Companion Animal Clinic

Exercise your dog regularly and vigorously. Dogs who develop bad behavior are almost always dogs who need more exercise. Basic obedience training (with a trainer, in a class) is important for every dog because it teaches the dog, not only to sit, stay and listen, but who is master. Aggressive, misbehaving dogs are often dogs who learned to take control of their household and never had structured training as a pup.
Invest in a fence for peace of mind when your dog is outside alone.

Have your dog 'microchipped'. This is a state of the art, permanent identification chip that is easily and painlessly inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. If your dog is ever lost or ends up in an animal shelter, a toll-free phone call is all it takes to reunite you with your dog. Every pet should be microchipped. If you prefer, it can be done while being neutered.

Get pet insurance. Today's insurance is inexpensive and covers not only major medical expenses but many routine, yearly ones, too. Two visits to the vet or one visit to the emergency hospital and you've paid for the policy.

Give heartworm preventative monthly on a year round basis. Not only is the medication safe and effective against heartworms, it prevents many other intestinal parasites as well.
Use monthly flea and tick preventative (Frontline Top Spot). This is an extremely safe and effective treatment and with Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases so common, it can also be a life saving measure. No more flea collars, flea dips or house flea bombs.

Stay current on vaccinations, especially rabies as Fairfax County has an unusually high incidence of rabies.

General Recommendations for New Dog Owners

Use a "puppy" food for at least the first 6 months of life. After neutering, an adult maintenance food can be introduced. Your veterinarian will help you decide on the best method of feeding (how often and amount) when you have your first well puppy exam.

"Puppy proof" your house. Keep away such items as trash, garbage, toys, needles, prescription vials, panty hose, refrigerator magnets, etc. You may keep your dog confined (crated) when you are not home or are unavailable to monitor activities. Crating allows dogs to become accustomed to being in a cage. This will be very important if your dog needs boarding, grooming, training, becomes ill and needs to be hospitalized or if traveling by air. It is also a safe haven for dogs who become frightened by loud noises or strangers.