HEALTH & WELLNESS
Good dog owners, who love their dogs want to keep them healthly and happy. Help keep your dog on the road to wellness with these dog guidelines.
Expert Veterinary Care
Veterinary care sets the foundation for your dog’s overall health. Ideally, routine wellness examinations should be performed by your vet twice a year. Puppies and senior dogs should be seen more frequent. If you develop a good relationship with your vet, it can lead to long-term benefits for your dog and you.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a necessary base which effects your dog’s skin, coat, weight, energy level, and gastrointestinal function. If you dog develops problems in one of these areas it could be due to improper diet. Find a good food that does not have bi-products and you will be on the right path and so will your dog.
Routine Exercise
Dog owners underestimate the exercise needs of their dog. Destructive behavior, or other behavioral problems can be caused by separation anxiety, but also can be the result of an energy surplus. So before you blame your furry friend, ask yourself are they getting enough exercise, and play. Dogs need about 1-2 hours of exercise a day, and they need the mental stimilation to go along with exercise. This does vary by size, breed and age. Establish a routine, you will see results in your dogs health but you as well.
Dental Care
It is all too easy to forget about your dog's dental care, but you may noticed with the bad breath. Here are ways to help! You brush your teeth, so why not your dogs teeth too. Yes we know that not all dogs are going to let you brush their teeth. Thats when you go to your vet for a professional cleaning. Once every six months should do it when you are visiting your vet. You can use oral rinses, dental treats or all of the above, for the in between cleaning. Just keep an eye on those teeth it could cause health problems if not maintained properly.
Regular Grooming
Dogs need basic upkeep. Grooming is not just for the "fancy" dogs. Grooming needs are based on breed. Short to medium haired dogs will benefit from a montly routine brushing, bath, and nail trimming. Long haired dogs should be brushed several times a week, this will help keep the hair problem down in your home too. Dogs with growing hair should get a hair cut every other month or based on your opion on how short you like to keep it. Once you have establish your dogs needs for grooming you can decide if you will be doing it or hiring a professional. Either way, schedule these sessions on a regular basis.
Watch for Warning Signs
Our dogs can't tell us when they have something wrong with them. We must rely on signs they give to us. There are a variety of signs tha indicate health issues. Like us your dog can resolves mild illness on their own, and they will instinctively try to conceal signs of more serious issues. Not all signs are cause for alarm, but watch and act appropriately so the illness does not get out of control. If your unsure make a vet visit to ease your mind and if your beloved furry friend is displaying signs contact you vet right away.
Photo: Buddy Huffman