The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

All ear infections display the same symptoms regardless of the cause. Listed below are some of the signs to watch for at home.

Shaking of the Head

Scratching at the head or ears

Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground

A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal

Liquid leaking from the ears

Brown or Yellowish discharge present in the ears

Foul smell emanating from the ear

Pan when ears are petted or touched

Visiting the Veterinarian – Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis

As soon as symptoms present themselves you should take your dog to the veterinarian. It is very important to note that you should not put anything in your dogs ears before seeing the veterinarian. If your dog happens to have a ruptured eardrum, this could lead to further problems including neurological symptoms such as a head tilt or walking around in circles.

For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.

Food allergies are usually ruled out with a food trial. During a food trial, a special hypoallergenic food is fed for a period of 8-12 weeks. The dog is monitored during this time to see if its symptoms improve.

Skin and blood testing is used to rule out Atopy. This word stands for seasonal and inhalant allergies. The test will provide the veterinarian with exactly what your dog is allergic to, if anything.

Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.

Treatment for Ear Infection

Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.

Dog Ear Infection Prevention

Treat all underlying diseases

Dry your dogs ears thoroughly after bathing

Dry your dogs ears completely after swimming

Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.

Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.

No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:

Shaking of the Head

Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears

Rubbing the head and ears on the ground

Redness or irritation of the ear canal

Liquid leaking from the ears

Brown or Yellowish discharge present in the ears

Bad smell coming from the ears

Pan when ears are petted or touched

The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection

When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.

For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.

The method for ruling out a food allergy as the cause for the ear infection is by your veterinarian placing your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a period of eight weeks. During this time, you will monitor your dog for any positive, negative or lack of change in symptoms.

Atopy can be ruled out with either blood tests or with skin testing, similar to allergy testing in people. These tests will usually tell specifically what things a dog is allergic to.

Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.

Treatment for Ear Infection

Discovering the root cause of the ear infection is first and foremost, followed by treatment. In dogs with a food allergy, those foods should be avoided; those with Atopy will be required to take medications in order to control their symptoms and will most likely be on these medications for the rest of their lives. These medications commonly consist of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.

In addition to the earlier listed medications, others such as antibiotics and antifungals along with shampoos and rinses may be needed to control symptoms. It is important to note that each dog varies and the treatment will be based on the severity of their symptoms.

For the most part, ear infections can be treated with oral medications and a topical medication placed in the ear. This treatment usually lasts two weeks, however some cases may take longer. It is highly important to note that you must also clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove medication buildup. This can collect debris which then impedes the healing process. If after the medication is completed the ear infection is not gone, an ear swab or culture may be needed for further testing.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

Treat any underlying diseases that might be present.

Dry ears completely after bathing

Dry ears thoroughly after swimming

Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.

Remember: Keeping your dogs ears dry is the one key element in preventing as well as treating ear infections.

No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:

Shaking of the Head

Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears

Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor or ground

A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal

Discharge coming from the ears

Brown or Yellowish discharge present in the ears

Foul smell emanating from the ear

Severe pain whenever the ears are touched or petted

The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection

When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.

For dogs that get repeated ear infections or have infections that will not go away with treatment, it is important to find the underlying cause of their problems. Some things are easy to figure out just from a physical examination. If a dog has a lot of hair in its ears, floppy pinnae, or small ear canals, a visual examination will show this. Tumors and foreign objects in the ear can usually be seen during a physical examination, too.

The method for ruling out a food allergy as the cause for the ear infection is by your veterinarian placing your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a period of eight weeks. During this time, you will monitor your dog for any positive, negative or lack of change in symptoms.

Skin and blood testing is used to rule out Atopy. This word stands for seasonal and inhalant allergies. The test will provide the veterinarian with exactly what your dog is allergic to, if anything.

Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.

Ear Infection Treatment

Discovering the root cause of the ear infection is first and foremost, followed by treatment. In dogs with a food allergy, those foods should be avoided; those with Atopy will be required to take medications in order to control their symptoms and will most likely be on these medications for the rest of their lives. These medications commonly consist of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

For the most part, ear infections can be treated with oral medications and a topical medication placed in the ear. This treatment usually lasts two weeks, however some cases may take longer. It is highly important to note that you must also clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove medication buildup. This can collect debris which then impedes the healing process. If after the medication is completed the ear infection is not gone, an ear swab or culture may be needed for further testing.

Preventing Ear Infections

Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog

Dry your dogs ears thoroughly after bathing

Dry your dogs ears out every time it swims.

Do not use water or cleaner inside your dogs ears unless absolutely necessary and always make sure to dry them thoroughly

Remember: Keeping the ears dry is an important part of treating and preventing ear infections.

