Dog Health Basics

Dog Health Basics

Keeping your dog in optimal health is more important than ever. Today, our dogs are considered a vital part of the family, not just pets, and when you look at rising vet costs, it really makes sense to pay close attention to your dog's health on a daily basis. The good news is that if you are willing to perform some basic health checks, both you and your pet will be better off down the road.

Even in today's scientifically advanced world, the basics of dog health care are still the most important. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming, and education. If you can cover these bases (along with some obedience training, solid vet advice, and lots of play time) then you are certainly doing all you can. Let's go over the basics:

Diet Plays A Huge Part

Just like with humans: you are what you eat. If you are feeding your pet junk food, then don't be surprised when he becomes listless and overweight and unhealthy. We can choose whatever we want to eat, but lucky for dogs, they are forced to eat what we give them. Sure they would love to have nachos and cheeseburgers every night, but healthy, natural dog foods are a much better option. We can make those choices for our dogs and if you choose to switch your pet to a healthy, premium brand you and you dog will be happier for it.

Dogs Need Exercise Too

Some dogs care need more exercise than others, but daily exercise is vital to a dog's health. Exercise helps to 1) keep their weight moderated, 2) keep their muscles and respiratory systems working at proper levels and 3) keep them from getting bored out of their minds. Keep in mind that dogs don't have novels, videogames, or DVDs to keep them entertained. They need walks (preferably 3-4 a day), some light jogging from time to time, and lots of interactive games to keep them stimulated. Run! Jump! Fetch! Then have your pet do the same.

Regular Dog Grooming Helps Your Monitor Dog Health

Grooming is essential to your dog's health for two reasons. First, it ensures that your dog's skin, teeth, and paws are in good shape. Secondly, it keeps you up to speed on your dog's overall physical condition. Brush your dog's coat with a gentle, yet firm brush. Is her coat smooth and silky, rough yet resilient, or is it splotchy and inconsistent? Monitor your dog's coat over time and you will notice subtle changes from season to season. Dogs need proper teeth cleanings, just like humans. To maintain your dog's dental health, we recommend using dog dental wipes and having your vet take a look at her teeth from time to time. Time for a serious cleaning? Your vet will have recommendations on that. Finally, make sure that you inspect your dog's paws on a regular basis. Are her paws clear of foreign objects, splinters, etc? It's amazing the stuff that a dog can pick up playing in the woods. Keep those paws clean!

House Training

This must be started as soon as a puppy is introduced to the household. Choose a particular spot in the garden where you wish your puppy to relieve itself-and always place it in this spot first thing in the morning, after every feed or drink, after every game or rest period, and last thing at night. Praise the puppy each time it successfully uses this spot. Some puppies are slower than others to become reliable indoors, but accidents usually occur only when the owner forgets to regularly allow the puppy out to relieve itself.

General Training

Puppies are most responsive to discipline as soon as they show independence. First, make sure the pup responds to its name and understands the meaning of the word "No". Be patient and always reward the puppy whenever it does what has been asked. Praise always reinforces a lesson learned. Scolding the puppy must only be done immediately the offence occurs.

More info about dog care, please visit Pup Life.