8 Ultimate Ways to Make Our Dogs Happier and Healthy

Hi iam found out the article is so promising for dog lovers.the article was from https://www.prouddogmom.com/keep-dog-healthy/

If there were a few things you could do right now to extend your dog’s life, wouldn’t you want to know what they are? Keep reading to find out the top 8 ways you can keep your dog happy and healthy!

1) Take Your Fur Baby to the Vet

Start when your fur baby is a puppy. This will give you a baseline of your pooch’s health status. Knowing what is normal is key to recognizing anything that may change or become abnormal.

Make sure that your vaccinations and/or titers are up-to-date. Depending on where you live, your fur baby could be exposed to various preventable diseases. Keep your fur kids protected and remember that Rabies vaccine is mandatory in all 50 states.

If your fur baby is on heartworm prevention, make sure to keep on schedule. Heartworm is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito and it only takes one bite to transmit the disease. According to the American Heartworm Society, while the risk of infection varies from place to place, it is a threat to unprotected dogs in every state, even some parts of Alaska.  

2) Healthy Diet

Just like you, your fur baby needs to eat a well-balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water. Do you know the old saying: “You are what you eat”? Well, it also applies to your fur baby. That’s why it’s super important to feed your pooch the highest quality food that you can afford. Learn to read ingredient labels because not all dog foods are created equally.

Some of the benefits of good nutrition include:

Promotes Heart Health

Promotes Good Skeletal Health And Muscle Tone

Decreases Risk Of Certain Cancers

Aids In Healthy Digestion

Promotes Healthy Skin And Coat

Increases Immunity

Promotes Overall Well-Being And Longevity

Dog Food

3) Exercise

Just as with humans, exercise promotes mental and physical health for your pooch. Exercising your pet can be as simple as taking a daily walk or playing fetch in the yard. The activity doesn’t matter as long as your pooch is moving and using energy.

You will both reap the benefits of exercise, not to mention it’s a great bonding experience for you and your canine kid. FYI: Harsh weather is no excuse for not exercising. There are many inside activities and alternatives to keep you and fido fit when the elements keep you indoors.

Benefits of daily exercise include:

Strengthens The Heart, Circulation, And Lungs

Promotes Healthy Digestion

Promotes Good Muscle Tone

Relieves Boredom Which Can Decrease Destructive Behavioral Issues Such As Chewing, Etc.

Increases Your Pooches Happy Hormones

Increases Self-Esteem

Decreases Depression

Decreases The Chances Of Obesity

Aids Weight Loss

Decreases The Chance Of Diabetes

Decreases Risks Of Certain Cancers

Promotes Healthy Bones

dog-exercise

4) Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to your pups healthy life and lifestyle. As you read through the following list of potential problems for an overweight pooch, you will notice they are quite similar to the potential problems that an overweight human could face. They include:

Heart Disease

High Blood Pressure

Respiratory Disease

Diabetes

Certain Cancers

Arthritis

Heat Intolerance

Reproductive Issues

Decreased Energy

Depression

Decreased Quality Of Life

Decreased Lifespan

5) Dental Health

Dental hygiene is an extremely important part of your pooch’s overall health and should be a part of his/her daily routine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease (AKA gum disease) is the most common dental condition in dogs and worsens with age. 

The thing with periodontal disease is that it can lead to life-altering health issues such as pain, kidney disease, and heart disease to name a few. Bacteria from the diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and have devastating effects. The great news is – that it is totally preventable.

Have your pooch’s teeth checked at least once a year and get into the habit of brushing. Start slowly and before you know it you’ll both be comfortable with your new routine (click here for our top 4 tips to keep your dog’s teeth clean). Some symptoms of gum disease include:

Bad Breath

Red Gums

Swollen Gums

Bleeding Gums

Mouth Sensitivity

Excessive Chewing

Loose Teeth

Trouble Eating

Pawing At Face/Mouth

Dog Teeth - Oral Health

If you think your little one has a dental issue, discuss it with your vet. As always, when in doubt – check it out!

6) Train Him

If your dog learns nothing else, make sure your fur baby knows how to sit, stay, and come. If he ever gets off his leash and runs by or into the street, he must know how to respond to you when you call “come.” That command could possibly save his life.

Click here for some other essential commands your dog should know

7) Communication

Talk to your pooch. Communication will help you and your fur baby have a tighter connection and stronger bond. When your pooch understands what you expect from him, daily life runs smoother which can ultimately increase his quality of living. Studies show that dogs can actually understand about 165 words and probably even more as long as you use the same words over and over to describe something.

8) Show Him Some Love

This one may sound silly to some, but being happy and content can actually increase lifespan for both people and canines. It’s proven that having a pet can increase lifespan in humans by helping to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, and depression (just to name a few benefits). Show your pooch some love and give him the same benefits. A little snuggle and love can go a long way!