleeps, consult your veterinarian. There are medications that may be appropriate, diet modifications or other changes that can improve the problem.
