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Health

Most dog owners will agree that maintaining a dog's health is one of the most important responsibilities of dog ownership. A healthy and well cared for dog is a happy dog, and happy dogs make happy owners!

  • Choosing a Veterinarian: Make sure your dog has a good, reputable, and trusted vet. Only go to vets that are members of the local or state Veterinary Medical Association. It's entirely appropriate to ask for references when looking for a new vet, and word-of-mouth recommendations are a good way to find a vet for your precious pooch.

  • Exercise: All dogs require adequate exercise, which varies according to breed and age. Knowing the best amount of daily exercise to keep your dog healthy and fit is an important part of their overall health. Let the dog be your guide - if they're climbing the walls or act really nuts when you pick up a leash or open the door, they are probably in need of more. There are many ways to exercise a dog besides just walking them on a leash or taking them to an off-leash dog park. Dog Play is one site that offers many great ideas for dog exercise. You can also safely exercise your dog off a bicycle with an attachment you can make for under $3. Then there's an exercise toy that can be made from scrap materials and can be used both indoors (if you haveopen space in your living room) and out. Remember that the more options you try, the more fun it will be for both you and your dog!

  • Grooming: Dogs should be groomed on a regular basis. Depending on the coat and lifestyle (long-haired and outdoor dogs usually require more frequent grooming than their short-haired and indoor counterparts), most dogs will benefit from weekly grooming in between trips to a professional groomer for baths and trims.

See also:
Common Ailments & Issues
First Aid for Your Dog
Serious Illness
Cold Weather Care Tips





Latest page update: made by cometsmama , Nov 2 2007, 1:33 PM EDT (about this update About This Update cometsmama Edited by cometsmama


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Anonymous high cost of vet bills 1 Feb 23 2008, 11:50 AM EST by Anderman
Thread started: Feb 7 2008, 10:58 AM EST  Watch
I have a pure white shepard and for the last year she has had a constant infection in her private area. I have been to vet several times trying this and that and nothing has worked so far. We have only one income in house hold and with my health problems its got to the point that I have to either put her down or give her to the shelter because I cant afford the vet bills. I sit here and cry all the time because I don't want to loose my dog. I have had her for 6 years. She licks herself raw . I have tried everything. What am I to do? Can someone please help.
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Indy public water bowls 1 Oct 8 2007, 2:08 AM EDT by Anonymous
Indy
Thread started: Jul 21 2006, 3:18 PM EDT  Watch
Often, after going to dog parks, Indy develops a dog cold - goopy eyes, sniffles, and a cough. I've been letting him drink from the public water bowls, but someone suggested that this could be the source of his ailments. Should I avoid water bowls that serve hordes of canines? Are they really just cesspools of dog disease?
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