How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy
You love your dog more than anything and want them to live a happy and healthy life. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friend is happy and healthy.
Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian
It’s important to take your dog to the vet for checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, to get dental care, and of course in cases of emergencies.
The frequency that dogs should go to the vet depend on age and health conditions. In general, puppies should go every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16 weeks old, annually when the dog is an adult (one years old or older), and biannually or quarterly when the dog is a senior (7 years old or older).
Ensure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on their breed, age, size and health conditions. Dogs typically need 30 minutes to two hours of exercise. High energy and young breeds may need more than two hours. It can be beneficial for dogs to get exercise in a variety of ways including walks, swimming, playing fetch, training and agility courses.
Feed Your Dog a Balanced Diet
It’s important to feed your dog a balanced diet. Some ways to ensure you feed them a balanced diet, is consulting with their veterinarian, feeding them organic food, and keeping your dog hydrated. Dogs should typically drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
It’s also important to not overfeed your dog. The amount of food dogs should get depend on their breed, age and health conditions. Most dog food packaging will tell you how much dog food you should feed your dog based off your dog’s weight.
Give Your Dog Love and Attention
Giving your dog love and attention is one of the best ways to keep them happy and healthy.
When you play with your dog, you can give your dog puzzles and other toys to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. This can help prevent behavioral issues including barking and chewing up furniture.
Also the amount of attention dogs need depends on their breed and age. Bigger breeds and puppies tend to need more attention.
The American Kennel Club says that dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than six-eight hours. It also suggests that if you’re not going to be able to be with your dog for more than eight hours, it can be beneficial to take your dog to a doggy day care, hire a dog walker, or have a friend come over to take your dog for a walk, feed your dog or spend time with them.
By taking you dog to the veterinarian, ensuring your dog gets enough exercise, feeding them a balanced diet and giving your dog love and attention, your dog will be happier and healthier. You’ll also create an even stronger bond with them, and they’ll be grateful they got to spend time with you.