Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Amanda Baker
Many people consider their dog their best friend, and why shouldn't they? Our dogs greet us at the door as though they haven't seen us in years, even if we've only been gone ten minutes. They put up with our moods - good, bad, and in-between - and they tolerate our bad habits. So, it's natural that you'd want to keep your dog around for as long as possible. So, how do you do that?
First and probably most important of all, unless you're planning to breed your dog, you should look into spaying or neutering your pet. Every year, too many unwanted pets and accidental litters have to be put down. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to help control this practice on your end.
The thing that causes your dog the most misery by far is the common flea. If your dog has fleas - you know it! He's miserable - biting and scratching, often to the point of whining in pain. Only a few fleas can flare up into a major allergic reaction. Fleas should be treated right away. There are so many excellent options available for flea treatment - sprays, collars, lotions, ointments, baths, powders - the choice is virtually limitless!
Did you know that dogs are susceptible to about sixty different types of diseases? Twenty of those diseases are transmittable to humans. To help protect your dog (and yourself) against these diseases, make sure your dog is protected by vaccination. These vaccines also have to have boosters. However, discuss the concept of yearly boosters with your veterinarian. Many vets believe yearly boosters are unnecessary and they can actually cause disease.
Routine grooming and daily exercise are a must for any dog. Keeping your dog's skin, coat, teeth, gums, and nails healthy make your dog look its very best, and does wonders for the dog's mental and physical health. Exercise, like a daily walk, will help keep your dog physically fit.
You should include routine checks on your dog, such as examining his hair and skin for dandruff and his mouth and teeth for dental problems and bad breath. Your dog's behavior is also an important thing to check for. If your dog seems out of the ordinary, or you feel the slightest bit worried, your vet is the person to see. Only your vet will be able to give your dog a proper check-up, and calm your fears.
You love your dog. Caring for him properly and ensuring his health is just another way showing him just how much.
About the author: Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com/pets
The latest information and news on Dog Care Advice :
Fire officials were working to determine the cause of a house fire that killed more than 30 dogs and cats in Plano. The fire was reported about 9:20 p.m. Monday in the 1400 block of Amherst Drive less than half a mile west of Collin Creek Mall, police said. The owners were not at home.
100-plus dogs taken from Catawba home (The Charlotte Observer)
Catawba County animal control officials confiscated more than 100 dogs from a home southeast of Newton Monday, saying the animals were being kept in unsanitary conditions. An anonymous caller contacted authorities about the situation. Animal-control officials found 115 rat terriers and about a dozen Great Danes at the home on Bud Arndt Road, according to Animal Services Manager Jay Blatche. ...
More Than 100 Dogs Seized From Catawba County Home (WSOC-TV Charlotte)
CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. -- Catawba County officers have seized more than 100 dogs while investigating a possible puppy mill at a home southeast of Newton.
More than 100 dogs seized from alleged puppy mill (WCNC Charlotte)
NEWTON, N.C. -- Authorities in Catawba County busted an alleged puppy mill on Tuesday, removing more than 100 dogs from the property. Investigators said an anonymous tip on Monday led them to the home, which is located on the 2400 block of Bud Arndt Road, southeast of Newton.
Police kill 2 dogs that mauled man in Phoenix (East Valley Tribune)
PHOENIX - A city worker was mauled at a northwest Phoenix park by two large dogs, which ripped off the man's clothing and severely bit him as they dragged him through the grass.
Euthanizing N.W.T. man's 34 dogs 'saddest day of my life' for vet (CBC)
The veterinarian who had to euthanize 34 neglected sled dogs in Behchoko, N.W.T., late last week said he hopes something positive can come out of such a sad case.
Dogs attack city worker (12 News Phoenix)
2 American bull dogs attacked a city worker at Mariposa Park at 33rd Avenue and Northern in Phoenix. The man was being dragged across the park by the two dogs when police arrived.
Police shoot, kill dogs after they maul city worker in park (KTVK 3TV Phoenix)
PHOENIX -- Phoenix police say they were forced to shoot two dogs after they attacked a city worker in a park Tuesday morning.
Police shoot, kill dogs after they maul Phoenix city worker (ABC 15 Phoenix)
A Phoenix city worker is in serious condition after he was attacked by two dogs in a city park Tuesday morning, according to police. A passerby called 9-1-1 at about 9:30 a.m. as the 43-year-old man was attacked by the American pitbulls, according to a fire department spokesman.
Dogs attack man at Phoenix park (KTAR 92.3 Phoenix)
A man was taken to a hospital after he was attacked by two dogs at a Phoenix city park Tuesday morning, fire dispatchers said. The attack happened in Mariposa Park, near 33rd Avenue and Northern.