Dog Health

Basics - Part 1

Dog Health - Keeping your dog healthy requires work. You need to ensure your canine friend is getting the best of care. You must be there for him or her at all stages of their life. A good owner realizes there is more to having a pet than having a pet. A dog person knows there are several basic tasks he or she must perform or see to if their dog is going to live a long and healthy life.

Daily Exercise
It is a fact for humans and for canines as well. An active life style equals a longer life. This should be the mantra of each and every dog person. Active dogs are more energetic. They socialize better with both other dogs and with people.

The positive results of exercise are obvious. An obese dog is not an active dog. An active dog is not overly thin. An appropriately active dog is one whose eyes shine out of a proportioned body.

You should walk your dog a minimum of 30 minutes a day. The average ideal time is between 30 minutes and an hour. In doing so, the canine companion exercises the heart and the brain. Walking fills up and expands the lungs. This exercise also helps in the fit functioning of the liver and kidneys. Do your dog and you a favor and “Take a Hike every day.”

Do not, however, over do it. Make sure the types of exercise you engage in are appropriate for your dog’s age and breed. Take into account the weather conditions. If they are not favorable, arrange some other type of activity - indoor play. Take into consideration any health issues your pet may have. If you have any doubts, talk to your vet and any breed association or owner of a similar dog.
 

Proper Diet
A dog, like any living being runs on his or her stomach. Food is an integral part of your dog’s life. Make sure the diet you provide is the appropriate one. Recognize there are changes to make as your canine friend moves through the stages of life. An adult dog requires different nutrition than a young dog or a senior animal. Natural Dog Food

There are other times in which a diet change is necessary. An obese or underweight dog has different nutritional requirements than a dog of “average” or “normal” weight. An expectant bitch or one with a specific type of illness has different diet demands. So, too, does a dog with allergies. In all cases, make sure the diet contains the appropriate type and amount of protein. It must be rich in antioxidants and other nutrients if you wish to have a healthy and happy dog.

Vaccinations
You need to keep your dog safe from illness and disease. There is a simple way to do this. Take your dog to the veterinarian annually. When you do so, your dog will get a checkup. Not only this, he or she will receive the vaccinations appropriate for that year. These will include the usual necessities: rabies, parvo, heartworm, distemper and kennel cough.

By keeping your shots up to date, you are doing your best to ensure he or she is safe in the world. You are protecting your dog from easily avoided serious health issues and potentially lethal diseases. It is reckless and heartless to expose your dog, other animals, you, your family and other humans to preventable disease.

Conclusion
There are other ways to ensure your pet remains safe, healthy and happy. They will be mentioned in part 2 of this article.

Information written by Carl Cheney of Oh My Dog Supplies, the best store to purchase orthopedic dog beds online.