With love, attention and the proper care, your dog should lead a long, healthy, happy life. Follow the 10 steps below and give your dog the excellent care he deserves:
- Avoid overfeeding. Dogs at a normal weight live longer than those that are obese. A well balanced diet is important.
Automatic feeders are excellent tools for teaching your dog to eat small frequent meals. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your dog. - Choose healthy dog food. Your dog food should contain the proper nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and fit. If you have trouble finding the right food for your dog feeder, ask your vet. Elevated dog feeders are beneficial to large dogs and those with joint problems or arthritis.
- Get regular exercise. Healthy dogs need 1-2 hours of exercise per day. Find an exercise both you and your dog enjoy and you may see a change in health for pet and owner.
- Keep dangerous items away. Watch out for indoor and outdoor items lying around your home that may harm your dog. You might be surprised about the things they can get into that could have detrimental effects – namely things like insect poison, household cleaners and antifreeze.
- Watch for illness. Routine checks of your dog at home will improve the chances of catching illness. If you notice unusual behavior or notice bumps, knots etc. that are not normal, have your veterinarian take a look. Keeping your dog hydrated is very important. Automatic dog waterers are a great solution when you are unable to refill your dog’s water bowl regularly.
- Visit your veterinarian regularly. Ideally your dog should visit his/her vet twice a year for a routine exam. “Senior” dogs or puppies may need to visit more often.
- Take care of the teeth. Bad breath is more than just an annoyance. Like in humans, it can be a sign of digestive and teeth problems. Brush your dogs’ teeth, consider using “dental treats” and have your veterinarian check them regularly.
- Groom regularly. Whether you do your own grooming, or have it done professionally, your dog should be groomed regularly. Ask your veterinarian how often baths are recommended for your breed of dog. This is also the perfect time to check for fleas and ticks – which can lead to serious health problems.
- Routine ear care. Your dog’s ears should be checked routinely for ear mites and infection. Ask your veterinarian the best way to care for your dog’s ears.
- Love and attention. Play, scratch his belly, and help him feel loved. This kind of attention encourages mental stimulation, and keeps depression at bay. So, give him a toy or a ball and let the fun begin.