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You may have heard it several times before: An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure, and it’s so true. Free your dog of disease by feeding him right and keeping him well groomed and away from potentially harmful substances. Simple care and affection for your dog could save a costly trip to the vet.

1. No to processed food! No to table scraps!

The best food for your dog is usually raw meat. Canned food, loaded with preservatives, has none of the antioxidants that would keep your dog healthy and resistant to sickness. And that was the plan, right?

Raw meat is better for your dogs, since they’re carnivores or meat eaters. They need lots of protein. If you feel queasy about your dog eating raw meat, cooked meat is also good but try to avoid giving table scraps. Leftovers are normally fat-laden, which will only encourage obesity in your dog. Which brings us to…

2. Don’t let your dog eat too much

As with you and me, dog obesity can lead to all sorts of health complications, like heart ailments and, more frequently, indigestion. Also, if your dog is obese, check symptoms for Cushing’s syndrome, an endocrinal disease that is not usual in humans but common to older dogs. Symptoms for Cushing’s syndrome include could lead to more serious heart problems and depression and appetite increase and diabetes.

3. Chocolate and other no-no’s

There is a chemical stimulant in chocolate (found in coffee too) that remains in the dogs’ bloodstream and causes epileptic seizures, internal bleeding and heart attacks. Seriously. So even if they appear to like the taste, keep them away.

Other lethal poisons include beer, antifreeze and pennies (dogs are known to see a penny and pick it up – with their teeth). Not as harmful substances, but harmful just the same are onions, garlic, grapes.

4. Bath time!

Dogs should be bathed at least once a week, though people tend to have different ideas on how regular regularly should be. Every weekend should do the trick, and please use dog shampoo – our own shampoo has a different chemical mix and may cause hair loss and allergic reactions. Whether short or long, brush his mane to keep him looking all polished and spiffy. It also helps drive out remaining fleas and serves as a relaxing massage.

Avoid giving your dog the run of the neighborhood. Unless you live on the cleanest block in the world, your dog could come home with all these ticks, fleas, mites, STDs, rabies.

5. Make their beds (or at least keep the area clean)

If you sleep in a filthy spot on the floor, wouldn’t you be prone to sickness and disease, too? Even if your dog doesn’t have his own bed or rug, give him clean sleeping quarters. Of course, although dogs tend to pick out certain favorite spots to sleep in, they’re still many different favorite spots, which means just clean your entire house. And you’ll be free of sickness and disease yourself.