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At the time of purchase, take
your dog to a recommended veterinarian for a complete health check.
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To prevent Fleas, use the
prescribed "Program" from your veterinarian and use the carpet powder
(Flea Busters) yearly.
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White distilled vinegar in the
drinking water (1 tsp. per quart of water) and charcoal dog biscuits help
prevent bad breath and body odor.
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Light skinned dogs, or dogs
with pink skin, sun burn easily. Sun block is recommended to prevent
cancer
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Bee stings and spider bites are
common. A quick cure, over the counter, is Benadryl.
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Upset stomachs or loose stool -
Pepto-Bismol may be used. If condition persists after two days, contact
your veterinarian.
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Puppies need a rabies shot at 4
months.
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After your puppy has it's first
rabies shot at 4 months (good for only one year), shots may be given every
three years, if you request this of your vet.
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Premium dog foods not only give
the dogs better health and longevity, but actually cost less due to the
amount you need to feed. You will also pick up less stool.
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Table scraps should never be
fed to dogs, especially if fed premium foods. It could cause nausea,
diarrhea, and skin & coat problems.
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Do Not Ever leave your dog in a
car with closed windows. Window guards can be bought for trucks, cars, &
vans.
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Dogs left untrained and without
attention in a backyard will become stressed (leading to physical
problems) and usually become chewers and diggers. All dogs should be a
part of the family.
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After bathing or swimming, the
dogs ears should be cleaned with cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol.
This will help prevent ear infections.
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Dogs with floppy ears should
have their ears cleaned weekly with rubbing alcohol and have their ears
pinned up to air out at that time.
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Dogs dragging their bottoms
across the floor is a sign of anal glands expressed or worms.
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T-cup, Toy, and Miniature
breeds should have their anal glands expressed monthly to prevent
compactions, eruptions and infections. This can be done by your
veterinarian, groomer, or owner of trained.
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Chew toys should be digestible
or organic to avoid intestinal tract problems.
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Rock chewing, wood chewing,
plant and dirt eating is usually a sign of a lack of trace minerals in the
dog's diet.
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Service & Police Dogs in hot
parts of the country should wear boots when being used on black top or
concrete surfaces to prevent damage to the pads.
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When traveling with your pet
always carry plenty of water.
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Dog bones such as "Milk Bones"
help prevent tartar on your dog's teeth.
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Feed puppies three times daily.
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Lactating bitches should be fed
three times a day and be given a variety of supplements.
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Aspirin and Advil can be used
in child doses on large dogs with aches and pains (especially aging dogs
with arthritis) and in smaller doses on small dogs. Do not give your dog
Tylenol!
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Exercise your pet daily. Go for
a walk or play ball in the yard.
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Before boarding your dog, have
your veterinarian use nasal & injectable Bortatella to prevent upper
respiratory infections (Kennel Cough).
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Rat poison and slug bait can be
fatal to dogs.
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Dogs or puppies should not be
fed milk. It can cause bacterial infections.
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Animal bones (chicken, beef,
pork, etc.) can be extremely dangerous if fed to your dog by puncturing
the dog's mouth and digestive system.
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A short term diarrhea solution
is to feed your dog a bland diet of cooked beef or chicken mixed with
white cooked rice. If after two to three days problems persists, or dog is
lethargic, call your veterinarian.