List of articles № 18
Instruction: how to properly weigh a dog at home.
Underweight dogs face a cascade of physiological challenges that can compromise longevity and quality of life. Muscle wasting reduces strength, impairing mobility and increasing the risk of injury during routine activities. Fat loss diminishes thermal insulation, making the animal more susceptible to hypothermia in cooler environments.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog during its heat cycle.
The heat cycle consists of four distinct phases, each requiring specific attention to maintain the dog’s health and comfort. Proestrus - lasts 7‑10 days. Swelling of the vulva and a bloody discharge appear. The female may attract male dogs but typically rejects mating attempts.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize dehydration in a dog and what to do.
Dehydration is a reduction of total body water that disrupts normal physiological functions. In dogs, water constitutes roughly 60 % of body mass; loss of even a few percent can impair circulation, thermoregulation, and cellular metabolism. The condition arises when fluid intake fails to match losses through urine, feces, respiration, or skin, often accelerated by heat, exercise, vomiting, or diarrhea.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to help a dog when stung by a bee or wasp.
When a dog is struck by a bee or wasp, the first minutes are critical. The animal’s immediate response reveals the severity of the envenomation and guides urgent care. Typical signs appear within seconds to a few minutes. Look for localized swelling, especially around the head, muzzle, ears, or paws.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to stop bleeding if a dog cuts its paw.
When a dog’s paw is lacerated, identifying the source of the injury is essential for effective first‑aid and prevention. Several everyday factors routinely cause cuts on canine paws. Sharp objects left on walkways, such as broken glass, metal shards, or splintered wood.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to determine if a dog is overweight and create a diet plan.
Veterinary professionals recognize that excess body fat in canines predisposes them to a range of serious medical conditions. The accumulation of adipose tissue interferes with normal physiological processes, creating a cascade of health threats that reduce lifespan and quality of life.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog's eyes and prevent infections.
When monitoring a dog’s ocular health, focus on observable changes that may indicate irritation or infection. Prompt identification reduces discomfort and prevents complications. Key indicators include: Redness extending beyond the sclera, especially if accompanied by swelling.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose vitamins for a dog that work.
When evaluating a dog’s nutritional gaps, begin with a thorough health assessment. Blood work, urinalysis, and a review of the animal’s diet reveal common deficiencies such as low vitamin A, insufficient omega‑3 fatty acids, and inadequate calcium‑phosphorus balance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to determine if a dog is pregnant – early signs.
Veterinary professionals recognize that subtle shifts in a dog’s behavior often precede more obvious physical signs of pregnancy. Observing these changes can provide an early indication that a breeding female is expecting. Increased affection toward owners or other animals;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to prepare a dog for vaccination.
Vaccination protects dogs from infectious agents that can cause severe, often fatal, disease. Immunization stimulates the animal’s immune system to recognize specific pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infection and, if exposure occurs, limiting clinical severity.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog's coat during shedding season.
Shedding is a physiological cycle in which a dog replaces old hair with new growth. Hormonal fluctuations, temperature changes, and breed‑specific patterns trigger the process. The resulting increase in loose fur is normal; interference with the cycle can cause skin irritation, uneven coat texture, and secondary infections.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: which vegetables and fruits are safe for dogs, and which are poison.
Understanding a dog’s nutritional requirements begins with recognizing that canine digestion differs markedly from human metabolism. Dogs thrive on protein‑rich diets, yet appropriate plant matter can supplement essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants when selected carefully.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize cystitis in a dog and alleviate its condition.
Cystitis refers to inflammation of the urinary bladder wall in canines, typically manifested by irritation of the mucosal lining. The condition may arise from bacterial infection, urinary crystals, bladder stones, or non‑infectious irritants such as trauma or hormonal imbalances.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to check a dog's pulse and breathing in an emergency.
As a veterinary emergency specialist, I stress that continuous assessment of a dog’s pulse and breathing supplies the only reliable indicator of circulatory and respiratory stability when a crisis unfolds. Rapid changes in these parameters reveal the onset of shock, cardiac arrhythmia, or airway obstruction, allowing immediate corrective measures before irreversible damage occurs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for facial folds in brachycephalic breeds.
Facial folds in brachycephalic dogs consist of skin that extends over underlying soft‑tissue structures, forming pronounced creases around the muzzle, eyes, and chin. The folds are not merely superficial; they contain multiple anatomical layers that influence hygiene, susceptibility to infection, and therapeutic interventions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to help a puppy through teething without damage to furniture.
Puppy teething progresses through four distinct phases, each requiring specific management to protect household items. Initial eruption (3‑4 weeks) - Deciduous incisors break through the gum. The puppy experiences mild discomfort and begins to explore objects with its mouth.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to feed a puppy – schedule and norms up to one year.
Proper nutrition forms the foundation for a puppy’s physical growth, organ maturation, immune competence, and behavioral stability. Without balanced dietary inputs, developmental milestones may be delayed, and long‑term health risks increase.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to play with a puppy to develop its intelligence.
Puppy intelligence comprises a set of cognitive abilities that enable a young dog to interpret its environment, solve problems, and adapt behavior. These abilities emerge from interactions between genetics, early experiences, and ongoing stimulation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to get a puppy used to a collar and leash.
Training a puppy to accept a collar and leash establishes reliable control in public and private settings. Without this foundation, owners face increased risk of injury to the animal, damage to property, and potential legal repercussions when local leash laws are enforced.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to help a senior dog with arthritis.
Arthritis, medically termed osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage, inflammation of the synovial membrane, and formation of osteophytes. The loss of cartilage reduces the joint’s ability to absorb shock, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: a puppy's first day in a new home – how to avoid stress.
