6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy
A happy and healthy dog is a furry friend who lives a long life. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure that your dog stays playful, fit, and satisfied throughout its life. This guide discusses six ways to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Feed Them Properly
Puppies are growing rapidly. And if you have one that means they need more calories than adult dogs, since the energy is used for growth. On the other hand, older dogs have slower metabolisms and may need fewer calories. Then there are all of the breeds. Do some research on your dog's breed to find out how many calories they should consume. You can also take them to your vet for a check-up to find out if they're obese or underweight.
There are a number of ways to get food for your dog. One of the most convenient ways is to get a dog food subscription service. These services will send your dog the food it needs, and they usually come in a variety of flavors and sizes to suit all tastes and budgets. A good way to find a great service is to read reviews. Whether it's a review of farmers dog or of another reputable subscription service. You can also get dog food in most pet supply stores.
Take Your Dog on Walks & Play Fetch
If you don't take your dog out at least once or twice per day, they'll be bored and restless indoors. It's also a good idea to play fetch with them every so often because it gives them a chance to exercise their hunting instincts. Walkies can be great fun for both of you, so give them a chance every day.
Take Your Dog to a Dog Park
A dog park is a great place for a dog to socialize with others while you chat with the other owners. It's also fantastic for their health and happiness because it gives them some time off-leash and lots of playtime with dogs on neutral ground. Remember, though, that all dogs are different, so always keep an eye on your pup in case they get overwhelmed or tired from too much activity.
When choosing a dog park, pick one that is not too busy. Pick somewhere safe, like a large fenced-in area with lots of space for your dog to run around. Also, choose somewhere with bags to dispose of your dog's waste and a water supply for them. If you're not sure whether or not they're allowed, ask the park administrators. Finally, look out for signs that indicate dangerous behaviour is not tolerated.
Buy Them Toys
Does your dog sit around all day while you're at work? It may be bored. Dogs need toys to keep them occupied and stimulated. The more they play, the healthier and happier they'll be.
The first thing to remember when shopping for new toys is that dogs like variety, so get different kinds of toys that appeal to their different personalities. You should also shop by size; wider crotches in stuffed animals mean that they can hold up longer, even with heavy chewing because it spreads out the force over a larger area. Finally, ensure that any toy you get is of good quality. Poor-quality stuffing can be dangerous because it can lead to intestinal blockage, and flimsy fabric toys won't last as long as those with sturdier threads.
Take Them to the Vet
Just like you, your dog needs regular checkups, vaccinations, and dental care-and even if they're in perfect health now, there's no guarantee that they'll stay that way. So it's important to take them for a vet appointment every so often just to make sure that everything is going smoothly and all their organs are operating correctly.
There are two ways to find a veterinary clinic: online or offline. If you're looking online, remember to read reviews. You can find out a clinic's prices and how long its wait times are.
If you prefer offline methods, try asking friends or family members for recommendations. Also, check local animal shelters for a list of veterinarians who specialize in treating animals.
Take Them to Doggie Daycare
If you have a limited number of vacation days, it might be tough to take your dog with you on your trips. But if they're going stir-crazy being left alone all day, a doggie daycare might be a good solution. These places usually employ trained pet sitters who watch over the dogs for a certain period of time and provide them with lots of playtime and exercise, thus keeping them healthy and happy.
Dogs are a commitment, but they can be lots of fun and they make great pets. If you want to keep your dog happy and healthy, the best thing to do is give it plenty of the right food, exercise, affection, and time with other dogs.