Good dental hygiene for dogs is important for more reasons than alleviating bad breath (but that’s definitely a plus). Tartar can build up to a point where it will actually make the dog sick. Your vet will be able to provide a thorough teeth cleaning. In the meantime, you can keep your dog’s teeth clean with special toys and treats. Read labels carefully; they’ll tell you which products are especially conducive to cleaning teeth. There are even doggie toothpastes available on the market so that you can do routine cleanings, if you think that’s something you’d like to undertake. Beef flavored toothpaste … mmm.
Spay or neuter.
Spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the incidence of uterine infections, breast tumors, prostate and testicular disease, and undesirable behaviors (such as when a male dog gets “territorial”). For females, having litter upon litter of puppies is stressful to the body. And speaking of stress …
Keep stress to a minimum.
Canines get stressed out too! There will inevitably be times in your life when a big change is necessary – a move, for example, or bringing home a new baby. In times like these, try to prepare your dog as best as you possibly can (when our family moved overseas, I explained the process to Andy just in case). Keep familiar items, such as favorite toys or a blanket that smells like home, close at hand. And lavish the dog with attention to let them know they’re still okay, still loved, and still wanted.
Challenge your dog.
Mental fitness is a big factor in your dog’s wellbeing. Teach him basic obedience skills – and special tricks – early on, and challenge regularly with commands right up through old age. This is crucial for more than just keeping your dog’s mind active: when he’s taught to be obedient as a puppy, you’re less likely to have to deal with any behavioral problems later on. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that “ounce” is good for both you and your dog.