Make Your Home Dog-Proof
Make sure your home is pet-friendly - ideally before bringing your pet home. Ensure they can't chew on electrical cords, keep toilet lids closed, and ensure that they can't get into medications or household cleaners. Do you have a pool in your yard? If your pup doesn't know how to swim, get a pool fence or a motion detector system that will alert you if they fall in. Make sure your pet can't access human food, as some of it is toxic to dogs. It might be a good idea to use child-proof latches to secure cabinets and trash cans if they are particularly curious.
A Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect your pup's health just as they are for people. Vaccines prevent serious, highly contagious diseases like parvo, distemper, and rabies, which can be fatal. They will need different shots and schedules depending on their health issues and where you live, so talk to your vet about what they need. In general, puppies should receive their first set of shots around 6 weeks and then every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Every 1 to 3 years, adult dogs should be revaccinated.
Make the Right Food Choices
What your dog eats depends on its age, weight, health, and activity level. Make sure the food you choose is labeled with a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This means it's nutritionally "complete and balanced." Avoid giving your dog bones, raw meat, or raw eggs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, CDC, and other groups, raw foods can cause serious health problems for animals, such as E. coli infection. Bacteria such as E. coli are harmful. A dog's stomach or intestines can be torn by bones.
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Healthy And Safe
