Many dog owners think of their pets as an extension of their own family and a true member of the clan. If you do too, it just makes sense that you'd want to do everything possible to keep them healthy so that they can enjoy a long and happy life with you.
1. Plenty of Exercise
Did you know that, according to a study by Purina, about 60 percent of the pets in the United States are overweight? Just like people, being overweight can lead to a host of diseases and conditions that could impact the quality of your pet's life and even shorten their life expectancy. These can include lung disease, skin conditions, joint and bone issues, heart conditions, diabetes and certain kinds of cancer.
2. Well-Balanced Diet
Dogs have unique dietary needs that change throughout their lifetime. It's important to choose food that is formulated to meet their needs at the particular stage that they are in, so they are consuming the right mixture of nutrients.
In addition to high-quality food that is tailored to your dog's needs, you'll also want to ensure that they have 24/7 access to clean and fresh water. Although it may be tempting to do so otherwise, reserve treats to special occasions, as training aids or just a small number each day.
3. Regular Checkups
Just like people, your dog needs regular checkups. Not only does keeping to a schedule of pet exams offer the optimal time to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations, but it also offers the opportunity for you and your vet to partner in keeping your dog healthy.
During your dog's regular checkup, your vet is assessing their overall health and noting any concerns. These visits also offer the opportunity to address any present or upcoming issues such as those associated with aging or when it's time to schedule a spay or neuter appointment.
4. Spay or Neuter
Speaking of scheduling a spay or neuter appointment, ensuring that your pet has this simple, outpatient surgery can go a long way in keeping them healthy. There is evidence that doing so can help reduce the chance of your dog getting some types of diseases including cancer.
Spaying or neutering your dog can also increase their life expectancy and reduce unwanted behaviors. These can include aggression in males and going into heat for females.
5. Preventative Medications
While you're at the vet's office with your dog, chances are the topic of preventative medications will come up. These can range from those that prevent common issues such as tick-borne diseases, heartworms and flea-related issues. If you adopted your dog or want to be extra cautious about your dog’s health, you may want to consider purchasing a DNA test for your dog that will help you understand their health risks as well as other interesting information, including diet needs, breed makeup and other traits.
Good dental care is also a necessary preventative measure. By brushing your dog's teeth regularly and providing them with dental chews, you can help reduce their chances of getting periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to other serious health issues.
6. Strong Bonds
One of the primary reasons why people get dogs or other pets is because of the bond that typically forms between the two of you. Establishing this bond starts with providing lots of affection to your dog. From petting, cuddling and rubbing their belly to brushing their coat and playing with them, these interactions help keep your dog happy and healthy. If you adopted your dog, a DNA test can be a great way to learn more about your pet’s breed and ancestry and help foster a greater bond between you two.
7. Safety Measures
Keeping your pet safe means ensuring that your dog is always wearing a collar with an ID that has your contact information. Be sure that you always walk your dog in areas that are free of hazards such as traffic. Make sure that your dog is microchipped in case they do get lost.
At home, put harmful substances in places where your dog cannot access them. Make sure that safety hazards such as cords are put away to prevent accidents.
8. Regular Grooming
Brushing your dog's coat regularly or taking them to the groomer does much more than just make them look better. It keeps their hair tangle-free and allows you to look for any unusual changes in your dog's skin or coat.
9. Understand the Norm
You know your dog best. It's important for you to be aware of any changes in the way your dog behaves. For example, is your dog scratching more than normal? Has their eating pattern changed at all? These could indicate a problem that is not readily apparent and could signal that a vet's advice is warranted.
10. Get Social
Proper socialization helps dogs live a happy and healthy life. While it's best to start such socialization at a young age, even older dogs can be socialized if the process is taken slowly and carefully. Be sure to always respect your dog's need for time and space while socializing them.
By following these 10 tips, you and your beloved canine friend can enjoy many happy and healthy years together. For further advice and guidance, reach out to your dog's regular vet.
