Caring for Your Dog as a Senior

All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming, and veterinary attention.
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There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog care. AKC’s own books, The Complete Dog Book and Dog Care and Training, contain information on proper dog care. We recommend you have these or some other authoritative reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.

Your Dog and Your Neighbors

All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. Always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbor.

Obedience Training for Everyone

One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not “come” when you call. A well-trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog’s owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.

Pests and Bugs That Can Affect Your Dog

There are a large number of pests and bugs that can afflict your dog. Luckily many can be treated at home, or fairly straightforwardly by the vet. A couple do require you to make sure your home is also treated to ensure the bugs and pests don't come back for you or your dog. You can read a short guide here covering the most common bugs and treatments. 

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