A Happy Dog is a Healthy One

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     The day comes when it's so exciting to bring that brand new puppy home. You either got them from an animal rescue, dog breeder, pet store, or perhaps he or she was a stray. The places to get your beloved pet are varied, but the goal for optimal health is the same - we all want our treasured canines, no matter if they are 1 or 100 years old to be the healthiest they can possibly be. The first call to order is to get them into the veterinarian as early as possible, to get their baseline/booster shots, which gets them off to a good start in life.

Once this is accomplished then then you will usually have to bring your dog in for annual or biannual basis to get their yearly shots. Of course, they will have to come in more often if they aren't feeling well, but most dogs when fed well is an unlikely scenario. Most dogs will let you know if they aren't feeling well. The most common signs are lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your dog displays any of these characteristics for longer than 24 hours, then it's time to take them to the vet. This proactive approach will ensure that they live the longest life possible.

Some signs of a healthy pet, that you can look for at home are just checking for a few key areas on their body. First, look at their eyes, they should be bright, clear, and free of discharge and debris. The wet/dry myth of a dog's nose is an old wives tale. As long as your pooch's sniffer is free of congestion, then it means that they are fine whether their nose is wet or dry. The ears should be checked on a weekly basis to ensure that there is no crusty matter in the canal or waxy buildup. A gentle swiping with a mild cleaning solution for dog's ears is all that's needed to properly maintain your dog's ears.

The coat should be shiny, soft and full. If it feels dull, or is shedding more than normal, it's time to get them into their pet care provider. You should be aware of their body frame and what their ideal weight should be. If they are overweight, your vet can recommend a good diet to get them to a proper weight in minimal time. They will also recommend gentle activities to go along with eating healthier. If you hear their nails clicking on the kitchen floor, then it's time to cut them to a manageable length, which makes it more comfortable to walk on hard surface.

These simple maintenance steps take just a few minutes each week, and are well worth the effort. Seeing your dog healthy will not only make your pooch healthier, but it will also make your pet a happier member of the family. Just like you would go to the doctor for yourself, your pet deserve the very same consideration. After all, they can't physically drive themselves to the vet, so it's up to you to take them. When taking these extra few moments, you will have your pet around longer, and you'll save thousands of dollars in doctor's visits.