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.

Find you need to know about dog diseases and health information at http://www.dogbreedss.org/dog-diseases.htm