TRUE LOVE !

If you genuinely going to treat your pets in the best way,think a moment before aquiring them.
I know of a couple that allowed their dogs on the lounge chairs and beds when they fist married and the dogs were puppies.The dogs were summiraly sentenced to only be outside when the first baby arived for hygeinic reasons.
That might be all very well,but think how the dogs must feel,as they are not cuddled any more.
Large dogs should never be allowed on the furniture when they are pups.But it is cruel to try break them of this habit later and even worse if they are of a small variety.
Its the humans that are looking for love when they cuddle a dog.Do not lift them onto the bed or chair.Squat on the ground if you do not want them  to develop bad habits for that cuddle !

Our Poodle !

Now that we live in a complex and have no yard so to speak of we take our poodle "Asjas" on twice daily walks.He knows when its time for his walk and stands in front of us wimpering."Come hell or high water!" he accepts no excuse.We have to walk and in the rain we have to keep him covered with a large umbrella . No excuse such us being tired or that its raining.We usually return drenched.Walking keeps him in good condition and his nails short .He is very lively for a fourteen year old.He is of the small variety and we don't  cut his hair in winter.

Older Animals

If your pet is showing signs of athritic conditions and you are giving it pills to ease the pain,it will eventually buildup resistance to those pills.
Then they won'thelp any longer,not also to speak of the side-effects on your poor animal.What your pet may need is a change of diet.There very sophisticated diets on the market now days.Ask your vet.