Vaccinations, check-ups, accidents, and random abnormalities — the cost of doggie health care can get out of hand! An average, uneventful year for an adult could be as low as a few hundred dollars, but care for a puppy, a senior or a dog who has an accident can climb into the thousands. Health insurance for pets is available, but where should you buy it from and how much does it cost? Your vet bills will likely be the biggest part of your dog-owning costs; be ready for the routine costs and have a plan to handle the emergencies.

New! How Often Should My Dog Receive Vaccinations?

Canine Parvovirus: A Hidden Killer

"How Do I Choose A Good Vet?"

The Importance of Pet Insurance

Help End Pet Overpopulation: Spay and Neuter Early

"Fixing" the Pet Population

Protect That Gentle Heart: Heartworm Preventatives

Creepy, Crawly but Controllable: Internal Parasites

Vet 101: Understanding Vaccinations

Making Dogs Smile: Good Dental Hygiene

Veterinary Pet Insurance (PetInsurance.com)

How to Brush a Dog's Teeth (DogBreedInfo.com)

Pet's Need Dental Care, Too (PetDental.com)

Prevent A Litter Coalition (PALC.org)

Taking Your Pet's Temperature (Drs. Foster & Smith)

Choosing A Veterinarian (DoctorDog.com)

Spay and Neuter Resources

John M. Simon, DVM, has packed What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You with 150 symptoms and probable causes to dog maladies. Since our canine friends can’t tell us where it hurts, this collection of diagnoses and first aid advice on everything from allergies to electrocution is a must-read for dog owners. This book is not intended to help you second-guess your DVM, but to help you avoid costly and unnecessary trips to the vet. [©1998 St. Martin’s Griffin, ISBN 0312182147] (Recommended by Claire Liston)