Author: Terry Roberts
Dogs, just like humans, have a variety of conditions that can
affect their health. Unfortunately, dogs can have bone and
joint problems, eye problems, nervous disorders, digestive,
respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as hereditary
diseases and even cancers. As a dog owner, the health of your
pet is always a concern. The good news is that by following a
few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog will be healthy
and any conditions that arise will be noted and treated as
early as possible to obtain the best possible outcome.
The following list is a general outline of the suggestions that
most vets recommend for ensuring your dog's health. Remember
that some breeds may have additional needs that are
health-related, so be sure to research your breed and be aware
of any conditions or dog health risks that may be prevalent
within the breed.
Exercise
All dogs need some level of exercise on a daily basis. Many of
the small breeds will exercise indoors or will "self-exercise",
but other breeds simply do not. Owners need to realize that just
turning the dog outside in the yard for a couple of hours a day
may not be exercise either. Many dogs will simply find a shady
spot to rest in until they're allowed back in the house. Having
a dog means that you're willing to make a commitment to their
daily exercise, whether that is going for a walk, jog, or just
tossing the ball or Frisbee for 20 minutes. Watch your dog to
be sure that they're not over tired or injured during exercise,
especially if there's a lot of jumping or running involved.
Encourage your dog to exercise even if they don't seem to want
to that day.
Diet
Feed only a good quality or premium dry kibble to your dog.
Avoid the wet foods, as they are often not as nutritionally
balanced as the kibble, plus they can cause both dental and
digestive problems. If you are feeding wet food, consult with
your vet and make sure that you are using the correct amount
and type to balance the nutritional needs of your dog. Avoid
feeding human food and too many treats. Human food or treats
should be less than 5% of the daily food intake of your dog.
Many vets and dog health experts recommend no human food and
only select dog treats.
Some foods should be avoided completely. The following are
harmful and possibly fatal to dogs:
· Chocolates
· Sweets and sugars
· Raisins
· Raw pork
· Raw fish
· Any kind of poultry that is raw
· Any kind of raw or cooked poultry bones
· Coffee
· Mushrooms
· Onions and garlic (in large quantities)
Dogs should always have free access to clean water and should
never be kenneled or kept in an area where there is no water.
Attention to Detail
By carefully observing your dog on a regular basis, you can
note any signs of discomfort or anxiety quickly. Watch for
changes in your dog's behavior, including their energy level
and food and water consumption. Often the first signs of many
conditions are a change in eating patterns. Any odd behavior
should be noted and carefully monitored. Behaviors such as
seizures, excessive salivating, excessive or abnormal tearing
of the eyes or discharges from any part of the body should be
immediately checked by a vet.
Routine Vet Visits
Be sure to keep vaccinations and other dog health precautions
up to date with routine visits to the vet. In some areas,
heartworm and other conditions require constant monitoring and
the vet can provide this service. Before breeding your dog, be
sure to have her or him completely checked for any genetic
conditions or predispositions such as hip dysplasia.
Love and Attention
Last, but certainly not least, your dog needs your family's
love and attention. Dogs thrive when they feel they are a loved
and involved member of the family. Dog health is linked to love
and attention, as loving owners are usually more aware of
changes in the dog's health and well being and get professional
help sooner.
In all cases, it is vitally important to talk to your vet about
any concerns that you may have with dog health and be sure to
know any conditions that are specific to the breed of dog that
you own.
About The Author: Terry Roberts is a professional translator
and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more
about dog health - and about dogs in general - visit his
website http://www.livingwithadog.com
