The Pet Supplies Blog - Pets, Dogs, Cats, Pet Supply Reviews, Equine, Rabbits, Aquariums

I wonder how many dog owners consider their dog to be their best friend? What is a best friend? Someone who is always happy to see you? Someone who thinks your arrival home is the best thing to ever happen? Someone who will sit quietly next to you when you are feeling down and play wildly with you when you determine the right time? Sounds like an ideal best friend - sounds like most dogs that I know!!


National Pet Week was founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and will be celebrated May 4- 10. 2008. The idea is promote responsible pet ownership. Don't you think that your best friend deserves a responsible owner?

Make sure that your pet gets an annual veterinarian check-up. The annual veterinary exam is the key to a healthy pet living a long life. During an annual exam, a veterinarian can pick up the early warning signs of a serious problem that will affect the dog in the future. Often serious problems can often be corrected or at least slowed in progress if detected early. Your vet will give your pet a "Nose to Tail Exam". He will exam the dog's nose, eyes, ears and mouth, especially the teeth. Using a stethoscope he will listen to the lungs and heart. The abdomen, back and tail area will be palpitated feeling for any abnormalities. Your dog's coat and fur will be checked for fleas, ticks, and other external parasites, as well lumps and condition of the coat. Did you know that a dull coat on the outside means an ill pet on the inside? Finally, the paws will be checked for swelling and muscle damage the legs. Nails will be checked to see if too long. Did you know that too long nails are very uncomfortable and even painful for a pet to walk with and can easily be caught on something and the nail bed can be ripped right out?

Your pet should have blood drawn for a heartworm check. Preventive medicine for heartworms is a must, once the mosquitoes are out (if you live in the South, then you pet should always be on preventative heartworm medicine). A stool sample should be checked for worms and and parasites. Finally, all vaccinations should be brought up to date.


Once your pet has had his exam, your job is to keep him healthly.

Dental care is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Good dental care can add years to your pet's life. If you are able, you should brush your pet's teeth at the gumline where most dental problems begin. If you cannot brush, then dental dog toys and treats can make it easy for you to start an oral hygiene program for your dog!


Coat and nail care should also be done on a regular basis. Your pet will enjoy the brushing of his coat (think massage) and there are so many different grooming tools available. Nail trimmers are available for every size dog.

Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.