If your dog is your best friend, as is the case with many of us, you’ll do just about anything to make sure that your best friend is healthy and happy. Being a pet owner is not something you can just decide on a whim. It is a commitment that can last 15 years or longer, depending on the breed of the dog. So, you need to know that you are doing everything you can to show your dog how much you really love them. Here are some of the main things you need to know in order to keep your dog healthy.
1. Dental Care
Your dog’s teeth can develop cavities, which can lead to painful toothaches. To avoid this, make sure that you regularly brush your dog’s teeth. This should start when dogs are puppies, so they get used to it at a young age and don’t try to fight you. You need to use a specific toothpaste for dogs. Human toothpaste is not good for dogs.
2. Regular Baths
It is important that your dog is bathed regularly. Not only is going to get rid of that “stinky dog” smell, it is going to help the dog’s health. Animals are subject to the same skin conditions as humans, and they need to have clean skin and fur to avoid these problems.
3. Healthy Diet
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to feed it a healthy, well-balanced diet. Dogs, cats, and other animals need certain nutrients, just like people do. Some pets have specific dietary needs, so you need to make sure that your pet is getting exactly what it needs. Powerful holistic treatments combined with proper diet can help to prevent and even cure many illnesses, including certain types of dog cancer. Your vet will know best.
4. Lots of Water
Like humans, dogs need to be well-hydrated at all times or they risk developing a number of health problems. Make sure that they always have access to fresh water, even if it means having several bowls around the house.
5. Regular Grooming
In addition to bathing, dogs need to be groomed regularly (about every month or so). This involves trimming the hair around the eyes, shaving coats in hot weather, and trimming toe nails.
6. Give them Bones
When you can’t brush your dog’s teeth, give them a bone. Not only are they loaded with nutrients, including calcium, chewing on them helps to strengthen dogs’ teeth. Raw bones are best, and they should be knuckle bones (with joints). If you cook them, a lot of the important nutrients will disappear.
7. Give them Exercise
In addition to eating healthy, dogs also need to get plenty of exercise. Some breeds need a lot more than others, depending on their energy levels, size, diet, etc. Your dog should be walked at least twice a day. This will help to keep them in shape, get the blood pumping, and keep them from getting bored.
8. Give them Toys
Dogs, like humans, get bored. They need to interact with people and other dogs, or at least have a reasonable facsimile. They should have plenty of toys to keep them occupied when you are not around. There should also be toys that you can use to play games with your dog. You’ll both have a blast.
9. Dress them Up
While some people think that dogs look silly when they are wearing clothing, there is actually a good reason for it besides human vanity. Some breeds, especially those with very short hair, get chilled easily. When outside in the cold, they should have a coat or sweater, and even booties.
10. Keep their Space Clean
If your dog has its own space in the home, such as a special cushion or a kennel, make sure it is always clean. You don’t want to lay in dirt, feces, urine, etc., and neither does your dog. It can make them depressed, and it can cause health problems.
Featured photo credit: lightstargod via pixabay.com
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Source: Life Hack
