A Plan For a Longer And Healthier Life
Thanks to advances in canine nutrition and veterinary medicine, dogs are living longer, healthier lives. A caring and careful pet owner can help, too. Because good health doesn't just happen. You have to have a plan for it. And the best way improve the length and quality of your companion's life is by having a plan to provide your pet with a proper diet, a good exercise program, and regular veterinary care.

Meeting Needs of The Adult Dog
Now that your dog has reached adulthood, it's important for you to be aware that his new activity level and lifestyle will mean different nutritional needs. Proper care of your dog from ages one to seven will also require changes in regular care and health regimens so that your dog looks and feels his best.

This information will help you take good care of your adult dog. The information you need for a good care plan is right here: the nutritional needs of the adult dog; what a proper diet includes; the importance of regular visits to your veterinarian; diseases and parasites to be aware of; and, most importantly, the things you can do on a daily basis to help your pet live a long, happy and vigorous life.

Nutrition Management
Nutrition management is a major part of every good health plan. It means providing proper nutrition to your dog on a daily basis, throughout his entire lifetime. Nutrition management is essential because good nutrition affects his whole well-being. As long as your dog has been vaccinated, good nutrition strengthens the immune system to help your dog's body fight infection and speed recovery from illness. A proper diet may even retard the progression of some age-related disorders.

In fact, aside from providing regular veterinary care and exercise, providing a diet that delivers advanced nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to help increase your dog's lifespan.

The best diet for your dog is one that provides all the nutrients he needs to maintain good health and ensure long life. Manufacturers of high-quality commercial foods utilize nutritionists and conduct in-depth studies to give your dog the complete and balanced food he needs through life.

Basic Nutrition
To provide the basics in canine nutrition, a dog food must:

1.    Be balanced across the more than 40 critical nutrients for the appropriate life stage. For a dog food to provide optimum nutrition, every nutrient must be present in the correct amount and in the appropriate proportion to the others. Too little of even one nutrient, or too much of certain nutrients, can lead to imbalances that could affect proper development.

2.    Have high nutrient utilization. In order for a dog's body to properly utilize ingested nutrients, the nutrients in the dog food must be complete, balanced, and highly digestible.

3.    Have great taste. No dog food, regardless of its nutritional adequacy, is of any value unless the dog eats it.

Feeding your dog a pet food that meets these basic guidelines is one way to ensure he will be a healthy companion for many years.

How to Choose The Right Diet For Your Adult Dog
As an adult, your dog's bones and muscles are fully developed. Rather than the puppy diet that helped him grow, he needs a diet that will help him maintain his health and weight.

When selecting the best diet for your adult dog, it is important to pay attention to the basics - proper balance of the more than 40 required nutrients, high nutrient utilization and great taste.

Balance
One of the complete and balanced dry or canned dog foods in the Heinz Pet Products family is probably the most convenient way to feed your dog the right diet.

In order to meet your dog's nutritional requirements, his diet must contain appropriate levels of high-quality protein and the right amount and type of fat. It should offer properly balanced minerals and vitamins, without excess salt.

High-quality protein is needed for proper muscle tone, tissue repair, and to meet energy requirements. The right amount of fat is important to ensure energy without contributing to obesity. The right type of fat means easier digestibility and correct fueling of the dog's metabolic process. And high-quality ingredients and fixed levels of nutrition are critical because they ensure consistent and proper nutrient delivery.

Finally, once you decide on the diet that is best for your dog and most convenient for you to use, stick to it. Frequent changes will cause digestive upsets and possible nutritional imbalances.

Nutrient Utilization
In order for a diet to provide high nutrient utilization for the adult dog, it must be highly digestible. This means that most of the food eaten is efficiently used by the body with little excreted as waste. Eating a highly digestible formula helps contribute to small, firm stools.

High-quality protein is important because it is both highly digestible and has an amino acid balance for optimum utilization.

Taste
Great taste is one of the most important things to consider when buying a dog food. After all, a dog has to eat the food in order to benefit from its nutritional value. Ideally, the dog food should have just enough fat to make it palatable and provide essential fatty acids without adding unnecessary calories.

Feeding Guidelines
Provide plenty of water at all times.

Feeding Your Dog
Most adult dogs do well with one meal per day. All dogs, regardless of size, need the same nutrients. Only the amounts will vary.

Avoid overfeeding. Use the chart above or the manufacturer's recommendations on your dog food package as a guide. But keep in mind that the amount of food your dog gets may have to be adjusted according to the individual dog, your own observations and the climate in which you live (dogs in warmer climates may require less food).

If your dog is moderately active, a regular feeding schedule using recommended amounts should be sufficient. However, if he is more active, less active, or overweight, consult your veterinarian about the optimum feeding plan to ensure your dog's good health.

