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

What Does it Take to Become a Veterinarian? Why does my dog suddenly have a pot belly? Should I Really Brush My Dog's Teeth? How Can I Keep My Child Safe Around the Family Dog? What should I consider when choosing a name for my dog? What role do X-Rays, MRI's and Ultrasounds play in pet healthcare? I have a Shar-pei, and the skin on his face appears red and inflamed. What might be the cause? How do dog years really compare to human years? When should I begin worming my puppy? What are dermatophytes and is it true they can pass from my pet to me and vice versa? Dog Food Label Regulations How do I know if my dog has a fever? Can dogs get dental crowns? Does It Matter If My Dog's Nose Is Wet or Dry? Do female dogs go through menopause? What are some of the most important commands I need to teach my new puppy? What is a dog's dewclaw and what function does it serve? How do I know how much exercise my pet can handle after surgery? How can I help my dog adjust to riding in the car? My dog barks and is destructive while I'm away and annoys my neighbors. How can I get him to stop?

I’m getting a new puppy. What supplies will I need to purchase before I bring him home? What can my dog’s tail posture tell me about his state of mind? What is a hot spot and what causes it? Why are parasites a greater risk in certain areas? Are the vaccines given today any different from those given 20 years ago? How Can I Help my Friend Cope with the Loss of her Pet? Housetraining I want to celebrate my pets’ birthdays. What are some creative ideas for things I can do? How Does My Dog Stay Cool During the Hot Summer Months? What is the theory behind veterinary acupuncture? How might a Veterinarian know that a pet is dehydrated? What is a Labradoodle? How does a dog behave when it’s lost? What are some of the most common types of pain medications that are prescribed to dogs and how do they work? My dog often gets into the garbage. Is that a health risk or just a nuisance? When I play tug-of-war with my dog, he often tries to hang by his teeth? Is this dangerous? How can I make my yard safer and more pleasant for my dog? What is Ringworm and How do I Know if my Pet Has it? Why is obesity so dangerous for pets? Comparing Dog Foods