We all love our dogs and a dog owner or prospective dog owner finding the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy are always your priority. We have some helpful thoughts to help you.
Having a dog as part of the family is one of life’s little pleasures. They bring so much joy, are loyal, fun, adventurous, cheeky and sometimes mischievous. They have such great personalities and the kindest of souls. But it’s also important to remember that they really are a family member. And they too have to be nurtured, educated and looked after for life. Here are some ways you can keep your dog happy and healthy, so he has the fullest fun-filled journey alongside your family. You have chosen the right breed for your family, so now you need to make them a full member of the family.
A Healthy Diet
It’s important to feed your dog a high-quality diet and create a diet that is right for his size and breed. This means they will stay in optimum physical and mental health. There are lots of different options including dry diets, tinned foods with or without biscuits and also healthy homemade recipes. A stable diet gives a dog good digestion and happier life. Puppies need a diet of four meals a day until they reach twelve weeks. This can then go down to three meals a day until they are six months. After that they can have two meals a day for the rest of their lives. Also be aware of the human foods that are dangerous for your dogs. Use this list sharing what dogs can and can’t eat so you can keep a check.
The Right Medications
It is important to keep your dog up to date with the right medications and to visit the vet at least once a year for a checkup even if he is healthy. Companies such as https://www.petcarerx.com offer flea and tick medications, plus heartworm and medicines for arthritis and pain. Always make sure your dog has had his vaccinations and that you keep on top of keeping his eyes and ears clean too. Oral health is also vital as it can lead to liver, kidney and heart problems in dogs if bacteria spreads. Get into the habit of cleaning your dog’s teeth from an early age. And if you are not sure how to do it, visit the vet for advice.
Socialization And Lots Of Play
A happy, healthy dog needs to socialize with other dogs and humans and also have lots of exercise and play. Socializing them as a puppy and an adult will give them confidence and ease in all situations. Use this guide http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-to-socialize-your-puppy to help with ideas on how to socialize your puppy. Taking them to the vet, for baths, to get their nails clipped and on long walks is a good way of helping them become secure and resilient in all types of situations. An anxious dog is not a happy healthy dog. It’s also important to keep them mentally fulfilled with games, tricks, and even obstacle courses! Dogs love to play.
Make Your Dog Part Of Your Pack
You need to make it clear that you are pack leader in the family, but at the same time make your dog part of the pack. A dog that knows where his place is in the pack is a happy healthy dog. Teach your dog to heel on walks, always eat before your dog does, don’t feed him scraps during your meal and always schedule his mealtimes. Start and end games of play and make sure he sits before games begin. And always be in control. This will ensure your dog knows his place in the pack and he will not become aggressive or dominant.