Thinking about getting a new dog and wondering what breeds are great with kids? Wondering if your pet has fleas? Unsure how often to treat your pets with flea and tick control? Find answers in our "Ask a Vet Archives.

Would you recommend getting a dog in a household with small children?

Absolutely! Not only do pets teach children responsibility, but the bond between children and pets is wonderful. However, there are many things to consider and research before buying a pet. The Internet, library and local bookstore are great places to begin your search. You may also want to consider consulting a local veterinarian to find out what breed is right for you. Here are some initial things to keep in mind:

• Temperament: Make sure the dog breed you are thinking about is known for being good with children. Also consider if you want an active dog or more subdued pooch, one that needs a lot of attention or can be left alone for longer periods of time.
  
  
• Size: Consider how much room your dog will need to stay active and healthy.
  
  
• Grooming Needs: Some breeds require more grooming than others. Think about how much dog hair you can handle around the house and the effort you'll be able to devote to their grooming needs.
  
  
• Age: Training a puppy takes time and is a big responsibility, while older dogs may already have been exposed to children and require less training. Assess your family's time constraints and willingness to train a new puppy or dog.
  
  
• Health: Some breeds are more prone to allergies and hereditary diseases. Identifying potential health problems early can save you a lot of money and emotional expense in the future.

Back to Top

My dog recently brought fleas into the house and now our house is infested with fleas. What do I do?

First you'll need to get rid of the fleas on your pet, so you'll need to consult your veterinarian. Use a monthly topical treatment such as Advantage® for cats and dogs, or K9Advantix® for dogs, year round to get rid of the fleas and as a preventative measure to protect your pets and your house. If you are confronted with flea infestation in your home, here are other tips to help:

• Remove all toys, clothing and stored items from the floor, under beds and in closets so all areas are accessible for treatment.
  
  
• Wash or dry clean all pet and human bedding on which a pet may have used.
  
  
• Vacuum the entire house thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag in a sealed container outdoors.
  
  
• Vacuum frequently for four to six weeks after treatment to kill newly emerged adult fleas.

Back to Top

I live in an area of the country where the weather isn't warm all year. Do I need to continue flea, tick, and heartworm treatment in colder months?

Yes. Parasite season does not always end when the weather cools off. In fact, ticks thrive in cold, frosty weather. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends a year-round preventive flea and/or tick treatment such as Advantage® for cats and dogs, or K9 Advantix® for dogs.

Back to Top

I'd like to develop an exercise routine with my dog because my vet told me he is overweight. What can I do to get him moving?

Just like humans, dogs need exercise too, especially since dogs may be confined all day while you're at work. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Visit your veterinarian to assure the dog is healthy enough for exercise.
• Begin to gradually build up stamina for your dog. A daily 15-minute walk is a good start and you can eventually work up to two 30-minute walks a day.
  
  
• Tailor exercise to your dog breed. Small dogs with short legs will require shorter distances and be careful with breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and boxers as they may experience breathing difficulties.
  
  
• Check your dog's footpad's regularly. Hot pavement and gravel surfaces can be very painful to their feet in the summer which may affect your workout.
  
  
• For joggers, keep in mind that most dogs are "stop-start" runners and are better at short sprints. A long walk could be better for him, but if you do have a breed that likes to jog, be sure to build up distance and stamina gradually.
  
  
• Always have water available for your dog to avoid overheating!

Back to Top

My puppy chews on everything! How can I make him stop?

Coming home to a ruined pair of shoes or furniture can be frustrating for a pet parent. However, this behavior is completely normal and eventually most dogs will grow out of this habit. Here are some tips to encourage your puppy to chew on proper toys:

• Keep your puppy in a crate or in a small confined space with several chew toys when you're not home. It is very important to "puppy proof" the area by removing anything inappropriate, dangerous, or of value from within his reach.
  
  
• If you see your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, try to first distract the pet with a loud sound like a clap or a whistle (do not say "no"), once you have the pet's attention remove the inappropriate object and substitute it with the "right" toy to chew on, and give praise. Also have several toys available to keep the pet interested.
  
  
• Provide positive reinforcement with treats and affection when the pet chooses the chew toy over your couch.

Back to Top

Frontline is a registered trademark of Merial.