7 Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy |
Posted: October 30, 2019 |
If you have a dog or want to add a furry bundle of joy to your family, you are clearly a dog lover. And as someone who adores these friendly, loyal beasts that offer unconditional love, your canine’s health is your top priority. Caring for your dog is much like looking after a baby. You have to be attentive to any changes in your dog’s physical appearance or a swing in its mood. And there are a few things you must religiously do to ensure your companion is healthy and happy. Your dog’s health is not something you have to invest a lot of love and care into. A contented dog can light up your world. Here are a few rules of the thumb all dog owners should adhere to- 1.Groom your muttGrooming does not mean making your dog look fancy. It is actually an essential part of their health and upkeep. And you don’t need professionals for this. Give your dog a shower every week unless it’s winter when you should wash up your dog once a fortnight. Dog-friendly shampoos prevent fleas, parasites and other skin problems and maintain proper pH balance of their skin. Always use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly. Air dry your mutt so that it does not catch a cold. Inspect your dog carefully when you shower him/her. If you see any irregularities, scabs or bumps on the skin, they could be the result of a skin disorder. Take your dog to the veterinarian doctor. Since your dog will go out every day, dirt and grime may accumulate and congeal their coat. To prevent that, wipe the dog with a wet towel and run a brush through the coat to untangle any knots. Remember to check your dog’s paws after every outing as particles or thorns may be embedded there. Trim your mutt’s nails and clean the ears with cotton buds every week You can also trim your dog’s fur especially if it covers the eyes. But don’t shear off too much of the coat as the right length of hair is important to maintain the oil balance of the skin. A dog’s teeth must be brushed three or four times a week to prevent dental problems. 2. Proper diet is synonymous with healthJust like humans need to be particular about what they eat to stay in peak health, your dog’s well-being is reliant on its diet. The four nutrients that your dog’s diet must include are-
Make sure your dog gets the right amount of carbohydrates and plenty of water. Here are a few foods your dog can eat-
Uncooked foods may cause stomach problems. Foods your dog must not eat-
The food you dog can eat in moderation-
A nutritional deficiency will trigger deterioration of bones, muscle mass, weakness and many other disorders. Similarly overindulging your dog too might be a curse as that could cause obesity, joint problems, heart disorders, bladder stones, pancreatitis etc. Avoid handing out treats to your dog every now and then. And dogs have a habit of begging food when you are eating, do not cave into the longing in their eyes. 3. Exercise your dogDogs like humans need plenty of exercise to ward off illnesses like obesity, arthritis, hypertension, high blood pressure etc. There are a few other reasons why you must exercise your dog twice a day-
Note: You need to keep in mind that your dog’s breed heavily influences the amount of physical activity he/she needs. Siberian Husky is a High-energy breed, therefore require a lot more exercise than low-energy breed like the Bulldog. 4. Don’t miss an appointment with the vetIt’s vital that you take your dog to a veterinarian doctor regularly. The vet will give your pooch a thorough check-up. Symptoms of any illness that you might have missed will not elude a professional and your dog will get the right medicines on time. Remember to give your dog the medicines just how the vet has recommended. Since dogs can be fussy with medicines, you can grind the tablet and mix it with their food. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. 5. Your dog has to socializeYour little pup has to learn the art of socialization early on. Take your puppy out twice every day, when friends and relatives come to visit introduce your fluffy friend to them. Engaging and interacting with plenty of people is good for a dog’s psychological health. This also reduces the risk of anxiety, depression and excessive attachment to the owner. 6. Your dog needs the right mix of discipline and loveIn this respect, raising a puppy is the same as a child. To instil manners in your dog and ensure it grows up well-behaved and outgoing, you have to be strict and dole out punishment as and when necessary. But after the period of punishment is over, cuddle your dog and treat him/her to a favourite snack. Your dog needs to learn what is acceptable and what is not. And yet the puppy must not feel it is unloved. That is why tough love is needed. 7. Your dog needs some room of its ownAll creatures need privacy and dogs are no exception. They too need their little corner where they can just unwind and be themselves. This space is sacrosanct to their psychological and emotional well-being. You should not invade this space. Most dogs like to curl up under the bed or couch and you should leave them be, especially if you are hosting a get-together. They will come out when they feel like it. Dogs are the best companions you can hope for. Nothing can break the heart more than the sight of a miserable dog. And as a pet owner, their physiological and psychological health is in your hands and it is your sacred duty to make sure that they are happy and healthy.
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