Simple & Natural Ways to

a Long and Healthy life for your dog

Copyright © 2004 Abhik Sarkar

NOTICE: This is not a free E-book and cannot be given away or sold to anyone, unless you are an authorised reseller/distributor. Copyright © 2004 Abhik Sarkar

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Simple & Natural Ways to a Long and Healthy life for your Dog

Introduction Helping Your Dog through Healthy Diet:

Bargain Food VS Quality Alternatives The Importance of Fresh Food Fresh Water Supplies Obesity & Weight Loss

Exercise & Mental Stimuli:

Regular Exercise Appropriate Toys & Treats Human Interaction Herbs & Homeopathy:

Nutritional Supplements Alternative & Drug-free Treatments Preventative Care Awareness & Vigilance:

Checking Household & Garden Products Indoor & Outdoor Hazards Grooming & Awareness

Attention:

Know Your Dog Discipline & Communication Reducing Stress Levels

Preventing Common Illnesses

Conclusion

Introduction

We all want our pets to enjoy a long and healthy lifestyle, as well as a happy one don’t we? Our pets are very precious to most of us, and are members of the family – members that would be sorely missed should an accident or illness take them away from us. This is why it is so important to take extra care when you have a puppy or a dog – in the same way as you would with a baby. You have to be aware of more things, you must keep your eyes peeled at all times, and you have to consider everything from dietary needs to methods of treatment. There are many ways in which you can help to ensure that your dog lives a long, happy and healthy life from puppy-hood to senior years. Some of these methods may simply seem like common sense – and they are. However, it is surprising how many do owners simply don’t see the dangers attached to a variety of things that they buy, use or do. Dogs are loyal and loving creatures, and are famed for being man’s best friend. And for the unconditional love that they

give to their owners and families, they should be given the care and attention that they deserve…and this is what will help them to get the most out of life and maintain optimum health throughout their lives. This guide will help to identify a variety of ways in which you can help your dog to achieve long life and health. You will learn how to help your pet through:

⇒ Diet

⇒ Exercise

⇒ Toys

⇒ Natural Supplements

⇒ Awareness

⇒ Attention

By reading through this guide you will find out how to get the best out of your dog in terms of health, fitness and vitality, enabling you and your beloved pet to enjoy a long and promising future together.

Helping Your Dog through

Healthy Diet A varied and nutritious diet is essential to the well being of your dog. Just like any human, young or old, your dogs needs a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins as well as in fresh produce. Many dogs spend their whole lives eating processed foods from a can or a box, because their owners don’t realise that fresh food is just as important to animals as it is to humans. How would you feel if you spent the rest of your life eating tinned food? That’s how your dog will feel without the luxury of some fresh and nutritious food in his diet…bored, fed up and sluggish. Dogs also need variety in their diets, and feeding them the same thing day in day out will simply bore them and make them feel frustrated, particularly when they can smell the delicious foods that the humans of the house are eating. Try and vary your dog’s diet, and combine his everyday food with fresh meat and vegetables that are rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. There are a number of things you need to consider when structuring your dog’s diet. Consider the following points: Bargain Food VS Quality Alternatives: Many dog owners find that bulk buying ‘bargain’ food can work out very cheap. They often head off to markets and pet shops to invest in a giant bag or tins of ‘super economy’ or

’value’ food, which they hope will last their dog for a few weeks or more. The prices attached to smaller bags and cans of higher quality food compared to large bags and cans of value food can seem unjustified.

However, are you really getting the bargain you think you are? And does your pet really benefit from the consumption of this bargain food? The answer to both of these questions is NO. There are several reasons why a good quality food should be considered over value food:

⇒ Your dog is likely to eat far more ‘value’ food than quality food. This is because the nutrients (or lack of them) in value food will pass through the dog’s system more quickly, leaving him hungry again soon after. The rich nutrients in quality food are retained within the body, helping to nourish the dog and maintain good health, as well as keeping him feeling full.

⇒ Your dog will not be getting the nutrients he needs by

eating value food – all this will do is stave off hunger for a short while. As a result of lack of nutrition, your dog is more likely to suffer ill health, and this will not only cause distress for the dog and the owner, but can become very costly in terms of veterinary bills.

⇒ Vitamins and nutrients are essential to not only keep

your dog healthy, but also to give him energy. By forcing your dog to eat value food with little to no nutritional value, you will find that he has far less energy and stamina than he would have with a nutrient-rich quality food. This lack of energy means that your dog is less likely to exercise and play, which in turn can lead to a number of problems such as obesity, or behavioural problems through boredom.

