Dog Health Guide
Essential health information to keep your puppy and dog healthy throughout their life.
Vaccination Schedule
Core vaccines protect against serious, often fatal diseases. Follow your vet's recommended schedule.
Core Vaccines
- DHPP (6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks): Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
- Rabies (12-16 weeks): Required by law in most areas
- Boosters: 1 year after puppy series, then every 1-3 years as recommended
Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Risk)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - for dogs in daycare, boarding, or dog parks
- Leptospirosis - for dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water
- Lyme Disease - for dogs in tick-endemic areas
- Canine Influenza - for high-exposure situations
Important: Don't take puppies to public dog areas until 2 weeks after final puppy vaccines (typically 18 weeks old).
Parasite Prevention
Internal Parasites
Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms: Most puppies are born with roundworms. Deworming protocols start at 2-3 weeks and continue through puppyhood.
Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes, potentially fatal. Monthly preventive medication starts at 8 weeks and continues for life.
External Parasites
Fleas: Year-round prevention recommended. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause allergic reactions.
Ticks: Transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other illnesses. Use vet-recommended preventives and check dogs after outdoor activities.
Mites (Mange): Two types—sarcoptic (contagious) and demodectic (not contagious). Both require veterinary treatment.
Common Puppy Health Issues
Gastrointestinal Problems
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy
Causes: Dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, food intolerance
Action: Contact vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if you see blood
Ear Infections
Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching, odor, redness, discharge
Causes: Bacteria, yeast, allergies, ear mites
Action: Requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment
Skin Issues
Symptoms: Itching, redness, hair loss, hot spots, rashes
Causes: Allergies, fleas, mites, infections, food sensitivities
Action: Vet examination for proper diagnosis
Kennel Cough
Symptoms: Dry, honking cough (sounds like something stuck in throat)
Causes: Multiple infectious agents (bacteria and viruses)
Action: Usually self-limiting, but see vet if puppy seems ill or cough persists
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek immediate veterinary care if you observe:
- Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
- Unconsciousness or seizures
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Severe bleeding that won't stop
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Bloated, hard abdomen (especially large breed puppies)
- Extreme lethargy or collapse
- Continuous vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Eye injuries
- Heatstroke symptoms (excessive panting, drooling, collapse)
Spaying & Neutering
Benefits
- Prevents unwanted litters
- Reduces risk of certain cancers
- Decreases roaming and marking behaviors
- May reduce aggression in males
- Eliminates heat cycles in females
Timing
Traditional recommendation: 6 months. However, newer research suggests timing may vary by breed size:
- Small breeds: 6-9 months
- Large breeds: May benefit from waiting 12-18 months
- Giant breeds: Consider waiting until growth plates close (18-24 months)
Discuss optimal timing with your veterinarian based on breed, size, and individual health factors.
Dental Health
Dental disease affects 80% of dogs by age 3. Prevention is key:
- Daily tooth brushing: Gold standard for dental care
- Dental chews: VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved products
- Professional cleanings: As recommended by vet (usually annually)
- Warning signs: Bad breath, yellow/brown teeth, red gums, reluctance to eat
Untreated dental disease can lead to infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Nutrition & Weight Management
Obesity is a major health issue for dogs, contributing to:
- Joint problems and arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Shortened lifespan
Maintaining Healthy Weight
- Follow feeding guidelines for your dog's ideal weight (not current weight)
- Measure food—don't free-feed or eyeball portions
- Limit treats to 10% of daily calories
- Provide regular exercise appropriate for age and breed
- Monitor body condition score—you should feel ribs easily without seeing them
Exercise & Joint Health
Proper exercise supports overall health, but over-exercising puppies can damage developing joints.
Age-Appropriate Exercise
- Under 6 months: Avoid repetitive impact (no jogging, jumping from heights)
- 6-12 months: Gradual increase, no marathon running
- 12+ months: Most dogs ready for adult exercise levels
- Large/giant breeds: Wait until growth plates close (12-24 months) before intense exercise
Joint Support
- Maintain healthy weight (obesity is hard on joints)
- Provide low-impact exercise options (swimming)
- Consider joint supplements for at-risk breeds
- Watch for limping, stiffness, or reluctance to exercise
Senior Dog Care (7+ Years)
As dogs age, their needs change:
- Veterinary visits: Increase to twice yearly for early detection
- Diet: May need senior formula or weight management food
- Exercise: Shorter, gentler sessions; swimming for arthritic dogs
- Dental care: Extra important as dental disease worsens with age
- Watch for: Weight changes, behavior changes, mobility issues, vision/hearing loss
Wellness Exams
Regular veterinary checkups catch problems early:
- Puppies (under 1 year): Multiple visits for vaccines and monitoring
- Adult dogs (1-7 years): Annual wellness exam
- Senior dogs (7+ years): Bi-annual exams recommended
What happens during a wellness exam:
- Physical examination (ears, eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints)
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Discussion of diet, behavior, and any concerns
- Fecal exam for parasites (annually)
- Bloodwork (as appropriate for age and health status)