Spring is the peak breeding season for dogs and a time of rapid growth and development. It is also a period when infectious diseases, parasitic infections, and nutritional and metabolic disorders are particularly prevalent. To help dog owners properly care for their pets, the following key points on disease prevention and health maintenance during the spring are summarized for reference only.

Get a health check-up

Conducting a health assessment of your dog is crucial for safeguarding its well-being. Before the examination, be sure to make the following preparations: choose a veterinarian with extensive experience and a strong sense of responsibility; review your dog’s diet, behavior, and bowel habits, and share this information with the vet; and bring along your dog’s vaccination record and medical history. With the exception of emergency cases, many of your dog’s everyday behaviors can be linked to specific health conditions.

A dry nasal mirror, eye discharge, and lethargy in dogs are often indicative of febrile illnesses. Poor appetite, frequent loose stools, and weight loss may be associated with picky eating, indigestion, or parasitic infections. Lack of interest in exercise, or labored breathing after activity, along with cyanosis or pallor of the mucous membranes, may suggest cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction or hematologic disorders. Lameness and gait abnormalities may result from bone, joint, muscle, or limb diseases.

If a dog’s ears are erect but it frequently shakes its head, and ear diseases have been ruled out, the cause may be related to a neurological disorder. Painful urination, difficulty in passing urine, or dark-red urine may indicate kidney, bladder, or urethral disease; urinary tract stones are a common condition in adult male dogs. Hair loss and pruritus in dogs are often due to hormonal imbalances, fungal infections, or infestation by canine mites; if accompanied by dermatitis or pustules, it is necessary to determine whether Demodex mites or sarcoptic mange mites are present.

Ensure the dog gets enough exercise.

Exercise is essential for a dog’s health. It stimulates appetite, aids digestion, and promotes healthy development; enhances the dog’s disease resistance; and helps establish regular bowel movements—a key aspect of good hygiene. Moreover, exercise enables dogs to adapt to their environment, fosters a close bond with their owners, and contributes to their intelligence and capability.

The appropriate amount of exercise varies depending on the dog’s stage of growth and development, breed, and individual differences. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, and Springer Spaniel require relatively vigorous exercise and ample space to move around; they should be exercised for at least two hours each day to ensure their health and to maintain the characteristics of their breed.

Small companion breeds such as Pekingese, Pomeranians, and Dachshunds do not require strenuous exercise. A lack of exercise can lead to obesity, which in turn affects both their health and appearance. Puppies under six months of age, during their skeletal development phase, should also avoid excessive physical activity. Additionally, vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least half an hour before and after feeding.

Strengthen disinfection of kennels and canine hygiene care.

Kennels also serve as reservoirs for canine pathogens; therefore, spring sanitation and disinfection in kennels should focus on “cleaning, extermination, drying, and sunning.”

“Cleaning” involves a thorough sanitary cleanup of the kennel and the disposal of unnecessary winter保暖 items;

“Elimination” refers to the use of chemical agents or physical methods to kill and remove various potential pathogens.

“Dry” refers to ensuring the kennel is dry and well-ventilated;

“Sun-drying” refers to cleaning doghouse supplies that are temporarily not in use and then storing them after they have been air-dried for a specified period.

Provide nutritionally balanced food.

Dogs are omnivores and require nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Nutritional needs vary among puppies, adult dogs, sick dogs, and senior dogs; therefore, selecting and providing a nutritionally balanced diet is one of the key factors in maintaining canine health.

Regular deworming

Canine roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia are common gastrointestinal parasites in dogs. Puppies should receive routine deworming at 20–25 days of age, followed by monthly treatments thereafter. Dogs aged 6–12 months should be dewormed quarterly, while adult dogs should be treated once each in the spring and autumn.

Vaccination

Spring is a peak season for infectious diseases in dogs, and among the various preventive measures, vaccination is the most critical. The primary vaccines that dogs should receive include rabies vaccine, canine distemper vaccine, canine parvovirus vaccine, canine adenovirus vaccine, canine parainfluenza vaccine, canine coronavirus vaccine, leptospirosis vaccine, and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine, among others.

China is a region where major infectious diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus are endemic. Puppies aged 1 to 12 months are particularly susceptible to these diseases, making vaccination crucial for their survival. The standard immunization schedule for puppies is as follows: the first vaccination is administered at 5–6 weeks of age, with a booster given two weeks later; typically, 2–3 doses are required. Rabies vaccination is recommended at 3 months of age. Adult dogs should receive an annual vaccination in the spring.

To ensure optimal immunity in puppies, dog owners should pay attention to the following three points during vaccination:

First, the puppy should be in good health;

Second, you should choose a veterinary hospital with a good reputation and a reliable supplier of vaccines.

Third, it is better to spend a little more to choose vaccines that are guaranteed in quality.