You’ve probably heard the phrase concerning dogs, right? “Man’s best friend” has been around for ages when it comes to our furry friends. It’s not even a shock to hear that there are roughly 80 million dogs being kept as household pets at the moment.
If you are one of them or are considering buying or adopting a dog in the future, then you will want to make sure your pup is as healthy and happy as possible. Read on for some great tips on how you can do just that.
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Buying the right dog food
A healthy dog starts with the best type of dog food. Be prepared to spend a little bit more on the right brand. Cheap is not the way to go when your goal is a healthy pup! Remember, domestic dogs are not strictly carnivores.
Make sure your pet enjoys a meal full of meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables every day. Additionally, a young puppy will require a different type of dog food than an older one. If you aren’t sure which brand is best, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for a recommendation.
Getting enough exercise
Your dog needs exercise no matter what, but their breed and age will be determining factors in just how much their heart rate should go up. A puppy will need a few short exercises sessions during the day, as this is best for their developing bodies.
An older dog may need less, especially if they have any health conditions. Again, talk to your vet to find out specifically what your pup can handle. Then, take your dog out for a walk, let them burn off energy in the backyard, or head to your local dog park. You can even help them burn off that craziness inside with a game of tug-of-war or fetch.
Playing with toys
Speaking of fetch, your pup will benefit from having a variety of toys to play with. Dogs can get bored and restless very easily, so make sure you have appropriate toys around the house they can grab when needed.
This is especially true for puppies as their need to chew will result in damaged furniture, shoes, and other objects they aren’t meant to have. Toys are mentally stimulating for dogs and can even be used for behavior modification.
They help fight against boredom, and they can also be a comfort item for your dog when you aren’t around. Your dog will be happy and content when you provide various chew toys for them to play with.
Make sure you keep fleas away
Dog fleas are a very common issue that many pet owners have to deal with. Female fleas can lay about 40 eggs every single day on your dog. Flea larvae can also get into your upholstery, bedding, carpet, and stuffed animals.
They wait until a warm host, such as your dog, passes by. All of a sudden, your pet is scratching and biting all of the time! To take care of fleas, make sure that you keep your dog groomed well.
However, that doesn’t always take care of the problem. Talk to the vet about what flea treatments are best for your breed. They will recommend the best sprays, collars, and flea treatments for your little buddy.
Make regular vet visits a priority
For the important long-term health of your pet, be sure to make regular vet visits part of your routine. From the time you get your dog until they are a senior you should be scheduling a yearly well-visits with your vet.
If you suspect your dog has any kind of health problem, be sure to get an appointment right away. Have a list of phone numbers for emergency vets handy in the event your dog needs to be seen ASAP.
Socialize your dog from the start
There are many reasons why your dog should be socialized, even if you aren’t around people a lot. A social dog will do much better when you bring him or her to the groomers or veterinarian office.
Not only will they learn to exist around other animals, but they will also learn how to interact with strangers. Take your furry friend to your local dog park and let them play. If you have friends or family members with dogs, see if you can arrange for a doggy play date.
The more your dog gets used to other people and animals, the better behaved they will be if you find yourself in an unfamiliar location with them.