Being a dog owner means that you are not just keeping a pet, but that you are having a best friend for a lifetime. Dogs are very loyal companions that deserve the best care possible. Just like humans do, dogs also require proper care and attention to maintain normal physical and mental health. If you are considering getting a dog or you are someone who already has experience behind them, it is important to constantly educate yourself and improve your knowledge when it comes to basic needs for a normal dog’s health. Here’s one simple and heartwarming guide for those who want to improve the health and overall lifestyle of their furry little friend.
Nutrition and Balanced Eating
Feeding your dog properly is probably one of the most important factors when it comes to the general well-being of your dog. For a start, it would be the best option to talk with the vet about what kind of food you should give to your dog and what to avoid. It is common knowledge that groceries like chocolate, onion, grapes, and xylitol are toxic for dogs, and they should be avoided at all costs.
When you are buying commercial food, make sure to choose high-quality food that is made from real meat and that fits your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Check that there are no artificial fillers, additives, or by-products. Make sure that your dog drinks a lot of water and stays hydrated.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Every dog loves moving, and 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity is enough for them to maintain a normal physical and mental well-being. A daily walk outdoors and playing with a ball is enough for your dog to stay happy and healthy. However, if you are not able to often walk your dog outside, or sometimes you are prevented by obligations, a company called Fitdogo specializes in providing dog treadmills, which can be an ideal solution that meets the exercise needs of your dog, all while staying indoors. During the exercise, make sure to check if your dog gets too tired or uncomfortable and reduce the intensity of the exercise according to its capabilities.
Hygiene and Care
There is a special saying which claims that cleanliness is half of health, and it’s not only valid for humans but also for dogs. Even if every breed of dog has different needs, all of them need to be bathed and brushed, and their teeth should be cleaned regularly. It is also necessary to cut their hair, cut their nails, and clean their ears from time to time. Avoid bathing your dog every day, as it can lead to drying out the skin and lead to damage. When doing so, make sure to use a mild shampoo and avoid those with harsh ingredients. Regular grooming is important because it promotes skin and coat health, and with it, you are reducing the occurrence of common issues such as shedding, matting, and skin infections.
Healthy Mind, Happy Dog
Besides physical activities, dogs also require mental stimulation so that their mind stays sharp and engaged. This is a step that should never be left out because if it is, it can lead to boredom. And when a dog is bored, it can develop destructive behavior. To prevent this from happening, make sure to get different types of interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and enrichment activities that challenge your dog’s cognitive behavior. Just a few minutes of mental stimulation can prevent stress and unusual changes in your dog’s behavior.
Socialization and Emotional Health
Dogs love to have company, and they are naturally very social beings. This is why social interaction and hanging out with other people, dogs, and animals are important for them. Just like any other living being, when there is not enough socializing, dogs can develop aggression or unnecessary fears. That’s why you should start socializing your dog and introducing it to the environment as early as possible. Exposure to new experiences, new sounds, and new people is what builds confidence for them. A dog who is socialized and who is treated tenderly and well is a dog that is relaxed, happier, and more adaptable to new environments.
Understanding the Body Language of Your Dog
Over time, if you are considerate enough, you can learn your dog’s body language and communicate with the help of it. Dogs are always “communicating” with you, and all you have to do is pay a little bit of attention. Your dog is showing its feelings through tail wagging, ear positions, and even yawning. Recognizing signs of joy, stress, or pain is important so you can respond appropriately in every situation. Learning your dog’s body language is not only useful in identifying early signs of emotional distress or illness, but also strengthens the bond between you two.
Prevention Over Cure
Just like humans have regular check-ups, your dog should have them too! Even though your dog may seem perfectly healthy to you, regular visits to the vet are very important because of early diagnosis of every possible illness. Make sure to schedule regular wellness exams with your veterinarian, and he will perform all the necessary examinations, parasite prevention, vaccinations, and screening for common health issues. Dental and annual blood tests are also something that can maintain the normal health of your dog. If you notice any unusual behavior in your dog, make sure to consult with the vet or a dog health specialist on time, before it gets worse.
When a dog becomes a part of your life, you are taking a very big and wonderful responsibility that not only brings benefits to your dog but also to you. Taking care of the mental and physical well-being of your dog is necessary, and even though the previously mentioned steps are very important, the basis for a healthy life for every living being is love. Even though daily tasks that are required when caring for a dog can be overwhelming at first, over time, these tasks become an act of love. Remember that the moment you decide to own a dog, you are obligated to protect, understand, and take care of the creature that trusts you unconditionally.
