Dog Health Information

Dog health is an area most people either feel unsure of or are not very interested in. Afterall, how hard is it to feed and water your dog?

While it does not have to be complicated, following these 10 steps to improve your dog's health will go a long ways to helping your dog be more active and live longer.

#1. Exercise: Obesity, just like in humans causes you to be more susceptible to disease. Although we know obestiy is bad for your pet's health, we still don't know just how bad it will be. Cut back on the treats and get some exercise with your dog.

#2. Clean the water bowl: Although this sounds obvious, some people put clean water in a dirty bowl. The bowl may look clean but over time a clear slime develops in the bowl called a biofilm. Biofilms are a great place for bacteria to hide and grow. Do your dog a favor and use hot soap and water to clean out that bowl now.

#3. High quality food: Don't buy the cheapest brand you can find. Preimium brands have added vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. Also, not all vitamin addatives are the same. Just because it says it has all of the vitamins on the label, the vitamins they put in may be in a form that is not bioavailable.

#4. Avoid Homeopathic remedies: People often turn to homeopathic remedies for their pets either because they think they are cheaper than traditional medicines, or that they work better than traditional medicines. In both cases they are wrong. Homepathic medicines rarely work, and often leave you purchasing more of them in search of a cure.

#5. Find a good veterinarian: The best veterinarian for your dog's health may not be the one closest to you. The best way to find a good veterinarian is to ask for referrals, this is the best way to find any professional.

#6. Establish a relationship with your veterinarian: Its not enough to know where a good veterinarian is, you have to actually visit them! Regular check ups can keep your dog healthy and prevent costly vet bills by finding disease early.

#7. Vaccinate your dog: Vaccines are safe and cheap. It is now even easier to keep your dog up todate on their vaccines. Dog vaccines used to be given annually, now most vaccines are given only once every three years.

#8. Microchip your dog: Take advantage of today's technology and get your dog microchipped. Although it does not gaurantee your dog will not get lost, it can make finding your dog quicker. Almost all vet clinics and pet shelters have the equipment to read microchips in pets now.

#9 Good manners: The number one reason dogs are given up to shelters is because of behavior problems. A well trained dog is a joy to be around and the dog is much happier too!

#10 Pick up after your dog: Although not related to dog health, please pick up after your dogs! This tip might improve your own health if your neighbor steps in your dog's poo. Be respectful of other people and the enviroment and always carry a bag to pick up after your dog.

If you like this article let me know.  Also check out my website about dog health.