The Importance of Fresh Food There seems to be a popular misconception amongst some dog owners that fresh food diets are designed for humans only, and that the creator of life designed dogs to eat only from cans and packets. The truth is that all creatures thrive on fresh food, not just humans. In fact, dogs have been around for many centuries…processed pet food has been around for less than one. Clearly, dogs didn’t starve in the years before processed pet food reared its head. They lived on fresh food – meat, bones and vegetation, which is what their systems are designed to digest. Providing a fresh diet for your dog is not as costly as you may imagine, which is what puts some people off. Neither is it as inconvenient as you might think. Dogs have very strong stomachs, and their digestive tracts contain acid that is designed to digest raw meat and bones. This therefore gives you plenty of choice when deciding upon a fresh food menu for your dog. You don’t have to give your dog a fresh food diet one hundred percent of the time. You can supplement his high quality dried or canned food diet with fresh meals, and vice versa. And to make things even easier, your dog can eat the same foods that you eat (providing your diet doesn’t consist of burgers and chips). Fresh meat and vegetables are ideal for dogs, so whenever you have them on the menu for yourself, why not serve some up for your dog instead of giving him processed dog food? Providing you are sensible about the types of fresh food you serve to your dog, he could really benefit from a varied, healthy and interesting diet. However, bear in mind that giving your dog fresh food does not mean feeding him his normal food every day and then throwing him table scraps in addition to this. This will simply make him overweight. If you plan to add fresh food to his diet, this must be a proper serving and must replace the meal of dried or canned food that he would normally have.

There are many advantages to providing your dog with a fresh food based diet. The valuable nutrients, minerals and vitamins can help with:

⇒ Increased vitality and

energy

⇒ Glossier, healthier coat and skin

⇒ Keeping your dog feeling full and nourished

for longer

⇒ Keeping illnesses to a minimum through

provision of necessary nutrients

⇒ Healthier teeth and gums, and fresher breath

⇒ Less gas and less chance of foul smelling stools and diarrhoea

Fresh Water Supplies

Just like humans, dogs’ bodies are made up of seventy percent water, and it is important to keep water levels

within the body replenished. Fresh water is essential to the well being of your dog, and should always be freely

available. If your dog eats dried food, he will need plenty of water close by. A good supply of fresh water will:

⇒ Enable the metabolism to function properly

⇒ Contribute to overall health

⇒ Help to keep the body hydrated and nourished

⇒ Contribute towards energy levels

Remember to leave a dish of water outside the house as well as inside, as your dog may need a drink whilst playing and exercising in the garden. During the summer, the water should be changed regularly in order to help cool your dog’s body as well as quench his thirst. And in winter time, you should ensure that his bowl of water outdoors doesn’t freeze by changing it regularly or getting a heated dog bowl. Most importantly, make sure that his water is always clean to protect against bacteria and germs. Obesity & Weight Loss

Over-feeding your dog can have very serious repercussions. However kind you think you are being by throwing your dog scraps and filling up his food bowl at every opportunity, this will simply lead to weight gain and a string of related problems, such as heart disease or arthritis. He will also be sluggish, and unwilling or unable to play or exercise. It is important that your dog has a structured diet, with set mealtimes and a set amount of food. Your vet can offer a wealth of advice on how much and how often to feed your dog. This will depend largely upon the type of dog you have, and his age and condition.

If your dog has already gained too much weight and is showing signs of obesity, it is vital that you take a look at his diet and devise a structured weight loss plan. Again, your vet will be able to help you with this, and should you have any doubts about what and when to feed your pet it is important that you seek advice. Once your dog has started a weight loss plan, you must monitor his weight and ensure that the eating plan is taking effect. Do not be tempted to offer him scraps between meals – it is of paramount importance that the plan is adhered to in order to be effective. When your dog reaches his ideal weight, you can devise a sensible maintenance plan which should help to keep his weight down. And if at any point he shows signs of putting weight back on (some dogs are prone to this in the same way as many humans are) get him straight back onto the weight loss plan.

