How to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dogs are some of the best pets you could own. They are great for cheering you up when you are down, keeping you company when you are lonely and snuggling with you on cold winter nights. Of course, you want your dog to live a long and healthy life. While the average lifespan of your dog will depend on the breed, there are several things you can do to help keep your dog healthy for years to come.

Invest in Good Food

While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest dog food available, it may not be healthiest for your dog. Investing in a higher quality food can help ensure that your dog's nutritional needs are met. They need a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy. However, it's important to realize that as long as your dog has a well balanced dog food, they do not need additional supplements. This can even be dangerous to dogs, so don't give them a supplement unless your veterinarian recommends it.

Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

If you adopted your dog from a shelter, then there's a good chance that he or she was already fixed. This means you don't have to worry about unwanted behaviors due to animals being in heat, and you also don't need to worry about a pregnancy that can be hard on a young puppy's body. Dogs can get pregnant at as young as six months old, but since they aren't fully grown at this point, this is less than ideal. It can take a lot out of your female pup, so if your dog's aren't already fixed, make it a priority to get this done soon.

Be Careful What Products You Use

One of the downsides to dogs is that they can get quite stinky. They do not self bathe, which means that they will need a bath from time to time. It may seem like it's alright to use whatever shampoo you have laying around, but this is not the case. Human shampoo can be irritating to your furry friend's skin, and so you should use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs. Better yet, you can make your own, by finding a good recipe for dog shampoo.

Make Sure Your Pet Gets a Lot of Exercise

Dogs are active creatures, and getting a lot of exercise is important for their overall health. Try to give them a good amount of time outside each day. If you have a fenced in backyard, then let your dog play in the yard while you are home. However, don't ever leave your dog outside unattended when you leave the house. This is how many pets get lost, as they are often quite good at digging their way through the fence, and they might run away if they are anxious about you leaving. In addition to letting your dog play in the yard, take your dog on a walk several times a week. Even in cold weather, these regular walks are important for your dog's health.

Go to the Vet Regularly

Your dog should have regular veterinarian visits to ensure that they are growing and developing properly. Not only that, but it is important that they receive vaccinations on schedule to ensure they do not come down with diseases common in dogs. Your vet should also make sure your pet is micro chipped, so that if your dog were to get lost, they are registered to you.

Since your dog is a part of your family, you should do everything you can to keep them healthy as long as possible. These steps are simple, but they can help keep your dog healthier and increase their lifespan. Investing in good quality that meets all nutritional needs, getting your pet fixed, using products specifically formulated for dogs, giving them lots of exercise, and going to the vet regularly are all important ways to help keep your dog healthy and happy.