Caring for Your Best Friend
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy
It’s hard to know when your dog is feeling their best, but there are easy ways to keep them happy and healthy. This checklist will help you take the right steps to keep your best friend in top form.
Watch what they eat
With so many foods available for dogs these days, the choices can be overwhelming! But feeding your dog a high-quality food can protect their overall health and wellness. For the best results, talk with your vet so they can make recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs. Factors that contribute to your dog’s diet include their weight, energy levels, gastrointestinal tolerance, as well as their skin and coat condition.
Healthy weight management
People aren’t the only ones who have a weight problem in the United States; their dogs do too. And extra pounds can lead to health problems in them as well, including Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, urinary tract problems, and skin issues. Work with your vet to learn how to manage your dog’s weight and incorporate weight-loss strategies if needed.
Plenty of exercise and enrichment
Exercise and enrichment really do a body – and brain! – good. If you’re starting to introduce your dog to exercise, begin slowly to help them build up their strength and stamina. It’s also important to remember that dogs of different ages require different amounts and types of physical activity. To keep your dog mentally stimulated, give them enrichment activities that offer fun challenges while also keeping them active.
Love and attention
Dogs are pack animals and love being with their people. Think about what your dog’s favorite activities are and make sure to do those things with them each day. This might mean going on a walk, playing fetch, learning tricks, or snuggling on the couch. Whatever it is, try to include as much of it in your daily regimen as possible; it’s good for both of you.
Dental care
Just like humans, good dental health is essential for your dog’s wellness. But, up to 85% of dogs have gum disease, a potentially painful condition that introduces bacteria into their bloodstream, causing kidney, liver, and heart disease. New to brushing your dog’s teeth? We have tips to help get you started at any age. And, if you’ve thrown in the toothbrush, we have more tips to help you protect their oral health without brushing alone.
Remember, one of the most important things you can do is take your dog in for regular veterinary visits with a vet you trust. Not only do these appointments ensure your dog stays up-to-date on important vaccinations, but they also help your vet create a baseline of their overall health. Plus, the better your vet knows your dog, the easier it can be for them to detect illness and disease at an early stage.