First, the doctors enumerate, is giving good food—quality, human-grade food with good ingredients. That can be healthy human food—which includes meat and vegetables, no junk or too much fat—or a good, complete processed dog food.

Human grade is not unhealthy leftovers, but it doesn’t have to be T-bone steak, either. What experts call Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (Barf) includes raw vegetables like sayote or carrots.

Second is exercise—and no, “a dog allowed to run around a condo or apartment is not an exercised or walked dog,” Dr. Marga de la Rosa Carpio insists. They need to be led on a leash, outdoors, for about 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day, in cooler temperatures (read: walking your dog at noon could be fatal). Besides, walking means exposure, socialization and mental stimulation as well.

Third is grooming, and that doesn’t just mean a bath that makes them smell like babies. “That means care of the skin, mouth, coat, teeth, nails,” Dr. Marga says.

Don’t use human toothpaste on dogs, because the fluoride could be toxic for them. It could be as simple as wetting a piece of gauze or used cloth with vinegar and baking soda and rubbing the dog’s teeth. Brush the hair daily to remove dander and any other accumulated dirt; again, no need to get yourself a signature grooming tool. Exercise on different terrains helps wear out nails, so cutting need not be a concern unless they are always indoors. Good old vinegar and baking soda could also be used to wipe down dirty dogs, or for soaking cotton to clean ears.

Finally, rabies vaccination is required by law, and although many are of the opinion that some vaccines are overkill, exposure to constantly mutating viruses in a dirty environment makes vaccination a safer bet.

Also, the Philippines being a tropical country, fleas will always be a problem here, so watch out for external and internal parasites. In this rainy season, stagnant floodwaters could cause diarrhea or bring problems like leptospirosis.
In the summer—or any time of the year when it’s hot— watch out for heatstroke; keep your pets out of the sun, and give them access to water.

“Be hands-on,” Dr. Marga reminds. “Inspect your dog. Spend time with it, and you will immediately notice when something is off.” After all, if you aren’t enjoying your dog’s constant company, you’re missing out on a lot. –ALYA B. HONASAN

VIP at the Fort is at L/GF, One West Campus, McKinley West, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Call 8172784, 8172706, 8172752; visit www.vetsinpracticeph.com.