BASIC DOG CARE

To enjoy a healthy canine companion, you will need to make sure that your dog gets a number of vaccines. Remember, even if your dog spends most of his time inside, there are still many ways in which he can be exposed to microorganisms. Vaccines are a safe and effective way of making sure that you dog is protected against them. However, because of the many variables involved, as for example when the vaccine has been given already after exposure to the microorganism, vaccines do not guarantee that your pet will not contract the disease.

Recommended vaccines for dogs:

Rabies  -- first time, it’s a one year and then once every 3 years in our area

Distemper – Need every year  (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus and Corona Virus come in one injection - the DHLPP.)

Lyme disease -- Need every year 

Bordatella (known as kennel cough)-- Need every year 

Puppies

The typical vaccinations for puppies include:

Distemper at 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 10 weeks

Canine adenovirus-2

Parainfluenza

Parvo Virus

Rabies (required by most states at 16 weeks)

They should be given after 6 weeks of age in 3 doses, 3 weeks apart.

Adult dogs

The typical vaccinations for adult dogs include:

Bordatella if the dog will be boarded on visiting pet stores or around other dogs

DHLPP

Lyme

Rabies (required by most states)

The vaccines should be given annually or as determined by the veterinarian. After examining your dog, your veterinarian should establish an individual schedule based on the state of health and needs of your dog.

Heartworm Prevention

If left untreated, heartworm disease, which affects the dog’s heart and lungs, is deadly. Treatment is risky and costly. Yet it is and easily and fully preventable condition. Dogs are exposed year-round to heartworm, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A monthly or daily preventative, taken orally, provides excellent protection. The same medication provides protection against intestinal worms.

Flea and tick control

It is very important to keep your dog flea and tick free. Remember, ticks transmit lyme disease, whereas fleas spread tapeworm and other intestinal parasites. There is a variety of products on the market that will protect your dog against fleas and ticks, so please talk with your veterinarian.

Oral care

Just like with people, oral care in pets is very important. Use oral products specially designed for dogs, such toothpaste, rinses, chews. Please discuss this with your veterinarian.

Coat and ear care

Bathe your dog with a well-balanced dog shampoo no more frequently than every three weeks (unless directed otherwise by the veterinarian).  For dogs suffering from skin allergies or dry skin, there exist special shampoos.  Do not use human shampoos. It is very important to clean your dog’s ears (more so when they are lop-eared). When cleaning your dog’s ears never use a Q-tip. Please ask the veterinarian to show you how to clean the ears.

In winter, please rinse your dog’s paws if he was in contact with salt or ice-melting products.

Nutrition

Just like people, dogs require good nutrition. It is best to avoid some widely available brands because of high ash and bone meal content. They may appear to be cheaper, but they do not provide the same level of nutrition and you may have to feed more of it. Cut down on snacks for dogs and avoid giving them processed human foods. Fresh fruit (except grapes) and fresh and/or cooked vegetables make great snacks for dogs. Avoid dog bones because they splinter and can be dangerous. Nylabones provide a good alternative. Never give chocolate to your dog – it can make them sick and even cause death.

Always provide fresh water for your dog.