Those without dogs often jokingly equate dog owners' concern for their pets to that of a new parent. "Well, of course," any dog lover will tell you. The love can be overpowering, the worry and anxiety is every bit as real, as is the frustration that your little one can't tell you when something's wrong.

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, the most important first step is the right attitude. A healthy pet requires more than a yearly visit to the vet for shots and a checkup. Heath, as with humans, depends on some basic building blocks.

Feed him well

Why bother feeding your dog high quality food? While dog nutrition is still a young science, a growing number of people believe good nutrition can lead to better health and a longer life for your dog. It's more expensive but you don't have to fill your dog's bowl with as much of it because of its higher density. Here's something else to think about: Cheap food produces more backyard waste thanks to all those fillers!

Exercise him daily

Even "couch potato" breeds require regular activity to stay fit, and a daily walk is a minimum requirement for any dog. Active breeds, such as Weimaraners, need multiple chances to exercise each day. Not giving your dog enough exercise almost  [Continued]