- Proper nutrition: Feeding your pet the right amount and type of food helps them maintain a healthy weight, which is one of the best ways to prevent obesity-related illnesses and will extend their lifespan. Pets can usually meet their nutritional needs from a balanced diet of quality food. Also be sure your dog gets enough fresh water, and keep an eye on the amount of treats you give them. Table food / human food isn’t good for them.
- Exercise: Regular walks, hiking, playing fetch and swimming can keep your pet physically active and fit. But don’t forget about mental stimulation! Providing toys to play with, hiding treats, building obstacle courses and practicing new tricks all keep your dog interested and engaged. You can also change up your walking routine to expose your pet to new scenery and smells.
- Regular check-ups. An annual check-up provides the best opportunity for your veterinarian to perform a variety of health screens that can lead to early detection of diseases and to spot warning signs of serious illness. Yearly dental appointments may also be recommended to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
- Preventative medication: Taking preventative measures go hand in hand with regular veterinarian check-ups. Preventative medications can keep your pet free of unwanted health issues, like heartworm, flea-related diseases and tick-borne illnesses. In addition, regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and giving him dental chews help prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to more serious health problems.
- Grooming: This involves keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, brushing them a couple times a week and giving them regular baths. Grooming is also a good way to keep an eye on changes in your pet’s fur or skin, like dandruff, bald patches or dry skin. And it’s an ideal time to check for lumps and bumps that may be cause for concern. Check with your veterinarian for the best grooming protocol for your particular pet.
- Affection: Establishing a strong bond with your dog is good for both of you. Cuddles, petting, belly rubs and even brushing their coat are great ways to show your dog some love. Not only does this strengthen the emotional connection with your dog, but it promotes your dog having positive interactions with other animals and humans.
- Socialising: Early socialising and appropriate exposure to various people and situations at a young age decreases the odds of antisocial or fearfully aggressive behaviours as an adult. A puppy’s formative years — from a few weeks old to about 16-18 weeks — is the most critical period for socialising. So be sure they get enough people and animal interaction, not just in the early months but throughout their life. A few options include visiting family and friends, taking a trip to the dog park, going for a walk around the neighbourhood or letting your pet spend an afternoon at day care after they’ve received the all clear from your vet.
- Spay/neuter: Getting your dog fixed has several benefits. It can prevent some cancers and diseases, extend your dog’s life expectancy and cut down on aggressive behaviour in males. For females, it can prevent them from going into heat and reduce unwanted behaviours associated with their cycle, such as irritability, yowling and spraying urine.
- Know what’s “normal”: Has your dog’s behaviour changed recently? Are they scratching more than usual? Are they eating more or less than they normally do? Changes from the norm could be cause for concern and indicate an underlying issue. If you notice abnormal behaviour in your dog, give your vet a call to see if an exam is necessary.
- Pet safety: There are several ways to keep your dog safe: collars with ID tags, microchips, making sure your home is free of safety hazards and putting toxic substances out of reach. Along with the other tips above, you’ll be able to keep your furry friend happy, healthy and with you for many years to come!
Source: Vetsource
