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Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention
Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention

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Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention

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You do everything you can to keep your new puppy happy, and having fleas is definitely not a happy time. Keep these tips in mind to keep your puppy healthy, happy, and flea-free.
 

The common flea not only causes your dog discomfort, but it can also transmit disease, pass on tapeworms, and cause anemia, especially in vulnerable puppies and older dogs. Regularly inspect your dog for any signs of fleas. Intermittent scratching, biting, and gnawing, plus evidence of flea dirt between your dog's back legs or on top of his rump, are telltale signs of fleas. If your dog is constantly biting and gnawing himself or you can actually see fleas, you've got a full-blown infestation. To check out your dog for fleas, have him stand in a bathtub and vigorously rub your hands through his fur. If little dark dots fall on the tub floor, they're likely either fleas or flea 'dirt' (excrement). You'll know you've got fleas if the 'dirt' turns red when you add a drop of water.

 

 

Flea Control Myths

  • Garlic and onion repels fleas. Feeding your dog garlic or onion will only give him bad breath. It will have absolutely no effect on fleas, and feeding large amounts of onion to dogs can be toxic.
  • Brewer's yeast repels fleas. There is no evidence that feeding your dog brewer's yeast repels fleas.

 

 

Prescription Flea-Prevention Products

These products work by preventing fleas from biting or reproducing. They are the flea control methods of choice, and when used faithfully as directed, help pet owners avoid many dog health issues associated with fleas.

  • Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
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    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs

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    Big dogs equal big love

    Whether your dog is a big sweetie, a big weirdo or a big athlete, here’s what you need to know about taking care of your big dog.
     

    First, all big dogs start out as little dogs. But pretty soon they grow up — and so does their appetite, their toys, their dog bowls, the vet bill and their need for speed.
     

    He started to grow.
    And pretty soon
    he was bigger than
    the recliner.

     

    Large dogs grow more slowly than smaller ones

    Sometimes it can take more than two years for them to reach their full size.
     

    And you won’t like to think about it too much, but their life spans are shorter, too: about 10 to 12 years.
     

    No wonder
    you'll let him push
    you off the bed
    at night.

     

    So remember: Everything in moderation.

    If a large dog gets too much food as a pup, they’re at a higher risk of growing too quickly, which can cause joint trouble.
     

    For large breeds, being overweight is especially problematic. All that extra weight can be a lot for the joints to carry around.
     

    Keep your good old dog healthy by practicing portion control and feeding nutritious food like IAMS™ Mature Adult Large Breed.
     

    How will she catch
    a screaming
    15-mile-an-hour
    Frisbee in midair
    if she has knee trouble.

     

    A word about exercising with a large dog.

    Back in the day, large-breed dogs were especially energetic. They were working dogs, herders, hunters, cart pullers and people protectors.

     

    Who are we to deny their evolution?

    Make sure your dog gets exercise every day.
     

    How do you accomplish this? Walk, walk and more walk. And add in some running, jumping, chasing, hiking, fetching, dog-park visiting, swimming and even agility courses.
     

    Repeat this mantra:
    'I am the alpha.'
     

    When it comes to training, think of it this way: The bigger the dog, the harder it is to hide behavior problems. And if you can’t control your super-sized soulmate, they could inadvertently cause damage or hurt someone.

    • Make time for training from day one.
    • Teach easy commands early.
    • Use a firm and confident voice.
    • Keep your dog exercised to fend off boredom-induced behaviors.
    • Reward good behaviors.

     

    Living large is all
    about biting the
    wind and living
    that sweet,
    sweet life.

    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
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