Dog Health Tips - 7 Keys to Maintaining Your Dog's Optimal Health

By  Mia Montagliani


If you're reading this article, then you really care for your dog's health. Although the healthiest of dogs can succumb to certain diseases, it pays to be diligent about health issues so you can give your dog the best chance of a quality (and longer) life. Here are my seven tips for optimal health:

A Good Start

1. Start by choosing a healthy dog from the beginning. People in our society love the underdog. That means that lots of people are drawn to the poor little pup who is smaller than his littermates or who already looks sickly. Some people like to adopt a dog who needs extra help. That's great. But, if you do adopt a pooch who already has some health issues or who is less robust than his littermates, be prepared for bigger health problems as she gets older.

If you really want to have a healthy dog who will still be healthy when she's 12 years old, choose the healthiest possible puppy in the litter. Look for bright, clear eyes; an outgoing, friendly personality; and a pup who is playful. Don't bring home the puppy who is shy and hides in a corner or who acts like she doesn't feel well.

Vaccinate!

2. Keep your furry friend vaccinated. Many people take canine diseases lightly today but they are deadly serious. Parvovirus and distemper still kill dogs. Rabies is deadly both to your dog and to you. Start your puppy off right with vaccinations from the time you bring her home and follow recommendations for booster shots to keep your dog healthy. You should visit the vet annually for a check-up.

Fresh Water

3. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available at all times. This is often easier said than done. Some dogs like to play in their water, turn it over and they can get their water dirty very quickly. Check your dog's water frequently and make sure your dog has fresh water to drink. Water keeps your dog hydrated and flushes toxins from her system.

Food Fit for a King

4. Provide your dog with a good quality dog food. There is always much discussion about which dog food to feed your dog. Should you feed the most expensive premium food? Should you buy organic dog food? Should you stick with a tried and true grocery store brand? The best advice is to keep feeding your puppy or dog what she's been getting before she came to live with you. Then pay close attention to her condition. How are her skin and coat? Does she keep good weight? Does she develop allergies? If your dog continues to do well on this original food consider staying with it since your dog has shown that she is thriving on it. If you must change foods, do so slowly. Learn to read dog food labels and choose foods with quality ingredients. Remember that the most important thing is your dog's condition.

Dental Care

5. Take care of your dog's teeth. Many owners overlook their dogs' dental care with dire results. Your dog needs her teeth brushed often. Veterinary dentists recommend brushing everyday. It's estimated that most dogs have some periodontal disease by the time they're three years old. Dogs can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth which makes them brown and ugly and can lead to bad breath. Regular brushing will help prevent this build-up.

Ears 'n Nails

6. Care for your dog's ears and nails. Lots of owners tend to skip these grooming essentials but if they do their dog can develop problems. Ears should be cleaned once a week. Otherwise your dog may develop an ear infection. Nails left untrimmed can grow too long and make it difficult for your dog to walk properly.

Exercise

7. Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. It's estimated that nearly 40 percent of the dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Being overweight puts your dog at risk for many serious health problems. One of the main reasons dogs are overweight is because they simply eat too much and don't get enough exercise. Take your dog for walks. Be more active with her. Find some fun dog sports that the two of you can enjoy together. Spend time playing with your dog and get her running! Whatever your dog likes to do, find ways to encourage your dog to get some exercise.

If you follow these suggestions your dog can be healthier and live a longer life.
The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Pet Happy, Healthy & Active Through Every Stage of Life

Mia Montagliani is the owner of two Manchester Terriers, Frodo and Ziggy. Mia is passionate about the welfare of animals and dogs. Mia is also committed to improving the relationship between owners and their dogs and helping dog owners train their dogs humanely, effectively and stress free. For more information, please visit [http://www.YourDogNeedsYou.com]http://www.YourDogNeedsYou.com. For regular updates, hints and tips become a fan of the "Your Dog Needs You" page in Facebook.

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A Healthy Environment For Dog Training

A Healthy Environment For Dog Training
By   Michelle Spencer

For your dog to be mentally and physically healthy, he must feel safe and secure in his environment. If you are to remain unworried and be able to enjoy your pet to the full, you must be positive that you are doing all you can to keep him happy and protected from harm. Fulfilling your dog's essential needs within his environment will help you both remain contented - and sane. As long as these needs are met, he will be a very happy dog.

Living Accommodation

You should live in a house large enough to accommodate your family and your chosen size and type of dog, with plenty of space for everyone. Remember, you are buying a pet, not an accessory. It is no use thinking about a Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog or any other large working or herding breed if you live in a flat or small townhouse as these dogs don't thrive, mentally as well as physically, by being 'cooped up'.

If you don't have a suitably sized garden in which to exercise him, then you must be prepared for two one-hour walks or so per day, with somewhere safe to exercise off-lead.

Similarly, if you live in the country and are looking for a companion for long walks, a Pekingese is not for you - they prefer the indoor, pampered life as the companion of a devoted owner.

