Easy Steps To A Healthier Dog essay

Everyone can recognize a really healthy dog - it has a bright, shiny coat, lively eyes and seems full of energy and vitality. As dog owners it is important that we know both how to get our dog into this state of well-being and how to keep it there.

Let's begin with the most basic ingredient - food. All animals need water and food to exist. From a human perspective, we realize balanced food intake is the only way to get a quality diet and to stay on top of our game. Dogs too require the same consideration or they face malnutrition. To ensure our much-loved pooches get proper nutrition, they need a diet rich in minerals, vitamins and doggy nutrients. This is very simple for us to do since the majority of today's brand-name dog food is complete. A dog food's price does make a difference, as the cheaper brands tend to be less nutritious and contain too much cornmeal.

It is also now well known from human experience that it is possible for animals to overeat and become obese. This never happens in the wild - an animal that is so out of shape that it cannot fend for itself does not last long - in fact we only ever see obesity in humans and in their pets. It may be something that kind hearted owners do to their pets, thinking the dog will be happier if it eats plenty. But they should remember that overweight pets do not live as long as their lean counterparts, and (like humans) they are more susceptible to heart disease, respiratory problems, arthritic pain and diabetes. What's more they are more likely to die if they have to be put under anesthetic for surgery (again, this applies to obese human beings too). Feeding your dog the right food, and at the right amount, is the first key to keeping your dog healthy.

As attentive owners there are several things we should be on the look out for that can be seen on a dog's fur, skin and stools. Fleas and tics can both cause dog illnesses so should be treated. Flea collars are not great at treating fleas, but there is any number of good powders and spray that will do the job - the only thing is that you must follow the instructions exactly. If you have had a flea problem it is vital that you thoroughly clean all the areas where the dog hangs out - if you vacuum carpets empty the bags outside straight afterwards, if the dog lounges on the bedding, wash it. This is so that you dog is not immediately re-infected from the fleas or eggs in the carpets and fabrics around the house.

Be careful to check your dog's fur after a walk in the country, since this is when they are most likely to have picked up ticks. Finally check your dog's stools for evidence of worms. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms all can infest a dog's intestinal tract, though not all are visible to the naked eye - this is why a regular worming schedule needs to be followed.

These few steps create a much healthier and happier dog. Further steps like keeping veterinarian visits and keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date also increase your dog's health factor. By following these caring and healthy steps, you are creating a fit and content dog that is sure to live a much longer and healthier life.

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