Whether you’ve just adopted your first pet, or you’ve been a proud dog owner for years, it’s important that you know how to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Keeping your furry companion happy involves meeting their physical, emotional, and social needs. There are plenty of things you can do to maximize your dog’s health in every one of these areas so that you can provide the best life for your pup.
Dogs require a lot of care and attention to remain healthy. If their behavior changes or they start showing any signs of sickness, it’s important that you get them checked out. Learning what is your dog’s ‘normal’ behavior can make it much easier to spot when something is wrong.
For brand-new or veteran dog owners, here are some of the best things you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy. Remember that you can never do enough to keep your dog content. The more you give, the more you get when it comes to your furry friend.
Focus On Providing Adequate Nutrition
The amount and type of food your dog eats can make a huge difference to their health. And it plays a big role in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
There are countless different dog brands available on the market and it can take a while for you to find the perfect combination of food to feed your pet. But taking the time to properly trial a variety of dog food brands will ensure that you find the perfect option for your dog.
Sometimes, different breeds are healthier when they follow a unique diet, and the health status of your dog can also affect the nutrition that they need.
For example, the best dog food for pancreatitis might be completely different to the foods required by diabetic dogs.
It’s important to check with the vet whether your dog has any specific dietary requirements. They will be able to offer their expertise when it comes to the amount and type of dog food that will best suit your pet based on their age, size, breed, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Focus on feeding your dog with high-quality products that are full of the right nutrients. Be careful with the number of treats that you give them. As cute as their puppy dog eyes may be, try not to give in when they start begging for more! Your dog needs a healthy, well-balanced diet as much as you do!
Alongside finding the right food, it’s important to keep your dog hydrated. Keep a bowl of fresh water for them in the house at all times so they can drink when they are thirsty.
Keeping your dog’s digestive health is also important as their digestive system is inhabited by billions of microorganisms. Giving them probiotics will help strengthen the dog’s immune system and help prevent various digestive issues.
Make Sure They Get Lots of Exercise
Making sure your fur baby gets plenty of exercise is another way to keep your dog healthy and happy. Regular exercise is essential for keeping your dog physically and mentally healthy.
Take your dog on daily walks around the block or bring them along with you to the park for a run around. If you have a large garden, allow them to go outside and run around in the fresh air. You could even build a mini obstacle course for them to try out!
Movement is key to keeping your dog’s heart and lungs functioning optimally and the fresh air can do wonders for their mental health. When you take them out in public, they can spend some quality time bonding with you or other dogs in the area.
Keep Them Well Groomed
It’s easy to forget about grooming your dog when you’re leading a busy life, but it’s important that you stay on top of your pet’s grooming to avoid running into trouble further down the line.
This involves brushing your dog’s fur each week, trimming their nails every few months, and cleaning their ears when necessary. Grooming is especially important if your dog loves to play around in muddy waters when you take him to the local park or nature reserve.
Keeping on top of your dog’s fur, nails, and ears means you can quickly spot any changes in their fur or skin, such as bald patches, dandruff, or lumps and bumps. If you spot anything that looks concerning, you can take them to the vet and catch any problems before they get worse.
There are lots of incredible dog grooming companies that will take care of all of the above if you’re struggling to find the time to bathe and brush your dog yourself.
Show Them Lots of Love and Affection
Just like humans, dogs need a lot of love and affection. Spending quality time together can strengthen your bond and enhance your dog’s emotional well-being. It’s also a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Whether it’s a cuddle on the bed or a ‘good boy’ and a pat on the head, there are plenty of ways in which you can show your pet that you love them. It’s often the little things that go a long way when it comes to your furry companion.
The way you treat your dog makes a huge impact on the way they treat you and others around them. If you show genuine love and care towards them, they will reciprocate these loving behaviors and emotions back to you.
Your Dog Needs to Socialize
Dogs are social animals. They need to spend time with humans and other dogs. They want to explore new places and discover new things.
Letting your dog socialize with others can result in them being much happier and healthier. It can also prevent common behavioral problems, such as nipping, biting, or fighting with other dogs.
You can encourage your dog to socialize by taking them to the local park and letting them play around with other dogs and greet other dog owners. If you have friends who are also dog owners, invite them for a group walk so your pet has the chance to make lots of new friends.
Teach your dog to be around children if possible. Even if you don’t have your own kids, it’s likely that your dog will come across children when you’re taking them out on a walk. By training your pup not to bite or nip at babies or toddlers, you can keep everyone happy!