Pet Care Resources & Expert Guides

🏠 Puppy-Proofing Your Home

• Remove toxic plants (azaleas, rhododendrons common in TN)
• Secure electrical cords and small objects
• Install baby gates for restricted areas
• Lock away cleaning supplies and medications
• Create a safe, designated puppy zone

🍼 Feeding Schedule Guide

8-12 Weeks Old:

• 4 meals per day
• Small portions based on breed size
• Always provide fresh water

3-6 Months Old:

• 3 meals per day
• Gradually increase portion sizes
• Maintain consistent feeding times

6+ Months Old:

• 2 meals per day
• Adult food transition (consult your vet)

💉 Vaccination Timeline

• 6-8 weeks: First DHPP vaccine
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP vaccine
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP, Rabies vaccine
• 12-16 weeks: Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Annual: Booster shots

🎯 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know

• Sit: Foundation for all other commands
• Stay: Essential for safety
• Come: Critical recall command
• Down: Helps with impulse control
• Leave it: Prevents eating dangerous items
• Heel: Makes walks enjoyable

🚫 Common Training Mistakes to Avoid

• Inconsistent commands and rules
• Training sessions that are too long
• Punishing after the fact
• Not rewarding good behavior immediately
• Giving up too quickly
• Training when frustrated or angry

🏆 Socialization Checklist

People to Meet:

• Children of various ages
• People in uniforms
• People with hats, sunglasses
• Different ethnicities and ages

Environments to Experience:

• Car rides
• Different floor surfaces
• Stairs and elevators
• Busy streets (from a distance)

🌡️ Signs Your Pet Needs Immediate Vet Care

• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Swollen, hard abdomen
• Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness

🦷 Dental Care Tips

• Brush teeth 2-3 times weekly
• Use dog-specific toothpaste only
• Provide dental chews and toys
• Schedule annual dental cleanings
• Check for bad breath, a sign of problems

⚖️ Weight Management

Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight?

• You should feel ribs but not see them
• Visible waist when viewed from above
• Abdomen tucks up from the side

Weight Loss Tips:

• Measure food portions precisely
• Replace treats with vegetables
• Increase exercise gradually
• No table scraps!

🛁 Bathing Basics

• Use lukewarm water (test with your elbow)
• Wet thoroughly before applying shampoo
• Start from neck and work back
• Rinse completely - leftover soap causes itching
• Dry thoroughly, especially in skin folds

✂️ Nail Trimming Made Easy

• Use proper dog nail clippers
• Trim just the white/clear part
• Avoid the pink quick
• Keep styptic powder on hand
• Reward with treats after each paw

🪮 Brushing by Coat Type

Short Coats (Labs, Beagles):

• Rubber curry brush weekly
• Bristle brush for shine

Long Coats (Yorkies, Maltese):

• Daily brushing required
• Pin brush and metal comb

Double Coats (Huskies, German Shepherds):

• Undercoat rake during shedding season
• Slicker brush for top coat

👴 When Is a Dog Considered Senior?

• Small breeds (under 20 lbs): 10-12 years
• Medium breeds (20-50 lbs): 8-10 years
• Large breeds (50-90 lbs): 6-8 years
• Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): 5-6 years

🏥 Common Senior Health Issues

• Arthritis: Stiffness, difficulty standing
• Vision loss: Bumping into things
• Hearing loss: Not responding to calls
• Cognitive decline: Confusion, anxiety
• Kidney disease: Increased thirst
• Heart disease: Coughing, fatigue

🏡 Making Your Home Senior-Friendly

• Add non-slip rugs on smooth floors
• Provide orthopedic bedding
• Install night lights for vision issues
• Use ramps instead of stairs
• Keep food/water bowls elevated
• Maintain consistent furniture layout

☀️ Summer Safety (June-August)

• Never leave pets in cars (temps reach 120°F+)
• Walk during cooler hours (before 9am, after 7pm)
• Test pavement with your hand - if too hot for you, too hot for paws
• Provide plenty of water and shade
• Watch for signs of heatstroke
• Check for ticks after outdoor time

❄️ Winter Care (December-February)

• Limit time outside when below 32°F
• Wipe paws after walks (salt irritation)
• Consider sweaters for short-haired breeds
• Check for antifreeze leaks (deadly if ingested)
• Provide extra bedding for warmth
• Maintain regular exercise indoors

🌸 Spring Hazards (March-May)

• Allergies: Common in East Tennessee
• Fleas & Ticks: Start prevention early
• Toxic plants: Azaleas, lilies blooming
• Fertilizers: Keep pets off treated lawns
• Spring cleaning: Secure toxic products