Taking care of a new dog can often times be overwhelming.  As a dog owner, it is your job to make sure you keep your pet healthy.Here are some pet care tips that can help you with this task.

“The Vet is Your Partner In Care

One of your main responsibilities as a pet owner is to know when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.  If you notice signs of illness in your dog, it’s better to act than take a “wait and see” attitude.  Sometimes things will turn out fine, but remember that your vet can assess your dog’s condition and provide a variety of treatments to help your dog recover.

There are any number of reasons in which it is vital that you call your vet

a) Don’t delay, if your dog has been in an accident, call your vet immediately.  Take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital if your regular vet isn’t available.

b) Call your vet right away if you think your dog has eaten something poisonous or inedible.

c) It is important that you call your vet right away if your dog appears to be in distress.

d) If your dog experiences a sudden gain or loss of weight, you should take him to the vet right away.

e) You should always call your vet right away if your dog is having convulsions, coughing or vomiting.

– Prevention is always the Best Medicine

A trip to the vet should be your last line of defense.As a responsible dog owner, it is your first responsibility to prevent accidents and illnesses as much as possible.

Keep in mind that feeding them healthy food and providing them plenty of exercise is the key to your pet’s longevity.  Make sure your dog eats a healthy diet, receives dog vitamins and gets plenty of exercise to stay strong and healthy.Watch what your dog eats, and clean their crate and dog house often to prevent the risk of bacteria.Clean water is important to your dog’s health.

Ensure that your dog is on a chain, leash or inside a fenced yard at all times.If your pet wanders the neighborhood, he wil be vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Give your dog baths regularly.Fleas and ticks carry diseases in addition to making your dog uncomfortable.

Keeping your dog healthy involves more than the few tips provided here.  While this is an excellent start, it’s always a good idea to ask your vet for specific tips and pointers for your dog.  As your pet grows, you’ll learn the best strategies for keeping your pooch safe and healthy.  Above all, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.