Total Care for Your Pet: The Dog Health Guide for New Owners

Pet dog health is an important topic that new dog owners should become familiar with in order for their dogs to live a long healthy life. There are many aspects to dog health and the below information about these aspects can guide you as a new dog owner.

Dog Nutrition

Good dog nutrition is the key to avoiding a number of common conditions from constipation to anxiety. Good dog nutrition starts with high-quality products with a 40/50/10 ratio. This means, 40% meat, 50% vegetables, and 10% carbohydrate. In order to avoid common dog conditions, it's best to avoid low-quality, low-nutrition, commercial dog food that use by-products and preservatives such as BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin. Premium brand and holistic foods do not contain fillers, by-products or harmful chemical preservatives. They contain 100% natural and nutritious "human-grade" ingredients. In addition to feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet, you should:

  • Always provide fresh water;
  • Keep them away from trash and bones;
  • Avoid feeding table scraps.

Dog Supplementation and Secondary Aspects of Dog Health

High-quality, premium brand dog foods can contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals. But no matter how healthy, not all dog food contains all of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Dogs need antioxidants because they have healing properties, and they assist the body's natural defense mechanism. In turn, they help boost the immune system, and they decrease the effects of free radicals. When choosing a dog supplement, make sure it contains vitamins A, C and E, and vitamins B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12.

Secondary aspects of dog health include remedies and treatments. Remedies such as aromatherapy and herbalism can aid in easing symptoms of dozens of conditions and treatments. Just a few remedies and treatments include: massage, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy. These remedies and treatments can also help your new dog stay healthy physically and mentally.

Dog Preventatives

In addition to feeding your dog a balanced diet and supplements, it is important to get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help keep everything from obesity to heart problems at bay. Exercise can help prevent emotional problems as well as promote joint health, healthy bones, bone density, and self confidence. Walking, running, fetching and catching, and swimming are some of the best cardiovascular exercises for dogs. It is important to note that the amount of time you should spend outdoors exercising with your dog will depend on your dog's size. For example, a few 15 minute walks per day is plenty of exercise for a pug or a Chihuahua, while playing at the dog park for an good hour or so is perfect for German Shepherd needs. And remember, no matter the size or breed, some exercise is always better than no exercise at all.

Along with exercise and nutrition, keeping dog's teeth healthy and clean is just as important as dog nutrition and exercise. If you neglect your dog's dental health, you invite a number of preventable health issues into the dog's life. In addition to bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene can lead to tonsillitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), kidney infections, and even infections involving the heart valves. To prevent diseases related to poor oral health, brush your dog's teeth regularly and see your vet for regular check-ups and cleanings.

 

Comments