Monday, November 26, 2007

Pet Health: Top Three Reasons Why Your Dog Should See The Vet Today

by Lisa Albanese


Veterinary care can be one of the most expensive things about having a dog these days, and while most pet owners know how important proper medical care is, dogs have a tendency to mask their medical problems until they are full-blown. Not only does this create a threat to the very existence of your four-legged friend, but the veterinary care for emergency medical treatment is out of this world. To help ease the burden of emergency care on your pocketbook, here are a few reasons why your dog should see the veterinarian today.

They Are Behind on Their Vaccinations

If your pet is behind on their vaccinations, it may not seem like a big deal to you unless you have lost a pet from one of the illnesses that are normally vaccinated against. Parvo is one of the most devastating illnesses that a dog can get, and the symptoms associating them can be painful for your pet and for you to watch as well. While this is just one disease, it is part of a regular vaccination that most dogs receive in the first few months of their life, as a regular part of the routine vaccination package. Most canine vaccinations can be had for less than $20--nothing compared to the thousands of dollars that can be spent trying to save your little friend from an untimely death at the hands of one of these killers.

You may think your dog is healthy, but they can catch something through just simple motions of everyday life as a dog. Catching a rat and killing it can be deadly if they happen to be rabid, but if your dog has been properly vaccinated you won't have anything to worry about except a potentially nasty mess.

They Are Very Old or Very Young

Elderly pets or infant pets are vulnerable to a great deal of diseases that pets in the prime of their life might not otherwise fall victim to. The bodies of very old or very young dogs have a tendency to not resist diseases and bacteria as well as they should, causing them to fall victim to a host of deadly diseases and infections that could threaten their life. Just because they are around and seem to be getting around okay does not mean they are healthy; get them seen by a vet today and put your mind at ease.

Your Dog is Pregnant or Nursing

If your dog is pregnant or nursing, it is vitally important that they see a veterinarian as soon as humanly possible. The nursing stage is a bit late for most dogs, as first time queens tend to have problems with labor and delivery, some of which can be potentially life-threatening.

If your dog is nursing, it is important to make sure that they are in top health so that they don't pass on any potentially devastating illnesses to their young. Many illnesses are transmitted through bodily fluids, including mother's milk, and getting your dog seen by a vet is a great way to make sure that both mother and babies stay in tip-top condition.

Many people think their dogs are indestructible, and they have a way of driving that assumption home. It is a known fact that dogs are people-pleasers and do well at masking symptoms of their illnesses, all to make your life easier. Such loyalty; don't you think you owe it to your dog to have them seen by their vet as early and often as possible? It will do nothing but enhance the length and quality of your time together.


About the Author
Shop pet supplies like Designer Dog Beds & Leather Dog Collars at Pamper Me Puppy & visit Author's Pet Blog

Monday, November 19, 2007

How Much Care Does a Dog Need?

by Lorna Findlay

If you really want your dog to live a long and happy life, there are several things you should do to ensure he stays fit and healthy. A dog doesn't need as much care as a small child or a baby would, but it does need regular care and attention to keep it healthy. Some dogs and breeds need more care than others, but generally dogs are easy-going, loyal creatures that enjoy human company.

Your dog needs to have regular vaccinations and an identity tag. It's always better yto check what your local laws require. In case your dog goes missing, the dog tag should be attached to the collar and have your name, address and contact phone number on it. Once you have brought your dog home, you will need to take it to the veterinarian for health checks and vaccinations on a regular basis.

You must feed your dog regularly! Provide him with sufficient fresh water every day and enough healthy food for his size and breed type. Ensure that you are giving the amount and type of food required for your dog.

It is very important to groom your dog. Try to bathe your dog once a month and keep his/her coat brushed and free from ticks and fleas. Dog's teeth are very important and care is required to keep them healthy. Dog's ears and eyes must also be cleaned regularly and watched for problemss.

You might also need to clip your dog's nails accasionally. Perhaps you don't have the time to carry out these tasks or feel confident enough to do them. You can always hire a dog groomer to groom your dog for you.

Every dog needs plenty of exercise, and generally the bigger the dog, the more exercise it will need. If you don't have the time to exercise a dog, then perhaps a different kind of pet would be better for you. Not only is regular exercise good for your dog's health, but it also gives him the opportunity to enjoy your company. Dogs love company and like to be with their 'pack' as much as possible. Remember when walking your dog he should always be on a leash.

Unless you are palnning to breed from your dog, it is a good idea to get your dog spayed or neutered. Not only will this stop unwanted puppies, it will also give your dog a longer, healthier life.

You may want to take your dog to obedience classes. This will enable you to socialize your dog and give you more time together. Dogs are loyal companions and want nothing more than to be with their owner, and to please him.

Caring for your dog should be enjoyable, both for you and your pet, and not a difficult task.


About the Author
To find out more about how to care for your dog, and to learn how to give your best friend the good life, please visit http://7dollarguides.com/simpledogcare