October is Pet Wellness Month, which means it’s the ideal time to go over some tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy! Here are five of the ways you can help your dog thrive.
Regular brushing is great for your dog for multiple reasons. No matter the length or type of their coat, regular brushing keeps your pup’s coat in good condition because it removes the dead hair, stimulates the skin’s surface, and distributes natural oils which all contribute to a healthy, clean coat.
Plus, if you brush your dog regularly, you get familiar with their body, which helps you notice if something is wrong. Regular brushing will help you notice any cuts or growths or other abnormalities that develop, so you can contact your vet sooner rather than later.
In addition to this, grooming is simply a great way to bond with your dog. It’s quality time you spend together. Everyone likes feeling cared for, and brushing your pup is but one of many ways you can show them you care. Some dogs need to be brushed more often than others, so it’s important to stay on top of your grooming. Generally, every couple of days is fine, but this can vary based on the dog and their lifestyle.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is another essential part of grooming and keeping your dog healthy. Dogs need to have their teeth brushed to prevent oral disease and keep their teeth healthy. Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns for dogs, so regular brushing is vital to keep it at bay!
Doggy breath will never normally be fresh and minty, but if it is quite bad, this can be an indicator for underlying problems. If your dog’s gums aren’t a healthy pink and their teeth have signs of tartar, this isn’t normal. If you notice bad breath, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive drinking and peeing, inflamed gums, or loose teeth, you need to seek out your vet because these are signs of gum disease and underlying issues.
Regular brushing should be accompanied by regular dental cleanings every one to three years. These professional cleanings can catch things you might not notice and ensure your dog’s mouth is in good health.
Clean ears are important for your furbaby not just for the clarity of their hearing but also to prevent health issues. Clean ears feel good and likely won’t get infected. Plus, keeping their ears clean gives you the chance to check them for any ticks or fleas or anything like that.
Cleaning your dog’s ears is easy once you know how. You should never use a Q-tip to do this, because that could hurt your dog. Instead, you should use either a cotton ball, piece of gauze, or baby wipe with an ear-cleaning solution and simply wipe the inside surface of the ear, staying where your finger easily fits, never forcing. The reason why you use ear-cleaning solution is because water evaporates too quickly to be effective. You may also use baby wipes to clean your dog’s ears, but do make sure to always use a new clean wipe for each ear. Never use the same wipe on both!
If you have any questions about ear cleaning or anything else involving your dog’s health, it is important to contact your vet for advice.
Dogs get lonely and depressed without companionship too. It’s said over and over that you should not get a pet if you cannot both provide for them and spend time with them. This is because spending time with your pet is one of the most important components to their overall health and happiness, and without that, it affects their mental health. They can become depressed, lethargic, and act out, the same as people who are lonely and excluded can.
With a busy lifestyle or during the holiday season, you may be tempted to put time with your dog on the backburner. In order to keep your dog feeling loved and happy, quality time must be a priority, regardless of the time of year or how much you have to get done.
Spending quality time with them is good for both of you. Giving them attention and affection makes them feel loved and appreciated. Talking to them, petting them, playing with them, these are all wonderful ways to simply spend time with them, keeping them happy and healthy.
One such way you can spend quality time with your dog is through regular...
Dogs need movement and mental stimulation just like people do. Providing regular exercise is one of the most important ways you can keep your dog both healthy and entertained. Exercise not only boosts your dog’s metabolism, but also keeps their muscles, tendons, and bones strong and in good shape. It also gives them a way to explore and see new things.
An overweight dog is not as healthy and can have a decreased quality of life, with less energy and a shorter lifespan. Regular exercise coupled with proper nutrition makes for a happy, healthy pup.
Some excellent ways to exercise your dog include walks, of course. You can also take them on runs, swimming, or to a park, making sure to follow all your local laws about dogs both for your pup’s safety and to be considerate of others. Playing at home is also a great way to get your dog moving and give them something interesting to do.
These are but five of the ways you can keep your dog happy and healthy. There are many other things you can do to ensure your dog lives the best life possible. You can always contact your vet for any advice, questions, or concerns you may have.
For more information about how to keep your furbaby healthy, contact us at Little Teton Doodles today! We’re happy to provide you with additional tips.
