Dogs are man’s best friend, and it’s up to you to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Keeping your pup fit and healthy is a big commitment with a lot of responsibility. Following these eight tips can help your furry friend live the longest, healthiest life possible.
1. Take Them for Walks
Regular exercise is excellent for your dog’s body and mind, so set aside time each day to walk or play with your dog. They will enjoy their time with you and be less likely to get bored or stir up trouble when left alone.
2. Get Social
Dogs are pack animals. They need companionship and thrive on being part of a family. If you don’t have other dogs in your life, consider adding a second pet or a friend for your dog to play with at home.
Allowing your put to socialize will also play a huge role in teaching it to connect with people. They will see people as friends and not as threats, reducing the chances of them attacking humans.
3. Train Them To Behave
Training is an essential part of having a dog. If you don’t teach your pet to behave, it may develop behavior issues like excessive barking, chewing on items, and escaping the yard.
4. Ensure the Pup Is Properly Fed
Dogs are supposed to eat food high in protein, so always make sure you’re giving your dog the best quality food possible. There is no need for grains or cereal, which can cause your dog lots of health problems.
There are a few types of food that are good for dogs. The first is raw, meaty bones and organs that you can access from a reputable raw dog food company. The next is cooked bones, which can be ground into a powder and used to give them extra calcium.
5. Proper Veterinary Check-UPS
Puppies should see the vet at least once when they are six months old and once every couple of weeks until they are three to four months old. The first vaccine is usually given between eight and eleven weeks, with a booster given two weeks later. Another booster is required two to four weeks before your pet is fully immunized against diseases like distemper and parvovirus.
6. Get To Know More About Your Puppy’s Breed
There are many different dog breeds. If you do not know the breed you have, then you should. Finding out more about your dog’s breed will give you valuable information about its nature and personality.
For example, if your pup is a Labrador retriever, it may be very friendly and bond with its owner. However, if he is an English bulldog, it will mean that the dog may become highly aggressive and hostile to people if untrained.
7. Spay or Neuter
If your dog is not neutered, it is good to have them neutered as soon as possible. There are many benefits of spaying. For example, if your dog can not reproduce, it cannot pass on genetic diseases. Spaying and neutering also prevent the dog from having testicular or ovarian cancer. You can usually get them spayed at six months old.
8. Groom Your Pup
Grooming your dog will ensure their coat stays healthy. Regular grooming will also allow you to check for any signs of illness. If you do not know how to groom, then you should ask for help from someone reliable.
Other than following these eight tips, you can also consider:
- Looking into a pet insurance policy. This way, if your dog gets sick or injured, you will be able to take care of their veterinary bills without worrying about taking out a loan. Just check the fine print first and make sure they will cover your dog’s breed.
- Consider asking your vet if they can recommend a reliable dog food supply store in the area. Some vets carry high-quality food specially formulated for different breeds of dogs.
- Try to find a vet or groomer who will work with you and ask questions about the measures that have previously been taken before making a diagnosis. You can save yourself from unnecessary costs and focus on keeping your pet fit and healthy.
Closing Thought
If you have a hard time finding the perfect dog, consider adopting one from a local rescue group or shelter. Many pets need good, loving homes, and the rewards for taking one in can be immeasurable.
