Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs around you for many years, learning about proper dog care is essential if you're to give your dog the greatest possible chance to enjoy a long and healthy life. The most basic area of dog care is feeding. Unfortunately, many dog owners believe that as long as their dog is being given enough food, everything's ok.
Too many dogs suffer from brittle bones, bad teeth and joint problems due to being fed the wrong kind of food and therefore not receiving the nutrients that are necessary for them to grow and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Foods that contain artificial colorants and preservatives often lead to allergies developing and feeding a dog on raw meat alone simply won't cover his daily calcium needs. A dry food that's specially formulated to cover the nutritional needs of your dog depending on his age and level of activity is always the best choice. Cheap foods may seem like a good alternative but are often the most expensive choice in the long run. Consider that the dog will generally need more of the cheaper varieties as much of what's in these foods is 'padding' and that the padding will just lead to him having more bowel movements than would otherwise be necessary. Grooming is an important area of your dog's care.
All dogs, regardless of their coat type, should be groomed at least once a week. Obviously, some breeds will need daily grooming but even flat coated breeds, like Rottweilers and Labradors should be given weekly grooming sessions. During the grooming session, utilize the time to check for any other health problems that may be affecting your dog. His skin should be checked for signs of sores or dryness; his ears should be checked for inflammation or pus; his legs and tail should be checked for any damage; and his body should be checked for unexpected lumps and bumps. If fleas or ticks are found on the body, these should be treated immediately. Ticks can be removed by covering the body in Vaseline so that the tick comes to the surface to breath; fleas can be dealt with by using special preparations available from your local pet shop or veterinary surgery.
Regular exercise is, of course, important to your dog who should be walked at least once a day, preferably twice. Don't just stick to roads as your dog will enjoy being able to run and play, and vary your route so that he doesn't become bored by his exercise. Get to know your dog's routines. That way, if you notice any ongoing changes you'll be able to contact your vet for advice. It's always better to make one call too many than to ignore a problem because they rarely disappear without treatment.
Copyright2005 Aki Desorcy Aki Desorcy is the Author of http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com Visit Today And Get A Free fun ebook from Aki. You may use this article as long as the resource box is not removed And the back link is made live on your site.
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Buying a pet bird can be quite an investment. After... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog -... Read More
Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
1. Using tranquilizers.This is illegal in many states but other... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Pet |