If you have a dog, you probably love them as much as your family and friends. This is mostly because dogs are great long-term companions that provide unconditional love, loyalty, and support to their owners.
In fact, there are numerous health benefits of having a dog that include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression along with improved cardiovascular health. Dogs are a source of pure joy for most people due to their ability to provide emotional support and companionship.
So if you are a first-time dog owner or are looking for ways to reciprocate their love and affection, we have highlighted some holistic practices that you can adopt to make sure your pup lives a healthy and happy life.
Take Regular Trips To The Vet
First things first, you need to find a reliable veterinarian in your area and schedule routine appointments for your dog. It is best to get your dog a checkup at least once a year. This will mostly include physical examinations and intestinal exams. If you have a senior dog, we suggest arranging vet visits every six months. Alongside this, you may also want to include a dental care plan for your dog by having professional cleanings done in order to prevent plaque and other dental diseases.
Additionally, make sure your dog has received their vaccinations for common ailments such as kennel cough and canine distemper. This is important for preventing contagious or fatal diseases. You may also want to ask your vet if your older dogs need to get revaccinated in the future.
Also, look out for common illnesses that are likely to affect your dog. This is especially important as your dog gets older and is prone to developing various age-related diseases. Added to that, always opt for alternative methods to treat your dog so that you keep your canine friend away from unnecessary side effects from prescription drugs or steroids. For example, if you are looking for a dog Cushings disease natural treatment, we recommend herbal and organic formulas to provide them with adequate adrenal support. It is advisable, therefore, that you search for natural supplements to maintain the overall health of your dog.
Give Your Dog The Best Nutrition
Giving your dog adequate nutrition is integral in maintaining their weight, energy levels, and overall health.
When choosing the best food that suits your dog, it is ideal to pick out a diet routine and notice how your dog responds to it over a period of six to eight weeks. If your dog feels less energetic, has witnessed a dramatic change in weight, or is experiencing other symptoms that are out of the ordinary such as diarrhea or vomiting, you may want to consider changing their diet.
Generally, a balanced nutrition includes a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. If you want to opt for dog food, make sure to read the label thoroughly in order to ensure it meets all the necessary nutritive requirements. It is best to feed your dog on a schedule to prevent them from overeating.
Foods to absolutely avoid giving your dog include chocolate, cinnamon, almonds, macadamia nuts, garlic, and ice cream.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Exercise
As a dog owner, you need to stay mindful that your dog gets plenty of physical exercise. Some simple ways to engage your dog and further strengthen your bond is by going on walks, jogs, runs, hikes, or by playing fetch. You can even entertain your dog indoors by getting them a toy to play with or practicing new tricks with them.
Some benefits of regular exercise for dogs include lower blood pressure, stronger heart rate, decreased risk of depression, and a reduction in behavioral problems.
How much exercise your dog needs mostly depends on their breed, age, and overall health. However, most vets agree that dogs need one hour of exercise on a daily basis.
Take Notice Of Your Dog’s Behaviour
Making sure your dog is healthy means not only doing everything that is best for them, but also noticing changes in their behavior and physical health.
Some symptoms to watch out for include changes in eating habits, sudden fluctuations in weight or appetite, vomiting, discharge from any part of the body, bald patches, excessive licking of a spot on their body, changes in defecation or urination, or unpleasant odors from any parts of their body.
These warning signs are some of the most common gateways towards serious or chronic illnesses. This is why it is advised that you know what is “normal” for your dog to ascertain if they require medical attention or not.
Ensure Your Dog Is Well Groomed
Just like you, your dog deserves special treatment when it comes to grooming and pampering.
A basic list involves trimming their nails, brushing them to keep their coat free of flakes, and giving them regular baths with the best dog shampoo. It is also important to brush their teeth to prevent them from getting gum disease, discolored teeth, or bad breath.
The best grooming practices also involve routinely checking your dog’s eyes, ears, and teeth for any unusual signs such as redness. Importantly, it is advisable for you to regularly check your dog for fleas, ticks, kennel cough and lice to avoid the problem getting out of hand. You may also want to inspect your dog for any lumps or unusual spots on their body.
Dog-Proof Your House
To maintain your dog’s health, it is best to curate an environment where your dog feels welcome and safe.
You may want to keep any and all toxic substances such as cleaning products out of their reach. Similarly, store away all human food items that are toxic for your dog so that they can’t reach them. For this, consider putting a child lock on cabinets or other paraphernalia around the house.
You may also want to ensure that any hanging electrical wires are taken care of and that toilet lids in the bathrooms are shut. Additionally, take notice of weather changes and make temperature adjustments around the house so that your dog doesn’t feel too hot or too cold.
Final Thoughts
Your four-legged friend deserves all the love and affection in the world. To avoid any surprises or incidents, we suggest following these practices to keep them healthy and running.
You may also want to pet them or give them belly rubs to let them know you care for them. Developing this bond with your dog is great for their health and for your well-being as well. After all, dogs are known to be our best friends!
