¶Vaccination
Dogs should be vaccinated when they turn one year old and then every two to three years. They should be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, HCC, and kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccine should be renewed annually – especially if the dog spends time where there are many other dogs, for example at kennels, dog daycare, or competitions.
¶Deworming
Adult dogs do not need to be dewormed regularly, only when needed, for example if there are signs of worms. Kennel dogs, working dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs that travel are at higher risk of getting worms.
¶Brushing teeth
Use a soft toothbrush to brush your dog’s teeth. If you want to use toothpaste, choose one made specifically for dogs. Start with the teeth at the front and brush the teeth one area at a time. Brush the teeth regularly. Praise your dog afterwards so it learns to enjoy toothbrushing.
¶Coat care
Long-haired, short-haired, wire-haired, or smooth-coated – there are many different coat types in dogs.
A short-haired or smooth-coated dog is clearly the easiest to maintain. In most cases, a bath a few times a year is enough.
A wire-haired dog sheds very little. However, it requires more maintenance than short-haired dogs. A wire-haired dog should be hand-stripped at least a few times a year and bathed every 3–4 weeks.
Long-haired dogs, such as a Golden Retriever or other medium-long coated breeds, tend to shed quite a lot. A thorough brushing from time to time is necessary, and they need a bath about once a month.
¶Ear care
A dog’s ears also need to be cleaned occasionally. Try to look inside and check for any odor. Clean them regularly when you bathe your dog and make sure to dry them thoroughly.
¶Claw trimming
Clipping a dog’s claws can be a stressful experience for both dog and owner. Try to start when the dog is young and as early as possible. Make sure to praise the dog throughout the entire claw trimming process and finish by giving a treat, bone, or toy.
