A Q&a On Dog Health

Having a dog is a major commitment as a healthy dog can live as long as 20 years. Many dog owners treat their dogs as members of the family, and for good reason. Dogs are loyal, lovable and protective and bring companionship and joy to the lives of owners. In fact, some studies have indicated that dog owners can live up to seven years longer than those who do not own canine companions. With dogs providing so many wonderful benefits to humans, it is important that you as a dog owner learn everything you can about your pet so that you can fulfill his needs and make sure that you are helping your dog to live a long and healthy life.

To help you better understand some of the ways in which you can protect the health of your dog, consider the following questions and answers on dog health.

Q. What special requirements do puppies have?

Puppies are generally defined as dogs under two years of age. The most important thing to be aware of when you have a puppy is that your puppy needs a regular course of vaccinations. A series of puppy vaccines help to protect your dog not only from rabies, but also from parvo virus and a host of other infections that can cause serious illness in a young dog. Until your puppy has had his or her full course of vaccines, you should be very careful about exposing your dog to other animals.

Puppies are also curious and love to chew, so providing a safe environment and lots of chew toys is essential, as is socializing your dog to other dogs, to people and to new experiences so he or she will not be fearful or aggressive as an adult. Having your pup spayed or neutered is one final requirement that the owner of a puppy needs to fulfill.

Q. Does the food I feed my dog matter?

Like people, dogs need to eat healthy foods and to get enough protein and nutrients. Dogs may also be allergic to certain types of food or may have an adverse reaction if they eat foods that are too high in grains or that otherwise do not meet their dietary needs. Feeding your dog a premium kibble is a good way to make sure your dog stays healthy. You should also monitor your dog's weight to make sure he or she does not become overweight.

Q. How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

There are different weight guidelines for different breeds of dogs that can give you some indication of whether your dog is a healthy weight or not. In general, however, you should be able to run your hands along your dog's sides and just feel his or her ribs.

Q. What do I need to be aware of as far as potential illnesses

Dogs are prone to getting sick, just as people are. Sometimes, the condition is minor and will go away on its own but in other cases, your dog may be more ill and may need treatment from a veterinarian. Dogs are sometimes brave about trying to hide pain so be sure to watch your dog closely for any signs or symptoms that there may be something wrong. Consulting with a vet in person or asking questions of a licensed veterinarian online whenever you see anything amiss is a wise choice.

By keeping the answers to these Q&As on dog health in mind, you should be able to help your dog live a full and healthy life and you and your pet can provide each other with many years of joy.