| If you have recently gotten a new dog or are | | | | exercise, give it to them! Keeping your pet healthy and |
| considering to own, there are several aspects in | | | | happy should always be a top priority. |
| relation to caring for a pet's health that should be | | | | Next, dogs need vaccines and preventative |
| considered. Dogs need to be fed the right kind of food; | | | | treatments. Talk to your vet to find out what vaccines |
| they need exercise; they need vaccines and | | | | your dog needs (it sometimes varies on where you |
| preventative treatments; they need to be groomed; | | | | live or your dog's breed), and make sure your pet gets |
| and they need to have proper dental care. Here is a | | | | vaccinated. Most dogs will also need heartworm |
| short overview of the most important health aspects | | | | treatments and flea and tick preventive treatments- |
| to consider when owning a pet: | | | | several of these are applied topically between the |
| First of all, a healthy diet goes a long way! If your pet is | | | | shoulder blades. |
| being fed table scraps or dry food that is primarily | | | | Another important aspect of your dog's health is |
| composed of vegetable and grain, you may want to | | | | simple grooming. Keep your dog clean; give him a bath |
| reconsider Fido's diet. If your dog is often being fed | | | | regularly, brush his coat frequently and trim his nails. |
| "people" food from the dinner table, it can easily cause | | | | Many local pet supply stores offer grooming services, |
| obesity. Dogs metabolisms and organs do not function | | | | so you can shop while Fido is at the spa. Also, in many |
| just like humans do, dogs require special diets and food | | | | towns there are mobile pet grooming services that |
| types to thrive...human food does not simply cut it. Also, | | | | does home service and will ndrop by your home and |
| dogs thrive on diets that consist of high protein and | | | | groom your pet in their clean and safe mobile facility. |
| low vegetable and grain levels. Dogs are classified | | | | Finally, good dental health is always important not just |
| omnivores; that means they thrive on meat and | | | | for people! Buy your dog a doggie toothbrush and |
| vegetable diets. However, recent research strongly | | | | toothpaste (often sold at supply stores) and learn to |
| supports the theory that dog foods that are high in | | | | brush your dog's teeth. Dry dog food also aids in the |
| protein are more beneficial to pets. Talk to your local | | | | reduction of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums |
| vet and they will help you find the best food choice for | | | | as well. There are also special chew toys that are |
| your dog. | | | | designed to aid in keeping teeth clean as well. |
| Dogs also need exercise. Some dogs need more | | | | As you adjust to your new dog or consider getting |
| physical activity than others, depending on their breed. | | | | one, your pet's health should always be a priority. A |
| Be aware of your dog's physical activity requirements | | | | healthy pet makes for a happy pet! |
| and stick to them. If your dog's breed needs a lot of | | | | |