6 Tips From Dr. Oz to Keep Your Dog’s Health Top-Notch Health Advice From the Best

Every day Dr. Oz shares health secrets that help people live longer, fitter, healthier lives. Did you know that Dr. Oz also shares tips that will keep your canine pals healthy, too? Dr. Oz is pet parent to black Labrador Rosie, so he’s got plenty of experience making sure his pooch stays as happy and healthy as he does.

Here are 6 tips from Dr. Oz to keep your dog’s health top-notch. Many of these will benefit you, too! Read on to find out how.

1. Supplements will keep your dog’s joints and skin healthy

Dr. Oz recommends people take omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine for lubricated joints and healthy skin. Great news for pet parents: this same advice holds true for dogs!

Try Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Soft Gels for an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids. Excel Time Release Glucosamine doubles as a delicious liver-flavored treat.

2. Four steps will help your dog take their medication

No one really likes to take medication, least of all our pets. Here is a way to get your dog to take their pills. First, dip the pill in water so it will slip down the throat a bit more easily.

Next, tip your dog’s head back; this position will offer less resistance when you open your dog’s jaw. Place the pill on the back of the tongue, and close your pet’s mouth.

Then blow a little puff of air on your pooch’s nose. Your dog will lick their nose, which will prompt them to swallow the pill.

To prevent the pill from sticking in the esophagus, take a medicine dropper of water, lift open a corner of your dog’s mouth, and administer some water so your pet swallows the medication completely.

3. Practice yoga or “doga” with your dog

Yes, seriously, doga is a thing, and it means practicing yoga with your dog. Don’t believe me? Check out this short clip from the Associated Press to see a yoga studio full of pet parents practicing doga with their dogs.

Doga enthusiasts say that when pet parents practice doga with their dogs, it promotes bonding. Doga also involves stretching to keep both your dog and you limber as you age gracefully together.

4. Brush your dog’s teeth

You can extend your dog’s life by making sure to keep their teeth clean. We all know how painful a toothache can be; well, the same goes for your dog, and brushing your dog’s teeth is the first defense against tooth pain. You will also prevent unhealthy mouth bacteria from invading your dog’s body and negatively impacting your dog’s heart health.

5. Pet your dog

You can learn a lot from a petting session. If your dog ever uncharacteristically resists your affection, it can be a sign of depression or a serious illness and needs to get checked out by your vet. Offer your dog plenty of love every day and pay attention to how your dog responds.

You may have also heard that owning a dog has health benefits for pet parents: by petting your dog, you can reduce blood pressure and increase serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone both in you and your pet.

6. Exercise with your dog

While doga is relaxing, it might not be the most heart-pumping of activities. Dr. Oz recommends we harness the enthusiasm our pets have for walks by letting their tail-wagging attitude for exercise rub off on us. Your dog will be healthier, and you’ll get healthier, too!

Pet parents get more exercise on average, and daily walks with your dog will keep you both healthier and happier.

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