Exercise & Mental Stimuli

Your dog needs to be kept fit and alert in order to benefit from optimum health. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to a range of problems, such as:

⇒ Boredom

⇒ Laziness

⇒ Sluggishness

⇒ Obesity, and problems relating to obesity

⇒ Behavioural problems through boredom

Many of these problems bring with them a variety of associated health and behavioural issues, and you could find that the boredom that comes about from lack of play and stimulation brings about laziness; the laziness, in turn, brings about obesity; and the obesity brings about heart trouble and arthritis. Before you know it, your dog could be suffering from all kinds of ailments – and all because he lacked the physical and mental stimulation he needed. This snowball effect can result in your dog having not only serious but lifelong issues. A combination of exercise, play and interaction with the family will help to give your dog the stimulation he needs to stay fit, healthy, alert and happy. It will also enable you to interact more with your dog, thus strengthening the bond between you. Dogs love activity and play, particularly with another dog or with their owners. You can get involved in his playtimes,

ensuring that he gets the exercise he needs each day. Or if you have a close friend with a dog, why not invite them over for a play session or perhaps meet up in the park so that the dogs can have a run together? If you are allowing your dog to play with other dogs however, you should ensure that the other dog has been fully vaccinated and does not have any contagious illness that could be passed on to your dog. There are many benefits to encouraging your dog to take healthy, regular and moderate exercise. Obviously, don’t push your dog too hard – exercise should be in moderation like everything else. Also, if you have a short haired dog remember that he will be sensitive to very hot or very cold weather, and outdoor exercise should be structured according to the weather. Regular Exercise Combined with a healthy diet, this is one of the most effective ways of maintaining overall health for your dog. Exercise can refer to many types of activity, from walks and running around a field to playing in the garden with a ball or frisbee. Exercise can be fun for you and your dog, giving you a chance to bond and an opportunity for you both to get healthy. It is important that, whatever type of exercise your dog enjoys, he does it regularly. Daily walks, a fun half an hour in the garden with a ball, a stroll in the park, a swim…you can enjoy many activities with your dog, and encouraging him to

exercise daily will help to increase his life expectancy in a number of ways such as:

⇒ Strengthening his heart and lungs

⇒ Strengthening his muscles

⇒ Giving him increased energy and vitality

⇒ Keeping him supple and active

⇒ Keeping his weight down

⇒ Getting some fresh air into his lungs

Appropriate Toys & Treats Toys also play an important role in physical and mental stimulation for your dog. However, it is important that you select the right toys for your pet in order for your dog to glean the benefits of constructive play. The first thing to remember is that there are many toys on the market, many of them of excellent quality. However, there are also many of a far lower quality and these are the ones that you must avoid. Any toys that can break apart pose the risk of choking. Ideally, you should stick to vinyl, canvas, rubber and rope toys, which don’t have loose parts. You can select from toys such as:

⇒ Vinyl or rubber balls or bones

⇒ A variety of canvas toys in various shapes

⇒ Tug of war rope

⇒ Rubber toys with squeakers

You can also invest in some good quality treats for your dog, such as pigs’ ears and rawhide bones. These will give your dog hours of chewing fun, which will not only stimulate his

mind but will help to keep his teeth and gums clean and healthy. And don’t forget the all important frisbee, which you can use when out in the garden to provide effective exercise as well as great fun. The right toys and treats will help your dog in the following ways:

⇒ Providing tools for exercise, to keep off weight and strengthen vital organs and muscles

⇒ Providing effective dental care, by keeping

teeth healthy and clean through chewing

⇒ Providing mental stimulation, and keeping away boredom and related behavioural problems

You can enjoy browsing and buying a range of dog toys by clicking here. On this site, you will find a wealth of toys that are suitable for your dog, from fun squeaky toys and chews to mind stimulating fun. Human Interaction Unlike cats, who are very independent creatures, dogs thrive on the company of humans. This is why they are known as man’s best friend – they love being around people and will give their owner as much love and attention as they can in the hope of getting the same back in return. It is extremely important to dedicate some time and attention to your dog for a variety of reasons. You will need to take the time to:

⇒ Exercise your dog (walks, swims, runs)

⇒ Play with your dog (frisbee, ball games, tug of

war)

⇒ Bond with your dog (through play and exercise)

Interacting with your dog will also enable you to learn more about his behavioural traits and the way he communicates. This means that you are more likely to realise when something is wrong, simply by the change in your dog’s normal behaviour and communication. Regular and daily interaction with your dog will alleviate boredom for him, and will help to increase his zest for fun, games, exercise and life. This is one of the healthiest, most fun, and most effective ways of keeping him happy, healthy and young.

