Questions and Answers On Dog Health Care

Look after your dog by following these simple tips and understand more about the importance of pet health.

1. I’m getting my puppy today – what supplies should I have ready at home?

The first thing you’ll need is a travel crate for your dog’s trip home. Be sure to have some good puppy food at home and small bowls for food and water, as these are your puppy’s essentials. It might be worth asking your vet or breeder about the best food for your new puppy. Other items you’ll need to get in advance of the new puppy’s arrival are: an adjustable collar, a lead, toys and bedding. When you have your puppy, make an appointment with the vet to get its first check-up out the way…we’re not saying your puppy will like it, but he needs to have it.

2. Tell me more about microchips.

If you’re trying to be good and look at a wide variety of dog health care tips, one important tip is to get your dog microchipped. The vet will place a small device under your pet’s skin near the neck. Then, should your dog ever run off and get picked up by a shelter, they can read the microchip and place it back in your safe hands. If you’re unsure about the need for microchipping, you have to ask yourself how much time your dog will be with you and if it could get out of your home’s boundaries easily. However, given that the implantation procedure is such a safe and simple one, you really should consider it. Some dogs are always with their owners, but they can still run away given half the chance.

4. I’m concerned that my dog might have worms – how can I tell for sure?

Knowing more about dog health care means delving deeper into the world of potential health problems, and one such issue can be worms. There are some common types of worms that you should be aware of and these include hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. All can cause internal irritation and damage to your dog, but heartworms can be fatal. It is therefore essential that your vet routinely checks for worms.

5. Is there a good enough reason why I should get my dog fixed?

Many ask this question, and if your dog is purely for pet purposes, you should get the dog spayed or neutered as soon as possible. There are just not enough homes for all of the puppies and kittens born each year; and, as a result, over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. Neutering and spaying don’t take very long at all these days and providing there are no complications, your dog will be able to come home the same day.

In addition to its being an effective pet population control measure, spaying and neutering can also benefit your dog’s health. If you have your dog neutered or spayed before it reaches 6 months of age, then its risk of developing certain types of cancers and infections will be cut in half.