4 Good To Know Facts About Hip And Joint Supplements For Dogs

Dogs are susceptible to medical conditions associated with their hips and joints as a consequence of specific factors, such as their energetic lifestyle, particular breed, as well as diet. As a result, they may well benefit from a hip and joint supplement for dogs, which can often help to protect them from these problems. Dog owners really need to be properly-educated about whatever they give to their pets, though. Listed here are some good to know information regarding joint supplements. 

1. They typically contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). These compounds work with each other to help maintain and repair dogs' joints along with other connective tissues. Glucosamine, for instance, is needed for the production of joint lubricants. Chondroitin sulfate not only helps restore damaged and worn out tissues but in addition, and most importantly, aids in preventing the development of joint diseases themselves. In addition, MSM is a purely natural source of organic sulfur, which is important for maintaining healthy cartilage, tendons, as well as other connective tissues. 

2. Usually, it has other ingredients added to it such as ascorbic acid or Vitamin C and manganese. High-quality hip and joint supplements usually contain these ingredients because they are highly effective antioxidants, as they assist in preventing damage to the connective tissues brought on by free radicals. Additionally, manganese is necessary to generate enzymes essential for the development, growth, as well as repair of cartilage tissues. 

3. The supplement may also give pain relief for dogs with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is an ailment which is characterized by looseness of the hip joint, which causes dogs to suffer from intense pain. A hip and joint supplement for dogs may well not cure the condition, however, it can provide hip dysplastic dogs with pain relief and comfort. 

Liquid Glucosamine for DogsVegetarian

4. These supplements may come as chewable tablets or as an easy to administer water-soluble liquid. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs Vegetarian

5. Some dogs, unfortunately, are allergic to meat products or shellfish. It should be noted that the main source of Glucosamine is from Shellfish and Chondroitin Sulfate is only available from animal sources, making the majority of Hip and Joint supplements unsuitable for dogs with a problem with meat or shellfish. 

There are however other supplements which replace Chondroitin Sulfate and Shellfish sourced glucosamine with USP grade glucosamine which is derived from corn which is fortunately suitable for dogs which are allergic to shellfish and meat. So by using this corn sourced glucosamine, ALL dogs can benefit from the beneficial results of taking this supplement.

How Does A Hip And Joint Supplement Work As A Pain Relief For Dog Arthritis?

The common diseases that affect dogs are related to their joints and connective tissues. One of these diseases is dog arthritis, which is characterized by inflammation of the joints. Reportedly, one in five adult dogs in the U.S. is affected by the disease. Arthritic dogs experience chronic pain, and this affects their quality of lives. Their mobility is decreased, leading to other health problems such as obesity and muscle atrophy. Thus, arthritic dogs should be given appropriate treatment and care. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs

One of the ways of treating the disease and alleviating the pain it causes is through prescription drugs. However, regular and long-term use of these drugs may cause liver and kidney problems. This is where a hip and joint supplement for dogs proves to be important in providing pain relief for dog arthritis. Generally, the supplement contains glucosamine, which is a compound needed for the growth and repair of connective tissues. Glucosamine is naturally found in dogs' body, but as they age, their levels of the compound tend to decrease. This makes them vulnerable to the disease and other joint-related conditions. However, the glucosamine that the supplement contains can help lubricate the joints. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, preventing swelling in the joints and consequently the pain the swelling causes. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs

The supplement also contains other compounds that help repair worn out and damaged connective tissues, and one of them is chondroitin sulfate. And, the thing about the compound is that it does not only repair damaged tissues. More importantly, it helps stop the development of joint diseases themselves. Moreover, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are often combined in a hip and joint supplement to boost each of their benefits. The supplement may also contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C and manganese. 

Besides the supplement, there are other ways of providing pain relief for dog arthritis. These include low-impact exercise such as leash walking and swimming. Proper diet is also very important to prevent the dogs from becoming overweight - the extra weight they carry can aggravate the pain they are experiencing.

Source: https://ezinearticles.com/?How-Does-A-Hip-And-Joint-Supplement-Work-As-A-Pain-Relief-For-Dog-Arthritis?&id=8295805

Unequivocally, our four-legged furry friends play a special role in our lives. 

They don't nag us about our dirty socks or turn up their noses at our less fashionable duds. They comfort us when we're down. And play with us when we're feeling good. They keep us active. They help us relax. 