Herbs & Homeopathy You can find a wide range of ways to keep your dog fit and healthy these days, without having to resort to drug treatments. Holistic and homeopathic medicine has advanced hugely over recent years, for both humans and animals. This section of the guide offers advice on a range of herbal and homeopathic solutions to a variety of problems, from lack of dietary nutrition to treatment of some illnesses. Natural and wholesome, this kind of treatment can help your dog to increase or maintain good health without the risks posed by many drugs. Nutritional Supplements Many of today’s canned and dried dog foods suffer a short-fall when it comes to providing top nutrition. Economy or value foods, in particular, tend to use odds and ends rather than balanced, choice meats in their food. As a result, many dogs miss out on a great deal of nutrition, which is vital to keep them fit and healthy. One way of increasing your dog’s nutrition is to invest in one of a range of specially formulated nutritional supplements. Your vet can offer further advice on which supplement will best suit your particular dog. Nutritional supplements can help dogs that suffer from one or more of the following:

⇒ Stress

⇒ Arthritis or joint stiffness

⇒ Skin problems (flaking, dryness, itching)

⇒ Coat problems (lacklustre, dull, hair loss)

Older dogs can also benefit from nutritional supplements, and this can help prevent the onset of joint problems and arthritis in later life. Nutritional supplements can also help to increase energy and overall well-being in your dog. These nutritional supplements come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can get flavoured ones, which are

particularly favoured by dogs and cats (e.g. liver flavour). You can also now get them in stick form for dogs to chew on, giving your dog the advantages of a chew with the added benefits of extra nutrition. Click here to check out some great nutritional products, which you can quickly and safely order online. However, if you have any doubts about using nutritional supplements you should always ask your veterinary surgeon who will be able to advise you further.

Alternative & Drug Free Treatment The best medicine for dogs is prevention. Giving your dog the right balance of life’s necessities, such as diet, exercise, play, and TLC can work wonders towards

keeping your dog fit and healthy. However, from time to time, the pace and stresses of life take their toll on us all, and you may find that your dog is feeling low or unwell.

Homeopathic remedies entail the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals and a range of natural substances and treatments to prevent or alleviate conditions such as:

⇒ Stress

⇒ Poor skin and coat

⇒ Joint stiffness

⇒ Arthritic symptoms

Alternative drug free treatments for your dog may include:

⇒ Homeopathy

⇒ Herbal Medication

⇒ Acupuncture

⇒ Nutritional changes or supplements

You can now find veterinarians that specialise in Holistic, Homeopathic or Herbal medicines for pets, and if you decide to treat your dog with natural products you should still contact one of these specialists for further advice on the type and method of treatment best suited for your pet. For a variety of natural and herbal treatments for dogs you can visit this website. You will find a selection of alternative medicines that can be used to treat a range of problems. However, you must also remember that, should your dog contract a more serious disease or illness, it may be necessary for him to be treated through conventional medication, and it is vital that you take him to see his vet.

Preventative Care There are a number of risk factors for dogs, just as there are for humans and other animals. From environmental hazards to genetic and hereditary disease, your pet needs protection from a wide range of risks. It is important for all dog owners to take responsibility for preventing illness and disease as much as possible. Of course, this may not be possible all of time – you can’t be with your dog all day every day. However, there are measures that you can take to minimise on the risk of your dog becoming ill. These are all simple measures, and many of them are simply common sense. However, it is important to do as much as you can to aid the well being of your dog. There are a number of ways to protect your pet against a variety of illnesses, diseases and infestations. Remember, preventative care is the best medicine you can give to your dog.

⇒ Vaccinations: It is vital to get your dog vaccinated against the variety of canine diseases out there. Some of these diseases simply cause discomfort; others can kill. Make sure that you keep up with his annual booster to help keep disease at bay.

⇒ Grooming: You should groom your dog at least

on a weekly basis to keep him looking and feeling in tip-top condition. However, this also gives you an opportunity to pick up on anything that may be amiss, from skin or ear problems to infestations. You can then initiate early treatment to prevent the problem from becoming serious.

⇒ Diet & Exercise: Excess weight comes with its own

string of illnesses and to prevent problems such as

arthritis or heart disease, you should ensure that your dog eats healthy, well balanced meals.

⇒ Check Ups: Your dog could really benefit from a

regular check up at the vets, even if it just a six monthly or yearly check up. This is especially important for breeds that have a history of a genetic disease, as it will allow the vet to screen for that particular disease.

⇒ Dental Care: Ensure that you have an effective dental

care programme for your dog, and that he is given access to chews and toys that are beneficial to teeth and gums. An oral infection can be very painful, and moreover can spread infection to other internal body organs.

⇒ Vigilance: Be aware of any changes in your dog’s

behaviour, as this could indicate if there is a problem looming. A happy, healthy dog that suddenly goes quiet and withdrawn is generally trying to tell you something.

Preventative care is very important to the well-being of your dog, and it is far better to ensure that the disease or illness never occurs than to wait for it to come along and then do something about it. If you have any concerns about preventative care for your dog, you should not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for further advice.

