Everyone wants their pets to live happy, healthy lives.  Your veterinarian plays a huge role in your pet’s wellbeing.  But, not every little thing requires a trip to the veterinarian; there are some things you can handle at home.  Being able to take care of your pet at home means fewer vet bills and more time spent with your companion.

At-home pet care centers on grooming.  Regularly grooming your animal can help prevent a number of problems before they start.  A grooming routine also gives your pet something to look forward to.  He’ll enjoy the pampering and the time he gets to spend with you.  Your grooming routine should consist of anything that you feel your pet will benefit from.  Brushing your dog daily or every couple of days helps stimulate his skin, contributing to a shiny, healthy coat and itch-free skin.  It also helps keep him cool in the summer by removing the extra hair.  There are also benefits for you; regular brushing means less shedding in your home.  Find a brush that is good for your dog’s hair.  If he does not enjoy the brush against his skin, then you may need to look for one that is gentler.

You should also keep an eye on your pet’s ears.  Ear mites are nasty little critters that can cause a ton of ear problems.  You should set aside time once a week to give his ears a good cleaning.  Try to keep ear cleaning solution for dogs or peroxide on hand.  When it’s time to clean out his ears, simply soak a cotton ball with the solution and start with the outer part of his ear.  Dispose of the cotton ball, and use a new, fresh one as you move inward toward the canal.  Viola!  Clean ears!

Dogs can suffer from dental problems just like humans.  You keep your teeth healthy, and you should also do the same for your pooch.  Like cleaning his ears, a good teeth brushing can be performed once a week.  For teeth brushing, you should keep a child’s soft-bristled toothbrush and doggie toothpaste on hand.  If you don’t have doggie toothpaste, then mix a little baking soda and water; never use human toothpaste.  Your dog may be a little resistant at first, but he’ll start enjoying the routine!

Flea and tick prevention is a must!  Although you can’t completely cut the veterinarian out of the equation, you can handle the program at home.  Stop by your vet and pick up a supply of medication.  It’s a good idea to grab a 6-month supply box, so that you don’t have to keep returning to your veterinarian’s office.  Be sure to follow the directions closely when applying the medication.  And, don’t forget about heartworm prevention!  You’ll also need to follow a medication schedule to prevent heartworms.

Do you know what your pooch can benefit from almost more than anything?  Exercise and playtime!  A dog that never moves or exercises is probably not the healthiest pooch you’ll encounter.  A healthy dog is one that is fit and is not carrying around unnecessary pounds.  Added weight is a predecessor to health problems, affecting your pooch’s mental and physical health.  You should also keep your dog’s mind stimulated with play and games.  Dogs enjoy training because it is somewhat of a challenge, so try to start a training program, even if it is just training him to perform tricks!

Don’t be fooled; there are some things that simply cannot be taken care of at home.  If your pet is hurt or you have noticed a change in behavior, then you need to visit your veterinarian.  You also need to set up regular checkup appointments with your vet to make sure your pet’s health is in order. 

There are ways you can keep your pet out of the vet’s office, and most are easily taken care of at home.  Keeping your pet’s hair brushed, his ears cleaned out, his teeth clean, and his mind and body stimulated lead to one healthy pooch!  If an emergency arises or your pet seems under the weather, then you may need to take him to see the veterinarian.  Remember, you can do some things, but not everything, on your own.      

This article was provided by pet super store a site featuring dog crates, dog crate pads and dog houses.