A 'one stop source' featuring a wealth of animal health information and advice to help owners and potential owners to make decisions about their pets' healthcare.
As dog lovers we all want to do everything possible to make sure our beloved animals are healthy and safe. A bond between an owner and their dog is a special one and if your dog were to become sick, ill or unhappy through poor levels of care it could be very upsetting. Here are some tips aimed at both puppy and dog health that will help to ensure your dog’s tail keeps wagging.
Feeding Your Puppy or Adult Dog
Ensuring that your puppy grows up healthy or that your fully grown up dog stays in good health are both effected by the food you give them. A growing puppy requires extra nutritious food, to help them grow. If a puppy isn’t fed correctly it can have a detrimental effect over its entire lifespan. Adult dogs will have different nutritional requirements depending on lots of things – their breed, their lifestyle and their age. Using prepared dog food is the simple way to get things right and ensure they get the nutrition they need. Don’t think you are being kind by giving your dog a bit extra – resist those big brown eyes! Obesity can be a big problem for your dog’s health. Your vet or pet health specialist will be very happy to give you advice on the best type of food for your dog.
Lots of Exercise
Giving your dog lots of exercise helps to guarantee that they stay fit and healthy. Regular walks ensure that your dog will be tired by the evening and will also help them get rid of pent up energy that can lead to a dog becoming frustrated. Puppies also need to be walked but not too far at first. Puppies (and indeed dogs) also enjoy being played with but they should be taught the basics of discipline, such as how to behave when they are on the lead. Good structured exercise is a key factor of dog health – and walking keeps you healthy too!
It’s not only your dog’s body that need exercise – it’s good for your dog’s health to have an exercised mind too. Many dogs enjoy activities such as agility, obedience or working towards good citizenship awards. Teaching your puppy or older dog new ‘tricks’ will help keep them mentally stimulated and happy..
Is Your Home Dog Safe?
Dogs by their very nature are inquisitive and love to explore their environments, making sure your home is dog safe is important to dog health. Outbuildings like garages and greenhouses that could contain poisons for pests need to be kept shut and any poisons in the house need to be well out of a dog’s reach – some slug pellets are particularly lethal. Any choking hazards need to be removed and puppies in particular like to chew whatever they find, so sharp objects or items containing harmful liquids need to be away, until the dog is trained otherwise. Make sure medicines are out of your dog’s reach – a handbag on the floor can be a real hazard - and chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
By researching ways to keep your dog healthy and by keeping in mind some of the suggestions in this article, your puppy and adult dog health is sure to continue to remain strong. Always talk to your vet or other pet care specialist if you have any concerns.
Pet Health Info is a free online resource, offering information on a range of pet health issues, including Dog Health