Your Dog's Wellbeing

Medically, dogs are like people in that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Dogs don't need annual mammograms or cholesterol screening. On the other hand, they do need regular visits to the vet, a healthy diet, good dental hygiene and many other processes similar to those humans undertake for our own wellbeing. If you've never considered what it means to provide preventive health care for your pup, let this article open your eyes to a few areas you can work on, and then research further for yourself, beginning with contacting your trusted vet.

Of course, one of the first things you can do to help your dog stay healthy is to make sure he has the correct dog medications. Right away, you must ensure that he gets or has had the necessary vaccines. Not only will your dog benefit from this protection, but it'll keep you from contracting things like rabies from him, too. Then you'll also need to give him his needed prescriptions. Do not neglect some kind of medication for heartworm, plus a prescription to keep off fleas and ticks. Your dog doesn't appreciate the little biters any more than humans do, and he'll bring them right into your house if you're not careful.

Second, be sure that your animal has a balanced diet. Stores offer myriad brands of dog food, but not all of them are a good bet for your beloved dog. Some can make him sick, even deathly ill. Others simply won't provide him with all of the nutrients he should have to live a long, happy life. One thing you should consider is the meat, grain and fat content of the formula you feed your dog. It's important that he eat enough protein. Unlike humans, dogs can't really be vegetarians. They're born carnivores. Many people now advocate giving dogs completely grain free dog food, since that may better resemble what they'd eat if they hadn't been domesticated. Regardless of the brand you consider purchasing, make sure to do your research and read reviews, in addition to talking to your veterinarian.

Finally, don't forget about your dog's skeleton and nervous system. Many types of purebred dogs have been so inbred over the years that they regularly end up with health issues like arthritis, bone and joint pain, or tooth and gum conditions. Right from the start, you may want to buy your dog a good bed, like one of these, to keep him comfortable. You should also read up on his specific breed to see what health problems are endemic to his breed.

Underground Dog Fence