Every loving, responsible dog owner wants to do their very, very best to keep their dog healthy as much as they possibly can.
Here at the headquarters of the PupsterPassion.com Team, we do our very best to help by providing information and experience for dog owners.
It is something we write a lot about on this site.
We aren’t vets, but we do love dogs and do our best to share the best information that we possibly can.
Table of Contents
- How Do I Keep My Dog Healthy?
- Healthy Dogs Get Lots of Good Quality Exercise
- Give Your Dog Good Quality Food and Plenty of Water
- Happy Dogs Get Plenty of Time Outdoors
- Get Your Dogs Their Vaccinations
- Interactive Toys and Dog Bowls
- Dogs Need Regular Trips to the Vet
- Regular Grooming and Trimming Makes a Dog Happy and Healthy
- Obedience Training for Your Dog
- Spay or Neuter Your Dog
- Make Sure Your Dog is a Healthy Weight
- Know How to Prevent Fleas, Ticks, and Worms in Your Pup
- Video on Dog Grooming
How Do I Keep My Dog Healthy?
Dogs are important members of the family, and it’s important to keep them healthy and happy. A dog should have a healthy diet to keep it well-nourished. It should exercise regularly and get enough rest. Dogs may be susceptible to respiratory infections, so they need plenty of fresh air and regular veterinary checkups.
Here are some great tips to make sure your pet lives a happy and healthy life.
Healthy Dogs Get Lots of Good Quality Exercise
Dogs need exercise just like people do!
Exercise is essential for keeping dogs healthy and happy, and it’s a great way to release their physical and mental energy. It’s best to choose activities you can do together as it will get both your bodies moving.
“Acting out” can be caused by boredom and not true behavioral disorder.
If your dog is getting enough exercise, she’ll have healthier bones, skin, and joints.
Outdoor Exercise Ideas
There are many great ways to provide your dog with the exercise he needs:
- Take him for a walk around your neighborhood, on hikes in local parks or forests, or for a walk on the beach (if you are so lucky).
- You can also play fetch with your dog in the park or backyard.
- Take your dog swimming at a nearby lake or river.
Whatever type of exercise you choose, make sure it’s something your dog enjoys and that you’ll be able to stick with regularly.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks for both of you, as well as sunscreen and a hat for yourself.
Indoor Exercise Ideas
Indoor exercise with your dog can be a challenge. Remember that exercise of the mind plays a very important role in your dog’s health
- One way to exercise your dog indoors is to use food-dispensing toys like the Kong Wobbler. These types of toys can be filled with treats or kibble, and as your dog plays with them, the food will slowly dispense.
- You can also hide treats around the house for your dog to find.
- Play games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek with your dog, and make sure to get down on their level and interact with them physically.
- You can also take your dog for walks inside on a leash or in an enclosed area like a garage. This is also a great way to help with leash training in an environment without many distractions.
Whatever you do, make sure that you are providing mental and physical stimulation for your pup throughout the day!
Give Your Dog Good Quality Food and Plenty of Water
We know that many dog owners are on a budget. But we still think it’s important to do your best with good quality food.
We don’t suggest for one minute that you need to feed your pooch raw steak every day or free-range organic dog food.
Just do your best to provide them with a healthy diet and always have a dish of freshwater for them to drink.
Feeding Your Dog the Right Food
Veterinarians typically recommend a diet that consists of one-third protein, one-third carbohydrates and one-third vegetables. This mix provides dogs with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and helps prevent them from becoming overweight or obese.
Fresh, refrigerated food can be expensive. Dry food (kibble) is more cost-effective, stores easily, and can still be nutritious. My favorite site to research quality dog food is: Dog Food Advisor.
In addition to a balanced diet, be sure to give your dog plenty of clean water every day.
What to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
Some common foods that dogs should not eat may not just be something to avoid, they might be toxic to your pup.
Some of the foods that you should avoid feeding your dog include:
- Xylitol – Can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia. Look for this ingredient in many items, including some peanut butter.
- Avocados – Can cause vomiting or diarrhea
- Chocolate – Can be toxic to the heart and nervous system
- Raisins, Currants, or Grapes – Can cause kidney failure
- Nuts like Walnuts and Macadamias – Can cause nervous system and muscle damage
- Fatty foods – Can lead to Pancreatitis
- Garlic and Onions – Can cause Anemia and blood cell damage
- Dairy Products – Can cause diarrhea
Happy Dogs Get Plenty of Time Outdoors
Dogs need to be outdoors as much as possible to be happy and healthy. Not just in terms of walks but also just hanging out in your garden or a local park.
It is good for their health, their coats and they will also be much happier for it.
Be careful in warmer weather as your dog can get overheated. Make sure to provide shaded areas and plenty of water.
Get Your Dogs Their Vaccinations
Dogs need to be vaccinated to keep them from getting some really nasty diseases.
As soon as you get your dog, you should take them to your local veterinarian’s office and arrange for your pup to get all the necessary vaccinations.
It is important to keep your dog healthy and safe by vaccinating them against serious illnesses. Vaccinations are typically part of a dog’s annual physical exam, so be sure to stick to your veterinarian’s schedule.
There are a variety of different vaccinations available for dogs, depending on their age and lifestyle.
Common vaccines include those for:
- Distemper
- Leptospirosis
- Kennel Cough and
- Rabies
It is important to make sure your dog is up-to-date on all of his or her vaccines, as they can help protect them from life-threatening illnesses.
Low cost vaccination locations can be found by contacting your local animal shelter or dog rescue.
Interactive Toys and Dog Bowls
Interactive dog toys and dog bowls are a great idea. They make your dog work for treats or meals.
This keeps the dog active mentally and physically. It makes them slow down their eating, and keeps their brain active and alert as well.
