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

Crate Training What does it take to become a Veterinary Behaviorist? My dog suddenly seems very sluggish. Is it just old age? What is a Veterinary Behaviorist? What is the difference between sarcoptic and demodectic mange? I’m going out of town. In addition to making a detailed list of instructions, how can I prepare my home for the pet-sitter? What are common parasites and how can they be prevented? Can cats and dogs live together peacefully? My dog often gets into the garbage. Is that a health risk or just a nuisance? How Can I Help my Friend Cope with the Loss of her Pet? Preventative Training What can my dog’s tail posture tell me about his state of mind? What is Addison’s Disease and how is it typically treated? What is a high prey drive and what breeds tend to have it? When my dog plays with her toys, why does she often grab them and shake them repeatedly? How can I keep my dog from barking, growling, and jumping on people when they leave the house? How Can I Help My Dog Get Over His Fear of Thunder? Why should I keep my puppy in a crate at night and while I'm away? What are dermatophytes and is it true they can pass from my pet to me and vice versa? My dog keeps scratching his ears. What might be wrong?

What body language indicates that my dog wants to play? What are competitive disc dog trials? Why do I need to Keep my pet Away from Antifreeze? What are some ways that Veterinarians diagnose food allergies in dogs? What diseases are commonly transmitted by ticks? How do I Know If My Pet has Ear Mites? How can I tell if my dogs are playing or fighting? Why are pet blood donors needed and how can my pet get involved? What are the requirements of a donor? My dog knows how to sit, shake, lie down, and roll over. What are some other fun tricks I can teach him? I’m thinking about getting a Golden Retriever. What are some of the characteristics of this popular breed? I have a Shar-pei, and the skin on his face appears red and inflamed. What might be the cause? Facts about Melamine Contamination in Wheat Gluten and the 2007 Pet Food Recall If my dog goes missing, how should I go about looking for him? What dog breeds tend to be well-suited to apartment life? What questions should I ask before hiring a pet sitter? How Does My Dog Stay Cool During the Hot Summer Months? What is Heartworm Anyway? Why does my dog chew on his back legs and feet? How do I give my dog a pill? What are some of the activities that dogs perform in agility competitions?