Do you want your fluffy best friend to live the absolute best life possible and want to know how you can be doing this? Are you concerned that you aren’t doing everything you can do to give your dog a happy and healthy life, and want to know what to keep an eye out for?
Dogs play a big role in many people’s lives. They are not just pets, but also family members. There is nothing better than coming home after a long day at work to your dog waiting for you with its tail wagging and ready to play or snuggle up on the couch next to you.
However, it can be challenging to keep our dogs healthy and happy when we spend so much time away from them while we are at work all day or running errands around town. Here are 5 ways to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Nutrition
Dogs thrive on a diet of fresh food such as fruits, veggies and unprocessed food.
Dogs, just like humans, need nutrition and a balanced diet to live a long and healthy life. Many people will just feed their dogs store brand kibble without actually knowing what is in it or even whether it is good for their dog or suited to their breed of dog.
One of the very first steps to take when it comes to keeping your dog happy and healthy is to make sure that they have a balanced and nutritional diet. There are a lot of dog food brands that will put all of the nutrients your dog may need into their kibble, and this is fantastic, but it is always a good idea to give them a little something extra depending on their breed. For example, if you have a Goldendoodle, you need to be aware they need a high-quality diet to keep it strong and energetic since this is an active breed. According to ABCs Puppy Zs seen here, Goldendoodles are known for their great health, but to keep it, you need to provide them with great nutrition as well.
Things that you could include in your dog’s diet are eggs, various cuts of meat and chicken, and even certain fruits and vegetables. And of course filtered water. Just make sure your pups like them first. By varying their diet, you can ensure that they get everything they need.
Exercise
Taking your dog hiking or to a park is a great form of exercise AND a chance for your dog to explore and sniff.
Next up we have exercise. This is something that a lot of people tend to neglect. Dogs should be exercised every day if not multiple times a day to keep them fit and healthy. This may seem like a lot of work, but it is a part of the commitment. Sometimes having one longer walk as opposed to several short walks is a better use of time as dogs gets to go further and exercise for a longer period of time.
Exercise is also not just throwing the ball around in the yard. You should be taking your dog for a walk at least once a day to keep them moving and to get their blood flowing. If they do not exercise regularly, they are at higher risk of obesity and therefore of certain diseases.
Stimulation
Dogs benefit from games they play by themselves and as well as games (except tug-o-war) with their person.
Stimulation is everything. A lot of people will just give their dogs a toy and think this is stimulating enough, and while this is some kind of stimulation, other forms are far better.
For instance, you can give your dogs frozen treats to work their way through, or even some kind of puzzle that when solved will give them the treat. Simulating the dog’s mind keeps them active and keeps their mind sharp.
Grooming
Depending on the type of dog you have you might need to groom it more or less often, however, grooming your dogs shouldn’t be something you do if you feel like it.
You should be regularly grooming your pup, and this includes bathing it every so often, regularly brushing its fur, and even trimming its nails to make sure that it is comfortable.
Some dogs have winter coats that need a bit of help when it comes to the summer months, while other dogs are hypoallergenic and their fur continuously grows, meaning they need a haircut now and again. Grooming is important to make sure that your dog is hygienic, clean, and healthy.
Socialization
Letting your dog play with another dog is a great chance for him to be a dog with a dog.
Last but not least, we have socialization. This is a vital part of your pooches’ life. You can’t just let them sit at home alone all day. Socializing your dog with other dogs is a great way to keep them happy, fit, healthy, and just better overall.
It allows for them to learn to understand the behaviors of other dogs and where that falls in the pecking order. It is a great way for them to learn how to be dogs rather than just your pet.
You also need to socialize them with humans so that they don’t become overprotective and aggressive to other people that may enter your house or personal space.
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