| Dogs, just like humans, have a variety of conditions | | | | following are harmful and possibly fatal to dogs: |
| that can affect their health. Unfortunately, dogs can | | | | · Chocolates |
| have bone and joint problems, eye problems, nervous | | | | · Sweets and sugars |
| disorders, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular | | | | · Raisins |
| disorders, as well as hereditary diseases and even | | | | · Raw pork |
| cancers. As a dog owner, the health of your pet is | | | | · Raw fish |
| always a concern. The good news is that by following | | | | · Any kind of poultry that is raw |
| a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog will | | | | · Any kind of raw or cooked poultry bones |
| be healthy and any conditions that arise will be noted | | | | · Coffee |
| and treated as early as possible to obtain the best | | | | · Mushrooms |
| possible outcome. | | | | · Onions and garlic (in large quantities) |
| The following list is a general outline of the suggestions | | | | Dogs should always have free access to clean water |
| that most vets recommend for ensuring your dog's | | | | and should never be kenneled or kept in an area |
| health. Remember that some breeds may have | | | | where there is no water. |
| additional needs that are health-related, so be sure to | | | | Attention to Detail |
| research your breed and be aware of any conditions | | | | By carefully observing your dog on a regular basis, you |
| or dog health risks that may be prevalent within the | | | | can note any signs of discomfort or anxiety quickly. |
| breed. | | | | Watch for changes in your dog's behavior, including |
| Exercise | | | | their energy level and food and water consumption. |
| All dogs need some level of exercise on a daily basis. | | | | Often the first signs of many conditions are a change |
| Many of the small breeds will exercise indoors or will | | | | in eating patterns. Any odd behavior should be noted |
| "self-exercise", but other breeds simply do not. Owners | | | | and carefully monitored. Behaviors such as seizures, |
| need to realize that just turning the dog outside in the | | | | excessive salivating, excessive or abnormal tearing of |
| yard for a couple of hours a day may not be exercise | | | | the eyes or discharges from any part of the body |
| either. Many dogs will simply find a shady spot to rest | | | | should be immediately checked by a vet. |
| in until they're allowed back in the house. Having a dog | | | | Routine Vet Visits |
| means that you're willing to make a commitment to | | | | Be sure to keep vaccinations and other dog health |
| their daily exercise, whether that is going for a walk, | | | | precautions up to date with routine visits to the vet. In |
| jog, or just tossing the ball or Frisbee for 20 minutes. | | | | some areas, heartworm and other conditions require |
| Watch your dog to be sure that they're not over tired | | | | constant monitoring and the vet can provide this |
| or injured during exercise, especially if there's a lot of | | | | service. Before breeding your dog, be sure to have |
| jumping or running involved. Encourage your dog to | | | | her or him completely checked for any genetic |
| exercise even if they don't seem to want to that day. | | | | conditions or predispositions such as hip dysplasia. |
| Diet | | | | Love and Attention |
| Feed only a good quality or premium dry kibble to your | | | | Last, but certainly not least, your dog needs your |
| dog. Avoid the wet foods, as they are often not as | | | | family's love and attention. Dogs thrive when they feel |
| nutritionally balanced as the kibble, plus they can cause | | | | they are a loved and involved member of the family. |
| both dental and digestive problems. If you are feeding | | | | Dog health is linked to love and attention, as loving |
| wet food, consult with your vet and make sure that | | | | owners are usually more aware of changes in the |
| you are using the correct amount and type to balance | | | | dog's health and well being and get professional help |
| the nutritional needs of your dog. Avoid feeding human | | | | sooner. |
| food and too many treats. Human food or treats | | | | In all cases, it is vitally important to talk to your vet |
| should be less than 5% of the daily food intake of your | | | | about any concerns that you may have with dog |
| dog. Many vets and dog health experts recommend | | | | health and be sure to know any conditions that are |
| no human food and only select dog treats. | | | | specific to the breed of dog that you own. |
| Some foods should be avoided completely. The | | | | |