Pet owners understand the importance of spaying or neutering their dogs in order to prevent reproduction, but this is only one reason that getting your dog spayed or neutered will help protect their health. Animals that have been spayed or neutered live longer, have a reduced risk for tumors of the uterus, breasts and prostate, and often live a healthier life. As you consider spaying or neutering your dog, it's important to keep in mind the number of benefits of this procedure.

Dogs do not typically have fresh breath, but their breath should not be horrendous either. Bad breath can indicate problems with a dog's teeth, and dogs can have all the same tooth problems as humans. There are three main steps you can take to keep your dog's teeth healthy and strong, and you may want to get in the habit of completing these each day. Give It Healthy Food Just like with humans, the food a dog eats can affect its teeth.

If you share your home with a pet that has a pushed in facial appearance, such as a pug, it is important to familiarize yourself with brachycephalic airway syndrome and the potential health problems to which these pets are at greater risk. The Brachycephalic Form Brachycephalic is the term used to describe dog and cat breeds that exhibit a pushed in face. Their lower jaws are usually in proportion to their overall body size, but their upper jaws are notably shorter to produce the brachycephalic appearance.

Every year, the flu gets spread around. Just like you, your dog is at risk of picking up the flu bug. In dogs, the flu can cause not only a fever but also respiratory issues. Here is a quick guide to how the canine influenza virus affects your dog and how the vaccine works. The Canine Influenza Virus The canine virus is a relatively new virus in the United States. The common signs of canine influenza include a cough, runny nose, and fever.

Traveling with a pet may not be the arduous task it once was, but owners can still face problems if unprepared. More and more hotels are pet friendly these days. Airlines are better prepared than in the past to welcome pets. In many cases, small animals may even be allowed inside the airplane cabin. It is not unusual at all to see bus or rail passengers with a dog or cat in a carry-on basket.

There are many things that are perfectly fine for humans to eat that are extremely toxic to dogs. As a dog owner, it is important that you are aware of what these foods are and what symptoms are associated with their consumption. Here are five foods that your dog should never eat: Chocolate: Most dog owners know that chocolate is a food that should be avoided. However, not many dog owners know what symptoms to look out for if their dogs were to ever accidentally get their paws on some chocolate.

Is your hectic schedule constantly forcing you to be out of the house? If so, and you have to leave your dog at home then you may want to consider using a dog daycare center. There are many benefits to using a dog daycare as not only does it ensure your dog gets the attention that he or she needs, but it will ensure the following. The Same Diet Providing a healthy diet regimen for your dog while you are constantly away can be extremely difficult and often times impossible to do.

If you have never had a cat as a pet in the past, and you are given the opportunity to take in a kitten, you will want to do whatever necessary to make sure it is well-cared for to give it a happy and healthy life. Taking care of a kitten is not that difficult and the steps you take while it is young will lead it down the path toward a wonderful life as a cat.

Arthritis does not just affect humans; it can also occur in canines. If your dog suffers from arthritis, he may have trouble running around outside and even getting up stairs. As a pet owner, you have a duty to help your dog feel better. Here are five tips for helping an arthritic dog: Put Him on a Diet If your dog is carrying around extra weight, it can put more pressure on his joints, making the arthritis worse.

If this is your first time owning a dog, it is natural to not know what type of grooming your dog requires. Here is a quick guide to the three main types of grooming your dog is going to need, as well as when they will need it. #1 Hair Brushing One of the most common types of grooming that your dog is going to need is hair brushing. Brushing your dog on a regular basis will help their coat stay nice and shiny.