Basset Hound

　　It is said that taking dogs to the vet is even more expensive than taking care of people. But raising a dog is about feelings. Once the dog gets seriously ill, owners can do nothing but anxiously rush to the hospital, and costly medical fees are often unbearable for ordinary people. So how can we avoid dogs getting sick? How should a healthy dog be raised?

　　1. Disease Prevention

　　Regular vaccination is usually started when puppies are six to ten weeks old to stimulate their own immunity against diseases. Vaccines should be repeated every three to four weeks until the puppy is about four months old. These vaccinations protect your beloved dog from disease invasion.

　　Regular deworming both internally and externally is necessary, as many parasites can afflict dogs. Besides commonly known intestinal worms like roundworms and tapeworms, there are also heartworms, mites, and others unknown to many. Parasites seriously affect a dog’s health; they not only hinder puppy growth and reduce raising efficiency but also create conditions for other pathogens to invade, causing various problems. More seriously, some tapeworms and roundworms can infect owners, especially young children. Kids touching dogs, nuzzling heads with puppies, playing with dogs, or walking barefoot can easily get infected by parasites, so deworming dogs is essential!

　　2. Scientific Feeding

　　Ensuring a balanced diet and scientific feeding is the most fundamental condition to guarantee dog health. Once a dog is malnourished, it may suffer from osteoporosis, liver diseases, and other serious problems. Feeding dogs should neither be excessive nor insufficient; pay attention to regular and appropriate portions, with comprehensive and balanced nutrition. It is recommended to choose suitable dog food and limit snacks. Avoid giving dogs human food, especially milk, eggs, onions, seafood, animal bones, etc.

　3. Regular Checkups

　　Another effective way to prevent dog illness is to take dogs for regular examinations, which can detect diseases early and allow for timely treatment. This is especially important for elderly dogs with weaker physical conditions.

Yorkshire Terrier (Detailed Introduction)

　　4. Increase Exercise

　　Dogs in growth, adulthood, pregnancy, or old age all need a certain amount of daily exercise to ensure health and reduce the chance of obesity.

　　Puppies in growth are lively and active, having considerable activity even indoors. Adult dogs maintain a regular and adequate exercise routine. Elderly dogs exercise less compared to young and adult dogs, and reduced exercise in pregnant females is a normal physiological phenomenon.

　　5. Regular Bathing and Grooming

　　Dogs’ sebaceous gland secretions produce an unpleasant odor and collect dirt that tangles fur, causing a foul smell. Without bathing, dogs become vulnerable to pathogenic microbes and parasites, which can make them sick. Therefore, it is necessary to bathe dogs and keep their skin clean, which benefits their health.

　　Regularly brushing a dog’s coat keeps the body clean and prevents matted fur and skin diseases. Daily care can include skin massages to promote blood circulation and help dogs stay in their best condition.

　6. Provide a Comfortable Living Environment

　　A good and comfortable living environment is one of the basic conditions to ensure a dog’s health. Therefore, the dog’s bed, food bowls, toys, etc. should be regularly disinfected and occasionally sun-dried. In addition, the living area must be ventilated and kept dry, avoiding dampness.