No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:

Shaking of the Head

Scratching at the head or ears

Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor

A prominent redness or irritation in the ear canal

Liquid leaking from the ears

Brown or yellowish discharge in the ears

Bad smell coming from the ears

Pain when the head or ears are touched or petted

Visiting the Veterinarian – Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis

At the first sign of symptoms an appointment should be made with a veterinarian. It is also important to remember that you should never put anything into your dogs ears before seeing the veterinarian. This could result in additional symptoms including neurological which include head tilting and walking in circles.

For dogs that get repeated ear infections or have infections that will not go away with treatment, it is important to find the underlying cause of their problems. Some things are easy to figure out just from a physical examination. If a dog has a lot of hair in its ears, floppy pinnae, or small ear canals, a visual examination will show this. Tumors and foreign objects in the ear can usually be seen during a physical examination, too.

Food allergies are usually ruled out with a food trial. During a food trial, a special hypoallergenic food is fed for a period of 8-12 weeks. The dog is monitored during this time to see if its symptoms improve.

Atopy can be ruled out with either blood tests or with skin testing, similar to allergy testing in people. These tests will usually tell specifically what things a dog is allergic to.

Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.

Treatment for Ear Infection

Discovering the root cause of the ear infection is first and foremost, followed by treatment. In dogs with a food allergy, those foods should be avoided; those with Atopy will be required to take medications in order to control their symptoms and will most likely be on these medications for the rest of their lives. These medications commonly consist of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.

Preventing Ear Infections

Treat all underlying diseases present in your dog

Dry your dogs ears out after a bath.

Dry your dogs ears completely after swimming

Do not use water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless absolutely necessary and always make sure to dry them completely when you do.

Remember: Keeping your dogs ears dry is the one key element in preventing as well as treating ear infections.

For the dog with simple diarrhea that is still eating and drinking and feeling fine, home management may be the only treatment needed. For 24-48 hours, feed boiled, skinless, boneless, chicken breast with cooked white rice. If possible, feed small meals every 2-4 hours. Bland food fed in frequent, small amounts gives the intestines time to calm down and readjust. Once diarrhea has resolved, gradually begin re-introducing the normal food. If the diarrhea does not resolve or comes back after reintroducing normal food, it is time to see the veterinarian for more treatment options.

There are several ways simple, mild diarrhea can be treated.

Antibiotics such as metronidazole are frequently used to treat cases of colitis and enteritis. They help to remove abnormal bacteria.

Oftentimes, medications such as Kaolin and Pectin are given in conjunction with Metronidazole. Together, these medications work quickly to both stop diarrhea as well as firm the stool.

In some cases, Probiotics may be used in order to restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestines. There are several versions of which some are used to stop diarrhea and others are solely for prevention.

Food that is bland, such as boiled chicken and white rice, gives the intestines a chance to calm down and readjust.

It is imperative that you do not try to cure your dog with over the counter human medications such as Kaopectate, Immodium or Pepto-Bismol without your veterinarians permission. In general, diarrhea will resolve itself in a few days. However, if it doesn’t, a re-visit to the veterinarian is needed in order to perform new tests as well as explore other treatment options. A detailed video is available below which explains the treatment of simple diarrhea.

Furthermore, if your dog displays bloody or tar like stools, other symptoms, or is just not feeling well it is very important that you seek the assistance of a veterinarian immediately. Dogs that may have other systemic illness will begin to get worse more rapidly without professional care.

How to Prevent Diarrhea

Listed below are several ways you can prevent your dog from having diarrhea:

Keep trash, human food, and medications locked up and out of reach of your dog.

Do not feed your dog human food or table scraps.

Never leave your dog alone outside. Supervising your dog outdoors will ensure they do not eat anything they shouldn’t.

In order to implement a change to your dogs regular diet, you must mix small amounts of the new food with the old, gradually working your way up to only serving the new food. This gradual introduction allows the intestines time to adjust. In most cases a period of about seven days is all that is needed, however some dogs may need longer.

When boarding your dog, take your own food.

Deworm your dog every month. Most heartworm preventives will also deworm a dog.

Please bear in mind that no information in this article is designed to diagnose or treat your pet nor should it replace a visit to your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Home treatment is the best course of action for a dog with mild diarrhea that is still eating, drinking and feeling fine. For the first 24-48 hours, feed your dog a bland diet. This would include white rice and boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast. When using this method, it is recommended that you implement small feedings every two to four hours. This will allow the intestines time to return to a normal balance. Upon the resolving of the diarrhea, you can then begin re-introducing normal food in small amounts. However, if the diarrhea does not resolve or it returns after re-introducing your dogs normal food, this is an indication that a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.

