Your Dogs Health

Pet owners absolutely love their pets, and dog owners are no different. People invest lots of time, energy, money, and love into their dogs. This means that dogs represent a large investment in many ways, so it's worth it to pay special attention to their health. If you own a dog it will definitely be worth your time to explore some basic information on dog health.

Dogs are very similar to people in many respects, and therefore, are also subject to many similar ailments. Fortunately there are many things that you can do to reduce the impact of health problems on your dog if you just know a few tips. As they age, dogs are more and more likely to experience bone and joint problems and eye ailments. Their respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems are also subject to diseases and conditions. You may not be able to avoid these problems, but there are many ways to manage them.

All dogs need exercise as a part of a healthy life. Some smaller dog breeds don't require a lot of active participation from their owners, since they are able to get exercise indoors. Other breeds may need special attention. Simply allowing your dog to go outside for a bit is usually not adequate, as many dogs will simply lie underneath a tree or in another shady spot. It is wise to actively participate in activities that will make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Playing catch for 15 or 20 minutes a day or going for a walk with your dog are great ideas.

Just like people, a proper diet can mean good health, attitude, and energy levels. An unhealthy diet can be fatal, so it's important to take your dog's dietary habits seriously. Dry dog food is usually a better choice than canned dog food. Canned dog food is generally not as nutritious as dry food, and it can cause dental and dietary problems. Remember to always give your dog access to clean, cold water. There are some things that are poisonous to dogs, including some human food and plants. Make sure you dog doesn't eat oleander, chocolate, raisins, coffee, mushrooms or raw meat.

Remember to pay attention to your dog in an effort to notice signs of discomfort, illness, or anxiety. Be alert for any significant changes in your dog's food or water consumption as well as his general behavior. Changes in a dog's regular eating pattern are often the first clue you'll have that something is wrong. Any changes in typical behavior should be observed and reported to a veterinarian.

Make routine visits to your local vet a normal part of your pet's health. Make sure to keep current on all vaccinations and other routine health precautions. This will prevent a lot of illnesses altogether. The veterinarian can help catch any problems early and take care of them before they become major.

Just like people, dogs need a lot of attention and love. Dogs tend to exhibit better overall health when they are treated well and know that they are loved and cared for. A loving owner will also be more likely to become aware of shifts in animal health and attitude. Science is proving that emotional well being has a great influence on physical health. And of course emotional health has a lot to do with the amount of love and attention a dog gets. A loved and happy dog will live a longer, happier life.

Of course each dog is different and has different needs. Do some research about your particular breed and consider speaking with a qualified veterinarian about important issues and information relevant to the age and breed of dog. Your dog should likve a long, happy life with an intelligent and loving approach from you.