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Having A Healthy Dog - Some Simple Steps
By Lori Matthews
Having a healthy dog is important. You want your best friend to be as healthy as possible. It is said they age twice as fast as humans so keeping them in top shape is imperative. It helps immunity and helps the aging process possibly slow down. There are many things to think about when you consider your dog's health. Many of those things include dog food, vaccinations, exercise, water, love, and more.
Dog food is one of the most important things to think about if you want a healthy animal. Many of the shelf dog foods have chemicals that are not healthy for an animal. These dog foods are cheaper but they can be harmful to your animal. Consider a food with concentrated amounts of meat as protein as opposed to cheap fillers that are so hard to digest, can cause severe allergies and most importantly do nothing to keep your pet healthy.
Exercise is also important for any animal. Your dog should have sufficient amount of room to run around and play. If your dog is kept indoors for most of the day then you should take the time everyday to walk it outside and give it the exercise it needs. Ideally, a dog should have a good sized back yard to be able to run around in. If not consider a dog park. Exercise is important for a dog to keep their circulation healthy and their blood flowing. This allows for a healthy body, strong muscles, and a happier life for your dog. It also may help there mental state just like humans.
Water is important also. A dog can get dehydrated much quicker than a human being. You should always ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink each day and that it is always available to drink. You may even want to consider spring water or filtered water. The chemicals and other things from the faucet may not be so healthy.
Another important aspect to having a healthy pet is love. Dogs need daily interaction. They need plenty of petting, holding, and love. A dog's primary goal is to please their owner and you need to show your pet that you entirely approve of them and it will be happy. Studies have shown that dog's with a lack of love or interaction is not as healthy as pets that have a lot of love. You should spend time talking to your dog and playing with your dog. This will ensure you have a very healthy and happy pet that will last a long time.
A great conversation to start with your vet if you haven't already is: vaccinations. It is becoming increasingly popular that pet parents refuse to vaccinate every year because many feel it is harmful to the pet. As puppies, vaccinations are necessary and can save your canine's life. As they get older though you may want to ask your vet about titer testing to measure the antibodies in your baby's system and then you can determine if that vaccination is necessary. Depending on where you live, some vaccinations are necessary and some are not. This is something you can discuss with your veterinarian.
Everyone wants their dog to be healthy to ensure their life and longevity. There are many factors that play a big role in making this happen and as their owner; your dog depends on you to ensure they have a healthy life. You should ensure the food your dog is being fed is healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of exercise each day, and you are giving it plenty of love and knowing more about vaccinations.
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please click here if you would like more information on Life's Abundance healthy dog food
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Matthews
Your Kitty Cat's Care
by Adrienne Manson
Every cat needs a certain level of care. Depending on the breed, they may need specialized care in terms of grooming as well as any special health provisions.
The Stages of Feline Development When a kitten is born it's hard to imagine them growing into full-grown cats. When kittens are born they are blind and completely dependent on mom. The first stage of their life involves eating and growing. Once their eyes are open, however, they will begin to explore the world around them.
By the time a kitten is four weeks old, they will begin romping around with their siblings. They will begin to learn about the litter box as well as become well socialized. In the wild, the mother will supplement their diet with prey that she has caught and killed. This means you should consider providing a soft cat food or dry food that is softened with a little water.
By six to eight weeks they will begin exploring a little more. They will venture into other rooms and follow their mother around. They will also begin to develop their hunting abilities. At eight weeks old they are usually completely weaned and ready to move to their new home.
For several months after weaning they will continue to grow and will do so rather quickly. They will need series of vaccinations to ensure that they don't catch any diseases. They will also learn how to interact with the family and learn their boundaries. Your kitten should also learn his name and perhaps a few other commands. If you have a longhaired cat, you will also need to begin regularly grooming the cat and get them used to it.
Hold Your Nose
The Litter Box
One of the biggest drawbacks for some cat owners is the litter box. Not only do you have to clean it, but you also have to teach your kitten to use it.
It is usually fairly easy to teach your kitten to use a litter box. The most important thing is that you put it in the place you want it and leave it there. You also need to keep it clean so that they won't decide to use the carpet instead. A litter box should also not be kept near food bowls or water, as cats like to keep these areas clean.
Once you find the right place for the litter box, you will need to teach the cat what the litter box is for. Begin by placing the cat in the box and raking your fingers through the litter. Your cat may quickly decide that they need to use it right away. If they hop out, play with them a few minutes and then place them back in the box. Repeat the process several times, but try not to overdo it.
After your cat eats, you will want to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes and then place them in the litter box. If they use it, then you will want to praise them. If your cat is taking a nap, watch the cat and place him in the litter box when he wakes up.
If your cat has an accident, you don't want to scold them. They will only become frustrated or angry. Instead place the litter box in the area the cat tends to have accidents and encourage the cat to use it. Once they get in the habit, they should start to use it regularly. If the cat stops, try cleaning it. If it is not dirty, have the vet check him out for a bladder infection or other health problem.
There are several litter box designs that make it easier to keep the litter box clean. The hooded type is best for cats that want their privacy. It is also good for those who kick and make a lot of dust. There are also removable lines that help you in cleaning the litter box. Simply lift out the whole liner and discard it. Another popular litter box is the design that is self-cleaning. These are best for multiple family cats. The litter box automatically cleans itself after each use. You then empty the container the soiled litter is discarded in.
For more helpful tips with your pet's health care go to
http://hubpages.com/hub/Your-Cats-Health-Care
About the Author
Passionate writer for the past 25 years, currently own and operate Abundant Waters Ent., where we teach tomorrow millionaires today.
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