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 is the American Foxhound different from the English Foxhound? Why should I keep my puppy in a crate at night and while I'm away? I’m thinking about getting a Golden Retriever. What are some of the characteristics of this popular breed? How Does My Dog Stay Cool During the Hot Summer Months? What are the signs of diabetes in dogs? What can my dog’s tail posture tell me about his state of mind? My dog knows how to sit, shake, lie down, and roll over. What are some other fun tricks I can teach him? What are some tips for socializing my puppy? Common Parasites & Diseases Will I need to change my dog's diet as he ages? First Visit to the Veterinarian My dog often gets into the garbage. Is that a health risk or just a nuisance? How do search and rescue dogs find people? My dog is misbehaving. Who might I ask for help? What dog breeds tend to be well-suited to apartment life? I’m thinking about taking my dog to visit people in a nearby nursing home. What can I do to prepare him to be a good therapy dog? How do I know how much exercise my pet can handle after surgery? Why establish a regular feeding routine with my pets? What breeds tend to make the best agility dogs? How Can I Help My Dog Get Over His Fear of Thunder?

What Health Problems Can Affect My Dog's Nose? My dog has diarrhea. What should I consider in terms of his food and water intake? How is heartworm spread and how can I protect my dog? What should I expect after arthroscopic surgery for my pet? My dog often gets into the garbage. Is that a health risk or just a nuisance? My dog is going to have puppies. What happens during a normal delivery? Do female dogs go through menopause? Dog Food Label Regulations I've heard a lot about hip dysplasia. What is it? What is a Labradoodle? Housetraining What are the benefits of microchips and how do they work? What are some of the qualities that make pets so therapeutic to people? Emergency First Aid Tips How do I know if my dog has a fever? How Can I Help my Friend Cope with the Loss of her Pet? What are some of the potential health impacts of a canine flea infestation? How do dog years really compare to human years? Why does my dog suddenly have a pot belly? Are Bones Good or Bad for Dogs?