Choosing healthy dogs can be a challenge for many people. However, there are simple and easy things to keep in mind that can help all dog owners. First of all, it’s important to learn as much about your own breed of dog as possible. The more you know, the easier it will be to determine any common health problems, or even look for some great new characteristics to add to your dog! Here are some characteristics and behaviors to look for when considering a breed of dog:
Has it’s healthy gums and skin. All dogs need to have healthy gums and skin. The more friction and rubbing there is between the teeth and gums the greater the risk of a gum infection and the more pronounced the symptoms will be. In order to keep your pets’ gums and skin healthy, brush and floss them daily.
How long does a dog live? As with humans, healthy dogs live longer lives than unhealthy dogs. This is due in part to good nutrition, but is also because many dogs live long into their old age. Many veterinarians believe that there is a direct correlation between how long a dog lives and the quality of the pet food that they are fed. Therefore, feeding your pet a good quality kojic acid free supplement can go a long way toward extending the life expectancy of your beloved pet.
Does it have any hereditary diseases or genetic issues? In the case of American Kennel Club (AKC) registered American Shepherds, there is one inherited disorder that affects the immune system and that is prone to infections. On the other hand, many kennels breeders do not screen their breeding stock to confirm this disease or disorders. Consequently, it is possible for a pure bred American Shepherd to develop allergies to his post shared by an AKC registered dog. So, always be sure to get your dog screened for genetic diseases.
Does your dog get sick often? Although larger breeds tend to get sick less often than smaller breeds, the fact remains that smaller dogs tend to get sick more often than larger dogs. You can help prevent illness in your dog by feeding him the right kind of diet and providing him with the basic necessities of life. This will help to keep his body functioning properly and in so doing, will help to extend the life expectancy of your dog. If you feel that your dog is not getting the nutrients needed, you should take him to the veterinarian.
What is your dog’s sex? The most common dog breed in the United States today is the Toy and Miniature Toy Poodle. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes three other breeds as regular companions, namely the Shih Tzu, the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. Since these dogs have different physiques, they require different koji. The AKC lists the weights of its registered American Kennel Club dogs at 50 pounds for male and female dogs and forty pounds for male and female puppies. This is referred to as the English Kennel Club weight.