Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Your Pet

Written by Lizzie Learn On 25th Mar 2022

e would all love to have our furry friends around us for a long time and would do anything to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives.

This includes regular wellness checkups and consistently maintaining a healthy lifestyle for them. Making positive choices for your dog, cat or other pet can boost their vitality and can add years to their life.

Weight Control

Obesity is not just a matter of concern for humans. It has also become a huge problem for domestic pets as well. It can lead to many problems and diseases in dogs, such as heart failure, cancer, skin irritations, spinal disc issues, and many other fatal diseases. Make sure you take care of your dog's diet as the wrong diet may decrease your pet's potential lifespan. Also, many pet owners don't know much about the diet portions and overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian regarding a feeding schedule for your dog's diet, as it differs for every breed, physique and age.

Nutrition

The axiom “you are what you eat” goes for dogs as well as for humans, that's why you should choose a diet that best suits your dog's needs and requirements. It is important to read the list of ingredients list before selecting a brand of dog food. Chicken and eggs are high sources of protein that build muscles; vegetables and fruits are the best sources of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which strengthen your dog's immune system.

Quality Time

A happy dog will live longer, and a happy life will also affect their overall health. Spend quality time with your companion as much as possible. It will greatly benefit your dog's wellbeing. If the animal is left alone a lot, it could deeply affect their mental stability which could result in depression. The animal could become lethargic or it will start to act out in destructive ways. Remember that your pet must be treated like a family member. They need to socialise. Talk with them, walk and play with them, cuddle them and give them the affection and attention they seek and they will return with unconditional love.

Exercise

A daily 20-minute walk, playing fetch in the backyard, an hour at the park or even just a small playful activity in your own living room can keep your dog healthy and active. Daily exercise is a must for your dog as it burns calories and enhances your dog's metabolism. Regular exercise or any playful activity helps your dog to stay fit and healthy and keeps the bones and muscles strong. Enjoying activities with your dog will be beneficial for you as well, in physical, mental and emotional ways, which studies are verifying more and more. So it's a win-win situation for both you and your dog.

Dental Care

The most commonly diagnosed diseases for dogs are oral issues, as dental care is often the least carried out aspect of pet care. Adequate dental care can increase your dog's lifespan. Regularly brush your dog's teeth using a recommended toothpaste. Brush your dog's teeth properly for at least three minutes.

If you can't do this daily, give your dog some chew toys to play with, as they help to remove plaque and stop them from developing a hard covering of tartar on the teeth. Dental checkups at home can be quite easy. Just take a sniff of your dog's breath. If it is very offensive, then there may be a problem. In such a scenario, check your dog's gums and see whether they have a pink healthy colour, and check the teeth to see if they are all clean with no signs of plaque or brown tartar.

Vomiting, extensive urinating or drinking and loss of appetite can be a few of the basic reasons for your dog's bad breath. If you see any signs of oral disease, swollen gums, loose teeth or any sort of infection, then it is time for a professional to look into the matter. Get an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Bathing

Pet grooming helps pet wellness. Keeping your dog clean also keeps your dog fresh and healthy. Bathing and brushing are the two ways to keep your furry friend tidy and hygienic. But too frequent bathing may dry out your dog's skin. Don't bathe your dog unless it's necessary, for instance, it has rolled in dirt or is starting to smell.

A bath every two to four months is sufficient if you brush your dog regularly. Always use a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs as the shampoos for humans are quite harsh for an animal's skin. Ensure you completely rinse water, as soap residue can cause itchiness. Shampoo should not directly enter your dog's mouth, eyes or ears.

Brushing

Regular brushing for your dog is great as it removes dead hair and enables the growth of a clean healthy coat by stimulating the surface of the skin. It also gives you the opportunity to be familiar with your dog's body, making you aware of any changes such as growths, abnormalities or bruises that need the attention of a veterinarian.

Nails

Clipping your dog's nails every few months can be helpful for your dog, as overgrowth can be quite uncomfortable for your pet. Many dog owners are negligent in tending to their pet's nails. The best way to know whether your dog's nails need trimming is if you hear a clicking sound when your dog walks or they start getting caught in fabrics, such as carpet fibres.

A dog's nails grow in a curve and a long length can cause your dog's toes to spread as it walks. If you clip the nails regularly, then this will not happen and it will also prevent torn nails.

Ears

The ears are a delicate part of your dog and need your attention and care. Cleaning the ears will prevent ear infections and also alert you to the presence of fleas, wood ticks, and other pests.

only $290.00

Complete Animal Care Course

4 courses

4267 students enrolled

More Info