Dogs are creatures of habit. They like to eat the same food, sleep in the same spot, and do their business in the same place. It’s no wonder that many dogs develop behavioral problems when they get bored or stressed out because everything is changing too much.
It can be hard to keep up with all your dog’s needs while still balancing work and family life, but there are some simple things you can do to make sure your pup stays happy and healthy under changing circumstances. This article will explore the top ways to help your dog stay fit and in good shape.
1) Feed Them The Right Stuff
Giving your dog quality food is the first step to keeping them healthy. You can look at their breed and get advice from your vet or other professionals on what kind of food is best for your dog, as mentioned at www.thewisepup.com. You should also consider how much they need if you want to stay within a budget while still providing good nutrition. Quality food includes lots of protein and no additives or unnecessary fillers.
2) Take Them For a Walk Regularly
Taking your dog for a walk regularly means they get the exercise they need, which is another important part of staying fit. Even if you can’t go for long hikes every day, it’s still good to take your dog out for walks as often as you can. You should take them out at least three times a day if they’re puppies and twice daily if they’re adults.
If you need to go away for an extended period of time, make sure you can take your dog with you or arrange for someone else to walk them while you’re gone. You could also look into doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker if you can’t find anyone to help out.
3) Keep Their Teeth Clean and Their Eyes Clear
There are some simple things you can do to keep your dog’s teeth clean, including brushing their teeth regularly and giving them foods that promote gum health. You should also give them eye drops for dogs if they have allergies or too much discharge from their eyes. You can find a canine eyewash at your vet’s office.
4) Keep Their Coat in Good Shape
Keeping your dog’s coat in good shape means brushing them as often as you can, especially after they’ve been outside playing and rolling around in the dirt. There are also special hair growth supplements, shampoos, and conditioners you can buy to make their coats shiny and smooth. Keeping your dog’s fur clean is important so they don’t get itchy and uncomfortable, which also helps them stay fit. Instead of using human shampoo on your dog, choose a shampoo designed for canines so it won’t irritate their skin.
5) Keep Toxic Substances Away From Them At All Times
Your dog is bound to go through toys and chew on them from time to time. That’s why it’s important to keep toxic substances away from your dog at all times, except those specifically made for dogs. Toxic substances include household cleaners, medication, and even some human foods. Human foods that aren’t good for dogs include chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Also, make sure your dog can’t get to poisonous plants in your yard or in the area where you walk them. This includes putting your house on a pet-proofing schedule so you can nip any bad behavior in the bud before they have a chance to ingest anything they shouldn’t have.
6) Keep Your Dog Happy and Calm
Killing two birds with one stone is always the best option in any case. Keeping your dog happy and calm doesn’t just mean taking them on walks and keeping them clean. You can also make homemade calming treats or buy chews at a pet store that help relax your dog and keep them from getting anxious when you have to leave them alone for a few hours. Also, make sure that your dog gets enough cuddling and attention so they stay on the right side of calm and don’t become destructive.
7) Keep Their Weight On Point
Making sure your dog stays at a good weight is important to their health and fitness levels. You can keep track of how much weight they’re gaining or losing by monitoring their waistline and ribs with your hands. If you notice any changes, contact your vet. If you’re keeping track on a calendar or app, write down their weight every time you take them for a walk or give them treats. This way you’ll know if they’ve gained too much weight and can make changes to their diet accordingly. Before you start keeping track, research what weight is considered healthy for your dog’s breed so you know what is an ideal weight to shoot for.
8) Keep Your Dogs Safe From Infections and Parasites
Lastly, you should keep your dogs safe from infections and parasites. Parasites can be easily picked up in the grass or when they’re exposed to other animals, which is why it’s important to make sure they are on a parasite preventative medicine at all times. You should also stay away from pools of standing water in the street where mosquitoes live because they can transmit heartworms. Heartworms are dangerous for your dog, so be extra careful to avoid them. Consult with your vet about what products you can buy to keep your dog safe from different kinds of infections and parasites.
The most crucial part of caring for your dog is making sure that you always consider their health above all else. Doing things like keeping toxic substances away, giving them the right food, washing their fur, or brushing their teeth regularly is good for their health and fitness levels. Besides that, don’t forget to give your dog plenty of love, attention, and playtime because those things are important for your dog’s health and happiness. We hope this article helped you to know how to take care of your dog.