Awareness & Vigilance Being aware of hazards, both inside and outside of the home can make all the difference when it comes to giving your dog as healthy, happy and long a life as possible. Just as you would with a baby or toddler in the house, you have to be extra careful about everyday things, such as what you leave lying around the house, what sort of products you buy, and what kind of hazard lie in wait outside. Exercising a combination of awareness and vigilance can really help to eliminate some of the dangers that could pose a hazard to your dog’s health and even prove to be fatal. You’ll be surprised by the type of things – items you would never normally think twice about – that can prove harmful to your pet. Checking Household & Garden Products We all have to use various products around the house and garden, simply to keep the home germ free and stop the garden from becoming overrun with pests. However, it is important to remember that many of these products contain harmful chemicals, poisons and bleach. Your dog, particularly if he is still a puppy, could easily ingest these toxins from the kitchen floor or in the garden. Once ingested, the toxins can quickly cause illness, and in puppies could even kill. It is important to check your household cleaning products and garden products prior to using them when you have a dog. If they contain hazardous ingredients and are likely to

be used in a place that your dog has easy access to, then don’t buy them. Some of the everyday items that could prove harmful include:

⇒ Bleach

⇒ Toilet Cleaners

⇒ Detergents

⇒ Drain Cleaner

⇒ Solvent

⇒ Insecticide

⇒ Weed Killer

If you have any of these in the home, shed or garage, you should ensure that they are kept out of your dog’s way. It is not unknown for a playful dog to grab a plastic bottle and sink his teeth in to it. If the plastic bottle in question happens to be filled with a potentially toxic substance, your dog may not even live to regret it. You can now find a wide range of cleaning products that are pet-friendly, and these are made without the harmful toxins that come in standard cleaning products. If you want to find out more about safer alternatives, click here. By learning more about this subject you can benefit from keeping your home clean as well as keeping your dog safe. There are also more and more pet-friendly garden products appearing on our shelves. They are not necessarily any more expensive than the standard toxic ones, but even if you end up paying a few pennies more for them it is well worth the cost of keeping your dog free from harm.

Indoor & Outdoor Hazards

There are many hazards both inside and outside the house that could pose a risk to your dog. It is worth doing a risk assessment of your home, especially if you have a small puppy that could get himself into all sorts of scrapes in the house. Identify the risks, and then rectify or eliminate them. Many of these hazards can be avoided by simple

awareness and a little thought by the owner. Some indoor hazards include:

⇒ Smoke Ingestion: Smoking inside the house poses a risk to your dog. Breathing in smoke in an enclosed space on a regular basis can make your dog ill and can cause all manner of problems such as respiratory disorders and even cancer. If you are a smoker, then go outside in to the garden rather than smoking around your dog.

⇒ Cleaning Products: As already mentioned, toxic

cleaning products can prove hazardous to your dog’s health. If you are using them on a floor or anywhere that you dog can reach, go for pet friendly ones. If you have any bottled toxic cleaners in the house, make sure they are out of your dog’s reach.

⇒ Electric Cables: Loose cables can also prove to be a

problem, particularly for young puppies whose favourite pastime is chewing anything they can get their paws on. A drooping cable encased in plastic or rubber could sorely tempt a young pup, and chewing on it could come as a real shock – literally! Keep all cables neat, tidy and out of harm’s way.

⇒ Medication: If you have any human medication lying around, make sure it is kept out of reach of your dog. This includes tablets, creams and any other medication.

There are also hazards that you need to be aware of outside the home, many of which could prove deadly to your dog. Some of these include:

⇒ Roads: If you live on or near to a busy main road, be very careful that your dog doesn’t slip out of the door and wander off on his own. When you are taking your dog for a walk near to a main road, he must always be on his leash. However sensible and well behaved you think your dog is, it’s amazing how quickly their good behaviour goes out of the window when they come across the tempting sight of motorcycle wheels whizzing along the road. There are many dogs killed in road traffic accidents each year – don’t let your dog be one of them.

⇒ Strangers: Dogs love people, but unfortunately not all

people love dogs. There are ruthless people out there that will simply take a dog for any number of reasons: to keep, sell or torture. Many dogs will happily go off with a stranger, and therefore you must be careful not to let your dog go out alone, except for in the garden (and then you should check that he has no escape route). If you have a pedigree dog, this is especially important as pedigrees are even more likely to be taken.

⇒ Garden Products: Again, as mentioned previously

standard garden sprays, insecticides etc. can prove toxic and harmful to your dog. You should make sure that you buy only pet friendly products in order to keep your garden in shape and your dog in good health.

