Understanding Dog Health Problems by Breed
When it comes to our closest canine companions, the health problems they encounter can be as unique as those sparkling personalities we rely on to brighten our day. A dog health problem isn't necessarily going to present the same across the spectrum of breeds. Some dog health problems are actually specific to certain breeds.
Some pet owners wonder if there are any preventative measures they can take in terms of keeping their pup's physical health in check. Dog health food is sometimes a popular option for folks who feel their own health benefits from a balanced, nutritious diet. Health-conscious dog owners gain comfort in looking after their animals' dietary needs with the same dedication they apply to monitoring their own. Some doggie lovers take it a step further and prepare their pet food from scratch, adding supplements such as Taurine and L-carnitine to ensure their pooch's nutritional needs are being met.
The American Kennel Club has a website listing national breed clubs, and this is a fantastic resource if you are interested in learning more about dog health problems by breed. You can find this list at http://clubs.akc.org. In some ways, dog health is no more predictable than human health, but that doesn't mean that conscientious pet owners should not take the time to educate themselves on the possible ailments that may arise in the future. The American Kennel Club is always a fantastic trusted resource, as is your local chapter of the SPCA www.aspca.org or American Humane Society www.americanhumane.org.
With a bit of preparation and, of course, a lot of love, your beloved pup can enjoy many years brightening the lives of his or her human companions. And if you have not yet joined our ranks of besotted doggie pals (after all, we say we are their owners -- but it is the pups who own our hearts), don't forget to research breed-specific health problems before making your final decision.
This article was written by Joy Randel. Get more great advice from Women's Toolbox contributor Joy Randel at: dazzledogdelight.com
