Dog Care and You!

Dog care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult! See our tips on canine health care for your healthy dog. Time saving advice on dog health care and hints on how to keep canine health projects to a minimum.

Being a Pet Parent

Photo by patti/flckr

I emphasize “specific needs” because your pet’s health care and grooming needs are quite different from yours.

In the wild, dogs (or wolves) hunt for food together. When your puppy came to live with you, she became dependent upon you for most of her dog care needs.

In the wild pack, Mother Dog “grooms” her pups and teaches them pack manners and trains them for their daily activities. Mother Dog is primarily responsible for her puppies' dog care needs.

Playing with other pups sorts out leaders and followers among the pack. And, the top leader of the pack keeps everyone in line and teaches them what will or won’t be acceptable behavior.

Your Pet Parent Responsibilities

Your responsibilities for dog care go beyond feeding your new pet healthy dog food. You need to make sure that he is clean and well groomed, safe and secure.

You are responsible for companionship with him, for maintaining his good health and for preventive dog care health measures like heart worm medicine and vaccinations.

Perhaps just as important, you are responsible for teaching your dog good behavior. You are (or should be) the dominant member of your “pack”. That means that you train your dog—she doesn’t train you.

You may have the most beautiful, well-groomed dog around, but if he is not properly trained, he will be miserable to be around—for both you and your visitors!

Simply teaching your dog to sit and stay upon command, can help you control your dog under almost any circumstance!

Benefits to You

My background is that of an occupational therapist. As a therapist, I saw older people in nursing homes have brighter eyes and smiles, more animated expressions and move more quickly when pets were brought into their facility. The residents looked forward anxiously to days when the pets would come to visit.

Having a pet can actually lower your blood pressure (or raise it), lower your cholesterol, and lessen the depression of those who struggle with mood swings.

For people who tend to be couch potatoes, our pets serve as a great excuse to get some exercise, and they can help us keep our weight in check.

Let’s face it! Dogs are our favorite pet—world-wide. We derive pleasure from dog care activities. In return, they reward us with unconditional love and lots of affection!

Pets take a little time and effort, especially when they are puppies. But, as you already know, every minute is worth it!

Ear Infections in Dogs: Ear infections in dogs are a common reason for a visit to the veterinarian. Do you know how to tell if your dog is suffering from an ear disorder?

Dog Paw Care: Dog paw care is essential to your pet’s health. Your dog spends a lot of time on her feet, so make sure that you give her paws and nails proper care! Here are a few simple steps that will help you keep your pet's feet in good condition!

Dog Vision Have you ever wondered what dog vision is like? Exactly what a dog sees and how dog vision differs from yours? What is fuzzy for them and what do they see better than you?

Dog Eye Care - Just a Few Simple Steps Good dog eye care only takes a few minutes of your time each day. The rewards are tremendous, though, because dog vision is precious! Information and tips to help you with canine eye care.

Dog Eye Problems Dog eye problems can develop because of trauma (injury), congenital traits (heredity) or because of illness. Your dog can develop canine eye problems at any age. Do you know what the symptoms are for canine cataracts, dog glaucoma, or canine conjunctivitis?

Recipe for Gas Busters - Canine Flatulence Canine Flatulence. It's something you don't talk about. It can ruin a party or a Sunday afternoon movie on TV. Use our Gas Busters recipe to neutralize your pet’s gas problem with healthy treats!

Recipe for Dog Nausea Travel Treats Is travel difficult for you and your dog because of dog nausea? Use our dog treats recipe to make gingerbread cookies that will help to settle your pet’s stomach and keep him happy.

Dog Fleas -- How to Get Rid of Them: Dog fleas can get out of control pretty fast. Use these practical tips to regain your dog, your house and your life! Dog care for flea control.

Recipe for Flea Chasers Dog Treats These healthy dog treats use brewers yeast and other ingredients that help to repel fleas. Use them as rewards or treats for your favorite pet and help him to be flea-free at the same time!

Recipe for Flea Bane Sprinkles Dog Food Topping Flea Bane Sprinkles Food Topping is a sprinkle-on topping for dog food that dogs love. Made with brewers yeast and other flea-repelling ingredients, a teaspoon or two daily will help with flea control.

Dog Dental Care: Dental dog care for tooth and gum health requires regular attention. But don’t worry! It’s easy and doesn’t take that much time to improve your dog's care for his teeth and gums!

Dog Dental Treats Recipe Make these tasty dental dog treats at home! Hard and crunchy, they exercise dog gums and clean teeth. Made from all natural ingredients, they also contain bone meal for added dog dental health and nutrition!

Dog Bad Breath Does dog bad breath come between you and your dog? Is closeness a thing of the past? Bad breath in dogs can be normal and easy to control or it can be a sign of a more serious illness

Breath Tamers Recipe - Charcoal Dog Biscuits Can charcoal dog biscuits really get rid of bad breath in dogs? Try this homemade doggie breath mint recipe to help your dog with occasional dog bad breath.

How to Give a Dog Bath How often should you bathe your dog? What are the important steps to remember when giving a dog bath? What if your dog meets a skunk? Tips to make bath time fun for both of you!

Dog Medical Insurance - Do you have dog medical insurance? If you are willing to max out your credit cards when your dog needs medical treatment, then you should consider pet insurance or a creative alternative!

Dog Friendly Travel - Need some advice on dog friendly travel? Planning a vacation with pet travel in mind can get complicated. Here are some tips for traveling with dogs and ideas about what to take with you.

Have a dog care topic I haven't addressed? Write and let me know.

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