The old saying is that a dog is a man’s best friend. If this is true, and we believe it is, wouldn’t you want to give your canine companion the best life? Of course, you do! This is why today, we are going to discuss ways to help you make your dog’s life a happy and healthy one.
Banish Bad Breath
One of the most off-putting things that can happen to you is to be playing with your pet and get a whiff of ‘bin’ breath in your face. Just like you, your dog needs regular dental care to prevent plaque and tartar building up on their teeth. There are many solutions available to ensure that your dog has pleasant smelling breath; these include regular brushing with pet-friendly toothpaste, adding dental additives to their drinking water, and allowing them treats that are beneficial to their periodontal health. Some pet owners add parsley to their dog’s food.
Enough Exercise
We say ‘enough’ because over-exercising your pet will lead to adverse effects in their senior years. Young puppies’ joints are not usually fully developed into a hard bone by the time they leave their mother to their new forever home. Always consider your dog’s age and breed when planning an exercise regime. For example, a bulldog will have trouble running a long distance, because of its short, stocky stature, where a larger, slimmer breed, like a greyhound, will excel.
Health, Balanced Diets
There are many different pet foods available, both in-store, and online. Give your four-legged friend the healthiest nutrition you can, that’s not only formulated for its stage of life, but also in the correct portions. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can snowball into other, even more, hazardous health issues. If you’re not sure what brand of pet food is right for your dog, speak to your vet. Also, always remember that water is an integral part of a healthy diet because it contributes to regular bowel and bladder movements.
Grooming
We’ll concede that by the end of a bathing session, you’re likely to be almost as wet as your dog, but grooming is a fundamental building block in your dog’s best life. Not only does it keep their coat shiny, but it also allows you to bond with your pet, check them for parasites (don’t forget to look inside their ears), and other skin conditions.
Brushing your dog regularly, both after and in between bathing sessions, will remove old fur and stimulate the natural production of essential oils to keep your dog’s skin moist. When it comes to a grooming brush for dogs, there are many outlets that stock them, and they come in a selection of shapes and sizes. Speak to your local pet store, veterinarian, or groomer about which one is best suited to your dog.
Sleeping Spot
Depending on the breed, your dog may not be able to sleep inside the house. In such a case, invest in a sturdy kennel for your dog to protect them from the elements. Place something soft inside, such as a large pillow or a folded blanket for your dog to sleep on and keep them warm. If they are going to sleep indoors, it is advisable to have something similar inside for your dog, unless of course, they’re going to be sharing your bed. Don’t forget to launder your dog’s bedding regularly, using a pet-friendly detergent so as not to irritate their skin.
There are merely a few tips to oil the wheels on your train of thought; the most important factor in addition to the ones offered above is to love your pet as they do you: unconditionally.