Part VI — Care and husbandry

6.1 Vaccination

• Core vaccinations (standard, WSAVA-aligned): distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, rabies. Puppy series typically at 6–8, 10–12, 14–16 weeks; adult boosters per protocol.
• Non-core vaccinations: leptospirosis (recommended in monsoon-affected regions); kennel cough (boarded dogs); Coronavirus (context-dependent).
• Rabies — legally required in many jurisdictions; ethically non-negotiable given the severity of rabies.
• Consult a qualified local vet for the specific protocol; core vaccination timing varies with maternal antibody clearance.

6.2 Parasite control

• External — ticks and fleas. Monthly topical or chewable options. Combination products cover multiple parasites.
• Internal — roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, heartworm. Monthly combination preventives are the standard of care.
• Frequency — a tropical or subtropical climate typically warrants year-round protection unlike some temperate regions.

6.3 Grooming

• Brushing — daily for double-coated and long-haired breeds; weekly for short-coated.
• Bathing — every 4–8 weeks for most; more frequent for skin conditions.
• Nail trimming — every 4–6 weeks.
• Dental care — daily brushing is the ideal; not aspirational. Dental disease is one of the top-three most-common conditions in adult dogs. Dental chews are supplementary, not sufficient.
• Ear cleaning — weekly for drop-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound); as needed for others.
• Anal gland expression — as needed; some dogs need routine expression, others never.

6.4 Exercise

• Adult exercise requirement varies by breed as noted in the monographs. General principle: 30–90 min/day.
• Puppies — avoid high-impact and forced exercise until growth plates close (12–24 months depending on breed size). Free play OK.
• Senior dogs — reduced intensity, sustained frequency. Swimming is joint-friendly.
• Heat management in hot summers — early-morning and late-evening walks; hydration; avoid hot pavement (test with the back of your hand for 5 seconds; if you can't, don't walk the dog).

6.5 Housing and environment

• Air-conditioning or fans in hot summers for heat-sensitive breeds is not luxury; it is welfare.
• Shade and water always accessible for outdoor time.
• Safe indoor environment — dog-proof electrical, toxic-plant, small-object, and chemical hazards.
• Crate training — evidence-based for house-training and safe space; the crate is a bedroom, not a punishment.

6.6 Emergency preparedness

• First-aid basics: how to recognise emergency signs (below); vet contact and emergency-vet contact stored in phone.
• First-aid kit contents: gauze, self-adhesive bandage, antiseptic, digital thermometer, saline eye rinse, tweezers.
• Emergency signs — take to a vet immediately: unproductive retching with distended abdomen (GDV); collapse or fainting; seizures lasting > 3 minutes or repeat seizures; suspected poisoning; heavy bleeding; extreme lethargy; laboured breathing; swollen face (allergic reaction).