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