Tips for Keeping Your Dog at Their Peak Health

Your dog is your best friend. They love you unconditionally, and you love them right back! Still, many dog owners overlook the health of their dog. Here are a few ways you can better look after your best friend, and make sure they are as healthy and happy as they can be.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

One of the reasons you love your dog is because they get you out of the house. Many dogs provide companionship for runners and hikers. It's mutually beneficial: you love the company, they love to get out and be active. It's important to make sure your dog can continue to keep pace with you. If your dog is not properly nourished, their strength and dexterity will decrease much more rapidly. That being said, make sure that your dog is getting a nutritious diet. As much as you may love to feed them the scraps of your dinner that they've been begging for, it may not be in their best interest. Stick to a strict, healthy regimen. For a dog, each stage of life requires different kinds of food. Choose quality dog food at each stage of its life, such as Dr. Marty dog food. Be sure that their diet is in line with recommendations for their specific breed. Different types of dogs require special diets. Veterinarians can advise you on feeding and care.

Active dogs can also suffer from wear and tear on their joints and muscles, just like us. Try to be mindful of this, and give them breaks from strenuous exercise when needed.

Avoid Household Problems

Many dogs eat all kinds of things they shouldn't. Make sure that you keep them safe from harmful household items around the house that they might get into. Keep the toilet seat down, and make sure that your garbage cans are secure, or out of reach. Additionally, make sure that toxic household cleaning products are locked away, and out of reach. If you have something like beef jerky in your home (or other strong-smelling food products) make sure you keep it up high, and locked away. This won't just keep the jerky free for you to eat later, it will keep your dog from ingesting harmful plastic packaging.

Mental Health

Most pet owners think it's only important to be concerned about physical health, but keeping a mentally healthy dog is also very important to your dog's health. Dogs are incredibly emotional animals, and need a lot of affection and attention. Make sure to take time each day to pet them, speak to them, and give them direct eye contact. This will keep them from feeling depressed or neglected, both of which can happen easily with dogs.

Dental Care

It is vitally important to pay attention to the dog's teeth. Some bones, food, and chewing toys will help keep your dog's teeth clean, but you should also consider brushing their teeth. Like humans, dogs can suffer from toothaches, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that his teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. If you do not brush their teeth regularly, they are likely to suffer silently from one of those diseases. It is estimated that at the age of three up to 80 percent of dogs will get dental disease. Be sure to brush their teeth regularly, and seek help from your veterinarian if your dog has a difficult time letting you brush their teeth.

Grooming

Grooming is an important part of your dog's health, as it prevents infection, and reveals your dog's overall health. Regular brushing removes matted hair and tangles, and keeps the dog's coat shiny. When you groom your pet, you should check for fleas and ticks. They can be hard to see, but if your dog has them, they are likely in pain, and will need immediate treatment. Bathing should also be done periodically.

In summer, mosquitoes, lice, and mites are all over, and have different risks to animal health. During the summer, and especially if your dog spends a lot of time in the fresh air, you need to check them daily.

Veterinary Care

Take your dog to a veterinarian regularly for check ups. Many dog owners avoid this, but it is important to get up-to-date information on vaccines and flea treatments.

Veterinarians support the health and well-being of dogs of all ages and breeds through their medical practice. Using medicine and a vet's recommendations, you can help support the strength, vitality, flexibility, and longevity of your dog.