If your home environment is not suited to the type of dog, then it can be a recipe for disaster. If you do your homework, however, and choose your dog well for the type of environment you can offer him, then you have the best chance of enjoying a match made in heaven.

The house proud must be prepared for extra work in keeping the home sweet-smelling and free of dog hairs and muddy paw prints. For minimal mess - and stress to all concerned - don't get a large, hairy, slobbery dog.

Home Comforts

Important allowances for pet dogs include their own personal space comprising areas where they can rest undisturbed, toys that fulfill their chewing and hunting instincts through what we view as play, and sufficient food and water to satisfy their body needs.

As most people who keep dogs as pets want their animals to be close to them for the affection and company they provide, it stands to reason that the majority are kept in the home. To make your home as appealing as possible to your pet, meaning that the relationship between you both will be as successful and problem-free as possible, you must provide him with the facilities most important to him.

Your Temperament

Another consideration is how you relate to your dog. Whatever dog you choose, he will sense your emotions, so a stressed owner is likely to end up with a stressed pet. Dogs respond best to calm, consistent handling. Shouting at or hitting him will confuse and frighten him resulting in behavior problems in the future.

A good owner is patient and controlled enough not to become angry at a dog if he does something you perceive as wrong. If he docs something inappropriate as far as you are concerned, then you have not trained him or catered for his needs adequately.

Look at what may have caused the problem, and then rectify it. Is he receiving enough attention, exercise and so on? Find the root cause of the problem and you are halfway to finding the solution.

Safe and Secure

Just like you, your dog needs to feel secure in his world to remain calm and contented. Providing adequately for your pet's essential needs, mentally and physically, is the first step towards achieving this ideal. A feeling of security is enhanced by respecting your dog's personal space. Providing safe places where your dog can rest without being bothered by anyone (especially children when the dog has had enough of play) or another animal, or simply watch the world go by from a safe vantage point, is paramount to your dog's emotional well-being.

Just as we like to have time by ourselves for a while - to be able to relax, be alone with our thoughts, or to sleep undisturbed to recharge our batteries - so too do dogs. Just as we are likely to become irritable if our personal space and time is invaded, so too are dogs. So the rule is to let sleeping dogs lie!

Be Safe Not Sorry

Not taking out appropriate insurance when you get a dog could prove false economy. It could mean being faced with a massive veterinary bill if your dog needs extensive treatment, while a lawsuit against you for personal or property damage caused by your dog could leave you facing financial ruin. Shop around for the best insurance deal and ask your local vet for any recommendations; then remember to read the small print on policy proposals.

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Dog Hygiene - How to Take Care of Their Teeth!

Dog Hygiene - How to Take Care of Their Teeth!
By  Kelly Marshall

Surprisingly, many dog owners are not that knowledgeable on dental care for their companions. Worse still, some don't tend to their teeth until there is a visible problem, or very bad odor coming from the mutt's mouth! However, it would be time to wise up if you are one of those owners who don't have much of a clue when it comes to dental care. Dental diseases are unpleasant for dogs and their owners who have to see them in discomfort or pain. If dental problems are left to escalate then teeth will drop out and your pooch's mouth will smell like a small animal died in there.

Routine checks of your dog's teeth and gums are a seriously good idea - the gums will most likely be what gives the sign of a problem in the first case. Swollen and red raw gums are a sign that something is up. If they have lost their appetite then that is one of the major symptoms of a health problem as we all know how much dogs love to eat! If you see that there appears to be a problem, then don't hesitate to see your local vet for an observation.

You won't always see bacteria in the mouth until some damage has been done - tooth decay and tooth loss for example. Just because things look okay, don't be fooled into thinking it is and don't shy from proper dental care. If things escalate, diseases or infections in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body where the problem could become far more serious and even fatal - especially if it involves the heart, lungs or kidneys. So if you see some plaque - don't take it so lightheartedly in the future!

The thing with plaque is, it will attach to the teeth and if left to hang around the mouth it will get harder and tartar will pass on by too. This doesn't take much longer than a day to two days. Now tartar, is a real stubborn thing and you won't get rid of it through normal brushing either. The best way to overcome the growth of plaque and tarter is to prevent it in the first place. If you can get into the habit of good dental care when they are still a puppy, this would be for the best. If you have an older dog though and are unsure if any dental care was given in the past - it is never to late to start. Although, in the case of older dogs, it might be a good idea to have their teeth cleaned by a professional to get as much of the plaque and tartar build up removed as possible.

Brushing his teeth everyday will not be an errand, but have in mind how healthy a dog you will be the proud owner of! Think of all the problems you can stay clear of, just by giving their teeth a good seeing to! You can use toothpaste that is especially formulated for dogs - but it is really only the taste that is different and more favored by dogs. Then pick up a dog toothbrush and set about the teeth gently - working from the back to the front in small circular motions. Don't forget the gums either! One minute of brushing is nothing for the good health of your companion.

Certain dog chews are also good at maintaining good teeth, so let them a chew one time in the day - perhaps before bedtime so they have something to amuse themselves with as you fall to sleep.

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