How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

Your dog asks very little from you, yet he rewards you with unconditional love. He is thrilled to be with you, around you and touched by you. A kind word from you now and then is the only required "payment" for his lifelong servitude and adoration.

With some daily attention and a watchful eye, your dog will generally remain healthy throughout his lifetime. You can do your part to assure that he is happy too.

Here are a few tips:

* Provide fresh water in a clean container. Your dog appreciates cool clean water just as much as you do. Avoid leaving stale or container water more than one day '" best practice is to provide new water daily.

* Supply good quality nutrition. Dogfood manufacturers have spent much research, time and money on canine nutrition. Take advantage of all that research and don't skimp on your dog's nourishment. He requires a well-balanced, high quality diet based on his level of activity, age, body weight and size. The high-quality diet certainly is more costly, but your dog is worth the investment!

-* Feed the same food daily and regularly. Dry dog food is generally the food of choice since it is well-balanced, won't spoil too quickly and provides the necessary chewing action that is important for your dog's teeth. An abrupt change to his food and feeding schedule should be avoided. If you must alter your dog's nutrition, introduce the new food over a period of several days to alert his digestive system to the change.

* Offer squeaky toys, balls, dog ropes, frisbees or any other type of safe toy he likes. Play and bond with him often.

* Give your dog a yearly physical by his veterinarian. Provide necessary health checks, wormings and vaccinations. In this way, you will identify possible health concerns before they are untreatable.

* Keep your dog on your property. Never allow him to randomly run free. Obey all leash laws and license your dog. Never permit your dog to ingest trash, plants or possible toxins from pesticides. Do not permit him near the road where he could be hit by a car. Keeping your dog under your watchful eye will also go a long way from permitting him to get into a fight with another dog or wild animal.

* Keep medications, children's toys and other harmful items away from your dog. Never ever keep rat poison, antifreeze and trash accessible in any way to your dog (or any other pets for that matter).

* Groom and handle your dog daily. Walk him, play with him, pet him and spend some time talking to him; he adores your voice when you speak calmly and gently to him.

* Reprimand your dog if he makes a mistake. Use a gruff voice but never hit him. You want him to love your touch not shrink away from it.

* Train your dog well. Assure that he will be a terrific companion and canine citizen by giving him basic training. Most dogs are fast learners and will appreciate routine. Reward lavishly with voice, pats and treats when he gets it right.

* Check your dog's teeth regularly. Train him to enjoy having his gums and teeth brushed. There are meat flavored dog toothpastes '" with a little work and training, your dog will love regular teeth brushings. Avoiding plaque buildup on his teeth goes a long way to a healthier, happier dog.

* Monitor and remove dog droppings often, preferably daily. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice prolonged diarrhea or blood in the stools.

* Play with your dog. Walk him. (Ever watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic '" Apparently, walking a dog is incredibly important . . .) Cuddle him. Cherish his friendship.

Lucky is the owner that has the love, loyalty and friendship of a dog.

This article and many others are written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com, www.FantasyKritters.com, www.TShirtsbyLily.com and www.Amway.com/HealthandHomebyHeidi