But they aren't just a feel-good part of our lives. They DO good. They're great medicine - excellent for our health. 

Research shows that pets can help prevent heart attacks and decrease the number of times you go see a doctor. 

With all the good they bring to our lives, of course we want to give something back to them. And what better way to do this than to keep them healthy with some good pet nutrition. 

The sorry truth is most pet food doesn't do much to provide this. Just like us humans, pets have had to settle for food bulked up with carbs and missing many of the vitamins and minerals they would get from a wild diet. 

As a result of this skewed nutrition - not to mention too much food overall - our pets now suffer from the same problems we have - diabetes, heart disease, skin problems and rusty joints. 

However, it doesn't have to be that way. 

Mulitvitamin Supplement

By adding a good pet supplement to your pet's diet, you can help them return to a diet that's closer to the complex diet their ancestors enjoyed in the wild. You can supplement their diet to give them the nutrients many brand-name foods are missing. Like... 

Antioxidants Energize And Defend 

For hundreds of years, carnivores like dogs and cats got a good dose of healthy antioxidants that we usually associate with vegetables and fruits. While they weren't necessarily avid broccoli-eaters, much of the meat they ate came from grazing animals - wild or domesticated. And the antioxidants these prey animals got from their food kept showing up farther up the food chain. 

However, today, most of the meat in pet food comes from grain-fed animals. And pet food manufacturers do little to make up for the absence of vitamins critical for your pet's health. 

For this reason adding a power-packed, antioxidant and chlorophyll-rich food like the algae, chlorella, can make a huge difference in your pet's energy and wellbeing. 

Lecithin Keeps Cell Membranes And Skin Healthy 

Along with grass-fed meats, our pets' ancestors varied diet included organ meats, eggs and fish. And again, this wide spectrum of food sources gave them the nutrition that today's pet foods can't match. 

The phospholipid, lecithin, is one of these important nutrients. A critical component of every cell membrane, lecithin plays a fundamental role in good health. In particular it supports brain and nerve health and makes a big difference in your pet's glossy coat. 

Fiber Supports Digestion 

As holistic pet veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker explains, in the wild, our pets' ancestors used to not only eat the tender cuts of meat, but the ligaments and fur. Even some of the partially-digested stomach content would end up as part of dinner. These special parts of their diet served a very important role in their digestion. 

Fiber helps your pet's body move food through the colon, helps them clean out toxins and supports healthy intestinal bacteria. 

Of course, your pets don't get much of this out of a can of pet food. But they can get it from supplemental nutrition like chlorella. Chlorella's fiber is particularly helpful in both cleaning out toxins. And boosting healthy intestinal bacteria growth. 

Help Your Pets Revitalize Their Wild Side With Extra Pet Nutrition 

So give your pet some extra love with some extra special pet nutrition. If your pet food doesn't list these nutrients in one form or other on the label, consider adding it as a supplement. 

By strategically adding some nutrients from your pet's ancestral past, you'll make sure your 4-legged companion will be your side for years to come.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Wild-Reasons-Why-Your-Pet-May-Need-Pet-Supplements&id=8329076

What Is the Best Glucosamine for Dogs?

When it comes down to treating the painful symptoms of arthritis in your dog you have to make an educated decision for the best way to cure the pain, inflammation and limited mobility that arthritis causes. Often times people ask what is the best glucosamine for dogs. The answer is not just a straight forward, point to the shelf and say "Product X" is the one you want.

Many pet store employees would have you believe that it is that simple, however there are several items you need to consider. Starting with your dog's health...

• How old is your dog? 
• What stage of arthritis is your dog experiencing? Minor discomfort - Extreme pain. 
• Is your dog overweight? 
• Does your dog have allergies to shellfish? 
• Can your dog handle taking pills or would liquid / powder be an easier approach?

Choosing the best glucosamine for your dog isn't rocket science, you just need to be aware of your pets needs and then you also need to be aware of the various choices of products and their ingredients. There are many brands of glucosamine on the market so choosing the best one is often a case of trial and error.

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs Vegetarian
(suitable for dogs allergic to shellfish)

These are the points you must look for when choosing a glucosamine product: 

Liquid or pill form what will your dog most likely accept easily? 

Size of dosage depending on weight your dog may require higher doses 

Product type - what are the base ingredients shellfish, vegetarian or meat? 

