| If you're reading this article, then you really care for | | | | dog food? Should you stick with a tried and true |
| your dog's health. Although the healthiest of dogs can | | | | grocery store brand? The best advice is to keep |
| succumb to certain diseases, it pays to be diligent | | | | feeding your puppy or dog what she's been getting |
| about health issues so you can give your dog the | | | | before she came to live with you. Then pay close |
| best chance of a quality (and longer) life. Here are | | | | attention to her condition. How are her skin and |
| my seven tips for optimal health: | | | | coat? Does she keep good weight? Does she |
| A Good Start | | | | develop allergies? If your dog continues to do well on |
| 1. Start by choosing a healthy dog from the | | | | this original food consider staying with it since your |
| beginning. People in our society love the underdog. | | | | dog has shown that she is thriving on it. If you must |
| That means that lots of people are drawn to the | | | | change foods, do so slowly. Learn to read dog food |
| poor little pup who is smaller than his littermates or | | | | labels and choose foods with quality ingredients. |
| who already looks sickly. Some people like to adopt a | | | | Remember that the most important thing is your |
| dog who needs extra help. That's great. But, if you | | | | dog's condition. |
| do adopt a pooch who already has some health | | | | Dental Care |
| issues or who is less robust than his littermates, be | | | | 5. Take care of your dog's teeth. Many owners |
| prepared for bigger health problems as she gets | | | | overlook their dogs' dental care with dire results. Your |
| older. | | | | dog needs her teeth brushed often. Veterinary |
| If you really want to have a healthy dog who will still | | | | dentists recommend brushing everyday. It's |
| be healthy when she's 12 years old, choose the | | | | estimated that most dogs have some periodontal |
| healthiest possible puppy in the litter. Look for bright, | | | | disease by the time they're three years old. Dogs can |
| clear eyes; an outgoing, friendly personality; and a | | | | develop plaque and tartar on their teeth which makes |
| pup who is playful. Don't bring home the puppy who | | | | them brown and ugly and can lead to bad breath. |
| is shy and hides in a corner or who acts like she | | | | Regular brushing will help prevent this build-up. |
| doesn't feel well. | | | | Ears 'n Nails |
| Vaccinate! | | | | 6. Care for your dog's ears and nails. Lots of owners |
| 2. Keep your furry friend vaccinated. Many people | | | | tend to skip these grooming essentials but if they do |
| take canine diseases lightly today but they are deadly | | | | their dog can develop problems. Ears should be |
| serious. Parvovirus and distemper still kill dogs. Rabies | | | | cleaned once a week. Otherwise your dog may |
| is deadly both to your dog and to you. Start your | | | | develop an ear infection. Nails left untrimmed can |
| puppy off right with vaccinations from the time you | | | | grow too long and make it difficult for your dog to |
| bring her home and follow recommendations for | | | | walk properly. |
| booster shots to keep your dog healthy. You should | | | | Exercise |
| visit the vet annually for a check-up. | | | | 7. Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. |
| Fresh Water | | | | It's estimated that nearly 40 percent of the dogs in |
| 3. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water | | | | the United States are overweight or obese. Being |
| available at all times. This is often easier said than | | | | overweight puts your dog at risk for many serious |
| done. Some dogs like to play in their water, turn it | | | | health problems. One of the main reasons dogs are |
| over and they can get their water dirty very quickly. | | | | overweight is because they simply eat too much and |
| Check your dog's water frequently and make sure | | | | don't get enough exercise. Take your dog for walks. |
| your dog has fresh water to drink. Water keeps | | | | Be more active with her. Find some fun dog sports |
| your dog hydrated and flushes toxins from her | | | | that the two of you can enjoy together. Spend time |
| system. | | | | playing with your dog and get her running! Whatever |
| Food Fit for a King | | | | your dog likes to do, find ways to encourage your |
| 4. Provide your dog with a good quality dog food. | | | | dog to get some exercise. |
| There is always much discussion about which dog | | | | If you follow these suggestions your dog can be |
| food to feed your dog. Should you feed the most | | | | healthier and live a longer life. |
| expensive premium food? Should you buy organic | | | | |