Remember, too, that your dog is a creature of habit - from the type of food he eats to the time he eats it, To keep his appetite and bowel movements regular, it's important to feed him at the same time each day. If you change to a new food, do so gradually. Start out by adding a little of the new food to the old, steadily increasing the amount of new food until it completely replaces the old.

Fussy eaters usually have been spoiled by getting tidbits from the table or by "holding out" for a favorite food, You should never feed your dog table food. If he is fussy, don't give in. Be firm and insist that your dog eat the proper food. Put the food in his dish. If he walks away from it, remove the dish.

At the next regular feeding time, repeat the process. You aren't starving him. His fast is self-imposed, and he will eat the food you give him before he does any harm to himself. Once he does eat, keep to a regular pattern of feeding and don't give in-between meal handouts.


Making Water Readily Available
In addition to a proper diet, it is very important to provide plenty of fresh water for your dog at all times. Water comprises approximately two-thirds of a dog's total body weight. Water is not stored in the body like some other nutrients, so it must constantly be replaced.

Regular Veterinary Care
It's always better to prevent a problem rather than treat one. So any basic health care plan for your dog should include regular visits to your veterinarian. Regular veterinary care will identify potential trouble areas and allow early treatment if it is needed.

Your adult dog should have a thorough physical examination at least once a year. Your veterinarian will check for disease, parasites and skin disorders, as well as any potential eye, ear and dental problems.
You should also keep a health record for your pet. If you move, or are traveling, knowing what ailments, treatments and inoculations your dog has had could be very important.

Ongoing Vaccinations
It's wise to immunize. To protect your pet against the more common canine diseases, your veterinarian will set up a vaccination schedule. Since some of these diseases can be life-threatening, strict adherence to an ongoing vaccination program should be kept. A typical program includes:

Yearly DHLPP boosters to prevent distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus.

A rabies booster every one to three years.

Looking Out For Parasites And Lyme Disease
Whether internal or external, parasites can cause great discomfort for your dog and can lead to severe illnesses.

Weight loss, coughing, diarrhea or bloody stools may indicate the presence of internal parasites. The five most common internal parasites found in dogs are coccidia, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. If you suspect internal parasites, take a stool sample to your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Another internal parasite, heartworms, can only be detected by blood analysis.

If your dog scratches constantly, he may have fleas or ticks. Ticks appear as small, dark spots and may feel like bumps on his skin. You can remove ticks with tweezers and gloves, but ask your veterinarian how to remove them safely. Check for fleas near the base of his tail or on his belly. Treatments include flea collars, powders and sprays, flea soaps and shampoos.

Treat your pet with one of the on-animal products such as Hartz® Control Pet Care System® Flea and Tick Conditioning Shampoo for Dogs.

Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is carried by certain species of ticks and causes fever, weakness, recurring arthritis and even heart problems in dogs. Once acquired, the disease may be treated successfully, though prevention is the best form of protection for your pet. A vaccine against Lyme disease is now available through your veterinarian.

Dental Care
Just like people, dogs can develop gum disease brought on by buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. Some signs of gum disease include a decreased appetite, excessive drooling, and very bad breath. Because a diseased mouth can affect a dog's entire well-being, you should follow a preventive dental care program.

Have your dog's teeth examined by your veterinarian once a year and follow his recommendations regarding dental care at home.

Special Needs
Many people enjoy taking their dog along when they jog or engage in other types of physical exercise. If your dog has not been active at this level in the past, ease him into any type of strenuous physical exercise gradually. This is no different than the way that people ease into an exercise routine when it is new.

Active dogs expend a great deal more energy than the average pet. It is absolutely vital to provide food that meets their increased nutritional demands. The complete and properly balanced dog foods in the Heinz Pet Products family meet these needs effectively and place a minimum of stress on the digestive processes.

The Advantages of Spaying/Neutering
Many pet owners wonder whether or not to have their animals spayed or neutered. Studies show significant health and behavioral benefits can be gained.

For females, spaying reduces the risk of uterine infection or cancer, cuts the risk of mammary tumors, and eliminates uncomfortable and inconvenient cyclical heats. For males, neutering stops the risk of testicular cancer as well as prostate problems. Neutering can also mean less aggression with a decreased desire to roam, but only if neutering occurs prior to these behaviors first being exhibited.

Ways You Can Help Accidents Will Happen
Treat indoor accidents with patience. Never punish your dog after the fact, and don't rub his nose in the stain. These actions will only confuse him. Instead, praise him when he uses the appropriate location. When stains do occur, immediately clean them with a stain remover such as Resolve®* Carpet Cleaner, which is ammonia-free. Dogs often mistake the scent of ammonia-based cleaners for urine and will resoil the area.

