Are you a new dog owner? Do you have a few dog health questions that you would like answered? Here are the most common topics where people have cares and concerns.

What types of vaccinations are necessary and how often should they be done? When you get a puppy, it should start a series of vaccines. Around six to eight weeks of age, it should start receiving shots against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. These diseases can all kill a dog. Law requires a rabies shot. Grown canines should receive boosters every three years for these diseases, rabies every year, and bordatella if it is at risk for kennel cough.

What do you do if your dog has worms in his stool? Your dog can pick up many different types of worms that can make him sick. These include hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms and can be passed to us. Take him to your veterinarian. They will do a fecal test to see what type of parasite it is and then de-worm the animal. It is a good idea to go ahead and have this done at their yearly exam each year.

How do you prevent fleas and ticks? Fleas and ticks are both parasites that feed off your pet and cause them discomfort. If you see fleas or evidence of them in the coat or if the canine is constantly scratching, a good flea dip can do the trick. If there is a tick, pull it off carefully with tweezers and flush it. They can carry diseases. After a dip, put him on flea and tick topical medication for prevention.

Is your pet constantly scratching but you know it's not fleas? There can be other causes of itchiness besides flea infestation. Ear mites can settle in your dog's ears and cause severe discomfort and infections. See your veterinarian for this. Dry skin can also be the cause, especially in the fall and winter. Bathe your dog in soothing shampoos containing oatmeal or tea tree oil. Animals can have allergies just like humans, so that could also be a cause.

What food is best for your pet? Always choose a dry food for your dog. They have a very high nutrient percentage and contain very little water. Canned foods are mostly water and cause problems with the teeth and gums and can also make your dog obese. Make sure when you buy the kibbles that you read the nutrition label. The food needs to contain real meat and not wheat or byproducts as its base.

Does your older canine have trouble walking? If he is stiff-legged and slow to move, he may be arthritic. Senior dogs all hit this problem at some point. It is caused by the cartilage between the bones wearing down and creating friction in the joint. Difficulty getting up is a sure sign. If you have certain breeds like a German Shepherd or Siberian Husky, your vet should check for hip dysplasia.

Whether you have owned many dogs or this is your first, there are dog health questions that we all wonder about. Now you know how to feed your dog and take care of fleas! Always consult your vet before using any treatments on your four-legged buddy.

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