This archive article (written 2009–2016) contains advice that may be out of date and is waiting for veterinary review. Please check with your vet before acting on it. About our articles
| Important basic dog care guidelines |
| - Visit your
veterinarian annually for an exam and vaccines. - Give your dog a heartworm pill once a month, year-round. - A high quality diet of 80% dry food, supplement with vitamins is recommended. - Give your dog a treat of a tough, dry biscuit; low-calorie is better for your dog’s tooth hygiene. - Brush and rinse teeth at least twice a week. |
| - Clean ears once a
week. - Use dog shampoo for the body and human baby shampoo on the head. - Control fleas and other external parasites. Check your pet for ticks, and remove them immediately. - Exercise your dog 3 times a day. - Start training your puppy at 10 weeks of age. |