Pet Wellness 101: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy
If you’re a dog owner, chances are, you’d do everything you possibly can to boost your four-legged friend’s lifespan and ensure they live a happy and healthy life. After all, pets are one of life's many joys, and you want your precious pooch to be able to bring a smile to your face for as long as possible.
Now, ensuring the wellness of your pet isn’t as difficult as it may seem. In fact, all it takes is forming several habits that will help you keep him healthy and happy. Below, several things you can do to provide your pooch with the best care possible.
Check if all their nutritional needs are being met
Just like humans, a dog’s diet will largely determine their overall health and wellness. To make sure you’re meeting your dog’s nutritional needs, aim to provide a variety of different foods such as cooked vegetables, plain rice, and commercial dog food, but avoid feeding them raw meat pet food and human food.
When shopping for dog food, reach for grain-free varieties whenever possible, as this will help reduce their risk of inflammation. As for the ingredients, stick with rice and barley, and avoid dog food products that have corn, wheat, and soy on their ingredient’s list. Portion control is another vital component of a healthy and balanced nutrition, so pay attention to what you’re feeding your dog and how much. When in doubt, consult with your vet about your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Consider supplementing your dog’s diet
Healthy eating is vital for ensuring your dog grows up to be happy and healthy. That said, some dog breeds are simply more likely to suffer from particular conditions compared to others. In such cases, it is vital to take preventative steps by supplementing their diet from an early age.
For instance, breeds of dogs with hip dysplasia predisposition could certainly benefit from hip and joint supplementation. These supplements offer the vitamins and minerals your pet may be missing in their day-to-day diet while simultaneously lubricating their joints and repairing their cartilage. This in turn, goes a long way in preventing this common bone disorder. It’d be best to do adequate research on your dog’s breed before adopting one. That way, you’ll understand their breed’s health risks and provide proper supplementation from the get-go.
Pay attention to your pet’s dental care
This is something that often ends up on a backburner. However, taking care of your pet’s teeth is vital for ensuring their overall health and well-being. Like humans, dogs can also suffer from conditions such as periodontal disease. This is a condition that affects both the teeth and the surrounding gums. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss or cause a serious infection to the heart and kidneys.
Unfortunately, the majority of dogs end up with some degree of periodontal disease and its uncomfortable symptoms by the time they’re three years old. To prevent your pooch from experiencing dental pain and ensure healthy teeth, consider implementing several habits into their routine, including cleaning their teeth at home and offering dental chews, paired with regular visits to your local vet.
Make physical activity a part of their daily routine
Busy schedules and overflowing to-do lists paired with housework and deadlines can leave little to no time for you to make sure your pet’s being active enough. Still, daily exercise is as vital for your little pooch as it is for you. Not only does regular physical activity help keep your dog’s weight in check, but it also gives them (and the owner) an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the fresh air outdoors. What’s more, studies show that walking can also decrease the risk of dementia in dogs.
Depending on the breed of your dog, their age, and overall health condition, your vet will recommend the appropriate amount of physical activity as well as the most effective ways to keep them active. Your job is to stick to the exercise program after your vet gives you a green light. Make sure to choose activities that are interesting to them, be it socializing at a puppy park, playing some fun backyard games, or simply going for a stroll around the block.
Final word
Being a dog owner – or a pet owner in general – can feel like a true blessing at times. By taking preventative steps and coupling them with healthy habits, you can lower their risk of developing an array of diseases and ensure they live longer. All you have to do to get started is to make one simple change today, and you’ll be setting your pup up for a lifetime of good health and happiness.
References
https://rac.com.au/home-life/info/5-ways-to-keep-your-dog-happy-and-healthy
https://www.catawbaanimal.com/site/blog/2022/02/01/healthy-dog-tips
https://primalpetfoods.com/blogs/news/5-ways-to-keep-your-dog-healthy-and-fit
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/7-tips-to-keeping-your-dog-happy-and-healthy-300338176.html
https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/help-your-dog-live-healthy-life
https://petzpark.com.au/blogs/petz-park-blog/the-best-prevention-for-hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
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