If your family has a four legged friend they accept as a family member, then you may be looking for ways to keep your dog healthy. For most people, dogs aren’t just pets, they are family. That means that it is important to do everything we can to keep dogs healthy!
Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy
Playtime is Essential
Playing with your dog is super important to their health. Of course, your dog may not always be in the mood to play, but if they are go for it. Your dog can probably play for hours and hours with you. Throwing a ball to them and allowing them to bring the ball back is one game they love. Let them run free and roll around in the dirt, they also love that. I’m not sure there is a dog that would say “no” to playing with their owner.
Our dog is a power chewer. He can’t be trusted with toys that can easily be destroyed. We have to make sure we shop for aggressive chewer dog toys when shopping for him. Otherwise, we just as well shred our money, because that’s what he does to toys. LOL. We can’t let him keep toys, though, if we’re not actively playing with them. He will chew nonstop until he frees a squeaker or any stuffing there is. And rope toys are strictly forbidden for him, because he shreds those, too.
If we take them away from him, then they last awhile. If we accidentally leave it where he can squirrel it away, he does chew through them, but not as quickly as some other brands we’ve tried.
Lots of Walks
I don’t know about you, but our dog has always loved to be walked! When you walk your dog, you are not only spending time with them, but you are also keeping them active. Keeping a dog active is important to their health and one of the best things you can do for them. One or two walks a day is enough, but I’m sure your dog won’t say no to more. I recommend using a double handled leash that allows you to pull your dog close to you when passing other dogs or people.
The Right Diet
Although we all feel bad for the dog that sits under the table begging for food, this can be detrimental to your dog’s health. If you’d like to keep your dog healthy, then make sure they are on the right diet. You can talk to your vet to make sure your puppy or dog is consuming the right food and taking in the right amount of calories.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Something that is just important as feeding your dog the right way is making sure they are also hydrated. Proper hydration is important to a dog’s health!
When you look at your dog’s water, make sure it’s clean water as well. You’d be surprised as to how dirty a dog’s water can get. Keep your dog hydrated and they are going to be super healthy! To prevent biofilm build up, be sure to run your dog’s bowls through the dishwasher on hot once a week.
Vet Visits
Your dog should also be heading to the vet at least once a year to make sure they get the right vaccinations. Check with your vet to make sure your dog is getting the right vaccinations and recommendations. Our vet recommends monthly heart worm preventative as well as flea/tick preventative. There are most likely a ton of vets in your area, so make sure you ask for recommendations from family and friends. There’s even one in our area that offers subsidized spay and neutering services, or low-cost spay/neuter and they also have some vaccines that are discounted or available by grant.
Being committed to keeping your dog healthy can go a long way toward ensuring your friend will be around a long time! While you’re reading about keeping your dog healthy, check out these tips for when pets misbehave. Of course, you can also read the Complete Healthy Dog Handbook for more tips.
