Dog Health Care - Advice for the Concerned Owner

I'll add one more thing to this dog summer health list: don't ever leave your pet unattended in the greenhouse you call a car! Temperatures inside the car can turn deadly within minutes.

The Kyjen bandana holds up to 30 times it's dry weight in water. As that water evaporates, it draws heat right from your dog's neck!

Trimmed in reflective material, the Kyjen Cool-It Bandana keeps your dog safe from the sun during the day and safe from cars at night!

Kyjen bandanas are available in small, medium, and large.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but dogs certainly aren't immune to putting their noses where they don't belong.

For many dog owners, keeping one eye on the dog is a full-time job. Their dogs don't stay out of trouble while they are watching them, let alone when their backs are turned. This sets up the real danger that the dog will do something or get into something that poses a hazard to their life and health.

Two commands that every dog has to obey are "No!" and the recall command; if there is any concern that your dog may not instantly obey these commands, you should keep them on a short leash whenever hazards are present. But, these two commands are only effective in preventing injuries or accidental poisoning if you happen to be watching.

Other training lessons derive their importance from being effective when you aren't watching. These are the lessons that are the hardest to teach without professional help.

Oddly enough, dogs are not born with a healthy fear of motor vehicles. No one wants a dog to learn that lesson first hand, so it is imperative that dog owners train their dogs to stay out of the street and away from cars and trucks even when they aren't there to guide them.

Other hazards are littered around the house and yard: plants, poisons, insect nests, and wildlife. Poisonings, allergic reactions, and battle wounds are common among all dogs, especially those who aren't trained to stay away from plants and bushes in and around your home.

Behavior training can be intimidating and frustrating for the casual dog owner. Professional dog trainers, who have spent years perfecting their craft, are in high demand and charge well for their services. After paying for the training, the dog owner still has to train to maintain consistency.

Training programs like SitStayFetch can help you increase the effectiveness of your behavior training and erase the frustration without the high cost of hiring a professional dog trainer. SitStayFetch reveals the secrets of professional trainers, allowing you to curtail disruptive behavior and curb hazardous behavior like darting out into traffic.

Do not be afraid to invest the time and energy behavior training requires. Your dog is depending on you to do just that.

Now you can have the coolest dog on the block! All the neighborhood kids will be jealous of your dog lounging in his InsTent Dog Haus from ABO Gear.

The InsTent Dog Haus is easy to set up and move. You just lay it flat, pull up on a rope in the center, and push down on the frame to lock it.

When you're on the move, the InsTent Dog Haus rolls up in its own zippered bag, perfect for hiking and transport. It also comes equipped with a removable padded and quilted blanket.

The InsTent Dog Haus can be an indispensable tool in your summer arsenal. It has a functional door and zippered windows so your pooch can have all the shade he needs (it's rated SPF-50) while getting plenty of ventilation.

The biggest benefit may come in your own back yard, however. Traditional dog houses kill the grass underneath them, and the ground in front of the door becomes bare. With the InsTent Dog Haus, however, you can set it up in a different spot in the yard every day!

Scrapes, bumps, bruises, and bites can ruin a perfect family picnic or camping trip if you aren't fully prepared. While you are packing band aids and aspirin for the kids, don't forget to pack a first-aid kit for the dog, also.

According to MyOtherKids.com, a well-stocked doggy first-aid kit contains at least these essential items:

- Water, water, and more water
- Gauze pads
- Hurt-free elastic tape/sports wrap
- Antiseptic ointment
- Tweezers
- Benadryl(R)

How prepared are you for canine first-aid? What other items do you carry for your dog in your first-aid kit?

Small changes in your dog's weight and fitness level can have a huge impact on his joints, heart, and overall health. One of the primary responsibilities of caring for a dog is to make sure they stay healthy and fit.

You must count calories for your dog.

Start a daily record of your dog's fitness. Record the amount of daily exercise they receive and the weight and type of food they eat. Weigh your dog weekly and record an honest assessment of their fitness. Many kennel clubs have online galleries of different breeds if you have any question about what your dog should look like.

Don't forget to include treats on your fitness record. Most treats are just empty calories, anyway, so save them for training and special rewards.

Increase the daily exercise opportunities for your dog, and gradually decrease the food quantity as their body becomes more efficient at using the food. Use caution not to over stress a severely obese dog any more than the extra fat already is.

The lean muscle your dog will develop will protect bones and joints, preventing eventual hip problems and arthritis. The increased heart and lung capacity will keep them spry for a long time to come.