Tips to keep your dog healthy
If you just got a dog or have only had one for a short time, you may be wondering how to keep your dog healthy. Dogs need daily grooming just like humans. If they don’t get proper care, their health will suffer. So let’s take a closer look at how to care for your dog.
First of all, your dog needs proper nutrition to be healthy. Buy the right food for them according to their age. Puppies grow best on food specially designed for their needs. However, adult dogs would likely gain too much weight on puppy food. Your senior dog may still need another food. Check with your vet which foods for which age group. Do not overfeed your dog as this can lead to obesity.
As with humans, obesity in dogs can cause health problems. They have difficulty moving for one thing. This could also lead to arthritis in the dog. The extra weight can also be hard on the heart. So be careful how much and what you feed your dog.
The dog needs a lot of water at its disposal. You need to stay hydrated. Water is so important to all life forms for their cells to function within their bodies. Therefore, dogs cannot be in good health without it.
Dogs are for the most part very social animals. This means that they need love and attention. They need to be petted and talked to. This lets them know that they are loved and cared for. Many times dogs will become more attached to the person who feeds them and loves them the most.
Regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and necessary check-ups are also important. You want to protect your dog from heartworms, rabies, and other things that vaccines and medications can prevent in them. You also want to catch any health problems early.
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay. A dog’s health can be drastically affected if he is unable to eat normally due to a dental problem. So brushing their teeth and getting them checked out by the vet will keep them in good shape.
Exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. You can go for long walks with him or just play ball in the yard. My dog likes a good game of chase for her exercise. Exercise keeps the dogs muscles in good shape and it also keeps the heart in good shape. Of course, with an older dog, you’ll need to make sure she doesn’t get too tired.
In the hot summer months, it is important that dogs do not overheat. They can get too hot and even die in some cases. So make sure they are indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day and have plenty of water.
Follow the tips above and you will have a very healthy dog. A dog becomes such an important part of your family that you want him to live a long time. Feed and water your dog, love your dog, exercise him and you will have a happy and healthy dog.
