Hey there, Barkers!🐾

If dogs could talk, they’d probably say something like, “Please keep me healthy so I can keep being adorable.” While they may not speak our language, their bodies whisper clues every day, tiny signs, from clean teeth to bouncy energy, telling us how well we’re doing as their guardians. This week, we dive into the Health Essentials Every Owner Should Know so your furry sidekick can live their best bark and tail-waggin’ life.

Q: Why did the dog sit in the waiting room even after the vet said he could go home?

A: Because he heard someone say “treat-ment”!

A healthy dog starts with a stress-free vet visit. Here’s how to turn the clinic from “uh-oh” to “oh yay!”:

Create good associations: Bring treats they only get at the vet, something high-value like chicken or freeze-dried liver.

Practice handling at home: Touch their paws, check their ears, lift their tail. The more normal it feels, the less overwhelming a vet exam is.

Take a “just because” trip: Pop into the clinic for a treat or a quick hello. No needles, no thermometers… just vibes.

Celebrate afterward: End with a walk, play session, or snuggle to reinforce that vet days = good days.

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Reducing Stress for Veterinary Visits. AVMA.org.

📌Pack Tip: I always keep a little “vet playlist” soft harp music, for anxious pups. Works surprisingly well.

1. Vaccinations: The Shield of the Dog World

Core vaccines like Rabies, Distemper and Parvo protect against dangerous diseases. Staying up to date isn’t just smart in many areas, it’s required by law.

2. Parasite Prevention: Fleas, Ticks & Worms, Oh My!

Monthly preventatives keep your dog protected from heartworms, roundworms, fleas, and ticks. One bite from an infected mosquito can cause lifelong issues.

3. Diet & Weight: The Foundation of Longevity

Proper nutrition can extend your dog’s life by years. Keep an eye on body condition score, not just weight. You should feel ribs without digging, and your dog should have a gentle waistline.

4. Grooming & Dental Care: More Than Just Looks

Brushing, bathing, nail trims, and ear care prevent infections and discomfort.

Daily dental care can reduce gum disease, something that affects over 80% of dogs by age 3.

Every pack member of the Paw & Order Society needs a first aid kit stocked with:

Gauze

Tick remover

Antiseptic wipes

Bandage wrap

Blunt-tip scissors

Digital thermometer

Paw balm

Saline wash

A dedicated doggy first aid kit means you’re ready for scraped paws, surprise bee stings, and all the “my dog had zoomies and forgot how legs work” moments.

📌Bark Tip: Add a laminated card with your vet’s number, emergency vet, and poison control.

Do you have a product or service that a dog lover would adore? Our readers are passionate pet parents who value trusted recommendations.

Hey, Barkers!

Have a wellness routine your dog loves? A grooming hack? A hilarious story from the vet’s office? Send it in, we might feature you and your pup in our next issue.

Share your stories, photos, or training wins with us for a chance to be featured in next week’s issue! [email protected]. 📸🐶

Until next week, keep those tails high, those hearts gentle, and those health habits strong.

For you. For them. Forever the Paw & Order way. 🐾💙🧡

A Worthy Bark.

Where every bark has meaning and every reader's part of the pack.