Other ingredients fillers, binders, color additives and the list goes on. 

Cost once you start the treatment you must continue for the life of the dog or the debilitation and degeneration will reappear.

Once you know the facts about the glucosamine products and their ingredients you can now determine which one is the best glucosamine for your dog. Glucosamine is one of many arthritis remedies that exist in the market place. There are also alternatives to glucosamine that can provide cures for arthritis in your dog.

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs Vegetarian

Since glucosamine is naturally occurring in the dog's body it is usually easily absorbed and digested. However, even the best of glucosamines can have adverse side effects. Most are minor inconveniences for you and your dog. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes lack of appetite are some of the most common. With a little patience, research and good old fashioned determination you can find the best glucosamine for your dog.

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs

Dogs just like people deserve the best that life has to offer. Proper nutrition is a key element in providing your dog with the best quality of life and mobility.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-the-Best-Glucosamine-for-Dogs?&id=5810289

Dog Glucosamine Helps Ease the Pain of Joint Arthritis

If your canine shows symptoms he or she is suffering from joint issues, liquid dog glucosamine has been very much proven to be an effective and very safe alternative for treating arthritis problems in older canines. 

Not only are glucosamine supplements highly effective and safe, but are also very inexpensive compared to prescription medications often prescribed by veterinarians to treat joint problems. It's important for pet owners to understand how to use dog glucosamine properly and what to expect from the products. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs

Although they are dangerous, many prescription medications act very quickly in helping to alleviate the pain associated with canine osteoarthritis. This effectiveness often arrives at a very high cost however. 

There are many dangerous side effects, some of them have even proven to be lethal in some dogs, which has shown to be associated with dogs taking these medications. Additionally, most of these prescribed medicines do not offer any rebuilding or regeneration within the joint; they simply act in masking the pain and offering temporary relief to the canine. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs

Perhaps the greatest benefit of dog glucosamine is that it offers relief by generating new joint tissue which acts to cushion the joint and thus prevents the pain associated with the onset of canine arthritis. The downside to using this product is that the good effects are not always immediately seen. 

It may take several weeks or even months before the benefits of glucosamine for dogs is seen. This again, it's because the glucosamine does not mask or hide the pain; it works in regenerating damaged joint tissues caused by the joint arthritis disease. 

Another great benefit of canine liquid glucosamine is how easy it is to administer to the animal. Instead of having to deal with capsules and tablets as many prescription medications are, the glucosamine for dogs can simply be poured over their dog food at meal time.

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs

This is much simpler than having to force the animal to take capsules and pills. It can often be seen to find capsules or pills on the floor later as the dog was able to spit them out. This is not a problem at all when using liquid dog glucosamine. 

If natural supplements do not work after a significant amount of time it is important to return to your veterinarian for other treatment options. If they suggest using prescribed products for treating your dog's arthritis, make certain to discuss with the vet the possible side effects and the symptoms you should be watching for while giving the dog these drugs. If any adverse side effects are noticed, halt giving the products to your dog right away and ask for your vet's advice immediately. 

Liquid Glocosamine for Small Dogs

In no situation should these dangerous products be the first attempted treatment for canines suffering from osteoarthritis. It makes no sense to bypass the potentially safe and highly effective supplement products like liquid dog glucosamine without trying them first. 

If the products are in fact seen to be helpful, your canine will have the benefits of lower pain and much healthier joints for the remainder of their life. On the other hand, if the drugs with side effects are used, owners will always have to be on the lookout for any developing side effects that could be harmful or even fatal to their four-legged friends.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Glucosamine-Helps-Ease-the-Pain-of-Joint-Arthritis&id=4596403

Can My Dog Really Benefit From Dog Vitamins?

Many dog owners are under the impression that proper diet and enough exercise should be sufficient to keep their dog healthy. While it is certainly true that commercial dog foods have greatly improved digestibility and nutritional value when compared to pet foods of years past, vitamin supplements are an important component of your dog's health. Like humans, dogs can live a longer, happier life as a result of the health benefits that vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provide. 

