We all want to be the best pet parents we can be, and you may well have it sussed. But every now and then it’s good to take a step back and ask yourself if there’s anything you might be missing or if anything new has come along. Here are 7 dog healthcare tips to help you make sure you’re still on the right track and still the best pet parent you can be.
1. Water
It may seem too obvious to include, but water is the very basis of life and is something that should never be overlooked. Dogs vary hugely in shape, size, coat and where they live, so their water needs may vary but they all need it. Your dog should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. It’s preferable to have a few water stations around the house and garden, depending on how big your place is. Some dogs are dainty drinkers, others slobber in their water and then all over the floor! You will soon get an idea of how often your individual dog’s water needs changing.
As a general rule, dogs need about 40-60 ml of water per kilogram of their body weight per 24 hours. Lots of things can affect this. If you feed your dog any wet food, they will get more water in their food; if you only feed your dog kibble, your dog will need to drink more. Your dog may love to drink from rivers and streams when you’re out and about and so may drink less at home. Active dogs, furry dogs and dogs in warm climates will all need more water than others. The easiest way to make sure your dog has enough is to make sure they are never far away from a refreshing drink.
2. Food
It may seem simple – go to the pet shop, buy dog food, feed dog. But nutrition has come a very long way in the last few decades, and dogs have changed a lot in that time, too. Good nutrition is essential from the word go to ensure healthy growth, optimal brain and skeletal development and a healthy and happy journey into adulthood. There are hundreds of choices out there, so ask your vet what would be best for your own dog’s age and activity level. Make sure any food you feed them is complete and balanced. This means that it provides all the right nutrients in the right proportions. You can give your dog wet food, dry food or a combination of the two to suit your and your dog’s needs.
Remember to keep them slim from the start, too. Fat puppies become fat dogs, and we know that slim animals live longer. If you want the maximum time with your new best friend, then good nutrition in just the right amounts is the way forward!
Get into good habits early on. Don’t feed your dog from the table. This will cause a lifelong habit of begging that can be very hard to break. You also run the risk of giving your dog human foods that are toxic to them, such as onions, grapes and chocolate. If you feel bad eating when your dog isn’t, just feed them their ration split into meals like yours. As long as they are not being overfed, they can happily have two to four meals a day as you see fit.
3. Exercise
Dogs need to be active every single day. This could include going on a walk or run, playing fetch or simply playing tug-of-war or hide-and-seek in the home. Your dog might like a more specific activity depending on what breed they are. For example, many retrievers can spend hours paddling across a lake in pursuit of a tennis ball. Some dogs enjoy hiking or backpacking. You know their personality best, so find what they love and try to make it part of their daily routine. Being active with your dog is good for your health, too!
Far too many dogs never get off-lead exercise. Often this is because they can’t be trusted to come back when they are called. This isn’t their fault! Teaching recall is one of the fundamentals of being a great pet parent and it’s never too late. Start at home and in the garden when your dog is not distracted. Always use positive reward training and don’t tell your dog off. If, on a walk, they eventually come back after you’ve been shouting for an age and they get scolded, all it does is tell them they get punished when they come back to you. The more you work on recall, the more enjoyable and relaxing your walks will be for you, your dog and anyone you meet.
Walking your dog isn’t just about exercise – it’s incredibly important for their mental stimulation. Giving dogs time to sniff and really explore their surroundings is essential. It may seem tedious to us, but walks are not only about being active. This is why off-lead exercise is so great. It’s more relaxing for you, and your dog can exercise and get all the new “smelly news” at their own pace.
Tasty Tips
4. Grooming
Brushing your dog regularly will not only get rid of any unwanted hair that might get trapped on your clothes or furniture, but it can also be a good way to check the health of their skin and coat. You'll be able to more easily find any parasites that might be hiding away, like ticks or fleas. It's also important to make sure your dog keeps up to date with their flea and tick medication to help prevent them from getting bitten by these parasites. You'll be better able to see any bare spots in their fur where they have been scratching – this is a good indicator that it is time to take them to the vet and get a check-up to rule out any conditions that might be affecting their skin or coat. Grooming can also help you discover any lumps or bumps that you want to get checked out by your veterinarian. Plus, a regular brush is a good way for you and your dog to bond; after all, who doesn't love a nice brush massage?
5. Oral Care
Many dog owners make the mistake of not caring for their dog's teeth until they get older or a problem arises. However, starting good brushing habits while your dog is young helps them get used to dental care and prevents a variety of health problems. Check their gums and tongue for healthy colour, and keep their teeth sparkling with brushing and dental chews or toys. Your vet will check your dog’s teeth at their annual visit, but in between times, if you notice bad breath or dirty teeth, or if your dog looks like they want to eat but then walks away, take them to the vet for a check. They might need professional intervention and a thorough clean. If you can’t manage to brush your dog’s teeth, there are some specially designed foods that are proven to help remove plaque and tartar. These extra-large kibbles ensure your dog has to bite into the kibble, which has specially arranged fibres to wipe the teeth clean. Ask your vet for details. Remember never to change your dog’s diet without the OK from your vet.
6. Happy As Well As Healthy
The five basic needs of animals are:
- Fresh water and the right diet
- The right environment
- Protection from pain, injury and disease
- The company of other animals (or lack thereof)
- The ability to express their natural behaviours
The first three are more for physical health and well-being, whereas the last two are more to do with our animals’ happiness and mental well-being. These are all linked, but it’s often the behavioural and social needs that are misunderstood and neglected. Sadly, one of the biggest causes of bite injuries is dogs that are bored and frustrated because they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation.
Dogs are social creatures, like us. Some dogs prefer humans to other dogs, some dogs love to play with dog friends and avoid strange humans. Like us, they are all individuals.
Mental and social stimulation keeps dogs happy, and that has an impact on their physical health, too. Think about ways you can stimulate your dog’s mind, such as puzzle feeders, or playing games, like hide-and-seek with toys or treats. Find friends with dogs they get on with and walk together. Let them explore, get messy, dig, rummage, have a mad half-hour. Let your dog be a dog.
7. Vet Visits
Regular trips to the vet are a crucial part of overall dog wellness. Whether you adopt a new puppy or an older dog, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible to check that they are up to date on vaccines, stocked up on flea and tick prevention measures and have no noticeable health conditions lurking. Your vet can also point out areas where your dog may need some extra care, such as cleaning their ears, helping them with anxiety, or even providing general training and obedience tips.
Keeping your dog happy and healthy is a full-time job, but the benefits are definitely worth it. Plus, the more effort you put in, the more time you get to spend bonding, and isn't that what being a dog parent is all about?
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