|
|
   The source for natural remedies and alternative healthy solutions for your pet. Click here...  When the time comes you need to be prepared. Click here... |
Dog Care Before you bring your new dog home it is very important that you are prepared for this new family member. It is important that you make sure that you have all the necessities that you new dog will need. You will need food, water, food/water bowls, leash, collar, training crate, brush, comb and chew toys. Puppies that are 6 to 12 weeks old should be fed four times per day. Puppies three to six months old need three meals a day. Puppies six months to one year need two meals a day. Adult dogs should be fed two times per day. Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet and may be mixed with water, broth or some canned food. There are also other diets that are home cooked or diets that are raw food based. Consult a veterinarian that is comfortable with these types of diets. Puppies should be fed a high-quality brand-name puppy food (avoid generic brands) two to four times a day. Please limit "people food," however, because it can cause puppies to suffer vitamin and mineral imbalances which can lead to growth abnormalities and may cause very picky eating habits. Have clean, fresh water available at all times. Wash food and water dishes frequently. Every dog and puppy needs daily exercise for mental and physical stimulation. The proper amount depends on the breed type, age and health status of your dog. Physical inactivity can lead to a multitude of health problems. You can help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding by brushing frequently and bathing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Always check your dog after walks for any plant material or parasites that can attach to the haircoat. You should always provide your dog with a warm, quiet place to rest away from all drafts and the inclements of weather. This may be that they need to have a dog house or kept in a sheltered area when the weather is bad. You can buy a dog bed or use a crate. Make sure the dog’s bed is clean and dry. See a veterinarian if your dog is sick or injured. Take him for a full check-up, shots and a heartworm blood test every year. Females should be spayed (ovaries and uterus removed) and males neutered (testicles removed) by six months of age. Sterilization before maturity significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, which can occur with older female dogs. This also eliminates the risk of pyometra (an infected uterus), a very serious problem in older females that requires surgery and intensive medical care. This will also solve the problem of unwanted litters. Sterilizing males prevents testicular and prostate diseases. Vaccines protect animals and people from specific viral and bacterial infections. Your local Veterinarian can instruct you on the proper vaccinations in your area and the time they should be given. Puppies usually get their first vaccinations at 8 weeks of age. Worms are common in dogs.. There are several types of worms and a few microscopic parasites that commonly affect dogs. Because most of these cannot be seen in feces, a microscopic fecal evaluation is the only way to have your puppy or dog checked for intestinal worms and other parasites. Most puppies, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry roundworms or hookworms. All puppies should be dewormed by a veterinarian regardless of fecal evaluation. All dogs need some form of training in order to be obedient and do not become nuisances in the household. A good trainer or other resources on videos or books can help but each dog is different and needs to be handled according to their needs. Remember work done at the introduction of the dog means that you increase the chance of having a well behaved pet in the family. |
