How to Protect Your Dog or Puppy From Disease

A healthy dog can be involved in all family activities. Follow the steps below to avoid preventable health problems, then enjoy a long and happy relationship with your dog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet-Tabs Dog Vitamins
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Dog Treats
• Doghouses And Doors
• Reduced-calorie Dog Food
• Dog Shampoo

1. Speak to a veterinarian about preventive health care before selecting a dog.

2. Choose an alert, active puppy who comes from strong, healthy parents. When adopting a stray, remember that bright eyes and a happy tail are indicators of good health.

3. Take your dog to a veterinarian within three days of adoption for an exam, parasite check and vaccinations. Get booster vaccinations as advised by the veterinarian.

4. Keep your dog away from dogs of uncertain health status, avoiding dog shows, kennels and animal shelters until the vaccination series is complete.

5. Make an appointment for spaying or neutering, ideally when your puppy is 6 to 12 weeks old.

6. Keep your dog on a leash when outside or in unfamiliar surroundings.

7. Invest in a kennel or electronic fence if your dog must stay outside. Provide a warm, dry shelter in cold weather and plenty of shade in the summer.

8. Provide good nutrition and lots of exercise through all stages of your dog's life.

9. Schedule yearly examinations and preventive health procedures such as teeth cleaning. Use parasite prevention products as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your dog as a member of your family and you will be greatly rewarded.
• Avoid overfeeding. Obesity is a major contributor to disease in older dogs. If this becomes a problem, there are several reduced-calorie dog foods available.
• Adopting a puppy at 49 days of age is ideal for development of good mental health.
• Regular grooming is a must to maintain optimum health.
• Vaccinations are not a guarantee of protection from disease, but their benefits greatly outweigh their risks. Discuss this issue with your veterinarian.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 11/22/2005 Be aware that the rabies vaccination alone will not protect your animal from rabies. They must recieve a booster shot within 72 hours of coming into contact with wildlife/rabid animals before they are fully protected.

on 11/22/2005 Wait util the dog is 6 months old to spay and neuter dogs. They need to develop spinchter control of their bladder and therefore are prone to incontinence problems when they are older.