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How to Keep Pets in Good Health
by Gerda Lourdes
http://www.thepethealth.com
Owners know that pets are closer to human beings than many
people realize. They are loving and moody, and they are
also prone to get overweight or ill, just like humans. As
human beings we are responsible for our own health, but as
pet owners we have to take responsibility for the health of
our pets. A pet is not able to plan their own diet - they
eat what they are given. In other words their health is in
our hands, and we must help keep our pets healthy.
A lot of what is needed to keep your pet healthy relies on
common sense but the are areas where you will need to
consult professionals or read up on it yourself. In order
to use your common sense it is good to remind yourself what
you actually know so that you have confidence in your
decisions. If we take dogs as our example, think about
wolves, their close cousins. What facts do you know about
wolves and how they live their lives? Well wolves, as wild
animals that are able to cover a huge distance every day.
They show affection to each other (within reason), they
seem to enjoy running and they eat raw meat when it becomes
available. Of course our domesticated pet dogs are not
entirely like their wild cousins. However, it does
enlighten us on how wolves and dogs have evolved and the
skills they have developed.
Take exercise. Surely no-one could look at wolves and
think their own dog should just sit around all day. Of
course there are dogs with high exercise requirements and
others with less need to walk or run. Generally speaking
however, our dogs need a couple of walks each day to stay
in good health. It is also fairly plain if your dog is
getting out of shape - if they are too fat or seem to be
getting tired just strolling around. Just like humans they
are probably getting too little exercise and eating too
many calories.
Pets, just like their owners, are less healthy if they are
too fat. Maybe you should picture in your mind's eye that
glorious wild-running wolf pack, then try and place your
pooch alongside... If you know your dog is healthy you
will notice signs of ill health more easily. A dog who is
normally thrilled to go walkies but suddenly loses his or
her enthusiasm could well need a trip to the pet health
center. By having a deep knowledge of your dog, cat or
budgie you will come to sense when they are ill - this is
handy since they cannot complain in words!
The dog, for example, should be easy to get to know well.
They thrive on your interest in them and need a loving
response from their owners. Loving your dog does mean
taking those walks and looking out for them. Then you will
know their ways so well that you will naturally notice any
loss of sparkle in their eyes or any unusual weeping from
the nose or eyes.
You should worm your dog regularly, keep them flea free,
groom them, make sure you are feeding them the right amount
of good quality pet food, and keep their vaccinations up to
date.
We have looked most closely here at the domestic dog, but
any pet that is kept at home can be better understood by
using your knowledge and intelligence when caring for them.
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