Dog arthritis can be caused by injury, congenital defects, or aging. Surprisingly, injury is a major cause of arthritis in dogs, and therefore affects many younger dogs. Quite minor injuries can result in the condition. A predisposition to conditions such as hip dysplasia can cause early onset of an arthritic condition in dogs. Older dogs who have never suffered an injury are likely to develop arthritis as they age.

If you are a loving pet owner, your dog's health is extremely important to you. You will notice things in their behavior before anyone else, almost like one of your children. Keeping a close eye on changes and determining if they are acting abnormal can quickly pinpoint key health symptoms. Having some, basic knowledge of common illnesses will let you know more quickly if a trip to the veterinarian is in order.

Dog beds are plentiful in the market. Trying to choose a small dog bed for your pet can be a quick purchase. However many people will wind up paying too much, or getting a bad product, however, simply because they do not understand what to look for in a dog bed. It is important to make sure that the bed you choose is perfect for your pet.

There are few things in life more exciting than adding a puppy to your family. A Shih Tzu can be a good choice of pet for many reasons, but it is important to know what you are getting into before you bring your Shih Tzu puppy home from the breeder. There are many Shih Tzu health problems that are unique to this breed, and by educating yourself to what those problems are you can find a breeder who offers a line of dogs without a family history of them. It also helps you to know what to look for in your Shih Tzu, so that you can address any potential health problems early on.

Your dog's happiness and well-being is directly linked to his health. An unhealthy dog may not be as happy as he should be. However, even if your dog is not in great health, if you spend good quality time with your dog on a regular basis, his happiness is almost guaranteed. Conversely, even if your dog is in peak health, if you leave him in a kennel in the backyard and rarely interact with him, he cannot be happy, because dogs are such social animals.

It's very important that you be reassured when you are away from home, that your cherished pet is well protected and safe. Using dog crates and kennels will allow you to have peace of mind while you are away. How can dog crates and kennels give you that peace of mind? By helping you avoid dangerous accidents from an inquisitive puppy while unsupervised. If you are participating in a dog contest or are in a strange place, they will provide your dog with a common and familiar place where your dog feels safe.