They are really cheap, dogs love them and are really good for your pets, so this is a total no-brainer.
Dogs Need Regular Trips to the Vet
We think you should do your best to keep up with regular vets visits. Vaccinations, de-worming treatments, flea treatments, general health, and dental check-overs are all things a good vet will help you with.
This will ensure that your pup is up-to-date on all of his or her vaccinations and that they are generally healthy. In addition, it’s a great opportunity for you to ask the vet any questions you may have about taking care of your dog.
Many pet owners choose to take their dogs in for annual checkups, and this is a good idea for keeping them healthy. However, if you are not able to make it in for a yearly visit, be sure to at least bring them in when there are any changes in their behavior or routine.
Regular Grooming and Trimming Makes a Dog Happy and Healthy
Brushing, trimming, clipping, and grooming your dog’s coat and claws are super important (especially if you own a very hairy dog)
Grooming and trimming your pet on a regular basis is an important part of keeping them healthy. Not only does it make them look good, but it can also prevent health issues from arising in the future. For example, heartworm, flea-related diseases and tick-borne illnesses can all be avoided by regularly grooming your pet.
When you groom your pet, you help the dog or cat feel loved and happy. Grooming can also help you catch changes like dry skin, dandruff, bald patches early on to help prevent them from becoming a bigger issue down the road. This is also a really great way for you to keep a close eye on your dog for anything you might need to take them to the vet’s office
Give Your Dog a Bath
All dogs should be bathed at least once a month, and more often if they get dirty or have a skin condition.
If your dog has long hair, you may need to cut it short before bathing her. Fill a large sink or bathtub with warm water and add pet shampoo. Place your dog in the water and shampoo her fur. Rinse her off with warm water and towel-dry her body. Brush her coat again to remove any remaining moisture.
Others may try to jump out of the tub, so be prepared for that as well.
De-Shed and Brush Your Dog’s Fur
Not only does this keep them looking their best, but it also helps to prevent mats and tangles in their fur, which can lead to skin irritation. In addition, regular brushing will help remove loose hair from your dog’s coat, reducing the amount of hair that ends up scattered around your house.
There are many different types of brushes available, so be sure to choose one that is suited to your dog’s coat type and length. Start at the base of the neck and work your way down, using short strokes and gentle pressure. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth, otherwise you may end up pulling out more hair than you intended to remove.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails
I know, I know. This is a big problem for me as well. I hear the clicking on the floor and feel guilty for not trimming their claws as often as I should.
In fact, I have several articles on this site about trimming dog’s nail. One popular one is about How to Trim a Dog’s Nails When They Hate It.
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
In fact, they need it even more than people do, because their teeth are constantly exposed to bacteria and plaque from the food they eat. Just like in humans, not brushing your dog’s teeth can lead to all sorts of dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Wet the brush, put some toothpaste on the bristles, and start brushing your dog’s teeth in a circular motion. Be sure to brush along the gum line as well.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week for best results.
Obedience Training for Your Dog
Obedience training is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog. It helps create a strong bond between dog and owner, and it also teaches the dog how to behave in social situations, leading to less stress for the dog (and the owner).
There are many different types of obedience training, so it’s important to find one that best suits your needs and your dog’s personality.
The AKC, many local trainers, and pet stores offer obedience training classes for dogs at all levels of ability. These classes cover everything from basic commands to competition-level skills.
If you’re not interested in competing your dog, there are still plenty of opportunities to keep him busy and entertained.
Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Most people know that spaying or neutering their pet is the responsible thing to do, but there are many misconceptions about the process. Some people think it’s dangerous, while others believe it will make their pet fat and lazy. The truth is, spaying or neutering your dog is a safe and simple procedure.
Spaying and neutering can help prevent overpopulation and save lives. Millions of homeless dogs enter shelters each year, many of which are killed because there simply isn’t enough room for them.
Another common concern among pet owners is that spaying or neutering will make their dog fat and lazy. This couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, spayed or neutered dogs are just as active as unaltered pets, and they typically don’t gain weight unless they are overfed.
If you’re still not sure whether spaying or neutering is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian about any risks you might be concerned with. They can answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your pet.
Make Sure Your Dog is a Healthy Weight
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and just like with humans, some are naturally thinner than others. It’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight so it can live a long and happy life. Factors that contribute to weight gain in dogs include age, breed, and the quality of food eaten.
Overweight dogs have a long list of potential problems, including joint pain, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, a lifetime study of Labrador Retrievers found that even being moderately overweight could reduce canine life expectancy by nearly two years!
Know How to Prevent Fleas, Ticks, and Worms in Your Pup
Fleas, ticks, and worms are all common parasites that can infect dogs. These parasites can cause a range of health problems, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them.
The best way to prevent fleas, ticks, and worms is to speak with your veterinarian about the best prevention protocols for your dog. There are a variety of products available to help protect your dog from these parasites, including flea and tick collars, topical treatments, and oral medications.
Heartworms are a particularly dangerous type of parasitic worm that can infect dogs. They can lead to heart failure and lung disease if left untreated. It’s important to make sure your dog is on a heartworm prevention protocol and get regular checkups from your veterinarian.
Fleas can also be a major problem for dogs. They can cause anemia if left untreated and can be very irritating for the animal. It’s important to use a good flea preventive product and keep up with regular grooming appointments.
Ticks are another parasite that can pose a health risk to dogs. They often carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to the dog if the tick is not removed promptly. Make sure you use tick repellent products and check your dog for ticks regularly.
Video on Dog Grooming
Ok, that’s it for now. This was just a shortlist of simple tips for keeping your dog healthy (including dealing with canine separation anxiety using a calming bed for dogs).
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this article.
The PupsterPassion.com Team