Few sights are more pleasing than a dog having fun and loving life. They’re loyal companions, best friends and family members all rolled into one. Caring for them and giving them the best life possible should be the aim of any owner (or parent, if you prefer that term).
Looking after a dog can be an exhausting task at times, but it needs to be done even if you don’t feel like it. Keeping yours fit and healthy should help them to be a better companion to you, so make sure you follow the advice below.
Give them plenty of water
Dogs need lots of water every day to help maintain their general health and well-being. Water helps them regulate their body temperature, aids digestion and replaces fluids lost through sweat and urination.
Water requirements differ between breeds, sizes, activity levels, and environmental conditions. Drinking too little or too much water may be a sign of illness, but they will need more on hot days or after vigorous exercise – so it’s not always a cause for concern.
Just ensure that a supply of clean water is available for them throughout the day and they should be able to regulate their intake fairly self-sufficiently.
Make sure they exercise regularly
Exercise is a necessity for every dog because it helps keep them happy and healthy. Movement is vital to keep their muscles stimulated and to lower blood pressure, while it also benefits their digestive system and bone health.
Take yours out for a walk or run at least once every day, ideally as much as is comfortable or suitable for the breed. Alternatively, playing in the garden or a local park will give them room to stretch their legs and burn some energy.
Dogs love to play and incorporating this into exercise is a great way to have fun yourself at the same time. Sticks, balls, toys – they can play with just about anything.
Feed them good-quality dog food
Your dog needs food that provides the appropriate nutritional value for them to thrive. This can vary for individuals and different breeds, ages and activity levels, so do some research on what yours might need.
A balanced diet would typically include sources of proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. There are a variety of wet, dry and fresh foods out there, so you should experiment with different types to see which your dog enjoys the most.
Some may be prone to allergies, so sensitive and hypoallergenic dog food could be best for them. If you’ve just welcomed a pup into the family, puppies require slightly different nutritional content and foods with more calories, protein and vitamins.
Register with a reliable vet
You never know when emergencies may arise when it comes to dogs, so you should be registered with a reliable and local vet from the get-go. Do some research online and read reviews to find someone who is trusted by others.
Vets will be able to assist with keeping your dog up to date with vaccinations for diseases such as leptospirosis, rabies, Bordetella and CDV. Instances of some of these are rare in the UK, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Never let them go without love and affection
Finally, one of the most important things you should do for your dog is show them lots of love and affection. They are incredibly emotional and social animals, in need of care and attention just like the rest of us.
A dog that feels loved and cared for will always be happier and more content in life. How do you show yours love and affection?