Vitamins for are a critical measure for dogs, just as they are for people. More veterinarians and dog lovers than ever recognize that the key to pet health is a strong, healthy immune system and the prevention of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are a powerful tool that can help your pet lead a longer, happier life. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Dog vitamins are beneficial for a number of important reasons. First, certain antioxidants fight against the free radicals that can damage cells to cause cancer. Certain vitamins also aid in bolstering specific body systems to slow the physical deterioration that comes with aging. These effects include diminished eye sight, a compromised immune system, and weakened bones and cartilage. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Research suggests that vitamin supplements can have a significant positive impact on a dog's life span. What's more, the data shows that you'll see the greatest results if you start your dog on a vitamin supplementation program while he is still young. Dogs who received vitamins supplements from the time they were puppies have been shown to experience greater health, and suffer fewer illnesses throughout their lives. 

When you're ready to select a vitamin supplement for your dog, it's important to consider his individual needs. For example, puppies have needs that are much different from those of elderly dogs. Likewise, dogs who are active versus those who are not will also have distinct needs. Take some time to discuss your dog's condition with your vet, and explore individual ingredients in the supplement that you are considering. You should also pick a supplement with no fillers or other artificial ingredients; natural is best when it comes to your pet's health. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

A good supplement will include, at a minimum, vitamin A to fight free radicals; B complex vitamins for a healthy immune system, improved liver function, red blood cell production, antibody formation, and healthy eyes, mouth, skin, and coat; and vitamin C for improved immune function. Other helpful nutrients include glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega fatty acids. These help rebuild cartilage, keep your dog's skin healthy, and maintain a lustrous, shiny coat. 

Often, pet owners notice an improvement in their dog's health within weeks of beginning supplementation. Some things you may notice are increased energy and a healthier, thicker coat. But, most of the benefits of dog vitamin supplements happen over the long term as you spend less on vet bills, and most importantly, get to spend more quality time with a pet who'll live a long life, as happy and pain free as possible. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Improve your dog's health by starting him on a vitamin supplement regimen. It will pay off in fewer visits to the vet, and in the quality time you spend with your pet. Your dog will appreciate it! 

Source: https://ezinearticles.com/?Can-My-Dog-Really-Benefit-From-Dog-Vitamins?&id=2624462

DOG CARE PLAN

Dogs can sometimes be plenty of work. We all love our dogs, however being confident that they will obtain the most from their lives takes a great deal more thought than one might consider to begin with. Continuing to keep your dog well and correctly fed, observing its wellness, as well as continuing to keep him or her physically and mentally active are a few of the fundamental things we must take into account when planing to look after our four-legged friends. 

FEEDING YOUR DOG

It’s vital that your pet dog is fed quality food that provides the correct balance of nutrition applicable to its specific period of life (you will notice that there are distinct foods designed for large, small, puppy, adult dogs, etc.). 

Dogs are inclined to overeat and to bloat, therefore it is recommended to give food to your dog two times a day and never an excessive amount at one time. Additionally it is crucial to always keep clean fresh drinking water available for your dog at all times. 

The giving of bones to your dog from time to time is ideal for their dental health, so long as the meat is of a high quality, the bone is large enough to prevent it being swallowed whole by the dog, and that it is raw. Never on ant account give your dog a cooked bone, as it is possible for them to break and splinter - causing intestinal damage or choking. Don’t overdo it on the bones either; ensure that, the normal food continues to be basis of your dog’s healthy diet. 

EXAMINATIONS AND VACCINATIONS 

It is essential that you have your dog vaccinated early on in its life for the health and well being of both your pet as well as those around him or her. Listed below are some of the more common health problems that will need a vaccination: 

• Canine parvovirus - an extremely infectious and potentially deadly viral gastroenteritis which induces vomiting and diarrhea 

• Canine distemper - an incredibly contagious health problem with symptoms which include conjunctivitis, convulsive seizures, and spinal cord damage. It should be noted that Canine distemper can also be transferred to humans, and even though this causes no symptoms or issues in humans, you could still act as a carrier to other pets. 

• Canine infectious hepatitis - a result of canine adenovirus, this is a severe liver infection that can cause fever, depression, loss of appetite, coughing, jaundice, vomiting as well as death. 

• Canine cough - a disease caused by bacteria and a virus, resulting in a hacking and distressing cough. Even though it could be transferred to humans, it is really quite unlikely except in cases where the human has a weakened immune system. 

It’s equally important to give worm and flea-prevention drugs to your dog routinely, whilst keeping up regular appointments with the veterinarian - who is able to accurately keep track of your pooch’s health and wellbeing each and every phase of it's life. 

HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY

The training of your dog is an important component of continuing to keep them happy and nicely socialized. Continual training gives mental stimulation, as well as the physical stimulation he or she should get every day from exercise. 

Reward based training is recommended, simply because yelling at dogs every time they do something incorrectly can easily unintentionally strengthen unfavorable behaviors if it is misinterpreted as just providing them with attention. 

Include an organized training plan while they are young, and proceed with mental tasks as they grow older.

Should You Give Your Dog Vitamins?

There are many reasons to give your dog vitamins range from the fact that all dogs have different nutritional requirements to your dogs food not having enough. Even if your dog is on the raw food diet, they still might need additional nutrients depending on their breed sometimes. 

Older dogs especially need vitamin supplements because they are not eating as much food as they used to and could be lacking certain nutrients. So what kind of vitamins do dogs need? Well, it helps to know what each vitamin is for. Vitamin A is for the skin. This might help prevent flaky skin and irritable skin in your dogs. 

Vitamin D is your dogs bone and teeth. Breeds like golden retrievers who are very susceptible to arthritis and hip problems will probably benefit greatly from taking a supplement of vitamin d. Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and Vitamin K is the blood clotting vitamin. You also have vitamin b which is for healthy muscles, skin and blood and then vitamin C which is a vitamin for stress and antioxidant. 

Some people will argue that a good quality pet food will contain all the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs. Others will tell you that is simply not true. The cooking process that some of the pre-made dog foods go through might kill essential nutrients that are needed. While most pet foods will contain the "average" amount of recommended vitamins, they do not provide additional vitamins for protection against diseases. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Vitamins help regulate your dog's metabolism. Vitamins fall into two categories. One is water soluble (vitamin B and C) which have to be replenished every day. Vitamins A, D, E and K are what's known as fat-soluble vitamins. They are stored in fatty tissue and the liver and do not need to be replenished daily. 

Also included in these supplements are minerals. Minerals keep our dog's body fluids balanced. Your dog needs minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium (just a little) and potassium just like we do. You need to be careful though with minerals because they can affect each other if too much is taken. 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

When we talk about vitamins we do not just mean the pills that you can get from your vet. We are also talking about adding certain foods to their diets to make sure they are getting enough vitamins. If you are following the raw food diet, you want to make sure your dog gets a variety of vegetables to keep their vitamin intakes up. 

If you are not giving your dog a vitamin or supplement, take a good long hard look at him. If you see he is losing weight, has skin lesions, or losing his fur he might have a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is apparent when your dog loses some of his muscle tone. If you notice your dog might have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your vet to find out for sure. Your vet will either suggest that your dog begins to take the necessary vitamin or for you to change his food. 

Most of the time vitamins deficiencies are more common in packaged dog food that you can get from your local supermarket. This is why it is important to read the labels on the dog food you buys if that is your feeding method. You want to make sure it contains all the vitamins your dog needs. If it does not, and you do not feel comfortable going to the raw food diet, talk to your vet about giving your dog vitamin supplements to keep him healthy.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?Should-You-Give-Your-Dog-Vitamins?&id=3793983

Source:

Why You SHOULD Neuter Your Dog!

Human babies are born all year round - but we humans are exceptional in this respect. Most animals are seasonal breeders. They are only able to breed at certain times of the year, and the result is intermittent population explosions of young animals. Spring/ early summer is the time when most animals are born, which is sensible timing from a survival point of view. The young, growing animal is more likely to thrive during the summer months, with the milder weather and more plentiful food supply.

This seasonal high number of puppies and kittens causes major problems for vet clinics and animal sanctuaries. Their kennels and staff are swamped by the sudden abundance of unwanted young animals. The goal is to always find homes for healthy animals, but this can be almost impossible when ten or twenty new orphans are arriving each week. The dense population of young, unvaccinated animals living together means that there is a constant risk of outbreaks of fatal viral diseases. Everybody who works with animals has seen situations where previously healthy pups or kittens die as a result.

We all do our best to minimize the extent of this problem. Most animal centers keep a list of people looking for kittens or puppies. Many also have names of people who would be willing to foster young animals for a few weeks until homes can be found. As soon as a batch of orphaned or unwanted young animals arrives, efforts are made to rehome them. When homes are found, as part of the commitment to a new pet, owners must agree to have the young animal fully vaccinated and to have then neutered as soon as they are old enough.

