Nowadays, more and more young people enjoy spending weekends at “cat cafés” or “dog cafés,” sipping coffee while playing with pets to savor a warm and relaxing time. "Young and owning both a cat and a dog" has become a portrayal of their ideal life. However, with the rise of pet ownership, how to scientifically and healthily care for pets has become an essential issue for every pet owner to address.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to scientific pet care that aims to provide professional advice to all pet owners!

1. Eye Care for Dogs

A dog’s eyes are an important "barometer" of its overall health and require regular check-ups. Some infectious diseases (like canine distemper) can cause eye inflammation, redness, discharge, or even make it difficult for the dog to open its eyes. In such cases, timely treatment and proper care are necessary.
Care Tips:

• Use a cotton ball soaked in medical chloramphenicol eye drops to gently wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. After cleaning, apply a few drops of the medication to help reduce inflammation.
• Certain breeds (such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Bulldogs, and English Cocker Spaniels) are prone to excessive tearing or tear stains due to their short tear glands, protruding eyes, or facial wrinkles. Wipe their eyes 2-3 times a week with chloramphenicol eye drops to keep the area clean and prevent odors.

For stubborn eye crust, use a water-dampened cotton swab to gently wipe it away or clean the area with a 2% boric acid solution. Boric acid can be purchased at pharmacies or made at home (dissolve 2g of boric acid powder in 100g of warm water).

2. Handling Diarrhea in Dogs

Occasional diarrhea in dogs is common and is often caused by improper feeding. Symptoms include watery stool, possible blood, and vomiting.
Treatment:

• Stop feeding immediately and provide only clean water for 24 hours while keeping the dog warm.
• If the diarrhea stops the next day and the dog resumes appetite, gradually restore its food intake.

However, if the dog appears weak or lethargic, seek veterinary attention promptly. To prevent mild gastrointestinal issues, small doses of tetracycline (as advised by a vet) can be administered.

3. Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Many owners enjoy sharing their food with their dogs, unaware that certain human foods can be harmful or even fatal to them. Here’s a list of foods you should never feed your dog:

1. Salty foods: Such as salted fish, cured meats, and ham, which can cause dehydration and high blood pressure.
2. Spicy foods: Like chili or mustard, which can damage the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to ulcers.
3. Onions: Toxic to a dog’s blood, onions can cause acute anemia and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
4. Poultry bones: Chicken and duck bones can splinter and puncture the throat or gastrointestinal tract, posing a serious risk.
5. Dairy products: Especially cold milk and ice cream, which often cause diarrhea or vomiting in puppies. Even heated milk should only be given in very small amounts.

4. Misconceptions About Salty Foods

Many people believe that dogs shouldn’t eat salty foods because it will "make them stupid." However, this claim is not scientifically accurate.
Facts:

• A small amount of salt is essential for dogs. Salt deficiency can lead to fatigue and coarse, shedding fur.
• However, a high-salt diet can damage the stomach and kidneys, impacting overall health.

Recommendation: Daily salt intake should be limited to 0.4-0.7mg per kilogram of body weight. If your dog primarily eats commercial dog food, there’s no need for additional salt.

5. Can Puppies Drink Milk?

Puppies are lactose intolerant, and their stomachs struggle to digest milk, which can lead to diarrhea or even fatal dehydration.
Advice:

• If milk supplementation is necessary, use specialized puppy milk powder.
• If puppy milk powder is unavailable, you can use a small amount of infant formula mixed with rice cereal as a temporary substitute, but introduce it gradually.

6. Causes and Treatment of Coughing in Dogs

A dog’s cough isn’t always caused by illness; it could be due to inhaling smoke, dust, or exposure to cold air.
How to Identify the Cause:

• If the cough is accompanied by frequent dry coughing, increased eye or nose discharge, and lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately.
• If no other symptoms are present, allow the dog to rest, and the cough will usually subside on its own.

7. Guidelines for Vaccination

Vaccination is the cornerstone of pet health but must be administered when the pet is in good health.
Vaccination Guidelines:

• Puppies should be vaccinated from 6-8 weeks of age, and kittens from 8-10 weeks.
• Newly acquired pets should be observed for at least two weeks to confirm their health before vaccinations.
• A physical exam should be performed before vaccination to rule out underlying conditions.

Common Vaccines:

• FVRCP (Feline Triple Vaccine): Prevents feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Administered annually.
• DHPP/DAPP (Canine Six-in-One Vaccine): Prevents canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and more. Administered annually.

AI-Generated Supplemental Tips: Additional Scientific Pet Care Advice

1. Exercise Requirements for Dogs

Different breeds have different exercise needs. Small breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds require about 30 minutes of daily walking, while larger breeds like Golden Retrievers or Huskies need at least an hour of exercise. A lack of exercise can lead to obesity, depression, and behavioral problems.

2. Training Social Skills in Dogs

Early socialization is critical. Expose your dog to various environments, people, and other animals to prevent aggression or excessive fearfulness as they grow up. Ensure initial introductions are conducted in a safe and controlled manner.

3. The Importance of Mental Health in Pets

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Dogs are social animals and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Spend quality time with them daily or provide interactive toys to keep them engaged when you’re away.

4. Regular Deworming and Health Check-ups

Internal and external parasite prevention should be done every three months. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch and treat any potential health issues early.

Whether it’s a cat or a dog, they are more than just pets – they are family members. Scientific pet care not only ensures their healthy growth but also allows us to enjoy a longer, happier companionship with them.