Dog Health And Nutrition Basics

October 28, 2008 by Richard Cross

As a dog owner it is easy to think that your dog will always be healthy but that isn’t the case. Looking after your dog and making sure it gets the best possible care is your responsibility from the moment you first get it, so it’s important to know the basics of keeping your dog healthy.

The most important things to remember are:

Your dog needs daily exercise. Make sure you know ho much your breed requires in order to stay healthy.
Your dog needs to be taken to the vet at least once a year for check-ups and must also receive all the require vaccinations.
Your dog needs a nutritious diet. Many store bought foods contain mainly filler and not much nutrition, so make sure you choose the healthiest food for your dog.
Dogs can get overweight too, so make sure you’re feeding your dog the correct amount. You can consult your vet about how and what to feed your dog.
While not directly related to health, a well trained dog is a safe dog. Make sure your dog at least knows the basic commands and can perform then even in distracting situations.

As dogs can’t tell you when there is something wrong, it’s vital to keep an eye out for signs of illness so you can take action immediately. In general if your dog is acting differently or strangely then there may be something wrong. Also keep an eye out for any skin problems, external and internal dog parasites such as fleas, worms or ticks, red eyes or discharge and a lack of appetite. All of these can be signs of an illness.

If you suspect there is something wrong with your dog then it’s extremely important to take it to the vet straight away. Your vet will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and advise you on the best course of action.