After cleanup, use a product such as ARM & HAMMER® Pet Fresh®* Carpet & Room Deodorizer to eliminate and destroy residual odors.

Good Grooming
Help your dog look and feel his best with regular grooming and periodic bathing. Gently brush your pet every few days to keep his coat tangle-free and his skin healthy. Regular grooming prevents dandruff by distributing skin oils, and it's an excellent time to check for fleas, ticks, skin infections, or ear mites.

Other grooming tips include: occasional bathing with a mild soap such as a quality dog shampoo; thorough rinsing with lukewarm water and use of a cotton ball or soft cloth for the outer portion of the inside ear.

Basic And Advanced Training
Training your pet is important. It prevents accidents and injuries to both your dog and people.

Training usually begins no later than age five to six months with basic commands, such as "come", "sit", "stay", "down", and "heel". More complex commands and obedience training are reserved for more mature dogs. Advanced training typically includes exercises such as following hand commands.

Reinforce good conduct using dog treats such as Meaty Bone® or Pupperoni® as rewards for correct response.

When you take on the job of training, remember: be positive (never hit, jerk on the leash or otherwise treat the dog roughly), be firm, stick to a regular schedule, remain consistent, stay patient, respond immediately and end all sessions with a great deal of praise and love.

Traveling Tips
Pets love taking trips with their owners and can become stressed without their owners around. If your travel plans allow, take your pet along, but follow these guidelines:

Before a trip, have your pet examined and make sure vaccinations are current. You also might want to inquire about the need for pet tranquilizers.

Don't forget dog license, health record, leash, collar, brush, comb, regular food, food and water bowls, and favorite playthings.

Check with hotels and motels before you arrive to make sure pets are allowed.

Here is a listing of the Hollister area hotels and motels and their pet policies:

Cinderella Motel
110 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-5761
They accept pets upon manager approval. (Sometimes pets have to stay in a travel kennel).

Hollister Inn
152 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-1641
No pets.

Posada de San Juan
311 3rd. St., San Juan Bautista, CA
Phone: (408) 623-4030
No pets

Ridgemark Golf and Country Club
3800 Airline Hwy., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-8151
No pets

San Juan Inn
Highway 156, San Juan Bautista, CA
Phone: (408) 623-4380
No pets

Best Western
San Benito Inn
660 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408)637-9248
No pets

If your pet flies with you, check with the airline about layovers. Long layovers can be extremely stressful for your pet and should be avoided. And be sure to retrieve your pet quickly after you arrive.

Don't feed your dog just prior to traveling. This will help avoid motion sickness.

When flying, traveling by train, or traveling to another country, be sure to check pet policies. Health certificates, obtainable from your veterinarian, are required for most commercial travel.

Exercise Is Essential
Routine exercise is important for your dog and it should be an important part of your basic health plan. In addition to helping to prevent obesity and poor muscle development, regular exercise maintains vigor in your pet. Provide exercise daily by walking or jogging with your dog, or by making sure your dog has play activity. When exercising, it's important to keep his physical condition in mind, especially if your dog is overweight.

Common First Aid
Knowing how to respond in an emergency situation can save your pet's life. Following are some first aid basics; however, it's always wise to consult your veterinarian if an injury has occurred:

Minor cuts should be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water, then apply antiseptic medication and bandages. More severe cuts may require stitches. Consult your veterinarian.

Poisoning can be caused by many things, from garden chemicals and human medicine to garbage. Symptoms may include retching, trembling, pain, vomiting and convulsions. If you know what your pet has ingested take the substance and some vomitus, if he has thrown up, along with your dog to the veterinarian. Finally, keep your veterinarian's phone number readily at hand and, whenever possible, call before bringing your pet in.

You Can Help Homeless Pets!
Save symbols from these quality pet food brands. They're worth cash to your local animal shelter!
For more information, and to get a brochure/envelope, stop by the Hollister Animal Shelter at 375 Fifth St., Hollister, CA 95023.

Cat Food
9-Lives Plus

Cat Treats
Pounce
Pounce Tartar Control

Dog Food
Choice Blend
Cycle (all stages)
Gaines Burgers
Gravy Train
High Protein 28
Ken-L Ration
Kibbles'n Bits
King Kuts
KLR Biskit
Moist'n Beefy
Reward
Special Cuts
Tender Chops

Dog Treats
100% Natural Treats
Canine Carry Outs
Grill Bits
Hot Doggies
Jerky Stix
Jerky Treats
Meaty Bone
Pupperoni
Recipe Dog Treats
Snausages