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Dogs + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Certain medical conditions require drugs that are available only in an injectable format. In many cases, dog owners can administer these medications at home. Most dogs do not mind routine injections that are given in the subcutaneous tissue. This handout provides step-by-step instructions for giving an injection. Dispose of used needles and syringes properly.

  • This article outlines how to administer liquid medication directly into your dog’s mouth using a syringe. Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a special treat after giving the medication.

  • Giving pills to dogs can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to giving your dog a pill at home, along with some other options.

  • This handout describes the benefits of performing examinations at home between regularly scheduled veterinary visits. It outlines the different parts of the body to examine, how to examine, and what to look for.

  • Grooming your dog can be a fun chore or a challenging one for many people. Depending on coat/hair type, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, some dogs will need different levels of grooming care than others. A well-groomed dog is a sign of overall good health.

  • Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Once halitosis occurs, professional veterinary oral prevention, assessment, and treatment is needed. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

  • Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but it can also be a scary or dangerous time for pets. Costumes, candy, and noises can cause problems such as stress, poisoning, and anxiety. Keep them in mind when planning your holiday and talk to your veterinarian if you need help with anxiety issues.

  • Like humans, dogs derive health benefits from regular exercise. As your dog’s caregiver, it’s important that you keep your dog strong and fit through physical activity.

  • Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as dogs age that can result in diseases or disabilities. It's important to spend time with your dog to keep their stress low and monitor for changes. Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your dog's behaviors at home will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior dog healthy.

  • The holidays add excitement to the winter months, but we cannot forget about the indoor and outdoor toxins that pets frequently encounter at this time of year. Keeping your pets healthy and safe will help keep your holidays as stress-free as possible.