If only there was a magic pill that we could give our dogs so they could live longer, healthier lives. It is unfortunate, really, that dogs are only with us for such a short time. Since they only have a limited span of time, it’s up to us to give them the best shot at life possible. There are things that we can do to help prolong our dogs’ lives.
Here are five easy tips to keep our dogs vital, healthy and strong.
- Perhaps the most important thing to do for the beloved dog in your life is to feed him a proper and healthy diet. It’s best to avoid junk food diets that contain grains and fillers – these types of food tend to put weight on the dog but don’t supply the best nutrition. Educate yourself on the important aspects of healthy nutrition for dogs by reading or speaking to your veterinarian about dog food analysis and then feed that food according to recommended amounts. Always offer the best clean water at all times.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. The brushing of teeth ranks especially high on the good health advice because it almost seems critical for good health. Poor dental hygiene is a frequent contributor to diseases and even the death of a dog. Take the time to learn proper brushing technique and then brush his teeth regularly. This will reduce risk of dental disease and other problems.
- Provide your dog with consistent and regular exercise. This is a key factor in his life and will do wonders to keep him energetic and fit. It really doesn’t matter what size he is – he requires exercise. Devote some time to walk, play in the dog park, or explore your neighborhood. Twenty to 30 minutes per day is a terrific rule of thumb and is great for both you and the dog. The more exercise, the better.
- Shower your dog with attention, pats, cuddles and love. Neglect and sadness shorten life spans, and this is true for both people and dogs. Basically, dogs live their lives to please us and to get our attention. They thrive on our praise and our attention. Remember that a happy dog is a healthy dog.
- Keep a watchful eye on your dog. Danger lurks when we least expect it. If the door is not latched, the dog can and probably will get out. Cars can seemingly come from nowhere. Larger dogs can threaten or pounce on your little dog. Others may challenge for a fight. The point is, be wary for your animals. Don’t let them get hurt on your watch.
These five tips are the most basic of all considerations for your dog, yet they rank high in importance for their development, happiness and health.
If you enjoyed this article, please click the link above to subscribe and get others. It’s free, informative and anonymous. Read my articles on Examiner.com and visit my website www.DressYourHorse.com.
Comments