Dog Health Issues

In addition to daily care, dogs sometimes develop health issues that require the attention of you or a veterinarian. Here some important suggestions regarding the health of your dog:

Worming medications are dangerous if used incorrectly. Never worm your dog with any medication not prescribed by your vet.

If you have to give a dog liquid medication, have it stand on a towel or bath mat in the tub. Any medication that gets spilled will go in the tub and not on your carpet. Pull out the dog's lower lip at the corner to make a pouch, and use a dropper or a syringe to place the medication in the pouch, a little at a time. Rub its throat to stimulate swallowing.

To give a dog a pill, grasp its muzzle in one hand, then gently press the dog's lips over the upper teeth with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Firm pressure will force the dog to open its mouth so that you can place the pill as far back in the mouth as possible with your free hand. Hold the dog's mouth closed, and rub its throat to stimulate swallowing.

Giving a dog a pill requires a special technique.

If your dog won't take a pill readily, try disguising it in a piece of cream cheese, which most dogs will eat without complaint.

Don't worry about a young puppy's "garlic breath." This is normal and shows the presence of "good" bacteria in its mouth. The odor will disappear in a few months.

Keep puppies away from the droppings of other dogs. A disease known as parvovirus can be fatal to dogs who contract it. (Dogs under 6 months old are most susceptible.) Most puppies contract it through contact with infected feces. See your veterinarian about vaccinations to protect your dog from parvovirus.