Dog Health & Wellness Guide

Keeping your dog healthy requires regular veterinary care, preventive measures, and knowing when something's wrong. This comprehensive guide covers essential health information every dog owner in Ireland should know.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations protect your dog from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Here's the typical vaccination schedule recommended by Irish vets:

Puppy Vaccinations (Core)
Age Vaccination Protection Against
6-8 weeks First vaccination Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
10-12 weeks Second vaccination Same as above + Leptospirosis
14-16 weeks Third vaccination Final puppy shots
12 months First annual booster All core diseases
Note: Puppies should not socialise with unvaccinated dogs or walk in public areas until 1-2 weeks after their final vaccination.
Additional Vaccinations
  • Kennel Cough: Recommended if your dog will be in kennels, dog daycare, or dog grooming facilities
  • Rabies: Required for travel to/from Ireland under the Pet Travel Scheme

Common Dog Illnesses & Symptoms

Early recognition of illness can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Watch for these common conditions:

Gastroenteritis

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy

Action: Withhold food for 12-24 hours, offer small amounts of water. See vet if symptoms persist over 24 hours or if blood is present.

Ear Infections

Symptoms: Head shaking, ear scratching, odour, discharge, redness

Action: Requires veterinary treatment with appropriate ear drops. Don't use cotton buds in ears.

Skin Allergies

Symptoms: Excessive scratching, red/inflamed skin, hair loss, hot spots

Action: Identify and remove allergen if possible. May need antihistamines or special diet from vet.

Arthritis

Symptoms: Stiffness, difficulty rising, limping, reluctance to jump/climb stairs

Action: Weight management, gentle exercise, joint supplements, pain medication from vet.

Emergency Symptoms - See Vet Immediately
  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Unconsciousness or collapse
  • Severe bleeding
  • Suspected poisoning
  • Bloated, hard belly (especially in large breeds)
  • Unable to urinate or defecate
  • Seizures
  • Eye injuries
  • Broken bones

First Aid Basics

Having basic first aid knowledge can help stabilise your dog before reaching the vet:

Essential First Aid Kit Items:
  • Gauze pads and bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Cotton wool
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Thermometer (digital)
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors (blunt-ended)
  • Saline solution
  • Muzzle (injured dogs may bite)
  • Blanket
  • Emergency vet contact numbers
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting if directed by vet)
Important: Never give human medications to dogs without veterinary guidance. Many human drugs are toxic to dogs.

Parasite Prevention

Healthy dog receiving preventive care

Regular parasite control is essential for your dog's health and your family's safety:

External Parasites
  • Fleas: Monthly treatments (spot-on, tablets, or sprays)
  • Ticks: Check after walks, use preventive treatments especially March-October
  • Mites: Cause mange and ear problems - requires veterinary diagnosis
Internal Parasites
  • Roundworms: Puppies need worming every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks old
  • Tapeworms: Transmitted by fleas - control both parasites
  • Lungworm: Increasingly common in Ireland - monthly preventive treatment recommended
  • Adult dogs: Worm every 3-6 months depending on risk factors

Dental Care

Dental disease affects 80% of dogs over age 3. Prevent problems with good oral hygiene:

Dental Care Routine
  • Daily: Brush teeth with dog-specific toothpaste
  • Weekly: Check for bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
  • Monthly: Provide dental chews or toys
  • Annually: Professional dental exam and cleaning by vet

Signs of dental problems: Bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at mouth, drooling, bleeding gums, loose teeth

Weight Management

Obesity is a growing problem in Irish dogs, leading to joint problems, diabetes, and shortened lifespan:

Maintaining Healthy Weight:
  • Body condition score: You should feel ribs easily but not see them
  • Measure food: Use a measuring cup, not estimates
  • Limit treats: Should be less than 10% of daily calories
  • Regular exercise: Appropriate to age and breed
  • Monthly weigh-ins: Track trends, not just single weights

Seasonal Care

Summer Care
  • Never leave dogs in cars
  • Provide constant fresh water
  • Walk during cooler hours
  • Check hot pavements with your hand
  • Watch for heatstroke signs
  • Consider dog-safe sunscreen for pale dogs
Winter Care
  • Dry thoroughly after wet walks
  • Check paws for salt/grit damage
  • Consider coats for thin-coated breeds
  • Maintain regular exercise
  • Watch for antifreeze (highly toxic)
  • Provide warm, dry bedding
Finding a Good Vet in Ireland
  • Check out dogs.ie vet listings
  • Ask for recommendations from other dog owners
  • Check if they're registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland
  • Consider location for emergencies
  • Ask about out-of-hours emergency cover
  • Visit before you need them to assess facilities
  • Discuss fees and payment options upfront

Frequently Asked Questions

Core vaccinations include Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis. Puppies typically receive their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks, second at 10-12 weeks, and final at 14-16 weeks. Annual boosters are then required. Additional vaccines like Kennel Cough may be recommended based on lifestyle or kennel requirements for boarding your dog.

Puppies need worming every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. Adult dogs should be wormed every 3-6 months depending on lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, scavenge, or are around young children may need more frequent worming. Always use a vet-recommended wormer that covers roundworms, tapeworms, and lungworm.

Dogs often hide pain, but signs include: changes in behaviour (aggression or withdrawal), reluctance to move or play, limping, excessive panting, whimpering, loss of appetite, licking a specific area repeatedly, changes in sleeping patterns, and difficulty getting comfortable. If you suspect pain, consult your vet as dogs shouldn't suffer in silence.

Use monthly preventive treatments from your vet (spot-on, tablets, or sprays). Treat all pets in the household simultaneously. Regularly wash bedding in hot water, vacuum frequently, and check your dog after walks in long grass or wooded areas. Ticks are most active March-October in Ireland but can be present year-round.

Annual health checks typically include: physical examination (eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat), listening to heart and lungs, feeling abdomen and lymph nodes, checking weight and body condition, discussing diet and behaviour, updating vaccinations, and parasite prevention review. It's an opportunity to catch problems early and discuss any concerns with your vet.

Seek emergency care for: difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloated hard belly, inability to urinate/defecate, seizures, eye injuries, broken bones, or extreme lethargy. When in doubt, call your vet - they'd rather you check than miss something serious. Keep emergency vet numbers easily accessible.

Ideally, brush your dog's teeth daily using dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Start slowly, making it a positive experience with rewards. If daily isn't possible, aim for 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with dental chews, toys, and annual professional cleanings. Good dental care can add years to your dog's life.

Essential items include: gauze pads and bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, digital thermometer, tweezers, blunt-ended scissors, saline solution, muzzle (injured dogs may bite), blanket, emergency vet contacts, and hydrogen peroxide (only use if directed by vet). Keep the kit easily accessible and check expiry dates regularly.