A healthy, well-groomed therapy dog getting a wellness check at the veterinarian
Health & Care#therapy dogs#certification#volunteers

Keeping Your Therapy Dog Healthy for Facility Visits

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Essential health practices to ensure your therapy dog stays fit for service and keeps everyone safe.

# Health First for Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs need to maintain excellent health to protect both themselves and the vulnerable populations they serve.

Regular Veterinary Care

- Annual wellness exams - Up-to-date vaccinations - Monthly flea/tick prevention - Regular dental cleanings

Grooming Standards

Before every visit: - Bath within 24 hours - Nail trimming (no scratches!) - Ear cleaning - Teeth brushing

Nutrition and Weight

An overweight therapy dog tires quickly and may develop joint problems. Work with your vet to maintain optimal weight.

Rest and Recovery

Therapy work is mentally demanding. Ensure your dog gets: - Adequate sleep - Days off between visits - Stress-free downtime

Know When to Skip

Don't bring your dog to visits if they show any signs of illness. A minor stomach upset for your dog could be serious for immunocompromised individuals.

A therapy dog handler preparing their dog with grooming before a facility visit
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Paws & Pages Team

The Paws & Pages team is dedicated to building confident readers through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. Our team of educators, trainers, and volunteers share tips, stories, and resources to support literacy and the human-animal bond.

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