The goal of
dog owners everywhere should be to keep their canine companions as healthy as
possible to ensure the highest possible quality of life. After all, preventing
disease is much easier than having to treat it. That said, here are fifteen
tips that can help you achieve that goal.
Dog Health
Tip #1: Keep your dog current on all core vaccinations and agree to optional
vaccines only when absolutely necessary. Both undervaccinating and
overvaccinating are equally bad.
Dog Health
Tip #2: Administer heartworm preventive medication year-round. It protects not
only against heartworms but intestinal worms as well.
Dog Health
Tip #3: Keep your dog's teeth free of plaque and tartar build-up. Periodontal
disease is a leading cause of heart disease in dogs.
Dog Health
Tip #4: Avoid obesity. Obesity is an underlying cause of many serious illnesses
in dogs, including diabetes and heart disease.
Dog Health
Tip #5: Exercise your dog for at least 20 minutes every day. This is good not
only for your dog's physical health, but for his/her mental health as well.
Dog Health
Tip #6: Brush the haircoat daily. If you brush your dog often, you'll rarely
have to bathe (your dog, that is!)
Dog Health
Tip #7: Make your dog an indoor dog. Indoor dogs live longer.
Dog Health
Tip #8: Feed a well-balanced, quality diet, avoiding table scraps.
Dog Health
Tip #9: Clean your dog's ears on a routine basis (at least twice a month). Ear
infections are common in dogs.
Dog Health
Tip #10: Pet proof your home and keep all potential poisons out of reach.
Dog Health
Tip #11: Obedience train your dog. Obedient dogs stay out of trouble.
Dog Health
Tip #12: Give your dog an omega-3 fatty acid supplement daily. The health
benefits are immense.
Dog Health
Tip #13: Join an online pet forum, preferably one moderated by a veterinarian,
to learn more about dog health and the recognition of clinical signs.
Dog Health
Tip #14: Pet your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. You'll benefit from
this as well!
Dog Health
Tip #15: Insist on an annual veterinary check-up, including a thorough physical
examination.
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