Personal Pet Check-Ups

For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of
your pet will give you a better idea of the animal's overall
health and prove as good "quality" time for both you and your
pet. Also, this may help you catch a problem in the early phases
and certainly before it becomes life threatening.

 The list of things you can do during this time could be long
but below we've taken the time to list a few of the most basic
and easy to read signs of being "off color". In addition to the
usual, these steps may help you in deciding your pet's actual
state of health.

 CHECK YOUR PET FOR:

 1)Build up in the tooth area. Also bad breath- which may
suggest gingivitis or other tooth/gum problems.

 2)Clean ears. Is there wax build up, ticks, mites or other
parasites inside? Is a bad odor present?

 3)Are the eyes discolored or irritated? Is extensive matter
present?

 4)A 'greasy" coat? Is the skin grey white or red and irritated?
Do you find evidence of fleas or other parasites? Is the smell
of the animals coat on your hands, after checking it with your
fingers, fishy, rank or offensive?

 A doggy odor, while common, is still a sign of a low level of
health. If your answers to many of the above areas are "YES",
then you should plan some type of action to discontinue this
cycle of bad health. First and foremost, diet is the best place
to start. Consult with your vet and/or check into possible
alternative therapies. In the end, your pet's overall health is
up to you, so these early warning signs should not be overlooked.

 A clean bill of health is the most valuable gift you can
present to your pets- next to your love and attention.

 Article written and reprinted with permission of:
http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog
Breeders - "Your New Best Friend" Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.