Maintaining Your Dog's Health

Your dog is not just a companion, he is also a friend and a part of your family. It is important to know general principles of dog health in order to keep your pet looking and feeling his best. Remember, your dog depends on you to see that he maintains the health he needs to give you all the love and companionship you’ve come to enjoy while spending time with him.

Preventive Vet Care

One of the most important principles of good dog health is seeing that your dog visits a vet twice a year for a wellness exam. Having your dog visit the vet when he is healthy allows your dog to establish a bond of trust with your vet. It also allows the vet to see your dog healthy and active, as well as, catch minor health problems before they become major problems.

Proper Nutrition

Another import principle of maintaining good dog health is to feed your dog a diet that contains the proper nutrition he requires. A high quality dog food made by a reputable company, though usually more expensive, is always best.

You can get further information on your dog’s dietary needs from your vet including information on the amount of protein, fats and fibre that is ideal for your dogs age and size. Your vet should also be able to advise you on how much to feed your dog in order to maintain his weight and health.

Exercise

Proper exercise is also essential to maintaining good dog health. Exercise not only helps your dog to maintain a healthy weight, but is also helps to strengthen his heart and lungs.

Exercise should always be geared towards your dogs age and energy level. If you have an older dog that has not been exercised recently and you wish to begin a daily exercise regime, it is best to start slowly. Short slow walks once or twice a day that gradually increase as your dog begins to regain his stamina are best.

Mental Stimulation

Dogs are highly intelligent animals. Not only do they need physical exercise to maintain good dog health but they need mental stimulation as well. Obedience training, teaching your dog tricks and giving him a variety of toys to play with will all help in keeping him happy and alert. Puzzle balls for dogs are an excellent way to challenge him mentally and will provide hours of entertainment as well.

Grooming

Brushing and bathing your dog regularly will help to keep his coat shiny and healthy and prevent matting. Even a dog with a short coat can benefit from being brushed to remove loose hair from his coat. Keeping your dogs nails clipped will keep them from splitting and breaking and can prevent infections.

Include brushing your dogs teeth and giving him dental treats as part of your grooming program. This will help prevent gum disease that can lead to more serious problems.

Spending time with your dog and learning to recognise dog illness symptoms is one of the most important principles of dog health. Your dog needs your attention and companionship as much as you need his. Giving him that attention and proper care will ensure that you and your dog have many years together.