It goes without saying you will want your pet to live a long, happy and healthy life. Unfortunately, a dog’s lifestyle can often determine his or her lifespan. To ensure your pet lives his or her life to the full, we are offering some top tips on how to care for your dog’s health.
A Nutritional Diet
A nutritional diet is essential for keeping your pet pooch healthy. Obesity can lead to serious medical conditions for your pet, such as diabetes or arthritis. Not only will the food your pet consumes determine his or her weight, but it will also affect your canine’s skin, coat, energy and gastrointestinal function.
It is advisable to buy a premium dog food that contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. However, it is important to remember that a sudden change in food can result in your pet vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea. We, therefore, recommend gradually changing their food over time.
Regular Exercise
Combine a nutritional diet with regular exercise to ensure your dog lives a longer, healthier and happier life. Many pet owners often misjudge how much exercise their pet needs each day, or they may not realise that their behavioral problems are caused by an energy surplus. Most dogs should enjoy between one to two hours of exercise each day, depending on their size, age and breed. Discuss your pet’s exercise requirements with a veterinarian.
Dental Hygiene
Don’t allow your dog’s dental health to fall by the wayside, as a build-up of plaque and tartar could lead to serious health problems, such as gum disease or infection. Care for your dog’s dental hygiene by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth, using an oral rinse or providing him or her with dental treats. It may also be beneficial to opt for a professional cleaning from a veterinarian once or twice per year.
Flea Treatment
Fleas can often bite away at your pet’s skin, which can be both itchy and painful. Don’t allow your pet pooch to be tormented by those pesky bugs and instead opt for the best flea treatment for dogs on the market. This will ensure your pet enjoys a flea-free life, which also will not infest your home.
Dog Grooming
Every dog needs to enjoy some basic grooming to improve their appearance and hygiene, while preventing health conditions such as allergies. Shorthaired dogs should enjoy a regular nail trim, bath and brushing. While long-haired dogs must be brushed each day. The level of pampering your pooch needs will be determined by his or her hair growth.
Routine Examinations
Book a wellness examination for your dog twice per year, so you can quickly identify your pet’s health problems, such as an illness or chronic medical condition. Remember, dogs will age at a faster rate than you, so they are susceptible to change over a six-month period. A routine visit will allow you to monitor your dog’s health to prevent a health condition from spiralling out of control.