⇒ Cars: Dogs love to ride in cars, and you’ll see many cars in the summer with a dog nestled comfortably in his seat with his head sticking out of the window. However, if you are taking your dog out in the car in hot weather, you must never leave him locked in with the windows shut. Many dogs die each year because their owners leave them locked in a secured car. The heat is unbearable even for humans, and for an animal it can, and often does, prove fatal.

Of course, there are other hazards inside and outside the house and these depend largely upon where you live and the environment you live in. You can’t wrap your dog up in cotton wool to protect him, but you can take the time and thought to ensure that anything around the house, garden or immediate area that could prove harmful is inaccessible for him. Grooming & Awareness This is a very important part of keeping your pet safe and healthy. Regular grooming will enable you to check for any problems that may have developed. You can pick up on problems such as:

⇒ Infestations (fleas, ticks, worms)

⇒ Infections (ears, nose, mouth,

eyes)

⇒ Skin Problems (dryness, redness,

scaling, patches)

⇒ Coat Problems (hair loss, matting, infestation)

⇒ Behaviour (does your dog jump or seem

uncomfortable when you touch a certain part of him? If

so, this could indicate pain)

One of the important things to look out for when grooming your dog is any sign of infestation in the fur, on the skin, around the anal region and in the ears, Mites, ticks, fleas and worms are all risk elements to dogs, and at best they can leave your dog feeling stressed and uncomfortable. At worst, some of these parasites could actually kill him. So, make sure that you keep a close eye out during grooming, and seek treatment should you spot any signs of any of these parasites. Of course, grooming is also part of keeping your dog looking his best – keeping his coat shiny and glossy, his nails trimmed, and his fur smelling fresh and clean. But this does play a useful part in preventative medicine, as you can quickly pick up on potential problems and initiate treatment before they can get any worse. A ten minute grooming session each week could help to maintain your dog’s health as well as keep him looking good.

Attention Paying attention to your dog is crucial to his well being. A dog loves attention from his owner, and wants to be a big part of everyday life. And dedicating some of your attention to your pet will also enable you to get to know him better, and pick up on the times when there is a problem. You need to put aside some quality time to really get to know your dog, and what his various behavioural traits mean. This way, you can often identify when your dog is stressed, ill or angry as well as when he is feeling on top of the world. And early identification of problems means early treatment. Getting to know your dog requires time, patience and dedication, and should be started from puppy-hood if you acquire your dog as a youngster. An older dog may be a little harder to bond with as he will already have been used to other people, but with some time and TLC there is no reason why you shouldn’t get to know him as well as you would a dog you had owned since a pup. Without interaction and attention from his owner, a dog is likely to sit around, become disinterested in play and exercise, and become moody. A dog that is deprived of attention can go on to develop all sorts of problems, including:

⇒ Lack of energy (from sitting around alone and

becoming lethargic)

⇒ Weight gain (from lack of exercise)

⇒ Arthritis and joint problems (from the weight

gain)

⇒ Stress

⇒ Depression

⇒ Loss of appetite (due to stress or depression)

⇒ Behavioural problems (from boredom)

So, as you can see, giving your dog your undivided attention for a while each day does play an important part in his physical and mental well being. Know Your Dog

One of the first things you need to do when you start interacting with your dog is get to know him. Try and work out his behavioural traits and what they mean. Keep on eye out for any major changes in his behaviour. There are some key traits to look out for that most dogs display when they are suffering. This does not necessarily mean that they are

ill or diseased; they could simply be frightened or stressed. However, knowing what to look out for makes it easier to identify when there is a problem, and then you can work on rectifying it. Some common traits include:

⇒ Chewing household items: If your dog has started chewing for the sake of it – for example, slippers, shoes, cables etc. – then there is a good chance that he is feeling bored and frustrated. This might be the

time to step up interaction with him and let him enjoy more playtime and exercise with you.

⇒ Excessive barking and howling: This can often

indicate loneliness, and a dog that is lonely will soon start to show other behavioural traits, possibly even aggression. He may lose his appetite and become stressed, both of which carry a string of related problems such as weight loss and hair loss.

⇒ Lethargy: If your usually playful dog has taken to

sitting around in a corner and appears as though he can’t be bothered to move, it’s unlikely that he is being lazy. Dogs love to exercise and play, and most dogs will jump at the chance to take part in some form of activity. If your dog has suddenly stopped doing this, then you should check that there is no sinister reason behind it. If there doesn’t appear to be anything obvious but he still remains inactive, it is worth getting the vet to check him out to make sure that there is no underlying reason.

