5 Tips for a Happier, Healthier Dog
A dog is a man’s best friend. They provide companionship, affection, and protection for their owners. But in order to have the perfect pet you need to be responsible and care for them properly. Today, we are going to talk about 5 tips that will help make your dog happier and healthier!
5 Dog Health Tips
Taking care of your dog can be a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Not only does your dog give you unconditional love, but they are your constant companion and can even make you healthier. Follow these 5 tips to make your dog happier and healthier:
Give Your Dog A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy and healthy dog. Your pup needs high-quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to maintain its vibrant health. Your vet can advise you on what food would be best for your dog depending on their age, size, and breed.
Talk with them about dietary requirements such as weight management or allergies to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to feeding your pooch – talk to your vet or pet nutritionist for advice tailored specifically for them. Each dog is different and has different needs. If you are unsure what your dog might need, be sure to bring in a professional.
Exercise Your Dog Regularly
Exercise is important for dogs to maintain a healthy weight, stay fit, and live longer. Dogs who are overweight or inactive have an increased risk of developing:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Shortened life span
- Decreased liver function
Some breeds like herding dogs need more exercise than others – be sure that you know what your dog needs.
If they seem restless in the house, then it is time to go out on some fun walks together. If your dog is a star athlete, you might consider jogging or hiking with them as well. Helping them get their energy out will help their body and mind.
Keep Your Dog’s Teeth and Gums Clean by Brushing Them Daily
Regularly brush your dog’s teeth and gums with a toothbrush or finger brush. This will help prevent plaque build-up which can lead to tartar, cavities, and gum disease in dogs.
Brush all surfaces from their back molars up through their front incisors where they hold food when eating; be sure not to miss any spots! If brushing is difficult for them because your dog is very small, use a finger brush, dental stick or gauze pad that has been moistened can do the job too.
Keeping your dog’s mouth clean will not only make them healthier, but it will also reduce their risk of future dental problems.
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water for Your Pet to Drink
Dehydration can be a serious problem for your dog, especially if you are bumping up their exercise. The best way to introduce fluids is by providing a constant supply of fresh water for them.
Dogs should drink at least one ounce per pound of body weight each day, which means that an 80-pound dog would need eight ounces of fluid on any given day. You also should only let your dog drink water that you would drink yourself. Don’t let them fill up on dirty rainwater, which can contain bacteria and other contaminants.
Spend Time Playing With, Training, And Caring for Your Furry Friend!
To keep your dog happy and healthy, the number one thing you should do is play with them! Spending time with your dog is also a great way to bond and provide physical and mental stimulation.
Think of new games, tricks, and activities that can keep them interested. Just make sure they’re safe! Play fetch or hide and seek.
Start small and give rewards when they’re doing something you want, like sitting or staying put. If necessary, use physical corrections to guide them in the right direction but do it sparingly so that they don’t associate being corrected with failure or punishment. Most importantly, never yell at your pup because this is just not healthy for anyone involved!
Keeping your dog happy and healthy is easy with the right activities. These tips will help stimulate their brain, help them learn, keep them healthy, and give you a lot of great bonding time! Get started today by exploring some of these possibilities.