Dog Ownership 101 - May/June 2016

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As a dog owner, you must spend a bit of time dog-proofing your home. There are also many accessories to consider that can make life with your dog better for both of you. Check out our list of them on page 20. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. to being an owner. Although your dog may not be showing signs of illness, your veterinarian may be able to diagnose problems before they occur. By providing this measure of preventative treatment, detecting diseases in their early stages may avoid more serious conditions later on. TAKING NOTES AND ASKING 4 QUESTIONS Prior to your annual veterinary appointment, try to note any changes you have noticed in the behavior or health of your dog. If you have questions about the care of your dog, write them down. Notes can help you in explaining your dog’s history and will help you to get all of your questions answered, leaving no room for you to be left wondering if there was something you forgot to ask. Take notes during the appointment as far as veterinarian recommendations, so you won’t struggle to remember later. Make the most of your time at the vet. Ask lots of questions and make sure you get answers that make sense. These meetings are a great way to make sure your dog’s health stays great. Assuming your dog comes out with a clean bill of health, you shouldn’t look at it as a waste. You should be thankful that everything is okay. EXPLAINING BEHAVIOR CHANGES 5 When taking your dog to the veterinarian, you may be asked to explain any changes that you have seen in your dog’s health. You’ll want to be sure to discuss anything that concerns you about your dog’s recent behavior or health issues that they may be experiencing. Some examples of this could be: your dog’s eating or drinking habits, skin conditions, frequency or changes in urination or bowel movements, and any other issues that have warranted your visit. You will want to be as specific as possible when explaining your dog’s problems so that your veterinarian can make a well informed diagnosis. WHAT AN EXAM CONSISTS OF 6 Veterinarians have been trained to do thorough examinations on each and every dog that they see. As part of these examinations, veterinarians typically feel the different parts of the dog’s body to check for anything that might be 34 DOG ownership 101 | MAY / JUNE 2016
abnormal, such as organs or lymph nodes that may not feel right. A complete physical for a dog also includes checking the mouth, ears and eyes, as well as listening to the dog’s breathing with a stethoscope. In addition, the dog’s weight and temperature are checked to make sure that they fall within normal ranges. THE FATAL HEARTWORM CONDITION 7 Heartworm control is essential to the wellbeing of a dog. These pesky parasites live in a dog’s heart and can cause fatal heart failure if untreated. The worms, in their larval stage, are carried between dogs by mosquitos. The bite of the mosquito transmits a tiny bit of heartworm infested blood and the larvae travel to the heart and multiply. Prevention is much preferable to treatment as the cure is complex and expensive. Heartworm ranges throughout the US and southern Canada. In the subtropical climes of the Southeast US, it is thought that the majority of all dogs not on a heartworm prevention regimen are infected. not get a heartworm infection. Prior to using one of these preventative products, you’ll have to take your dog to the vet for a blood test to determine whether he already has been exposed to this infection. The blood test is done quickly. Because heartworm infections don’t occur in really cold weather, it’s generally not considered necessary to use heartworm prevention products in the winter for those whose dogs who live in cold climates. Some vets think that the preventative products should be given to dogs no matter the season. Your dog’s health is truly important. If your dog has been acting ‘off’ or you see any changes, you should definitely consider taking your dog to the vet soon. You wouldn’t want your beloved pet being in discomfort or suffering, would you? Even if your dog is in excellent health, remember that yearly vet visits are so vital for your pup and can help you to ensure that your dog will have many more happy, healthy years. 8 PREVENTING HEARTWORM IN YOUR DOG You can buy items that will help your pet A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DOG BREEDING Preparing For Puppies Click Here to Learn More DOG ownership 101 | MAY / JUNE 2016 35
Page 1 and 2: 7 GOLDEN RULES FOR BRINGING YOUR DO
Page 3 and 4: 8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON DES
Page 5 and 6: MAY / JUNE 2016 Editor Alicia Breck
Page 7 and 8: Have you wondered whether or not a
Page 9 and 10: CAT SPRAYING AROUND YOUR HOME? Cat
Page 11 and 12: Looking to find a dog breeder inste
Page 13 and 14: HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR A PUPPY Do
Page 15 and 16: THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN: A NO
Page 17 and 18: There are many things you should co
Page 19 and 20: 101 DOG TRICKS Step by Step Activit
Page 21 and 22: hungry and scrounging for every mor
Page 23 and 24: Stop 34 of the most common dog and
Page 25 and 26: If you are a dog owner, you should
Page 27 and 28: the same. You need to have your dog
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Page 31 and 32: BE CAREFUL TO PROTECT YOUR 5 DOG’
Page 33: 8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR KEEPING by Kel
Page 37 and 38: DURABLE DOG LEASH PET LEAD- EXTRA H
Page 39 and 40: WHAT ARE DESIGNER DOGS? 1 Designer
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Page 43 and 44: 7 Golden Rules For Bringing by Alic
Page 45 and 46: to change a policy for one reason o
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Page 49 and 50: If you have a dog that you wish to
Page 51 and 52: ten years and older. Their level of
Page 53 and 54: 8 STEPS FOR TEACHING YOUR DOG TO SI
Page 55 and 56: training session several times unti
Page 57 and 58: 7 USEFUL TIPS FOR TRAINING AN IMPUL
Page 59 and 60: dog grasps the concept it may begin
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Page 63 and 64: THE GREAT PYRENEES An imposing whit
Page 65 and 66: A 9-PART OVERVIEW OF THE TYPES by A
Page 67 and 68: ush and bathe him, or you may need
Page 69 and 70: COLORPET DOG LEASH- EQUIPPED WITH P
Page 71 and 72: the puppy is not only going to have
Page 73 and 74: Pet Care Supplies Lowest Prices. Ge

Dog Ownership 101 - May/June 2016

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