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Published On: Wed, Mar 4th, 2015

5 Things You Should Do to Keep Your Dog Healthy

People often get themselves a dog on a whim; because it seemed like a good idea at the time; as a gift to their children; or just because they like this particular puppy. Even those who approach this decision with some degree of responsibility often don’t have the slightest idea of what they are supposed to do to keep it healthy. If you are clueless like that, we hope this list will help you and your pet both.

          Keep It at a Healthy Weight

Penny missing dog from Washington found in PennsylvaniaConsult a veterinarian on what is considered healthy for the dog of this breed, age and gender, and do your best to keep to it. It requires multilateral approach, including healthy diet (learn what products and in what quantities your dog should eat) and enough exercise (the best decision is to take your god for a walk regularly or, better yet, take it along when you go jogging or cycling – it will keep both of you healthy). If you notice that your dog quickly gets too fat or too thin, it is a good idea to go visit a vet.

It’s okay to keep that house clean too: Best Doormat For Dogs.

          Give It Probiotic Supplements

Just like humans, dogs have all kinds of beneficial bacteria living in their intestines. However, they exist in precarious balance, and disease, changes in diet, drugs (especially antibiotics) and stress may throw it out of whack. In this case, special probiotics for dogs may be in order – they restore the bacterial balance of your pet’s GI tract and keep it healthy in general. Giving them to a dog on a regular basis is also a good idea, as it ensures the stability of bacterial balance and keeps harmful bacteria in check.

          Vaccination

You vet will most likely bring it up, but then it is your responsibility to keep to the vaccination schedule. Don’t shrug it off or listen to those who say that vaccination is harmful or unnatural – many diseases that can be prevented by timely vaccination, such as rabies, are untreatable once the dog is infected. If you don’t want your dog to die just because you decided it can do without vaccination, better be safe than sorry.

         Keep Your Dog Free of Parasites

Parasites’ effects on dog’s health may range from unpleasant to fatal. Ticks and fleas may transfer potentially lethal diseases, and heartworms are extremely dangerous all by themselves. That’s why keeping all these nasty critters at bay should be one of your first priorities. Consult your vet as to which product and in what doses would be the best for your particular breed.

        Visit a Vet No Less Than Once a Year

Dogs should undergo routine examinations just like humans do – what may be unseen to you may be immediately noticed by a vet, and early detection may be the difference between life and death. So don’t be lazy, establish a schedule and make sure to stick to it.

Keeping your dog healthy is much harder than it seems – it is a complex living being that has specific problems and needs, which a person who never kept a pet may never think about. Thus, before you take it upon yourself to keep a dog, make sure you are up to the task.

Guest Author: Melissa Burns

Photo/Femke Jenkins Photography

Photo/Femke Jenkins Photography

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  1. Dog Chow: Finding The Best For Your Pet | Pets Health says:

    […] 5 Things You Should Do to Keep Your Dog Healthy Consult a veterinarian on what is considered healthy for the dog of this breed, age and gender, and do your best to keep to it. It requires multilateral approach, including healthy diet (learn what products and in what quantities your dog should eat … Read more on The Global Dispatch […]

  2. Stephen says:

    .
    DVM $$$ driving you into the Poor House ?
    .
    Is your Itchy DOG [Allergy] SAD ?

    Fleas ? = NO
    Foods ? = NO
    Enviro Pollens ? = YES !
    Enviro Mites ? = YES !
    Enviro Molds ? = YES !

    Prevention Trumps Treatment > AnyDay !

    Target / Doggy GOO the Sources of your DOG’s Allergy Itch !

    Pre-Emptive Health Action.

    The TOP 3 Treated Medical Conditions in Dogs…

    Ear Infection, Skin Allergy / Trauma & Skin Infection / Hot Spots….

    ALL relate “Directly” to the Cumulative Presence / Progression of Canine Atopy / Allergy.

    Veterinary Dermatologist and Healthy GOO’s Medical Director, Dr. Kristin,
    reminds Dog owners that after Flea issues are Ruled Out …

    80+% of all Paw Chewing, Itchy, Gunky Ear Dogs
    are Allergic to Same Enviro Grass / Tree / Weed Pollens, Dust Mites, and Mold Spores
    that We Suffer From.

    So before the next Allergy Season, suggest begin http://www.DoggyGOO.com
    to build tolerance to 15 of the major Enviro Sources that cause your Dog to Itch .. Itch .. Itch ..

    So Why Not …
    Stop the Itch > BEFORE Your Dog Itches !

    Visit http://www.DoggyGOO.com and find out Why PET Parents ( and their DOGs ) just Luv Doggy GOO !

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