Having Healthy Pups: A
Few Tips on Keeping Your
Dog Healthy
The responsibility of a
new pet is sometimes
overwhelming. One of your
new duties as a dog owner
is to take care of your
pet's health. Here are two
pointers for you to follow
in taking care of your
pet.
- The Veterinarian Is
our Friend
Part of your duty as a
dog owner is to know when
to call for the vet. Don't
take a "wait and see"
attitude when it comes to
your pet's health.
Sometimes, that approach is
fine but most often
professional help is needed
to treat your dog's
sickness. Depending on the
dog's condition, there are
many ways a veterinarian
may help.
There are several
instances when it is
essential that you call
your veterinarian:
a) Always call your vet
when your dog has been in
an accident. If your
regular veterinarian is not
available, look for the
closest emergency vet
clinic.
b) Always call your vet
when you suspect your dog
has eaten something that
may be poisonous or
something inedible.
c) Call your vet
immediately when your pet
is in obvious distress.
Sudden weight gain or
weight loss should be a
warning sign for you to
take your dog to the
vet.
d) If your dog is
coughing, vomiting or
having seizure, call the
vet immediately.
- An Ounce of Prevention
Is Better Than A Pound Of
Cure
Of course, going to the
vet should be the last
recourse. Preventing your
dog from being hurt or
getting sick is your
primary responsibility.
Remember, that good food
and a lot of exercise
equates into a long life
for your pet. A balanced
diet and a regimen of
exercise helps prevent
sickness and strengthens
your pet. Monitor what your
pets eat. Clean your dog's
cage regularly to get rid
of any disease-causing
bacteria. Check your dog's
water supply. Make sure
it's clean and healthy for
your pet.
Keep your dog on a
leash. Running in front of
a car is not very good for
your dog's health and
heaven knows where your pet
may end up if you just let
it wander around.
Give your dog a regular
bath. Fleas and ticks can
give your dog extreme
discomfort and are often
carriers of disease.
Of course, keeping your
dog in tip-top shape goes
beyond these pointers. It's
always advisable to ask a
veterinarian for additional
health tips and as your
experience with your pet
grows, you'll think up of a
couple more rules that are
special to your beloved
hound. Just remember that
when your pet's health is
in question, it's always
better to be safe!
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