Proper nutrition for your pooch
Like most Pet Parents, you surely want your devoted dog to feel his very best. What goes into your canine's mouth, however, has a lasting effect on his overall health and wellness. That's why it's so important your pooch eats a high quality dog food, prepared with natural ingredients and the least amount of "by products" you can find (none is best!). In addition, make sure you are feeding your dog the right food for his particular dietary needs. Most pet food manufacturers develop special formulas for the special age or health requirements of every canine. If in doubt, your veterinarian can suggest the best type of diet for your hungry pooch.
Also, one of the most important things that should be going into your dog's mouth is fresh, cool water. This is an essential nutrient that no one (human or animal) can go very long without and remain healthy. Water should be readily available to you pooch at all times. If you need to have several water dishes in different locations, then you should do so. Do not assume your dog can drink out of mud puddle (as horrifying as it seems, this DOES happen). Remember, if you would not drink it, then your canine companion should not have to either.
Keeping your dog fit and trim
Exercise is a long four-letter word to many of us. However, just because YOU do not like to exercise (even though your doctor has told you to do so and you KNOW it is good for you), do not assume that your dog feels the same way. Exercise has so many benefits and almost zero negative aspects--unless you count OVER-exercising, which usually is not a problem with most of us...our dogs included. Exercise promotes muscle toning, healthy heart and lungs, and keeps excess weight off--all great things for our pooches (not to mention our selves!)
In the book, "Natural Dog Care: Fresh Approaches to Caring for Your Dog from the World's Best-Selling Practicing Vet," author Dr. Bruce Fogle explains exactly what takes place in your dog's body and mind when he exercises. "Routine exercise increases the body's ability to produce energy effectively and helps feed the brain with oxygen, maintaining mental alertness. Brain cells die if the brain does not received sufficient amounts of oxygen and glucose," Fogle says, "Some researchers believe that exercises requiring coordination and mental agility, such as hide-and-seek, generate more connections between brain cells.
"Exercise is nature's antidepressant," Dr. Fogle continues, "During exercise, body temperature rises and endorphins, the body's natural opiates, are released. Sustained exercise also burns the waste products that accumulates during stressful inactive periods." Obviously, there is not much to argue about when speaking of the good health associated with regular exercise. It is just something that every Pet Parent should encourage their furry friend to do as often as possible.
Prevention is ALWAYS the best medicine
The power of prevention is the best way to ensure your dog's continued good health and happiness. Preventative medicine, in fact, is just as important as taking your pooch to the veterinarian when he has been injured or become ill. But what exactly is preventative medicine and how can you make sure your canine companion is always up-to-date on this form of health care?
Depending on the individual dog, you should take your dog to see your veterinarian at the very least once a year for a one-on-one physical examination. Many take their dogs to the vet throughout the year for specific ailments, but this should never take the place of a scheduled appointment for an overall check up. During a full examination, your veterinarian will be able to focus on your dog's whole body, not just a particular problem he has been having. This way, your vet will spend time checking out the entire pooch, not just one localized area or issue.
If your dog has special health problems, or is very young or very old, your veterinarian will probably want to see him more than once a year just to make sure that common health problems found in canines of certain ages do not develop. This way, if something is plaguing pooch, the problem can be caught in time and treated appropriately.
While seeing the doctor for pooch's regular checkup, it's important to discuss what, if any, vaccinations or booster shots your dog should be given to prevent common canine diseases. Depending on his breed, age, environment, and sociability factors, there are several inoculations that should be given on a regular basis. Of course the rabies vaccine is a shot that most states, counties, and towns require of your pet. Other vaccines, such as those for distemper, parvovirus, Lyme disease, and Parainfluenza, should be considered as well. Your veterinarian can explain the pros and cons of each of these inoculations. Many believe that these particular vaccinations are quite necessary, and that without them, your dog's health, and maybe even his life, will be greatly at stake.
Good food, good exercise, and good preventative care are all key ingredients to the longevity and wellness of your canine's way of life. You can spend many happy years together, as long as you take the time and energy to ensure your pooch's good health. And yes, the old adage is indeed true--a healthy pet is, by far, the happiest of all creatures! |
