We all love dogs as a pet. They are lovely, obedient, and pay back the love we give them. It is not a challenging job to keep your dog healthy and happy although we often miss on essential pet care issues due to the lack of knowledge. This article will throw a light on some of the important things that you need to know to keep your dog healthy.
Keep In Touch With Your Vet
You must get your dog to a veterinarian that you trust regularly. A good vet will set the right foundation of your dog’s health. Ideally, you need to take your dog to the vet twice a year and more often if you see any signs of poor health or if it is a puppy or an older dog. As dogs age faster than you, its physical conditions also change between six to twelve months, and thus keeping in touch with an expert can help you understand your dog better.
Take Care Of Its Nutritional Needs
Optimal nutrition is the most important thing that you need to take care in order to keep your dog healthy. Its diet directly affects weight, coat, energy levels, and gastrointestinal functions and if any of these show a bad sign, know that there is something wrong with your dog’s diet. Consult your vet to get suggestions about the proper diet your dog may need. Buy only high-quality dog food or make it at home. It is important to keep an eye on the dog’s response to food and its health conditions. Check if your dog’s coat is shiny and not greasy. Does it look less energetic or if it has lost some weight. Changes in a dog’s weight are directly connected with its diet and thus you need to manage it with the proper diet. Remember that an abrupt change in a dog’s diet may result in diarrhea hence you need to switch to another diet gradually unless directed by your vet.
Schedule Daily Activities And Exercise
Obesity is one of the biggest problems in dogs. You need to maintain the proper weight for your dog with regular activities and exercises. Many people underestimate the need for regular exercise for their dogs which not only affects its weight but also the energy levels. Dogs, in general, need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day; however, it varies with the breed, age, and size. Gradually establish the habit of regular exercise with your dog.
Take Care Of Its Dental Health
Don’t wait for your dog to build plaque or tartar. Dogs are highly prone to dental issues and thus brushing your dog daily should be on your daily chores list. You may buy some oral rinses and dental treats for your dog but don’t forget to take it to the vet for oral cleaning from time to time.
Take Care Of Its Grooming Needs
Grooming is not makeup, but rather it should be an essential part of your dog care regime. You need to take care of some of the dogs’ basic upkeep like a daily bath so that they don’t get allergies, regular haircuts if your dog has good hair growth, and regular nail trimming.
Check out the signs to take note of when it comes to dog health. As dogs can’t speak, we must watch out for signs of their needs and issues. However, not all signs are a cause for alarm to a major sickness and most can be resolved with proper care. Consult the veterinarian and learn to watch for the correct signs so that you are there whenever your dog needs you.