Trying to keep your dog as healthy as possible is something all dog owners can agree is an important, but tough responsibility. While keeping our dog happy is a straightforward task, ensuring that they are at their optimal health is sometimes not so simple. It certainly doesn’t help that we’re given an overwhelming amount of advice about how to maintain our dog’s health. With this person advising one thing, and that person advising another, it can be confusing to know which tips to follow. That's why, with the help of Monica Mizzi from Pet Life Today, we’ve narrowed down 3 simple things that we can all agree will effectively boost a dog’s health. Follow them, and your dog will be on their way to living a long and prosperous life.
1. Don’t ignore changes in their behavior or appearance.
Seemingly “random” changes in your dog’s behavior or appearance may be an indication that something is not quite right with their health. While we’re not advocating that you jump to conclusions every time you notice a slight change in your dog, it’s vital to be vigilant in noting any odd changes you notice in your dog. If the changes continue to get more pronounced or your dog appears to be in pain or discomfort, it’s best to book an appointment with your vet to identify what exactly is going on.
So what changes should you look for? Here are some general examples of areas to keep an eye on:
- Behavior
- Weight
- Personality
- Sleeping and eating patterns
- Energy levels
- Eyes, nose, nails, skin, fur etc.
- Ability to heal from an injury or sickness
These aren’t the only signs, however, so be sure to learn other signs that may indicate your pup is sick.
2. Take your dog to routine checkups.
It’s easy for a routine checkup at the vet to get pushed to the side when you already have so many other responsibilities to deal with. But routine checkups are pivotal for ensuring your dog is in their best health.
Although it’s, of course, important to do your own monitoring, veterinarians are trained to identify and treat any signs your dog isn’t in tip-top shape. Moreover, vets can also run tests to pinpoint the root of any problems identified, and administer the correct medicine to get your dog back on track. As you can imagine, treating a sick dog can be costly, so it’s a good idea to consider investing in health insurance for your dog to be on the safe side. If you’ve been putting off your dog’s routine check up, now is the time to make it a priority to finally take them. How often you should go depends on the age and health of your dog, so find out how many times is necessary for your dog, and get into the habit of taking them whenever that time comes around again.
3. Make sure you stick to a regular exercise schedule.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine is one of the simplest ways to boost their health. It almost sounds too simple, but just like routine checkups, it’s all too easy to starting skipping days out with your dog. If you’ve found yourself not sticking to your regular exercise schedule, now is the time to get back on track.
While we’re speaking of your dog’s exercise schedule, there’s a chance that you didn’t set your dog’s right in the first place. Or perhaps, the schedule you had before isn’t appropriate anymore due to changes in your dog’s health or even just simple aging. That’s why if you’re serious about boosting your dog’s health, you need to evaluate what the best schedule for your particular dog is. The LINK AKC Smart Collar provides a daily activity goal recommendation for your pup based on their breed, age and weight, then shows you their stats so you can make sure they're getting enough exercise.
And remember – walking isn’t the only way to make sure your dog is exercising. There are countless games you can play with your dog, even if you’re stuck indoors. Exercising with your dog is not only a great way to bond, it’s also critical for their physical and mental health. So do your dog a favor and work out that schedule stat!