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 For
your dog pets to enjoy time with you, they must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
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Congratulations
- you have a new puppy!
You’ve anticipated the new
arrival by ‘puppyproofing’ your home and had lots of fun choosing
the crate, bed, blanket, toys and other supplies he or she will
need. This frisky little creature is sure to bring you much joy.
In return, you can make a major contribution to your pet’s longevity,
happiness and quality of life by providing him or her with good
nutrition, loving attention in a safe, sanitary environment and
regular checkups at your veterinarian’s.
Spaying
or Neutering your puppy
Many veterinarians believe
that spaying or neutering not only helps solve the serious problem
of unwanted pet overpopulation but also makes for friendlier, easier-to-live-with
pets. Spayed female dogs are more relaxed, while neutered males
are less likely to roam, urine-mark their territory, or fight with
other males. Plus, sterilization has health benefits - it helps
to minimize the risk of cancers of the reproductive organs and the
mammary glands in females and reduces the incidence of prostate
problems in males.
Spaying removes the uterus
and ovaries of a female dog, usually after the age of six months.
A major surgical procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia
and most often involves an overnight stay at an animal hospital.
Complications are rare and recovery normally is complete within
two weeks.
Neutering, also carried out
under general anesthesia, removes the testicles of a male dog through
an incision at the base of the scrotum. Usually performed when the
puppy is about six months old, it necessitates an overnight stay
at the animal hospital. Full recovery takes about seven to ten days.
Your puppy’s basic health check
| Your new puppy should visit a veterinarian
as soon as possible. The first visit will probably include: |
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Thorough physical examination to determine his or her
state of health. |
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Check for external parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, ear
mites). |
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Check for internal parasites (tapeworm, roundworm, etc.),
if you can bring a stool sample for analysis. Blood tests
may also be done. |
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Initial vaccination and/or a discussion of the types
of vaccinations your puppy needs and when they should be
scheduled. |
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Discussion about whether your puppy should be sterilized
(spayed or neutered) and when. |
This first
health check will give your veterinarian the information he
needs to advise you on your puppy’s immediate diet and care.
Plus, it will give him a “knowledge base” from which, on subsequent
checkups throughout your pup’s life, he can better evaluate,
monitor and manage your pet’s health.
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Make
your new puppy feel at home
Show your puppy the special
places where he can eat, sleep and eliminate and, since he’s probably
quite overwhelmed, give him some quiet time to himself to let him
adjust to the unfamiliar sights and sounds of his new home. Be sure,
if there are also young children in the home, that they are taught
that a puppy is not a toy but a living creature who must be treated
with gentleness and respect. As early as 8 weeks old, your puppy
is capable of learning specific lessons - so start house-breaking
and teaching simple obedience commands the day you bring him home.
Your veterinarian can suggest the best training methods and, if
you wish, recommend a good obedience school. Your pup will find
learning fun and easy and, with your positive reinforcement, he
should remember his lessons well!
Your
Geriatric Dog
When is the best time to
start caring for your aging pet? When he’s a puppy. Starting off
your dog’s life with good nutrition, regular exercise, scheduled
veterinary appointments and a happy home life sets the blueprint
for a high quality of life in his older years. However, as your
dog ages, much like humans, changes to the metabolism will occur.
Paying attention to your dog’s behavior will make detecting problems
easier.
What
you can do at home
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Check your dog’s mouth, eyes and ears regularly. Watch for
loose teeth, redness, swelling or discharge. |
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Keep your pet’s sleeping area clean and warm. |
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Groom your pet often. You’ll detect any unusual sores or
lumps and keep his coat healthy. |
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Make fresh water available at all times. |
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Maintain a regime of proper nutrition, exercise and loving
attention. |
How old is
your dog?
If
your dog is... |
In human terms,
that's |
6 months
8 months
10 months
12 months
18 months
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years
8 years
9 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
13 years
14 years
15 years
16 years
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10 years
13 years
14 years
15 years
20 years
23 years
26 years
32 years
36 years
40 years
44 years
48 years
52 years
56 years
60 years
64 years
68 years
72 years
76 years
80 years
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| * Please note,
these equivalencies refer to small breeds |
Common Problems
Obesity is a big health risk.
An older dog is a less active dog, so adjustments to your pet’s
diet to reduce caloric intake are imperative. This will relieve
pressure on his joints as well as manage the risks of heart failure,
kidney or liver disease, digestive problems and more. Other changes
to his nutrition should include increasing fiber, fatty acids and
vitamins while decreasing sodium, protein and fat.
Arthritis’ severity can range
from slight stiffness to debilitation. An exercise program, also
to maintain muscle tone and mass, can be adjusted to suit his condition.
Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve the pain. Your veterinarian
will prescribe any necessary medication.
Intolerance to hot and cold
temperatures occurs because your dog produces less of the hormones
which regulate the body’s normal temperature. Move his bed closer
to a heater and bring him indoors on cold days.
Tooth loss or decay not only
makes it harder to chew but also increases the likelihood of infection
or tumors. Brushing and cleaning the teeth will help keep these
to a minimum.
Prostate enlargement or Mammary
Gland Tumors is mostly diagnosed in unneutered or unspayed dogs.
Have the prostate or mammary glands examined at checkups.
Separation Anxiety presents
itself when older dogs can’t cope with stress. Aggressive behavior,
noise phobia, increased barking and whining or restless sleep are
a few signs. Medication combined with behavior modification techniques
are key.
Skin or coat problems in
aging dogs means the skin loses elasticity, making your pet more
susceptible to injury while the coat’s hair thins and dulls over
time. Grooming more often and fatty acid supplements are highly
beneficial.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction manifests
itself in confusion, disorientation or decreased activity. Medication
can help solve some of these issues.
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