9 Tips For Maintaining Your Dog's Health

The saying goes that a dog is man's best friend. While this statement is true, you must also understand that you must also be your dogs best friend. Dogs have a variety of needs that must be met to keep them healthy and strong through out their lives. These needs are going to have to be supplied by you. Luckily most of them can be met by simply interacting with your pet and by following these 9 tips for maintaining your dogs health.

Regular Vet Visits

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Your dog needs regular vet visits throughout his life. He not only needs to see the vet for necessary shots and vaccines as well as heart worm tests, but a vet may also spot a potential health problem while it can still be treated early enough to avoid affecting your dogs daily health and activities.

Spaying or Neutering

Spaying or Neutering your dog at the appropriate age will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but will also help protect your dog from other problems as well. A male dog that is neutered is less likely to become aggressive and a female dog who is spayed is less likely to get breast cancer and other illnesses.

Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Do your homework and find the diet that gives your dog the perfect balance to keep him healthy and fit. Keep in mind that his dietary needs may change as he ages and that adjustments may have to be done with his diet. Avoid unhealthy snacks and treats.

Regular Flea Treatments

Making sure your dog is treated regularly for fleas is important. Not only don't you want your house infested with these menaces but flea infestations can make your dog miserable as well as ill.

Proper Socialization

Properly socializing your dog will make him less anxious and more well behaved. It will also help to stem any aggressive tendencies that arise from your dog being introduced to new situations or people that make him nervous or threatened. It also will make traveling with him easier for both you and your pet.

Basic Training

At a minimum your dog should sit, stay, and come on command. He also should be trained to a leash. By training your dog to follow these basic commands you can maintain control which will help keep your dog safe and secure and by your side.

Proper Grooming

Make sure you keep your dog properly groomed. Brushing, bathing, nail clipping and teeth maintenance are all important to keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.

Exercise

Exercise helps your dog keep in shape and helps prevent boredom which can result in negative behaviors. The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on the breed of dog and its size. Make sure that it has the required amount of daily exercise.

Attention and Affection

Dogs, like people, need attention and affection to be happy and well adjusted. Spending time with your dog and playing with him will help the bond between you grow stronger and will result in a much happier and well behaved dog.

Follow these 9 simple tips and your dog will stay active, happy and healthy for many years to come.

9 Tips For Maintaining Your Dog's Health

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our selection of large dog beds & unique dog collars & leashes online!

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