Getting a dog is a great addition to the family. Dogs are smart, responsive, fun and make great pets! But as a dog owner, keeping a dog also adds to your responsibility levels. You need to make sure they are fed well, they are exercised every day and are kept occupied. Dog owners should know what steps they need to take to improve their dog’s quality of life and happiness levels.
Here are some tips to make great choices for your dog’s health.
There is no set formula of what you can feed your dog and how often. Every dog is different and has different nutritional needs. Dietary requirements vary for dogs according to their breed, age, size and overall health. Also, make sure you never overfeed your dog as it greatly impacts their health and happiness. Overweight dogs are prone to health issues such as a weaker immune system, joint diseases, cardiovascular issues and abnormal metabolic levels.
It’s a good idea to consult with your vet when deciding what to feed your dog and how frequently. Make sure not to feed them anything extra even if they pleas for more. Be strong and resist those puppy dog eyes!
Commercial dog food is a convenient option. This food is designed to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs and contains meat, fruits, vitamins and vegetables. If feeding your dog commercial dog food, you can decide between wet and dry food. Both are beneficial in their own way. Dry food is good for your dogs’ teeth, while wet food provides more moisture. It’s a good option for dogs who do not drink a lot of water.
When choosing the right commercial dog food, do make sure to pick one that applies to your dog’s stage of life, i.e., puppy food, adult food and food for nursing or pregnant dogs.
When your dog is under 6 months, it should eat 3 to 4 times a day. After 6 months, dogs can eat twice a day. Adult dogs should be given one or two meals a day, depending on their level of exercise. It’s important to know the right amount to feed your dog so you don’t end up overfeeding it. This varies according to your dogs’ size and activity level.
Dogs love exercise! They usually have high energy levels and need to spend all that pent-up energy on a daily basis. Make sure you take your dog on a jog every day at a set time. Dogs also respond well to routine. Suppose you take your dog for a walk every morning, stick to that time. Eventually, your dog will start expecting it and can get frustrated and anxious if you skip in between. A brisk walk usually works well, but if your dog has high energy levels, you can speed up to a jog. Having your dog accompany you on a bicycle also works well for energetic medium or large-sized dogs.
If there are any dog parks nearby, make sure to visit a few times a week. Let your dog run around off-leash. This can be an exciting and enjoyable activity for your dog. Not only will it get adequate exercise, but it will also get a chance to meet other dogs and enhance its dog-to-dog socialization skills.
If going on a hiking or camping trip, do let your dog accompany you! This trip will provide your dog with lots of healthy exercise and will give you an opportunity to bond with your best friend!
Just like dog’s need to be kept physically, they also require daily mental stimulation. Dogs need to be kept mentally occupied to fight boredom. Boredom can impact a dog’s mental health by increasing anxiety levels, frustration and mood swings. You can find plenty of fun toys and enriching puzzles to keep your dog occupied. Visiting and exploring new locations is also a fantastic way to keep them occupied.
Make sure you spend some time every day teaching your dog new tricks and skills to keep their mind occupied as well. They can learn to fetch the daily newspaper and respond to commands during training sessions.
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is something that should not be overlooked by dog owners. It is detrimental to their overall health and will help you avoid expensive dental treatments in the future. You can either buy chew toys specifically designed for the purpose of cleaning a dog’s teeth. As they rub their teeth while chewing, it also cleanses plaque from their teeth. You can also purchase dog toothpaste and regularly brush your dog’s teeth yourself. With some time and practice, this can actually become a fun activity for you and your dog to enjoy.
It is imperative to keep your dog clean and tidy. Dogs tend to shed a lot. Dead lumps of hair can get stuck in their coats and cause irritation. Make sure to brush your dog regularly. This will rid your dog of all excess lumps of hair and will ensure a smooth, shiny coat. It will also significantly reduce the amount of shedding.
Do trim your dog’s nails and trim the fur underneath the paws, as unkempt paws can cause irritation. Give your dog regular baths with a good dog shampoo. Try not to use human shampoo due to varying pH levels. Also, give your dog an occasional massage with soothing oil. This helps dogs to relax and de-stress. A relaxed dog is usually calmer, quieter and happier.
These tips to make great choices for your dog’s health can significantly alter your dog’s standard of living. Make sure to apply them regularly on your pooch, and you will have a happy, healthy dog in no time!
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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