Tips to Better Dog Health By Bruno At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Your dog gives you affection and loyalty, and is your mate for life. Maintaining its health is your responsibility. There are a few things you need to do to make sure your canine is healthy, happy and disease free. Making a health upkeep schedule and following it will hardly take anytime, but will go a long way.
Follow these steps to provide your pet dog proper health care.

Proper Diet

Good food leads to good health. A well balanced diet is essential for dogs. Feed your canine good quality dog food available at all grocery and pet stores. It is packed with essential nutrients they need. Do not supplement their diet by giving them food you eat because it can cause diarrhea. Also, avoid saving money by buying cheap quality dog food. Never compromise the health of your canine.

Choose stainless steel bowls over plastic ones, although they are more colorful. Your dog may chew them if he is prone to ripping things into pieces and end up at the clinic. Steel bowls are easier to clean and maintain, and are dog proof.
Feed your dog two small meals a day, once in the morning and then in the evening. This will give him energy to run around and exercise after eating, instead of napping right afterwards.

Exercise
Exercise is an essential but usually overlooked part of dog health. Without proper exercise, your dog will become sedentary and gain weight, which could pose a threat to its life. It is vital you follow an exercise regimen, whether it is taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood or playing catch, fetch or frisbee in the park. Exercising your dog is good for his heart, lungs, and muscles and keeps him happy.

Teeth Care
Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week to remove the build up of tartar that cause bad breath, swollen gums and may lead to secondary infections. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste that are especially designed for canines and contain the necessary enzymes.

Ear care
Cleaning your dogs ears regularly will avoid inflammation and infection. To do this, dip some cotton in hydrogen peroxide, squeeze the excess out and wipe around the crevices inside and outside the dogs ears. Use a fresh piece for the other ear.

Tick and Flea Prevention
Flea and tick problems are common in dogs, and can be easily avoided or prevented to maintain optimal health. There are various products available in stores or pet shops that guarantee results. Follow label instructions for application and administration to rid you pet from this parasite.

Vaccinations
From your dog’s first vaccination to boosters and other appointments for injections, keep yourself and your pet up to date to prevent infectious diseases.

Prevent heartworm by testing your canine at least once a year and administer appropriate medication by following label directions.

Tapeworms, roundworms and other intestinal parasites are often diagnosed in dogs and can pose a threat to your family as well. Send a sample of your canine feces to your veterinarian and follow up by giving preventive measure they prescribe.

Bathing
Use any dog shampoo when bathing your dog to remove grease, dirt and grime but not essential oils. Avoid using your shampoo since your canine’s skin is very delicate and can get irritated easily.

Ideally you should bathe your dog only when the coat gets soiled, but if you keep your dog indoors most of the time, and especially on your bed, or your dog has a long coat, you will need to bathe it at least once a week. Groom the coat after it has dried to prevent tangles and air the skin. Use a soft brush in the direction of the hair, and do not forget the stomach, ears and tail.

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