Preventive health care begins with identification. A microchip, a small RFID implant, provides permanent identification, while ID tags serve as the first line of identification if a dog is found. Core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza, with additional vaccines depending on lifestyle. The rabies vaccine is typically given first at 12-16 weeks, then one year later, and every 1-3 years thereafter. Parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly virus, making vaccination critical. Distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Kennel cough, or Bordetella, is a respiratory infection for which vaccination is recommended for dogs that board or attend daycare. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmissible to humans, is recommended in many areas. Heartworm, transmitted by mosquitoes, requires monthly prevention, and common parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, and intestinal worms. Ticks in particular transmit serious diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, so checking the coat thoroughly after walks in grassy or wooded areas is essential.
Dental care is often overlooked but critical. Periodontal disease is common and affects whole-body health, linking to heart, kidney, and liver problems. Ideally, a dog's teeth should be brushed daily, with several times a week as a minimum. Dental chews can help reduce plaque, though their effectiveness varies. Periodic professional cleanings under anesthesia are recommended. Beyond dental care, regular veterinary checkups allow early detection of problems: annual visits for adults and semi-annual visits for seniors can save lives by catching issues before they become serious.
Grooming supports both appearance and health. Most dogs benefit from bathing every 4-8 weeks, with more frequent baths only when the dog is dirty, since over-bathing dries the skin. Routine brushing removes loose fur, prevents matting, and lets owners monitor skin and coat health. Nail trimming is important because long nails cause discomfort and posture problems; nails should just clear the floor when the dog is standing, with care taken to avoid cutting the quick, the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. Ears should be checked periodically and cleaned only when needed with a vet-approved product; common problems include yeast infections, bacterial infections, and mites, with signs like head shaking, scratching, and odor. Some dogs also need periodic expression of their anal glands. Spaying or neutering helps control pet overpopulation and reduces some health risks, though the ideal age is debated, and many vets now recommend waiting until after growth plates close, especially in larger breeds. Pet insurance can help manage unexpected veterinary costs, and overall dog ownership often runs $1,500 to $3,000 or more per year, plus initial setup costs.