Dogs are a significant part of the family. You love your dog, so you want to help it live a long, happy, and healthy life. Here are ten tips to help you keep your dog as healthy as possible:
Feed Your Dog Correctly
To keep your dog healthy, you need to pay attention to its nutrition by feeding it the correct amount of the right food. Feeding your dog too much will make it obese. A significantly overweight dog is prone to heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related diseases.
Check how much food your breed and age of dog needs, and avoid giving it extra no matter how much it whines or pleads. It will also help if you feed your dog a healthy brand of dog food. If you are unsure about what type of food to feed your dog, ask your vet about which variety is best. Restrict the number of treats you give your dog, and provide a steady supply of fresh water to help it avoid dehydration.
Socialize Your Dog
You should make sure your dog grows accustomed to being around other dogs and humans while still a puppy. Your pet can suffer significant injuries if it gets into a fight with another dog. If your dog bites someone, you may face a fine. In the worst-case scenario, the authorities may destroy your dog for attacking a human. If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to make sure it is socialized correctly. Dog behaviorists can help tame an unruly dog that is aggressive towards humans or other dogs.
Dog Supplements
You can help prevent your dog from getting sick by purchasing the correct supplements and preventative medications. For instance, you can buy fish oil capsules for dog breeds prone to joint pain or purchase probiotics for a pet with a sensitive stomach. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before giving a supplement to your dog.
Plenty Of Exercise
A dog that does not get enough exercise will gain weight and potentially suffer from diseases linked to obesity. Dogs also need the mental stimulation they gain from exploring new sights and smells on a walk. Therefore, not walking your canine friend will damage its physical and psychological health.
Find out how much exercise your dog breed needs. Try to do everything you can to make sure you meet its requirements. However, do not overwalk your dog. This is particularly important if it is a breed such as a French bulldog with a shorter muzzle prone to respiratory issues. Avoid walking your dog on hot days. Hot surfaces can blister your dog’s paws. When the weather is hot, look for alternative forms of exercise such as swimming or using a treadmill at home.
Groom Your Dog
All dog breeds have unique grooming needs. Breeds with long or curly coats tend to require more grooming. If you do not bother to groom your dog, dirt and dead skin will build up. What is more, its coat will eventually become matted and tangled. Not grooming your dog can lead to skin infections and dermatological issues such as itching, bald spots, and dry patches. If you are not sure about your breed’s grooming requirements, check with your vet or do some research online.
Love And Attention
Responsible dog owners give their pets plenty of love and attention because they understand that there will be consequences if they do not. Dogs that do not receive enough attention and love develop unwanted behavioral issues. Dogs need plenty of scratches, tummy rubs, and regular snuggles for the good of their mental health. If you intend to leave it out in the yard all day, you should not bother getting a dog.
Some dog breeds need more attention than others. Your dog will let you know if it needs more attention from you. You can also check with your vet to ask how much attention your breed typically requires.
Spaying Or Neutering
There are many good reasons to have your dog spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering can reduce a dog’s risk of developing some cancers and prolong its life. Neutering can reduce aggression in male dogs. Spaying stops female dogs from going into heat, meaning you do not need to deal with associated symptoms such as bloody discharge or moodiness. Spaying and neutering also lead to fewer unwanted dogs pining away in animal shelters.
Checkups At the Vet
Try to get your dog checked out by the veterinarian at least once a year. Regular checkups will help your vet detect any dangerous health conditions or diseases early. When your vet discovers signs of illness early, you can take the appropriate steps to safeguard your pet’s health. Regular checkups also help you keep an eye on your dog’s weight to prevent it from becoming obese.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Dogs tend to jump over fences and get lost. You can help keep your dog safe by having it microchipped. Ensure any toxic household chemicals are stored away from your dog and avoid feeding it anything that it should not eat. For example, dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, or garlic.
Observe Your Dog
When you love your dog, you keep a close eye on it. Thus, you will learn what is normal for your dog and what is not. If you see your dog behaving in ways that are not typical, contact your vet. For instance, suppose your dog is usually playful but has been listless and has not wanted to play for the past several hours. If an energetic dog suddenly becomes lethargic, it may indicate that something is wrong and needs medical attention.
A Fit Dog
Following the guidelines outlined in this article will help keep your dog happy and healthy. When you have a content, healthy, and energetic dog, you can enjoy each other’s company for years to come. Having fun together and sharing a close bond is what owning a dog is all about.
