10 tips to keep your dog healthy and happy for the long haul
From the beginning of time, dogs and humans have made great companions. Not only are dogs extremely faithful, but they are notorious for displaying unconditional love to their human companions. It is our job as their companions to properly care for and look after our beloved dogs. In this article, we will discuss 10 tips that you can implement right now to keep your dog healthy and happy for a very long time.
Take care of his nutritional needs. Diet plays an important part in promoting the health and well being of your dog. So, always give him nutritious food that he can easily digest. Raw food diets are great choices. If you choose a commercial pet diet, make sure that it is free of preservatives and uses human grade ingredients.
Exercise him regularly. Always make sure that your dog exercises regularly. This will help him maintain a healthy body weight and also strengthen his joints and muscles. In addition, exercise provides mental stimulation.
Have him examined regularly. Make sure that you take your dog to a vet on a regular basis to ensure that he is healthy and thriving. This will ensure that no illnesses are present.
Become knowledgeable about your dogs needs. Dogs have different needs depending on their age and breed. By keeping current with the latest findings, you can give your dog the special care that he requires. For instance, if your dog is showing signs of aging, you may have to build him a special ramp or give him special medication.
Watch out for illness. If you notice a sudden change in the playful nature or mood of your dog, he might be sick. If he refuses to eat or seems lethargic, you should take him to the veterinarian right away as it could be a sign that he is ill.
Adopt weight control measures. Just like human beings, obese dogs have health challenges and must undergo weight management plans. Therefore, make sure that you don’t overfeed your dog, monitor his food intake and exercise your dog to avoid this problem.
Spaying and neutering. Spaying (removal of the female dog’s ovaries and uterus) and neutering (removal of the male dog’s testicles) can prevent a host of diseases if breeding is not desired. In addition, it can prevent many unwanted puppy births that might end up in animal shelters.
Give your dog mental stimulation. Dogs love to learn and you should give them plenty of mental stimulation. Give them breed specific toys and teach them simple tricks and games. This will improve their confidence as well as their alertness and mental fitness.
Monitor their environment. It is better to keep a watchful eye on your dog before something happens than to deal with accidental situations. For instance, remove toxic substances like rat poisons, etc., as well as sharp or dangerous objects.
Keep them vaccinated. By providing your dog with the right vaccines at the right time, you can help prevent a number of diseases and ensure better health for them.
In conclusion, being a human companion isn’t easy, but it is well worth the effort when you’re rewarded with a healthy and happy pooch for the long haul!