⇒ Whimpering: When a dog whimpers it is normally a

sign of pain, discomfort or anxiety. Whichever of these three your dog is suffering from, it is not healthy. You need to check for obvious signs of injury that could be causing pain, or if he continues let the vet check him over.

You will get to know your dog and his normal behaviour through playing and interacting with him, and you will start to notice when he is behaving oddly. This will give you a head start on catching any onset of disease or injury early on, making it far easier to start an effective treatment. Getting to know your dog is a great way to exercise preventative care, as well as early identification of problems.

Discipline & Communication Discipline is an important part of every dog’s upbringing, not just to make things easier for the owners but for their own safety. A dog without discipline is a dog that poses a danger to himself as well as to others. You could find an undisciplined dog doing things such as:

⇒ Running in to the road, and risking getting knocked down and causing an accident

⇒ Lunging for visitors or strangers on the street, and

risking injury to them as well as the threat of having to be put to sleep

⇒ Chewing on dangerous items in the house such as

electrical cables

⇒ Running away from his owner when not on a leash, risking getting lost or getting injured

The things that an undisciplined dog can get up to can pose a real danger to their health. That’s why it important to make sure that you provide your dog with a structured discipline programme from an early age. The way to provide your dog with effective discipline is through communication. You need to establish a good relationship with your dog in order to communicate with him, and you must ensure that he knows who is the master out of the two of you. Once you have established your authority, you can communicate with your dog to teach him basic commands,

such as sitting, coming, and staying when he is told to. A rewards structure is a good way of training your dog, and this entails giving him a reward when he does as he is told. Smacking and shouting for misbehaving can serve to make him even worse, or make him frightened and aggressive. The tone of voice that you use can also play a major part in his training. You need to use a firm tone during training, but don’t confuse firm with shouting – they are two different things and your dog will react in two different ways to them. By establishing discipline, you should be able to stop your dog from doing such things as running in to the road simply by commanding him to stay, come, or sit. It is important that you practise these commands regularly in order to ensure that your dog remains familiar with them. Although lack of discipline and communication do not directly affect your dog’s health it is the repercussions of misbehaviour that you must be aware of, and you must ensure that you can stop your dog from getting into danger should the need arise. Reducing Stress Levels The pace of life takes its toll on us all, and your dog is no exception to this. Some dogs are more prone to become stressed than others – just like humans. Stress can result from a variety of sources, and thus needs to be dealt with in a variety of ways. However, one thing is for certain; stress can have some serious repercussion on your dog’s health unless the problem is sorted out as fast as possible. Some of the problems that can stem from stress include:

⇒ Loss of appetite

⇒ Weight loss

⇒ Hair loss / shedding

⇒ Diarrhoea

⇒ Vomiting

⇒ Increased urination

⇒ Aggression

⇒ Decrease in exercise and play

⇒ Lethargy

⇒ Skin problems As you can see, some of the problems are fairly short term and will be rectified upon relief of the stress, such as excessive urinating or diarrhoea. However, things like loss of appetite could seriously damage your dog’s metabolism and he may become malnourished, which then becomes a separate problem in itself. The causes of stress can stem from a variety of things, and you must be vigilant in order to try and determine what the cause is. Some known causes of canine stress include:

⇒ Strange places

⇒ Poor training (shouting, smacking)

⇒ Overcrowding

⇒ Extreme temperatures

⇒ Visitors

⇒ Lack of rest or sleep

⇒ Inadequate physical or mental stimulation

⇒ Excessive feeding

Again, some of these stress inducing causes are more easily rectified than others. For example, stress caused by overcrowding can be rectified by moving the dog’s rest area to a place where there are not so many people. However, stress caused by poor training may be more difficult to rectify because the dog has become nervous and frightened as well as stressed and will therefore be less trusting. If you can identify the cause of stress then you need to work at rectifying the problem in order to try and make your dog feel less stressed. However, if there is no obvious cause of stress, you should take your dog to the vets and have him checked out in case there is an underlying problem, illness or disease that is causing the symptoms. The treatment of stress in your dog will depend largely on the cause of the stress. However, below are some points that may help to reduce stress levels:

⇒ Moving your dog to a different area of the house

⇒ Letting your dog have his own space in a safe

and comfortable place

⇒ Encouraging your dog to enjoy safe chew toys or rawhide

⇒ Communicate with your dog in a calm and

reassuring tone

⇒ Try and encourage your dog to exercise by providing interactive play

⇒ Reduce food portions if he has been overfed

⇒ Initiate play with another dog that he already

knows and plays with

⇒ Seek advice from a vet in case of more serious

problems As with humans, stress in dogs can spiral out of control, and can lead to a wide range of associated ailments. The change in appetite can lead to malnourishment; the change in activity levels can lead to muscle waste and lethargy or weight problems; and the change in mental attitude can lead to behavioural problems. To stop this possible snowball effect from deteriorating your dog’s health it is important to locate the source of stress, otherwise known as the ‘stressor’. But always remember, if you have any doubts as to what may be causing the stress, or indeed whether your dog is stressed at all, you should seek medical attention as there may be something more sinister causing your dog’s physical or mental changes.

