The key to a lasting, rewarding friendship with your dog is to make sure he’s healthy. A healthy canine is physically and mentally active, which makes him a better companion. The problem is, a lot of owners neglect to provide for their pet’s basic needs. Their dogs are deprived of exercise, proper nutrition, dental care, and other necessities. Eventually, their health declines until they suffer from ailments that affect their quality of life.

Our goal in this article is to help you maintain your canine’s health and happiness for the remainder of his life. The following five factors are essential.

1 – Daily Exercise

Even though some breeds are more active than others, all canines need an outlet for daily exercise. If they are deprived of the opportunity, their pent-up energy may be released through destructive behavior. For example, you might come home to find your garden has been uprooted; you may discover your furniture has been demolished; or you might find that your dog has eliminated on your living room carpet.

Exercise allows your pet to expend his energy in more productive ways. Take him for a walk each morning. If possible, take him for another in the evening. You’ll both benefit from the physical activity.

2 – Annual Trips To The Veterinarian

An adult canine needs to visit a veterinarian at least once a year for a routine checkup. During this time, review your pet’s exercise routine, diet, intestinal health, and any behavioral problems. This is also a good time to have a dental checkup done for your pet.

The veterinarian will perform a number of tests to uncover possible health concerns. These tests include a physical exam, rectal exam, an inspection of your dog’s coat and ears, and blood tests. The vet may also test your canine’s eyes for glaucoma and cataracts.

If you have a puppy, make an appointment every six months to ensure he is developing properly. Likewise, if you have senior dog, take him to the vet twice each year. Senior pets develop problems that can quickly worsen. For this reason, these problems need to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

3 – Nutritious Dog Food And A Proper Diet

Your pet needs a consistent diet that provides the right amounts of fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The type of food you give your dog will have a direct influence on his energy level, bowel function, and the health of his coat. Insufficient nutrition can sap him of energy and make him lethargic and constipated; proper nutrition will improve his health and temperament, and thus make him a more engaging companion.

A good diet that offers the ingredients above will also help your canine keep his weight at an appropriate level for his size. This, of course, is partly dependent on the amount of exercise he receives.

4 – Regular Brushing And Dental Care

A lot of owners are unaware their dogs’ teeth suffer many of the same problems as their own. Plaque can build up and evolve into tartar. If the tartar is allowed to remain on your canine’s teeth, it will turn into gingivitis, which will eventually evolve into periodontal disease. At that point, bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream and cause infection.

Your dog will need regular brushing. Once a day is optimum, but plan to brush his teeth at least three times each week. When the time comes to take him for his annual checkup, have his veterinarian perform a cleaning.

5 – Ongoing Grooming

Proper grooming requires more time than most owners realize. Unfortunately, basic grooming tasks are often neglected. Your canine needs regular baths, nail trimmings, hair brushings, and haircuts. Schedule these activities and attend to them. Not only will it help maintain your pet’s appearance, but it’s also a good opportunity to identify ear infections and skin irritations.

Your dog relies upon you to provide for his long-term health. Remember that a healthy canine makes a happier and more pleasant companion.

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Category: Pets
Keywords: raising a healthy dog, healthy dog, dog health, how to raise a healthy dog