Health Tips for Dogs Overfeeding your dog will have a significant negative impact on their health and happiness. More than half of dogs in the United States are obese, and this percentage is rising. Metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, joint diseases, a weakened immune system, and numerous other health issues are more likely to occur in overweight dogs.
They can't run, play, or engage in other activities as much as they would like because they are also less mobile. Feed your pet the amount recommended by your veterinarian, and resist those puppy dog eyes when they ask for more.
2. Your dog's nose should feel wet when you touch it. A healthy dog will have a cool and slightly wet nose because dogs secrete sweat through their noses to cool down. The level of moisture will vary from dog to dog and from season to season.
3. Schedule annual visits to the vet. Allow the professionals to examine your dog on a regular basis to check for any health problems and provide you with the best, individualized information to keep your beloved pet healthy for many years.
4. Make a "pet first aid" kit. Being prepared with everything your dog needs to help you in an emergency is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. This is especially critical if you take your dog camping or hiking, where you might be far from assistance. Every dog owner ought to have a homemade pet first aid kit.
5. Get pet insurance in case of an emergency. Unexpected illnesses and accidents typically cost between $800 and $1500. This can quickly turn into a financial burden because as many as a third of pets require emergency care each year. Pet insurance is an important investment for your family's furry members because it can cover unexpected costs, prescription medications, long-term health conditions, and more.
6. Taking care of your dog's teeth is an important part of maintaining their overall health and avoiding costly dental procedures in the future. Make this a regular occurrence, and make sure to use toothpaste made just for dogs. Teeth brushing can be a fun daily activity for your pet with a little time and training!
7. Prepare a contingency plan It's upsetting to think about, but it's essential to have a contingency plan in place for your dog in the event of an emergency. Make a list of important details about your dog's lifestyle, like how often and how much food they get, their medications, the phone number for their veterinarian, etc. Make copies of this for the people in your life who might be able to look after your dog in an emergency. Also, it's worth your time to ask around and make sure there are at least one or two nearby people who could help your dog right away.
8. Play with a Purpose When you pet your dog, especially when they are young, make it a point to play with their feet, ears, and mouth with a purpose. When it comes time for nail trimmings, you can help them become less receptive to being touched in these areas by touching their toes, nails, and feet during positive play experiences.
It will be much simpler for your veterinarian to examine your dog when they visit for checkups if you get them accustomed to being handled in this manner and look in their mouth and ears. Your dog's exam will be less stressful as a result, and your veterinarian will be more likely to spot any abnormalities if something is wrong with your dog.
Cleaning and puppy proofing Make sure your trash is secured because dogs are drawn to the scrumptious smell of your trash and may consume toxic, harmful, or indigestible items. Emergency surgeries may be required if foreign or toxic substances are consumed.
10. Give your dog a safe place to sleep. Put your dog's bed or blanket, some toys, and a water bowl in a cool part of your house. This will make it easy for your dog to nap during the day. Your dog may be able to self-soothe in stressful situations like parties, a crying baby, or thunderstorms thanks to this. Keep your dog's crate open and accessible even after they no longer require it for training if they were crate-trained as a rescue puppy or when they joined your family. This may provide them with a perfect place just for them that they will love to have.
11. Lock up household toxins Always keep your dog away from household chemicals like cleaners and pesticides. Products stored beneath the sink or in the garage can and will be accessed by many clever dogs. Try securing toxic products in cabinets with locks that are safe for babies.
12. Clean your dog's bedding, soft toys, and blankets on a regular basis to remove germs, dirt, and pollen. In order to keep these items fresh and clean for your dog, you should wash them every week. This can be especially helpful in reducing your dog's exposure to pollen if they have seasonal allergies.
13. Avoid feeding your dog human food. Many human foods, like onions, chocolate, and avocados, are toxic to dogs and can have serious health effects. Keep human food out of reach, and be especially careful with gum and candy because many of them contain xylitol, a substance that is toxic to dogs and looks like sugar.
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, do not intentionally feed your dog human food. Your veterinarian may purposefully recommend certain human foods, such as plain chicken, canned pumpkin, or rice, for specific reasons like diarrhea or digestive problems, to help conceal oral medications or as highly motivating training treats in small quantities. Your dog may be able to eat "human food" in these situations, but they don't have to lick your dinner plate clean or eat your leftovers.
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