BASIC DOG CARE
The Right Care
by Dr. Michael W. Fox
Every new pup should be taken to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up and a series of
shots against common virus diseases such as canine distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis
and kennel cough. At a later age, the pup will need a rabies vaccination, and depending on
where you live, a blood test and regular preventive medication against heartworm.
Adult dogs should also go to the vet at least once a year for a regular
"physical" and to receive necessary booster shots. Until your vet says that your
dog is safely protected by the vaccinations she was given, do not take your pup out on a
leash or to the park to play with other dogs, or she may succumb to a serious infectious
disease from another dog.
Pups are usually born with roundworms and sometimes hookworms, for which they should have
their stools examined. Many people make the mistake of worming their pet whenever it seems
to be sick. This can be dangerous, as real symptoms get overlooked. Avoid all
home-doctoring except under your vet's instructions.
Adult dogs will often get infested with hookworms, especially if they're kept outdoors.
These worms develop in the soil and then get into the dog by burrowing into the skin, from
where they migrate to the dog's intestines. Regular check-ups are extremely important to
control this parasite.
Rice-like segments in a dog's stool indicate the presence of tapeworms - a common problem
in adult dogs. Some kinds of tapeworm result from a dog eating a dead rabbit or rodent,
but the most common one has part of her life-cycle in fleas. When the dog nibbles and
grooms herself, she picks up the infestation from the fleas. So having your dog
appropriately wormed is not enough. You must also eliminate the fleas to prevent
reinfestation. Use an approved flea powder or dip on your dog, and then vacuum-clean your
house to remove flea "grubs" which develop in carpets and crevices in the floor.
You may even have to fumigate your house to get rid of them. Some dogs develop severe
allergic reactions from fleas.
If you let your dog roam free and unsupervised, the dog is much more likely to pick up
fleas, worms, and more serious infectious diseases from other dogs. Your dog may also get
injured in fights with other dogs or hit by a car. For health's sake, keep your dog
indoors or in a clean pen or yard outdoors, and take your dog out regularly on the leash
for exercise.
Dogs, like people, get ill periodically. The following signs indicate that your dog needs
veterinary attention:
Seems less active and playful and won't eat or drink.
Has a dry, hot nose, red eyes, and seeks a quiet, cool place.
Has a dry cough and runny discharge from eyes and nose.
Has diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
Vomits repeatedly, has difficulty in breathing.
Has poor exercise tolerance and fatigues quickly.
Has convulsions (runs wildly, "swims" on the floor, foams at the mouth).
Scratches or paws certain areas of the body excessively, such as ears
or mouth.
Yelps when touched in certain places (abdomen, ear, paw, etc.).
Drinks excessively.