The Purina® Pet Institute's
Health and Wellness Guide

A step-by-step care guide to responsible dog ownership, for all life stages and levels of experience.

Guide

Checklist

They always run to greet us. Always wait patiently for us to return. But caring for a dog is about love, compassion and ultimately, responsibility. Dogs are the friends we can only aspire to be... That’s why Purina science is dedicated to creating dog care products and providing insights that enrich their lives.

Dog Care Articles

How do I know how much exercise my pet can handle after surgery? Are pets given anesthesia more frequently than humans? Why? What are the most common methods used to test dogs for allergies? What are the benefits of microchips and how do they work? Why are parasites a greater risk in certain areas? Do some dog breeds tend to bark more than others? Can cats and dogs live together peacefully? What are dermatophytes and is it true they can pass from my pet to me and vice versa? I’d like to work with animals, but I don’t want to become a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician. What are some other options? How common is pet insurance, and what does it typically cover? How Does a Dog's Vision Compare to that of a Human? Exercising With Your Dog I want to celebrate my pets’ birthdays. What are some creative ideas for things I can do? What is a Labradoodle? How do dog years really compare to human years? Why is it important for me to be able to handle my dog’s food and take treats away from him? How can I safely teach my dog to let me do this? I have a Shar-pei, and the skin on his face appears red and inflamed. What might be the cause? I've heard a lot about hip dysplasia. What is it? My dog is going to have puppies. What happens during a normal delivery? What role do X-Rays, MRI's and Ultrasounds play in pet healthcare?

What questions should I ask before hiring a pet sitter? When should I begin worming my puppy? My dog is friendly when off-leash, but when I put her on a leash she becomes aggressive towards other dogs. How can I change her behavior? What is the theory behind clicker training? What happens when a dog’s intervertebral disks become damaged? Why is obesity so dangerous for pets? What are prebiotics and how will they help my pet? Housetraining How do I teach my dog to sit? Why does my dog yawn so much? How Do I Take A Great Picture of My Pet? Poisonous Plants My dog eats his own feces. Is this normal? Is Lyme Disease a risk throughout the U.S. or only in certain areas? My dog often gets into the garbage. Is that a health risk or just a nuisance? Why do dogs hide treats? Who develops breed standards for dogs? I think Dalmations are beautiful. Can you tell me more about this breed? Understanding Glucosamine and Joint Health How can I tell if my dogs are playing or fighting?