However, dealing with the problem as it arises every spring is not the answer. Instead, people who own pets must be made aware of their responsibilities to their animals. If you do not want kittens or puppies, then you must have your pet neutered. If your pet produces young, then you are directly responsible for their welfare. Your pet cannot choose to have itself neutered - you must do it. The neutering operation is painless, and the side effects are minimal. In fact, there are positive effects apart from the removal of breeding ability.

Female dogs who are neutered early in life have a much-reduced incidence of mammary tumors, which are the most common form of malignant cancer to affect older bitches. Neutered male dogs and cats are much less likely to stray away from home or to fight other males.

Some people say it is not 'natural' to neuter an animal, but surely keeping animals in our homes is not 'natural' in the first place. Others say that neutering somehow 'ruins' an animal - but this is nonsense - neutered animals have exactly the same personalities as they did before the operation.

Other folk worry about the cost of neutering. This is something that needs to be seen in perspective, alongside the cost of feeding a pet every day, and buying accessories such as pet beds and toys, etc. The one-off cost of neutering is small when compared to other costs in a pet's lifetime. If you do have serious financial difficulties, there may be a charity-funded discount neutering scheme in your area - ask your local animal rescue center for more information.

If we humans have chosen to share our lives and our homes with animals, then it is our responsibility to look after them properly. And that includes ensuring that they do not produce unwanted young.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-SHOULD-Neuter-Your-Dog!&id=8827129

Owning a Dog - Tips for First Time Owners

Although a great number of people own dogs, not all of them know how to do so correctly. If you intend to take the responsibility of dog ownership seriously, there are quite a few things you'll need to know. Here are a few useful tips for first time dog owners. 

Home 

It is vital that you provide your canine with a safe environment in which to live. Indoor dogs will be in proximity to all sorts of hazards such as electrical cords and objects that they can choke on. Dog-proof your home to the best of your ability, paying particular attention to chemicals that can cause poisoning like household cleaners, antifreeze, etc. 

You should also be aware of the various species of shrubs and plants that are poisonous to dogs. Having any of those around your home is a disaster waiting to happen. Some of the most poisonous plants include tulips, mistletoe, and lilies. 

Food 

It's obvious that you will need to feed your dog on a daily basis. The quality of the food he eats will have a direct impact on his health, both now and in the future. It's not always necessary or even best to pay for the most expensive brand of dog food. However, it is important to choose a high-quality brand. 

As a general rule of thumb, you don't want to give your dog too many types of human foods. Some of them can upset his digestive system considerably. Foods like grapes and chocolate can even be fatal for dogs, so you'll definitely want to avoid those. 

Exercise 

Your dog needs exercise on a daily basis. Exercise obviously helps prevent obesity. However, it also offers other benefits such as increasing blood circulation, promoting strong bones, and providing mental stimulation. Running and jogging with your dog are two of the most common ways to meet his daily exercise needs. 

If you like to hike, you should consider bringing your dog along. Dogs can also be adept at swimming. Classes designed for canines are also good for providing exercise. 

Grooming 

When owning a dog, you will also need to set aside time for grooming duties. To keep the hair coat in excellent condition, it will need to be brushed on a regular basis. Breeds with longer hair will need to be groomed much more often, especially if you want to keep hair from ending up all over your home. 

In addition to brushing your dog's hair coat, don't forget to brush his teeth daily as well. Canines can develop oral problems like gum disease and infections just like we can when we don't pay attention to our oral health. Buy toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for dogs; don't use one made for humans. 

Pests 

Pests such as fleas and ticks can make your dog quite miserable due to constant itching. However, some pests can also lead to health concerns. Combat fleas and ticks using various methods such as collars, shampoo, powder, and monthly medication. Monthly heartworm medication is also a good idea since heartworm disease can be a fatal disease that's easily prevented. 

Vet 

First time dog owners will need to do research in order to find a quality veterinarian for their pet. Vet appointments should be made on an annual basis to ensure that your dog is in good health. Catching problems as early as possible increases that chances of dealing with them successfully. As dogs get older, it's best that they be seen twice a year. 

Owning a dog is a joyful experience. Keep these tips in mind to help your canine friend will live a long and healthy life.

Sourcec:http://ezinearticles.com/?Owning-a-Dog---Tips-for-First-Time-Owners&id=9801798