There are several ways simple, mild diarrhea can be treated.

The first method is by antibiotics. Metronidazole is the most frequently used. This antibiotic helps remove any abnormal bacteria.

Medications such as Kaolin and Pectin can be used with metronidazole. They help firm the stool and stop diarrhea more quickly than it would stop on its own.

In some cases, Probiotics may be used in order to restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestines. There are several versions of which some are used to stop diarrhea and others are solely for prevention.

Food that is bland, such as boiled chicken and white rice, gives the intestines a chance to calm down and readjust.

Do not give your dog over the counter medications such as Immodium, Kaopectate, or Pepto-Bismol without checking with your veterinarian first. Most cases of simple diarrhea respond to treatment within a few days. If your dog continues to have diarrhea, you may need to re-visit the veterinarian for more testing or a change in therapy. The video below discusses treatment of simple diarrhea.

Furthermore, if your dog displays bloody or tar like stools, other symptoms, or is just not feeling well it is very important that you seek the assistance of a veterinarian immediately. Dogs that may have other systemic illness will begin to get worse more rapidly without professional care.

Preventing Diarrhea

This is a list of several methods you can use to prevent canine diarrhea:

Keep all trash, human food and medications out of reach.

Do not feed your dog human food or table scraps.

Supervise your dog when outside to make sure it does not eat something it should not.

If you need to change your dogs diet, do so gradually by mixing the new food and the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food until you are feeding only the new food. Make this change over at least seven days. Some dogs may need longer.

When boarding your dog, take your own food.

Deworm your dog every month. Most heartworm preventives will also deworm a dog.

This article is for general information purposes only. It is in no way meant to replace a proper diagnosis or treatment from your dogs veterinarian.

Introduction – The Anatomy of the Canine Ear

Just as with humans, a dogs ears mainly function for hearing. The difference is the appearance. The outside part of a dogs ear is referred to as the Pinna and is sometimes floppy like a Basset Hound or straight like a Corgi. The main function of the pinna is to funnel sound into the ear canal. While human ear canals are straight, dogs are shaped like the letter “L”. The ear canal is made up of the vertical or descending canal and the horizontal canal. The latter canal ends at the eardrum or tympanic membrane. In a dogs ear the eardrum is a clear membrane and separates the external middle an inner ear.

The Common Factors that Cause Canine Ear Infections

The most common is an infection of the outside of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This infection is referred to as Otitis Externa and is caused by three main reasons; ear mites, bacteria and yeast.

Ear Mites or Otodectes cynotis cause these ear infections. While they are most commonly found in puppies, any dog at any age can get them. They are contracted by exposure to other animals infected with them and can live on the head and neck as well.

Malassezia is the most common cause of a yeast related ear infection while Staphylococcus is the most seen factor in bacteria related ear infections. These two forms are generally more common than ear mite infections; however there are predisposing factors that can make your dog vulnerable. These factors include:

Ear Canal Conformation – If a dogs ear is longer or smaller than normal, this will allow for moisture and debris to become trapped more easily, thus resulting in infection.

Excessive hair in the ear canal – Excess hair in the ear canal can trap water and debris leading to an ear infection.

Swimming or living in humid areas – Water retained in the horizontal canal after swimming can lead to an ear infection. In humid climates, water from the air may accumulate in the ear canal leading to an ear infection.

Floppy or Folded Over Ears – Pinnae that cover the vertical canal can trap debris and retain water which results in ear infection.

Food Allergy – When a dog is allergic to certain foods, skin reactions can occur as well as changes in the ear canal environment. When this occurs, water is retained and the ending result is an ear infection.

Inhalant and Seasonal Allergies – These are also referred to as Atopy and include reactions to dust, mold, trees, grass and other environmental factors. Not only will your dog experience skin irritations, the environment in the ear canal will change resulting in moisture buildup which then leads to ear infections.

Systemic Diseases – Some diseases of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism, change the environment of the skin and decrease the ability of the immune system to fight off infection. The combination of these things can lead to ear infection.

A Growth or Foreign Object – If there is an abnormal mass or some kind of foreign particle in the ear, it can trap debris and moisture causing an ear infection.

Excessive Ear Cleaning – If you clean your dogs ears too much, this can leave behind moisture and cleanser which can irritate and collect debris which then leads to infection.

