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