Health Guide for Dogs
Many Americans no longer view their dogs simply as pets; the dogs are cherished members of the family. Dogs who do not receive proper nutrition and daily exercise can suffer from several problems including allergies, loss of vitality and obesity. If you have a puppy or dog that you would like to keep healthy and strong for life, ensure that your best friend is in the fittest condition possible.
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Proper Nutrition
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Feed your dog a well-balanced diet. Serve twice a day dog food rich in grains, meats and dairy products. Allow your pet's food bowl to remain accessible for 30 minutes. After the allotted time has expired, do not allow your dog to eat until his next scheduled feeding. Do not allow your pooch to graze. Most dogs will continuously eat as long as food is readily available. Never give your puppy or dog food from the table. This habit is not only unhealthy for your pup, it is also unsanitary for the humans.
Pet owners must stay vigilant and watch for signs of malnutrition and obesity in their dog. Signs of malnutrition include swollen skin, visible ribs and foul-smelling droppings and vomit. Dogs suffering from this ailment should be nursed back to health slowly on a mild diet that includes rice and bland meats such as cooked hamburger. A canine that is overweight is easy to spot. Obesity is especially prevalent in larger breeds. Many owners feel that a bigger dog requires copious amounts of food, which is not the case.
Adequate Exercise
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Keep your dog on the right track with a long walk. Make this a family affair and encourage the kids to get involved in the care of the family pet. Ideally a dog should be walked three times a day, but this is not always possible. If two walks is a more realistic goal, make sure that at least one of them lasts for 30 minutes. Take care when walking dogs bred for colder climates in the summer months. They are prone to heat stroke and severe behavioral problems. Don't forget to take along a bag to pick up after your pooch. In most states it is against the law to leave behind a dog's feces.
Different dog breeds require differing amounts of exercise. For instance, a weimaraner is a high-energy pooch that benefits from long runs through grassy fields. A Bernese mountain dog, on the other hand, plays in several small spurts and should not be deprived of adequate rest between these sessions.
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