| Is your dog one of your best friends? If so, | | | | Be careful not to give your canine buddy chicken |
| you're especially motivated to want to take care | | | | bones which can easily splinter and get caught in |
| of his health. As I'm sure you're aware, your pet's | | | | his throat. In fact, don't give small bones to him at |
| health is a very important part of your | | | | all because of the danger of splintering with |
| responsibilities as an owner. | | | | resulting internal cuts. |
| There are a number of health issues that can | | | | Be sure that your dog always has a fresh full |
| affect your special pet. | | | | bowl of water -- especially during the hot summer |
| For example, if your dog gets worms, you need | | | | months. |
| to make sure that you take him to the vet if you | | | | Choose a good brand of nourishing dog food |
| can't get rid of the worms by yourself. Worms | | | | instead of inferior brands. Don't let him become |
| come in several different varieties, such as | | | | overweight because that is a health hazard -- just |
| roundworms, tapeworms and heart worms. It's | | | | like in humans. |
| critical that you get rid of his worms as soon as | | | | Be on the alert for symptoms that may show |
| possible before really serious health conditions | | | | that your dog is in pain. If your dog refuses to |
| arise because of these parasites. | | | | eat, you need to take him to a vetinarian to see |
| You've also got to keep a close watch on fleas | | | | what's the matter. |
| because they can really cause problems. You | | | | Older dogs often develop arthritis and there are |
| certainly don't want your dog to suffer needlessly. | | | | special supplements that can be given to them |
| Make sure you keep your pet current with his | | | | that can help. Be sure to check with your |
| innoculations and take him to the vet for periodic | | | | vetinarian to see what treatment option would be |
| checkups. | | | | best. |
| If you can keep tartar from growing around | | | | Be aware of where 24-hour emergency care is |
| your dog's teeth, that would be best. However, if | | | | located. That way you'll be prepared in case your |
| you're not prepared to do that, be sure his gums | | | | dog needs immediate medical attention on a |
| aren't infected with tartar that has gotten out of | | | | weekend or evening when the vet has gone |
| control. You'll need to take him to the vet for | | | | home. |
| teeth cleaning if you aren't prepared to keep his | | | | The suggestions in this article can help you to be |
| teeth free of tartar deposits by regularly brushing | | | | a more informed dog owner, but there are a lot |
| them. | | | | more topics relating to dog health that you need |
| Brush your dog's hair on a regular basis, especially | | | | to research to help your dog be as healthy as |
| if he is one of the long-haired varieties -- like | | | | possible. |
| collies or shelties. While you're brushing his coat, be | | | | Knowing that your buddy is healthy and happy |
| on the lookout for skin growths or rashes that | | | | will be your reward for being an informed owner. |
| need medical care. The time you spend brushing | | | | Learn more about how to take care of your |
| his coat can be a special time of closeness | | | | dog's health. |
| between you and your dog. | | | | |