Dog Guide

• • Dental Care
  • Finding a lost pet
  • Get in tune with your dog
  • Getting into good habits
  • Health issues in older dogs
  • Leader of the pack
  • Neutering in dogs - the facts
  • Walkies
  • Cope with seperation

Routine maintenance is the best way of preventing many potential problems. Take out a pet insurance policy to protect you if the worst happens.

Diet
Whichever brand or type of food you decide on try to stick it. If you decide to change, do so gradually, mixing in the new food brand with old. Try to feed meals at the same time each day and follow the manufacturers recommended daily amount. Do not be tempted to overfeed your dog as a treat and never pass him any of your food as a little extra.

Exercise
By now, you should be aware of how much exercise your dog enjoys. If he's overweight, chances are he's not getting out enough. Next time you take him for a regular check up at the vets, ask them for advice on his weight - what might look healthy to you may be the start of an obesity problem to the vet.

Teeth
This should be an established routine, taking place at least three times a week. If his gums are red or bleeding you are not paying enough attention. Use a soft human or specialist canine brush and clean using gentle circular motions with canine toothpaste.

Coat
Regular grooming will help keep his coat in tip-top condition. It will also show him who's boss. You might want to shampoo his coat occasionally, never more than once a month, to help keep down any parasites.