DOG CARE PLAN

Dogs can sometimes be plenty of work. We all love our dogs, however being confident that they will obtain the most from their lives takes a great deal more thought than one might consider to begin with. Continuing to keep your dog well and correctly fed, observing its wellness, as well as continuing to keep him or her physically and mentally active are a few of the fundamental things we must take into account when planing to look after our four-legged friends. 

FEEDING YOUR DOG

It’s vital that your pet dog is fed quality food that provides the correct balance of nutrition applicable to its specific period of life (you will notice that there are distinct foods designed for large, small, puppy, adult dogs, etc.). 

Dogs are inclined to overeat and to bloat, therefore it is recommended to give food to your dog two times a day and never an excessive amount at one time. Additionally it is crucial to always keep clean fresh drinking water available for your dog at all times. 

The giving of bones to your dog from time to time is ideal for their dental health, so long as the meat is of a high quality, the bone is large enough to prevent it being swallowed whole by the dog, and that it is raw. Never on ant account give your dog a cooked bone, as it is possible for them to break and splinter - causing intestinal damage or choking. Don’t overdo it on the bones either; ensure that, the normal food continues to be basis of your dog’s healthy diet. 

EXAMINATIONS AND VACCINATIONS 

It is essential that you have your dog vaccinated early on in its life for the health and well being of both your pet as well as those around him or her. Listed below are some of the more common health problems that will need a vaccination: 

• Canine parvovirus - an extremely infectious and potentially deadly viral gastroenteritis which induces vomiting and diarrhea 

• Canine distemper - an incredibly contagious health problem with symptoms which include conjunctivitis, convulsive seizures, and spinal cord damage. It should be noted that Canine distemper can also be transferred to humans, and even though this causes no symptoms or issues in humans, you could still act as a carrier to other pets. 

• Canine infectious hepatitis - a result of canine adenovirus, this is a severe liver infection that can cause fever, depression, loss of appetite, coughing, jaundice, vomiting as well as death. 

• Canine cough - a disease caused by bacteria and a virus, resulting in a hacking and distressing cough. Even though it could be transferred to humans, it is really quite unlikely except in cases where the human has a weakened immune system. 

It’s equally important to give worm and flea-prevention drugs to your dog routinely, whilst keeping up regular appointments with the veterinarian - who is able to accurately keep track of your pooch’s health and wellbeing each and every phase of it's life. 

HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY

The training of your dog is an important component of continuing to keep them happy and nicely socialized. Continual training gives mental stimulation, as well as the physical stimulation he or she should get every day from exercise. 

Reward based training is recommended, simply because yelling at dogs every time they do something incorrectly can easily unintentionally strengthen unfavorable behaviors if it is misinterpreted as just providing them with attention. 

Include an organized training plan while they are young, and proceed with mental tasks as they grow older.

Why It's Important To Vaccinate Your New Puppy ASAP

We all know how important is to get our children vaccinated, not only does it keep them from coming down with many childhood diseases, but in some cases, it could save their life as well. The same thing goes for getting your dog vaccinated before they start socializing with other dogs, because then they become at high risk for contracting several different, dangerous, dog diseases. And, since some dog owners don't get their dogs vaccinated, the risk is then higher for all other dogs that socialize with them. For now let's take a look at some of the different vaccinations you should get for your puppy and some of their symptoms.

Canine Distemper Vaccination.

Distemper among dogs is very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another in several different ways, including physical contact, but also sometimes including the feces as well. Just one chance encounter with an infected dog, could cause several hundred dollars worth of veterinarians bills and still cause death. When a dog is infected, they will have heavy plus discharges from their nose and eyes, a dry cough, diarrhea and vomiting, plus be running a fever. If not taken to a veterinarian, your dog could end up having convulsions, respiratory arrest, a heart attack and die. Some estimates say that up to 50% of all dogs infected will eventually die. Needless to say this is an important vaccination for your puppy that should be given as soon as possible and before socializing with other dogs.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccination.

Another very serious and highly contagious disease, that is even more dangerous for your puppy, is canine parvo. This is caused by parvovirus, and can have up to a 91% mortality rate when untreated. This disease is passed easily between dogs by contact directly with other dogs or even their feces, making it especially contagious. In order to save a new puppy from dying, it is necessary to take it to a veterinarian hospital immediately to combat the dehydration, damage to the bone marrow, and intestinal damage that can result. Puppies should be restrained from socializing with other dogs until they've had their first vaccination at 5 to 6 weeks of age with another booster given once a month at least two more times. It is also possible to vaccinate pregnant female dogs in order to pass on some maternal antibodies to their puppies. Because this virus can survive in the feces of infected dogs for up to a year, this is a highly recommended, and necessary vaccination for your puppy.

Hepatitis.

Hepatitis in dogs can also be very deadly and is transmitted through the feces, saliva and urine of an infected dog. Just as in humans the hepatitis mainly targets the liver and other organs in the abdomen. There are usually discharges from the nose, eyes, and mouth, and extremely red eyes, to indicate infection with hepatitis. This is an extremely deadly disease, once again making the vaccination highly important.

Kennel Cough Or Parainfluenza.

This is similar to influenza in humans where it's transmitted airborne by sneezes, coughs, and also through the sharing of dishes, and direct contact as well. Is not usually fatal, but will leave your dog exhausted and coughing for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria and spread through the urine, it's symptoms can include frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, sores on the gums in the mouth, and also severe abdominal distress. If caught and diagnosed early this can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. The problem is catching it before there is permanent damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive track.

Getting your dog vaccinated is an easy, inexpensive, and safe way to guarantee that he has a good chance of being healthy and happy in his new home. Avoiding vaccinations can be incredibly dangerous and deadly for any new puppy, as they are very social animals and can tend to transmit diseases readily. It's a good idea to call your vet and make arrangements for your vaccinations as soon as you arrive home with your new puppy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Its-Important-To-Vaccinate-Your-New-Puppy-ASAP&id=8875901