The Anatomy of the Canine Ear

A dogs ears are the same as a persons ears in that their main function is hearing. Dog ears just do not look like peoples ears. The outside part of the ear is called the pinna. In some dogs it is floppy (like a Basset Hound) and in some dogs it stands up (like a Corgi). The pinna helps to funnel sound into the ear canal. Whereas people have a straight ear canal, the ear canal in the dog is a little L shaped. It is made up of the vertical (descending) canal and the horizontal canal. The horizontal canal ends at the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. The eardrum is a transparent membrane that separates the external ear from the middle and inner ear.

Common Causes for Ear Infections

The most common ear infection in dogs is an infection of the external part of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This type of infection is called otitis externa. Otitis externa in dogs is really only caused by three things, namely ear mites, bacteria and yeast.

Ear Mites or Otodectes cynotis cause these ear infections. While they are most commonly found in puppies, any dog at any age can get them. They are contracted by exposure to other animals infected with them and can live on the head and neck as well.

The bacterium most commonly involved in ear infections is Staphylococcus and the yeast most commonly seen is Malassezia. Bacterial and yeast infections are more common in dogs than ear mite infections. Even though there are only a few causes of ear infections, many things predispose a dog to getting an ear infection. Some of the most common predisposing factors are:

Ear Canal Conformation – If a dogs ear is longer or smaller than normal, this will allow for moisture and debris to become trapped more easily, thus resulting in infection.

Over Abundance of Hair in the Canal – This excess amount of hair is the perfect tool for trapping debris and holding onto water which can lead to an infection.

Swimming or living in humid areas – Water retained in the horizontal canal after swimming can lead to an ear infection. In humid climates, water from the air may accumulate in the ear canal leading to an ear infection.

Folded or Floppy Pinna – If the pinnae are folded over or cover the vertical ear canal, debris and water can become trapped, thus resulting in infection.

Food Allergy – When a dog is allergic to certain foods, skin reactions can occur as well as changes in the ear canal environment. When this occurs, water is retained and the ending result is an ear infection.

Seasonal or Inhalant Allergies – This is also known as Atopy. If a dog has an allergic reaction to grass, trees, mold, dust and other environmental factors it can affect the environment of the ear canal. When this occurs, moisture accumulates creating an ear infection along with skin afflictions.

Systemic Diseases – Some diseases of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism, change the environment of the skin and decrease the ability of the immune system to fight off infection. The combination of these things can lead to ear infection.

A Growth or Foreign Object – If there is an abnormal mass or some kind of foreign particle in the ear, it can trap debris and moisture causing an ear infection.

Cleaning the ears too much and leaving water or cleanser in the ears may also predispose a dog to getting ear infections.

For the dog with simple diarrhea that is still eating and drinking and feeling fine, home management may be the only treatment needed. For 24-48 hours, feed boiled, skinless, boneless, chicken breast with cooked white rice. If possible, feed small meals every 2-4 hours. Bland food fed in frequent, small amounts gives the intestines time to calm down and readjust. Once diarrhea has resolved, gradually begin re-introducing the normal food. If the diarrhea does not resolve or comes back after reintroducing normal food, it is time to see the veterinarian for more treatment options.

There are several options for treatment of diarrhea.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to remove any abnormal bacteria in the intestines.

Oftentimes, medications such as Kaolin and Pectin are given in conjunction with Metronidazole. Together, these medications work quickly to both stop diarrhea as well as firm the stool.

In some cases, Probiotics may be used in order to restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestines. There are several versions of which some are used to stop diarrhea and others are solely for prevention.

Food that is bland, such as boiled chicken and white rice, gives the intestines a chance to calm down and readjust.

Do not give your dog over the counter medications such as Immodium, Kaopectate, or Pepto-Bismol without checking with your veterinarian first. Most cases of simple diarrhea respond to treatment within a few days. If your dog continues to have diarrhea, you may need to re-visit the veterinarian for more testing or a change in therapy. The video below discusses treatment of simple diarrhea.

If your dog has bloody or tarry diarrhea, has other symptoms with the diarrhea, or does not seem to feel well, it is important that you make an appointment to see the veterinarian right away. Dogs with very severe diarrhea or other systemic illness causing diarrhea can get worse rapidly.

Prevention

Listed below are several ways you can prevent your dog from having diarrhea:

Keep all trash, human food and medications out of reach.

Do not feed your dog human food or table scraps.

Never leave your dog alone outside. Supervising your dog outdoors will ensure they do not eat anything they shouldn’t.

If you need to change your dogs diet, do so gradually by mixing the new food and the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food until you are feeding only the new food. Make this change over at least seven days. Some dogs may need longer.

If you must board your dog or have them stay with family or friends, always bring your own food.

Deworm your dog once every month. Most available heartworm medications will automatically do this.

This article is for general information purposes only. It is in no way meant to replace a proper diagnosis or treatment from your dogs veterinarian.