To keep your dog off the sick list the best medicine is preventative medicine. There are things the dog owner must do to keep the animal healthy. Although there are no pat answers one can follow some guidelines with success.
Vaccinations
The average adultdog should be inoculated for distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, Parvovirus, leptospirosis and rabies. Vaccination types and schedules vary among veterinarians and are affected by statutes and local conditions fro region to region. Vaccinations are not permanent. Most vaccinations require an annual booster. Consult your veterinarian.
For a detailed vaccination schedule example, follow this link.
Medical Check-ups
Take your new puppy or dog to the veterinarian within a few days after it is acquired. Don't wait until it is sick. Have your dog examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, more frequently if the dog has known health problems.
Observe Your Dog
As you would watch for symptoms of illness in a child, stay aware of your pet's daily behavior. The following are signs of possible illness: Change of eating habits (refusing food, eating significantly less or more); unquenchable thirst; listlessness; dry and dull coat; constant scratching; diarrhea; vomiting; wieght loss; inability to urinate; slight blood stain in urine; constant shaking of the head. In short, anything that is out of the ordinary could be a sign of sickness. Do not wait before seeing the veterinarian. Early treatment usually reduces the seriousness of the disease.
Grooming
This has as much to do with canine hygiene as with good looks. All dogs should be brushed and combed daily to remove dead hair and prevent tangles and knots. Brushing cleans the coat and stimulates the skin. It also enables you to discover any possible lumps, lesions, cuts, scratches or external parasites. Also important: baths, nail clipping, eye and ear cleaning.
For more details on grooming your new addition to the family, follow this link.
Exercise
A dog's exercise should be based on the physical activity for which the breed was created. Sporting dogs, hounds, terriers and working breeds are strong, muscular and quite energetic as a rule. They need long walks and a good run as often as possible. Physical condition, age and state of health are important factors to consider. If the dog is in poor condition or too fat, start gradually with short cool walks. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian.
Stress
Cumulative or unrelenting stress can affect a dog's health. Emotional anxieties can cause stress as surely as any disease. Promote a healthy atmosphere by respecting your dog's established behavior patterns, habits and need for exercise. Provide the dog or puppy with a good nutritional reserve for dealing with stressful situations by feeding him a complete and balance diet with high quality protein. Touch your dog when expressing affection and talk to him, too. Try not to separate him from his home or family. Do not yell at him. Do not hit him.
Living with a puppy helps us enjoy family life and teaches us something about leadership. If leadership is understood as the willingness to assume responsiblility, to make decisions, to risk failure, then a child helping take care of a pet is indeed involved with leadership. Next to fun and games this is the most important part of puppies, kids and parents living well together.
Any questions that we can help you with, please feel free to contact us anytime.
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