Taking care of a dog is not such an easy job like it seems. Many dog owners have some bad habits and they are shortening their dog’s life without knowing it. So, it is crucial to know what to do in order to keep your dog healthy and increase his life expectancy.
1. Don’t feed your dog too much
According to some studies made by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, almost 55 percent of all dogs are overweight. What’s really alarming is that over 95 percent of dog owners don’t realize that their dog have a problem with obesity. In order to avoid this problem, you must feed your dog only with top quality food. Don’t feed your dog with fatty human food.
2. Your dog needs regular exercises
How much exercise dogs need? Well, the answer is not generally available for all the dog breeds in the world. Some dog may need much exercise than others, so it is recommended to be very informed in this case. However, it is important to give your dog regular exercise: a walk in the park, an interactive game, a training lesson etc. Remember that a tired dog is a healthy dog.
3. Regular vet visits
It is extremely important to have regular checkups with your vet, in order to prevent some severe diseases. Vaccinations are also very important and you shouldn’t skip them. It is strongly recommended to go to a vet at least once a year.
4. Canine dental care
Gum diseases are very common in dogs. If untreated, periodontal disease can lead to various health issues like kidneys infections and heart problems. Because 85 percent of all dogs over five years have gum diseases, you must try your best to assure a good oral hygiene for your dog. This requires regular tooth brushing and you can try also to give your dog chew toys and bones, in order to maintain a good oral health. Avoid using human toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth, because it can be very harmful. Try instead to use special toothpaste for dogs.
5. Don’t expose your dog to second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke can be extremely harmful to your dog, because it can increase cancer risk. Some dog breeds, such like French Bulldogs, can have serious problems if you smoke near them. So, before smoking, make sure that your dog is not in the same room with you.
6. Don’t let your dog outside unsupervised
It’s not a good idea to let your dog to roam outside whenever he likes, because this is way too dangerous. It is recommended to keep your dog on a leash every time you go for a walk. When you are in the park you must supervise your dog very carefully.
Keeping a dog healthy is not such a hard task, you only must to be a responsible dog owner and follow some simple rules. If you don’t have a dog but you want to buy one, we recommend you a reputable dog breeder from California – Nor Cal Pups – an AKC registered dog breeder from Walnut Creek, California.
