Dog Care
Dog is man’s best friend, we’ve been told. “My dog is a member of the family,” we tell each other. Yet the book “The Truth about Dogs” points out another side of our canine friends: dogs steal the food off our plates, take the best spot on the couch, and routinely destroy our property. Just who is this dog creature, anyway? Perhaps only you, in partnership with your dog, can determine that. But this guide can surely help you find the Web’s best resources for care of this mysteriously lovable pet.
Expand All Guide SectionsDog Ownership
Adding a dog to your family is a big step—and a bigger commitment than most people realize. ... read more »
Choosing a Dog
Once you’ve determined you’re ready for a dog, the fun part comes: what kind of pooch ... read more »
Caring for a Dog
There’s a lot that goes into the day-to-day care of a dog, like establishing a daily routine ... read more »
Dog Health Information
Armed with the right resources, there’s a lot you can do to help keep your dog healthy. Finding the best diet, choosing a veterinarian, getting the proper vaccinations, spaying or neutering, establishing a disaster preparedness and first aid plan, and researching pet insurance are a good start. Overwhelmed? Read on for the Web’s best to help you make informed decisions about your dog’s health and well-being.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There’s plenty of reliable medical information online, but the Internet (and your good intentions) are no substitute for a trained veterinarian. It’s important to develop a relationship with a vet as soon as you get a dog. And remember to schedule regular checkups, which can detect possible problems before they become major health concerns.
- If your vet prescribes medication for your dog, or you need to purchase maintenance items like flea and tick medications, you’ll often save time and money by purchasing these items online. And with the wide selection on the Web, you can even buy your dog’s food online. See the “Where do I shop online for my dog?” section of this Web guide for our suggestions.
- Tempted to try a new dog food? Proceed slowly and with care: a sudden change in food can lead to digestion problems in your pooch. PetEducation.com advises a mix of 25% new food with 75% old food for at least three days to begin, then gradually increasing the new-food-to-old-food ratio.
Dulcinea's Picks
To choose the right dog food …
The Pet Food List
came into being as a result of the pet-food recall that began in March 2007. The list puts recalled foods in red for ready identification, and it’s also a useful source of information about the ingredients in many types of nonrecalled products.
Whole-Dog-Journal.com
has an article on how to choose from the wide range of dog foods available. For those determined to provide the perfect meal for their canines, this is the place to go.
Dog Owner’s Guide
is the online version of the publication of the same name, published by Canis Major. Here it offers an annotated essay on the BARF (bones and raw food) diet for dogs, a controversial diet that has grown in popularity. The article presents a balanced look at the diet, citing pros and cons.
ThePetCenter.com
is owned and operated by PetFoodDirect.com, a site that sells pet food and products. Given that, you might expect a bias in favor of the food products sold on that site. However, ThePetCenter.com does a great job of presenting an informed (though technical) look at what constitutes a balanced diet, with references from companion animal nutrition studies from the 1990s. Take a look at this lengthy yet thorough evaluation of grain-based vs. meat-based diets.
To find a veterinarian …
The American Veterinary Medical Association
has a comprehensive guide to choosing a veterinarian for your pet. The site offers tips on where to look for a vet and things to keep in mind when choosing a practice, such as office hours, services provided, and whether emergency care is available.
The American Animal Hospital Association
is the only agency that accredits animal hospitals and veterinary clinics throughout the United States and Canada. It provides a searchable database of facilities and a pet care library covering important health care issues.
For dental care …
Pet Dental
is devoted to raising awareness of the importance of your dog’s dental health to its overall health and well-being. The site recommends asking your vet for a dental exam if you suspect a problem and offers tips for a home dental care regimen. Note that the site is sponsored by pet food manufacturer Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
For information on vaccinations …
The American Veterinary Medical Association
introduces vaccinations, including what they are, why they’re important, and the associated risks. The article stresses the importance of working with your vet to determine the vaccines that are right for your dog and the appropriate vaccination schedule.
For advice on spaying or neutering your dog …
The ASPCA
(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) features the “Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet” and offers a searchable database of low-cost spay/neuter providers. Simply enter your zip code and the distance you’re willing to travel and you’ll get a list of providers with contact information.
SPAY/USA
works to reduce the number of dogs and cats euthanized each year by advocating spaying and neutering services. The site can help you locate a low-cost clinic in your area.
East Tennessee Doberman Rescue
is a bare-bones site that offers some points for and against sterilization. Written by a veterinarian, the article deftly touches on some health concerns associated with the procedure. Don’t miss “Myths About Sterilization” near the bottom.
For first aid and disaster preparedness …
The American Red Cross
has courses to teach you how to give first aid to your dog. This article includes links to pop-ups with tips to deal with CPR, choking, and fractures. Search for pet first aid courses by state by clicking on the map or scrolling down to find your state in the alphabetical list.
The Humane Society of the United States
offers a well-organized article on how to prepare for an emergency or crisis situation with your pet in mind. Be sure to visit the links in the “Before the Disaster” section for a pet supply checklist.
For information on pet insurance …
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
offers an insurance plan that is the recommend choice of many vets. And it’s also a good deed: the premiums help the ASPCA to continue its work to improve the welfare of America’s animals.
Veterinary Pet Insurance
is a popular company that provides competitive services and, like many of the more up-to-date providers, also offers a plan that covers wellness support to help with checkups and routine procedures such as flea and worm prevention.
For alternative therapies …
MedicineNet.com
examines a debate that rages in both the human and canine medical worlds: conventional medicine or alternative therapies? The article focuses on the rise of veterinary acupuncturists and chiropractors, takes a look at some case studies, and offers advice on how to proceed if you’re considering alternative therapies.
Urbanhound
has local guides for New York, Chicago, and San Francisco but also offers tons of information helpful to dogs living anywhere. Here it tackles alternative treatments like acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, and massage.
Who knew?
Chronicle Books
aims to show that our furry friends should not be deprived the health benefits of yoga. In fact, as Doga: Yoga for Dogs illustrates, dogs have been practicing it for centuries. Get an introduction to doga and meet some dogis with this interactive Flash tutorial, or buy the book from Amazon.com.
Buying Dog Supplies Online
Whether you want to save money on flea medication or dog food, find a snazzy dog sweater, or buy a ... read more »
For the Traveling Dog Owner
If you’re of the “have dog, will travel” mindset, you’re in luck: the ... read more »
Dog News, Blogs, and Forums
The Web is overflowing with magazines, blogs, and communities devoted to all things canine. ... read more »
Connect With Dog Owners
If your canine companion isn’t really a dog park kind of guy and you’re just not ... read more »
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