Your dog is part of your family, so you want them to be healthy and happy. Whether it's a puppy or an older dog, this post helps you keep your four-legged friend in tip-top shape.
You love your dog and want them to be happy and healthy. But sometimes that's easier said than done. You may not know where to start or what steps are necessary to ensure your dog's health and longevity. Fortunately, tons of information is available to help you navigate life with your four-legged friend. Here are some tips on keeping your pup healthy:
Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight.
It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Many health conditions can be caused by an overweight dog, or in the case of obese dogs, and even more serious medical problems.
A veterinarian can help you determine if your dog is overweight by examining them and looking at their vital signs, such as heart rate and respiration rates.
If you feel your dog may be overweight, try feeding them smaller portions of food throughout the day instead of one large meal per day. It will help them feel full faster, so they don't overeat at their next meal time. You can also use a slow feeder dog bowl, ensuring that your dog eats slowly and in limited quantities.
Implement Heartworm, Tick, and Flea Prevention.
Heartworm is a parasite that can cause heart disease in your dog, and it's easily preventable with a monthly pill like Heartgard Plus. Heartworms are transmitted via mosquito bites, so keep your dog away from mosquitoes when you're outside. If your dog gets bitten by an infected mosquito, you'll need to ensure he gets treated with a series of injections. In addition, you avoid ticks and fleas in dogs; ensure that you bathe your dog with flea shampoo for dogs at least once every week. These medicated shampoos prevent ticks and fleas from growing on your furry friend.
Exercise Your Dog Every Day.
Your dog needs exercise. They need to run and play and mental stimulation in the form of training. So take out some time to play with them in your free time. Buy Kong toys as they are known for their sturdy and durable nature.
Dogs have a social nature, so they need to be around people and other dogs daily. Therefore, taking your dog on walks is a good practice. You can use a retractable dog leash when taking them for a walk to ensure they are close to you yet can explore the nearby surroundings.
Dogs also love to learn tricks, so it's great if you can teach them something new.
Visit Your Veterinarian Regularly.
You should visit your veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up. Your dog's health may be fine, but even if it isn't and you catch it early, you can do some simple things to maintain their health. Remember that going to the vet doesn't just mean physicals; if you notice any changes in how they behave or look, take them in as soon as possible.
Get Your Dog Vaccinated.
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Vaccines help prevent diseases that used to be common and can still be deadly in some cases. Vaccines can also keep dogs from getting sick and suffering for long periods. Some vaccines can even save their lives.
Vaccinations will also protect other dogs from getting sick, which is especially important if you have a puppy or older dog in the family that cannot get vaccinated themselves. For example, parvo is a deadly virus that will cause vomiting and diarrhea if caught by an unvaccinated puppy or older dog. However, if they have been vaccinated against parvo, they do not have to worry about getting diagnosed with this terrible illness.
Brush Your Dog's Teeth Regularly.
One of the best things you can do for your dog's health is to brush their teeth regularly. We know it's a lot of work. But brushing your dog's teeth is super important because it helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
If you don't want to use a store-bought toothbrush, an old piece of gauze or soft cloth works well too. And if your dog isn't into the idea of having his/her mouth cleaned out by someone else yet, there are other options:
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You can try giving them dog chew toys that have been soaked in water first before offering them as treats. It will make them more interesting than just regular dry kibble; eventually, they might grow used to having their mouth clean.
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If all else fails, Greenies for dogs has some chewable dental sticks made especially for dogs that are available at pet stores. These have been specially designed with natural ingredients like parsley flakes so they won't cause any damage while still helping keep teeth clean.
Feed Your Dog the Right Amount of Food.
It is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy. If they are underfed, they won't be getting the nutrients they need to keep them strong and healthy. But on the other hand, if they are overfed, it can lead to obesity and other health problems.
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Feeding too much: It is important not to overfeed your pet because this could result in an overweight dog which can cause many health problems, including joint pain and diabetes.
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Feeding too little: If you do not provide enough calories for a growing puppy or lactating female, they may not grow properly or produce enough milk for their puppies. It could lead to death from starvation later on down the road.
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Letting them eat from our plates: Although many owners like having their pets around at mealtime, this practice should be discouraged. It encourages bad habits such as begging for scraps off our plates or even stealing food directly from us. Also, because some foods aren't safe for dogs, such as onions/garlic, etcetera, it would be best if we didn't give these.
The best would be to consult a Vet for dog food. Your veterinarian can suggest a balanced science diet if your dog has special requirements. But, again, your vet is the ideal person who knows what is best for your dog and in what quantities.
Clean Up After Your Pet in Public.
To keep your dog healthy, there are several things you can do in public.
Cleaning up after a physical injury, you should also pick up after your pet because it helps prevent the spread of disease and makes walking in public places easier for everyone. Be sure to use a baggie that can be sealed securely when full so that other people don't have to deal with the messes left behind by others' pets.
Keep them from roaming freely or approaching other people or animals too closely. If you allow your dog to roam freely around town, they may get into accidents or fights with other dogs on the street. One of the most common ways dogs contract rabies is getting bitten by another animal. The best way to prevent this is to keep your pet in a dog harness when going out in public.
Don't let them get near wildlife either. It includes birds as well as larger mammals like deer or foxes. While some states require vaccinations against rabies before letting them outside in an area where these animals might be present, many do not. So if your state doesn't require vaccinations but does mandate regular examinations at veterinary offices, make sure those visits happen on time.
Brush Your Dog's Coat and Skin Daily.
Brushing your dog's coat and skin daily is important to keep them healthy. Brushing helps remove dead hair and skin cells, which can lead to dander. The dander can cause respiratory issues in you and your pup, so you must get rid of it regularly.
If you don't know how to brush a dog, watch some videos online or ask someone with experience grooming dogs for tips. Several different types of brushes are available: some are meant for short-haired breeds, while others are meant for long-haired breeds. You should probably purchase a dog brush that is made specifically for whatever breed you have because they will be more effective than other types of brushes out there on the market today.
Practice Responsible Breeding.
Practicing responsible breeding is important. It means avoiding inbreeding, over-breeding, and backyard breeding. Avoid puppy mills and puppy farms as well. Finally, never purchase an animal from a pet dealer or broker.
Every Dog's Requirements are Unique
Your dog has individual needs, so be sure to speak with a vet about what is necessary for your dog's health.
It is important to understand that you are responsible for your dog's health as a dog owner. Your vet can help, but he or she will not always be able to give you personal recommendations. There may be some things you don't want to hear about from a vet because it makes them sound too negative. It is up to you as the dog owner to ensure everything is done correctly and on schedule so that your pet lives a long life with no problems whatsoever.
The most important thing is to give your canine friend the best quality of life possible, whether giving them extra vitamins or taking them for long walks every day. If you're unsure about anything mentioned here, please do not hesitate to ask a professional veterinarian for advice on how best to proceed with your pet's health care.
We wish all dog owners the best in caring for their furry friends.