Preventing Common Illnesses

Dogs, like humans, are prone to some common illnesses and diseases. Some are more common than others, but most have one thing in common – they are preventable. So, how do you prevent your dog from getting one of these common problems? Well, there are a variety of ways in which you can prevent the occurrence of these health problems. Some of the most common – and deadly – canine diseases can be easily prevented through the vaccination programme. Simply by ensuring that your dog receives his vaccinations and boosters will immunize him from a range of painful and sometimes fatal diseases such as:

⇒ Canine Distemper (possibly fatal)

⇒ Canine Parvovirus (fatal)

⇒ Canine Hepatitis (possibly fatal)

⇒ Leptospirosis (possibly fatal)

⇒ Canine Parainfluenza Virus Many of these diseases can leave your dog in a great deal of pain, spread infections to many parts of the body, and ultimately end in death. Most of these diseases are also more likely to cause death in puppies that are not vaccinated.

The other type of common medical problem that dogs have is infestation. There is a wide range of parasites that can invade your dog, both internally and externally. The external parasites are annoying and uncomfortable for your dog, and need to be dealt with quickly to stop any risk of skin infections as well as an invasion of your home. The internal parasites can also cause pain, as well as related problems such as diarrhoea. However, some of the internal parasites, if not dealt with speedily, can also cause death. Common parasites include:

⇒ Roundworm (internal; can be fatal in puppies)

⇒ Heartworm (internal; can be fatal)

⇒ Hookworm (internal)

⇒ Whipworm (internal)

⇒ Tapeworm (internal)

⇒ Fleas (external)

⇒ Ticks (external)

⇒ Ear Mites (internal)

⇒ Mange (external) There are some very effective treatments available for all of these parasite problems, and if you notice any infestation whilst you are grooming your dog you should take immediate action and consult your vet for the appropriate medication. However, the best way to deal with infestation is through prevention. There is plenty of preventative treatment available for parasites and worms, and your vet will advise you on the best ones for your dog. A simple tablet or small amount of liquid medication each

month (or as directed by your vet) can keep all these parasites at bay, and can save you and your dog a considerable amount of discomfort and trouble. Puppies are especially at risk from these parasites, particularly the internal ones. Some worms can quickly kill a puppy, and it is clearly therefore advisable to get your pup on a course of preventative medication as soon as possible.

Conclusion

As this guide shows, there is plenty that you can do to ensure that your dog lives as healthy, happy and long a life as possible. From good discipline and a healthy diet to preventative medicine and alternative treatments, the dog owners of today have more options available to them than ever before. There are many things that you can do to ensure that your dog maintains good health throughout his life, as well as extending his life, and this is simply through exercising:

⇒ Awareness

⇒ Common Sense

⇒ Thoughtfulness

⇒ Communication

You would do well to think of your dog as you would a small child: there are plenty of dangers and hazards all around him, but as the adult (or the owner in this case) you can help to remove these dangers or restrict his access to them. Your dog is a valuable member of the family, and should he become ill it can cause heartbreak for everyone concerned. By following the guidelines in this manual you can help to:

⇒ Maintain his health

⇒ Increase his zest for life

⇒ Keep him happy

⇒ Extend his lifespan

⇒ Reduce your veterinary bills

Most dogs live to about the average age of fourteen. However, the natural and intended lifespan of a dog can be years longer than this. A combination of poor diet, insufficient exercise, lack of preventative care and inappropriate lifestyle can contribute to these precious years being knocked off his life. With the right care and attention, you can help to give these valuable years back to your dog, enabling both of you to enjoy one another’s company for much longer.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the following for their contribution to his publication: http://puppypurebred.com/ for their kind permission to use pictures from the website. This is an excellent site for anyone looking to get a dog, and provides information on the getting a pet dog as well as details and description of a wide variety of breeds. sitstay.com for their kind permission to use graphics from their site. This site sells a range of toys and accessories suitable for puppies and dogs.