Dog Health Care and Information

Although most pet dogs are now fed entirely on tinned or packaged food, their nutritional requirements are exactly the same as their ancestors' centuries ago. So to maintain good dog health, a domestic dog must receive a balanced diet containing all the nutrients that would be found in its natural diet. Dogs are adapted to eating a wide variety of food and can survive happily on an almost vegetarian diet which would make a cat very ill.

Your dog needs a balance of nutrients in his diet. The main parts of the diet will be protein (meat) and carbohydrates (dog biscuit). Protein is used to build the body tissues and carbohydrates provide energy. Animal fat is important both as an energy source and because it contains essential vitamins like vitamin A. Fat also gives flavor and texture to the food. There are many other essential ingredients of the diet such as vitamins and minerals. Most of these ingredients are either naturally present in, or added to, commercially prepared dog foods. In the wild, a dog would have a varied diet and be eating the whole animal (not just the meat) so a diet of lean steak will not give your dog everything he needs.

There are a wide range of commercially prepared foods to suit your dog's needs. However, if you see an unfamiliar brand in the shops, be cautious especially if it is one of the cheaper foods. As in all things quality comes at a price, and a cheaper brand will often contain inferior ingredients. The well known brands are usually formulated to give your dog everything it needs. Your vet or veterinary nurse will be able to give you impartial and well-informed advice on feeding your dog.

Exercising your Dog

Play with owners and with other dogs, not only provides the dog with some of its exercise requirements, but also helps to meet social needs. Insufficient exercise can contribute to problem behaviours including destructiveness (chewing and digging), investigative behaviour (garbage raiding), hyperactivity, unruliness, excitability, attention-getting behaviours, and even some forms of barking. It is especially important to ensure that a dog's need for exercise has been met prior to leaving the dog alone at home and prior to lengthy crating or confinement sessions.

Taking your dog for a walk is a good way to accomplish exercise and can be enjoyable and healthy for you as well. From an early age you should acclimatise your puppy to a collar and leash. A flat nylon or leather collar is fine. Keep your puppy away from stray dogs and neighbourhood parks until all vaccinations are finished. Practice your walking skills in your own yard first. Put your puppy on leash, and with your voice and a small tug, or perhaps a food or toy reward as a prompt, encourage it to follow you. Reward the good behaviour with praise. Keep initial walks short to encourage compliance.

Playing with your dog is an enjoyable activity for both of you. Not only does the puppy get exercise, but positive interactions take place. Training sessions are also an excellent way to gain owner leadership and control, while providing interaction between you and your dog.

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