When a puppy arrives, the crate becomes the first safe zone. Position the crate in a quiet, temperature‑controlled area away from heavy foot traffic but within hearing distance of family activity. Use a solid‑bottom crate; wire designs can amplify sounds and increase anxiety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is aging – subtle signs.
The aging process in dogs follows a predictable physiological trajectory, yet individual variation can mask early decline. Recognizing subtle changes enables timely veterinary intervention and improves quality of life. Metabolic slowdown appears first as a gradual reduction in activity tolerance.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to adapt the diet for a senior dog.
Senior dogs experience a series of physiological shifts that directly influence nutritional requirements. Recognizing these shifts is essential for formulating a diet that sustains health and quality of life. Metabolic rate slows, decreasing daily caloric needs.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to organize the living space for an aging dog.
Aging dogs experience physiological and behavioral changes that directly affect the safety and comfort of their environment. Reduced vision and hearing increase the risk of collisions with furniture or obstacles. Joint degeneration and muscle loss limit mobility, making stairs, high beds, and slippery floors hazardous.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose safe toys for a puppy.
Choosing toys for a puppy without regard to safety exposes the animal to predictable health hazards and can undermine behavioral development. A non‑toxic, structurally sound toy prevents accidental ingestion of harmful substances, reduces the likelihood of choking, and limits damage to teeth and gums.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize dementia in an old dog and slow its progression.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a neurodegenerative condition analogous to human Alzheimer’s disease. It results from progressive loss of neurons and synaptic connections in the brain, leading to measurable deficits in learning, memory, and perception.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: a puppy's first walk – safety rules.
When a puppy takes its first walk, the equipment you choose directly influences safety and comfort. The following items constitute the minimum gear required for a successful outing. Properly fitted harness - distributes pressure across the chest, prevents choking, and allows gentle control.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to introduce a puppy to an adult dog.
When a new puppy joins an adult dog, the first priority is a thorough health assessment. A veterinarian must examine both animals before any face‑to‑face interaction. The examination should confirm that the adult dog’s vaccinations are current and that the puppy has completed its initial series.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for newborn puppies if the dog gives birth at home.
When a dam is expected to deliver at home, the first priority is to create a secure, temperature‑controlled whelping environment. The space should be isolated from drafts, direct sunlight, and household traffic. Choose a quiet room with easy access for the owner and veterinarian, yet far enough from noisy appliances and other pets.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to transition a puppy from potty pads to going outside.
Transitioning a puppy from indoor pads to outdoor elimination is essential for the dog’s development and for the owner’s long‑term convenience. First, outdoor elimination promotes healthier bladder and bowel function. Natural surfaces encourage proper posture and allow the puppy to fully stretch, reducing the risk of urinary retention and constipation that can arise from frequent use of confined pads.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to transport a dog on an airplane – rules and life hacks.
Transporting a dog by air expands the range of destinations owners can reach without leaving their pet behind, preserving the bond that influences daily routines and emotional stability. Air travel eliminates the need for temporary boarding facilities, which often involve unfamiliar environments, additional costs, and health risks associated with exposure to other animals.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to leave a dog at a pet hotel without stress.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I recommend a systematic approach when evaluating boarding facilities for your dog. Begin by compiling a shortlist of accredited pet hotels within a reasonable travel radius. Use industry directories, professional association listings, and veterinary referrals to ensure each candidate meets recognized standards.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to introduce a dog to a new partner.
Preparing a dog for a new partner requires systematic steps that minimize stress and establish safety. Begin with a health assessment; schedule a veterinary exam, confirm up‑to‑date vaccinations, and treat any parasites. A clean bill of health reduces the risk of disease transmission and ensures the dog can focus on the upcoming interaction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to go hiking with a dog – preparation and equipment.
Hiking with a dog transforms a routine trek into a mutually beneficial activity that enhances physical condition, mental engagement, and interpersonal connection. Regular trails provide aerobic exercise for both participants, improving cardiovascular health and muscular endurance while reducing weight‑related strain.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to celebrate a dog's birthday – ideas for a «party».
Choosing an appropriate date and time is the first logistical decision for a canine birthday celebration. The selection should reflect the dog’s routine, the availability of invited humans and pets, and environmental conditions that affect comfort and safety.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose a trustworthy dog sitter.
A reliable dog sitter safeguards the animal’s physical health, emotional stability, and behavioral consistency while the owner is away. Professional oversight prevents injuries, ensures timely medication administration, and maintains regular feeding schedules, thereby reducing the risk of acute health incidents and chronic condition deterioration.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to know if a dog «loves» you – the language of canine affection.
As a canine behavior specialist, I define “love” in dogs as a set of consistent, reciprocal actions that indicate a deep, ongoing bond rather than fleeting excitement. This bond emerges from the animal’s evolutionary need for social cohesion, which manifests through specific, observable patterns.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a child to interact properly with a dog.
When a child learns to read a dog’s body language, the interaction becomes safer and more enjoyable for both parties. Recognizing when a dog feels at ease allows the child to approach, pet, and play without triggering fear or aggression. A dog that is comfortable displays several observable cues.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to run with a dog without harming oneself or the dog.
As a certified canine fitness specialist, I observe that regular jogging with a dog yields measurable advantages for both participants. The activity enhances cardiovascular health, supports musculoskeletal development, and reinforces behavioral stability.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to build a dog park in one's own yard.
As a landscape specialist, I begin every backyard canine recreation project by quantifying the available space. Measure length, width, and any irregularities; record the total square footage to confirm that the area can accommodate a safe, functional run without encroaching on existing structures or pathways.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59