Healthy Dogs For Life

Is there really a way to keep a dog healthy for life? I'm not sure, but it does seem if we follow some easy steps we have a good chance of never having to use that pet insurance for anything serious.

Be sure to always give your dog plenty of clean drinking water. This is so important. It is easy for something like this to be overlooked if your days are hectic.

Foods for your dog should be filled with the right stuff. Check with your veterinarian if you think what I'm saying is wrong. Dogs should not be given food that contains meat by-products. What is a by-product anyway? Pieces and parts of slaughtered animals that can't otherwise be identified are ground into the dog food that is sold to millions of unsuspecting animal lovers. Other dog foods list corn as the first ingredient. Think twice about what you are buying. I think it would be great if pet foods were rated by number, with a large number posted on the front of the bag.

Be sure your pets are up to date on all shots. It can get to be expensive to do all that is suggested, but these shots are something the animals need to survive the world they are dealing with. Remember how much closer to the ground they are, and what they are walking through!

Keep you dog's teeth clean. Look on this blog for more information about this. Be sure your pet is groomed, and being kept pest free. You never know when a tick or flea could actually cause your pet to become ill.

Don't forget a good heartworm preventive. Are we done yet? Probably not, but that is all I'm going to include for now.


If you would like your pet featured on this blog, please let us know in the comment section.


Information and pictures posted here
are property of Pat Anthony


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Does your dog get bored?

What does your dog do all day while home alone?

Do you think about what your dog is doing all day while home alone? Hmmm. You may wonder if the dog is missing you, watching the door, eagerly anticipating your return. Or, does the pooch just sleep until a human shows up?

You no doubt remember to leave plenty of water, and some food for your dog while you are gone, but what else could you do? Be sure your dogs toys are within reach, and not stuck under a piece of furniture. Okay, that was an easy one. What else?

Some people say they phone home and talk to the answering machine so the dog will hear their voice. They claim the dog moves around, barks, and has some activity it might not otherwise have. It's hard to say if a dog appreciates this from their human, because they can't blog!

Owners have gone as far as to leave a television on in the room the dog will mainly be in while the human is at work. Is this safe, or could it be a fire hazard? Other owners think a radio would be a cheaper, and safer idea to keep some noise in the house for the dog.

If you leave edible treats for your dog, you probably know they are the first thing the dog attacks once you leave the house. If you can get your dog in the habit of chewing hard toy bones that are made specifically for dogs who feel the need to chew, the dog may have something to do besides sleep.

However, as canines do like to snooze most of the day away even when their humans are around, don't feel guilty about not having an entertainment committee on hand while you are working to earn doggie treat dollars.

Ever thought about setting up a web cam of sorts to find out for sure what goes on while you are gone? That may be fun. What about snapping a picture of the dog's pile of toys before you leave one morning, and see what is different when you get home? You may be surprised to see your dog did actually have some fun alone.


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How to Choose Dog Food

With so many choices in dog food for your dog, how do you know if you are picking the right food? Will your breed need something special?

A lot of information is available concerning dog foods, but that doesn't help you decide which product is the right one.

Think about asking your vet for a recommendation. If the vet suggests only what is available in his/her office, keep walking.

Stores that cater to pets have many options. This is a personal opinion: Buy something that does not contain corn. Look for food that does not contain by-products, which can include heads, feet, or animal intestines.

Some pets need a food that is for sensitive stomachs. Others need food that may keep them from gaining weight. If your dog is a couch potato, this might be what you need.

Pet owners sometimes prefer to have their dogs eat a vegan or vegetarian meal. Do this with caution. You want to be sure your pet is getting everything needed to remain healthy. Read labels, and understand what you are paying for. It does not matter that there is a wonderful picture of your favorite breed on the bag; It is what is inside that counts.

Read labels: All dog foods are not equal. Search on line for information if you are not sure of what you are getting for your money.

Keeping The Family Dog Happy.

Photo and
dog
property of T. Anthony

Keeping the family dog happy is usually fairly easy to do. One of the most important things to a dog's quality of life may be what food is offered, and the quality of drinking water given. Check with your vet to see which foods are recommended for your breed. Look on line for further information, then decide which food you will use.

Consider adding an automatic waterer for your dog. This will assure you the dog always has water, which is especially important if you are not available for several hours at a time. These are easy to clean, and easy to use.

Dogs need exercise, and so do we. Playing ball with your dog is good for you, too. Try giving 10-15 minutes each day to your dog. If the dog is home alone during the day, think about taking two 10 minute breaks with the dog before retiring for the night.

Dogs are social beings. They enjoy walking through the neighborhood, sniffing scents, barking at other dogs, and investigating new sites. Walk with them daily if you can. If you can't walk with your pet, consider hiring a teen in your area to do it for you.

Keep your dog well groomed. Not only does a dog need to be brushed, dogs need their ears cleaned, teeth brushed, nails clipped. If these are things you don't want to do, take your pet to a groomer.

Never ignore your dog's health issues. Keeping the family dog happy is easier if you bring health issues to the attention of a vet as soon as noticed. Shots should be up to date. If you have any questions about your pet’s behavior or health, make an appointment with your vet. Many vets will help you by phone if you are a regular at the office. If you don't have a vet now, you can find one in your area on the Internet.

Fleas don't need to be a part of your dog's life-ever. Speak to your vet about products available to help your dog avoid such pests. Remember, your dog can't take care of this. Your help is always needed.

There are many natural products to help with fleas and ticks. Search online before making a choice.

Exercise can energize your dog, and you. So you may not want to exercise too close to bedtime.