The Top 10 Questions Vets Get Asked About Pets

Whether you’ve got just one dog or the whole furry farm, one thing holds true: A healthy pet is a happy pet. Knowing how to meet your pet’s health care needs is one of the essentials of being a good pet owner. So what’s important to know? Here are the top 10 questions vets get asked and how they would answer:

1. What type of pet food is best? 

You should feed puppy  food for the first year and then switch to an adult food. After that, any type of pet food that has been certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials is fine.

2. How much should I feed my dog?

In general, you should feed your dog 3x/day until he is 4 months old, and then reduce it to twice daily. Feel free to give your active dog a little more.

3. How do I know if my dog is too fat? 

You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs, but also feel a thin fat covering over them. Behind the ribs there should be a waist. If a diet is in order, try cutting back on your dog’s food by 5-10%.

4. What vaccinations does my dog need? 

Puppies need the DALPP vaccine, which protects against many contagious diseases including hepatitis. She will also need the rabies vaccine at 4 months, and a vaccine to guard against kennel cough.

5. When can my puppy go outside?

It is safest to wait until your pup has finished the series of vaccinations before letting her go outside. Typically that happens around 4 months old.

6. Do I need to brush my dog’s teeth?

Poor dental hygiene can cause gum disease, which down the line can cause heart and kidney disease. Regular brushing will help prevent that from happening. If you can’t fit in regular brushing, there are dental chews and special diets available.

7. Do I need to use flea, tick, and heartworm medicine?

It’s best to use this triple protection against common dog irritants, but where you live and your lifestyle will determine your pet’s individual medication plan.

8. How often should I give my dog a bath? 

Most dogs without a skin condition don’t need a bath more than once a month. But be sure to clean your pet’s ears more often to prevent infection — once or twice a week is recommended, depending on the amount of dirt or wax you find. You can use your finger and a piece of gauze and any major brand of ear cleaner

9. Why does my dog eat poop?

Could be boredom, could be habit, could be hunger. But it doesn’t mean your dog is lacking nutrients. Do what you can to discourage the behavior and it will stop.

10. Can my dog get me sick? 

There are a few few conditions, including intestinal parasites and skin diseases, that your dog could transfer to you. But if he has a cold, you won’t catch it.