When it comes to dog ownership, keeping your pooch healthy should always be a top priority. As your dog gets older, its needs will change so be sure to keep this in mind and adapt their routine in response. To ensure you’re doing everything you can to optimize your dog’s wellbeing, take a look at these four ways to keep your dog healthy:
1. Use Preventative Medicine
Prevention is always better than cure and there are numerous ways you can stop your dog from becoming unwell. In addition to taking them to the vet for their vaccinations as a puppy, be sure to follow up with yearly boosters too. Similarly, flea and worming treatments at regular intervals can prevent your pet from experiencing unnecessary discomfort and illness.
2. Choose the Right Food
A nutritious diet is important for everyone, including your dog, so be sure to give them the best food you can. Many owners find that their dog seems healthier and more energetic on a raw food diet, so this might be something you want to try. At Bella & Duke, you can choose the raw dog food that’s perfectly formulated for your dog’s age, which means you can ensure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need. In addition to this, a raw dog food diet means you can avoid nasty fillers and preservatives and only give your dog food that will nourish them. Learn more about the raw dog food on the Bella & Duke website.
3. Provide Plenty of Exercise
Dogs need a fair amount of exercise but it’s important to adjust to your dog’s needs. While puppies shouldn’t have too much exercise when they’re very young, between the ages of 1-4 your dog will probably seem more energic and lively. Following this, they might enjoy a slower pace of life. While it’s still important to ensure they get a healthy amount of exercise, check with your vet exactly what this means for your dog. While some pooches will tear around the park well into old age, for others, this might increase their risk of injury.
4. Prioritize Socialization
If it’s easier to socialize a dog as a puppy but if you’re rehoming an older dog or your pooch simply hasn’t adjusted well to other dogs or people, it’s not too late to make a positive impact. When dogs are well-socialized, they tend to be less stressed and anxious. By introducing your dog to a wide variety of situations and providing lots of encouragement and reinforcement, you can build their confidence and help them to feel more at ease.
Keeping Your Dog in Optimal Health
If your dog appears well and is behaving normally, you may see no reason to visit your vet. However, regular check-ups and routine appointments can be a good way to identify potential illnesses or injuries at an early stage. Some dogs are good at hiding pain or discomfort, so a check-up will put your mind at rest and reassure you that they’re healthy and happy.
- Encouraging Your Dog to Eat Slowly - November 17, 2023
- Exploring the Pros and Cons of Pet Relocation Services - November 8, 2023
- The Best Walks and Hikes in Maryland for You and Your Dog - November 6, 2023
