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

Welcoming Your Newcomer What are some tips for making the holiday season safer for my pets? What are common symptoms of heart disease in pets? What is Heartworm Anyway? Could the pesticides and fertilizers I use on my lawn be dangerous to my pet? What are some reasons dogs get black spots on their bellies? What is salmon poisoning disease? My dog knows how to sit, shake, lie down, and roll over. What are some other fun tricks I can teach him? Housetraining I saw a dog that looks like a miniature Greyhound. What was it? During the holidays, how can I keep my dog from being stressed out by all of the visitors and activity? What Vaccinations Does my Puppy Need? Feeding Dogs for Life Stages What are some tips for safely transporting my dog in a car? What is Lyme Disease and How Can I Protect my Pet? Why do Dogs Require Fatty Acids in their Diets? Body Condition System - Adult We're Expecting a Baby. How can we Prepare our pet for the New Arrival? What is the difference between sarcoptic and demodectic mange? What is Ringworm and How do I Know if my Pet Has it?

Are pets given anesthesia more frequently than humans? Why? 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? How is the American Foxhound different from the English Foxhound? Fatty Acids What diseases are commonly transmitted by ticks? What is Von Willebrand disease? What is the record for the tallest dog? What breeds tend to make the best agility dogs? How do I give my dog a pill? Facts About Feeding Dogs How do dog years really compare to human years? What is colostrum and why is it important for newborn kittens and puppies? Why do I need to keep my pet away from antifreeze? How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Licking Me? What are common parasites and how can they be prevented? Does It Matter If My Dog's Nose Is Wet or Dry? I’d like to work with animals, but I don’t want to become a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician. What are some other options? What are some of the activities that dogs perform in agility competitions? I’m going on vacation and want to bring my pet. How can I find a hotel that allows me to do so? My dog is misbehaving. Who might I ask for help?