Here are some reminders to keep your dog’s health in check. February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month and Pet Dental Month, making it an ideal opportunity to check on your dog’s health. Are you taking care of your dog’s entire health and well-being so that they can live a long and happy life? Small modifications and regular health and hygiene inspections can go a long way! Here are some useful wellness recommendations to remember in order to keep your dog’s health in tip-top shape:
SWAPS FOR HEALTHY TREATS
Table scraps and human food are popular with dogs, but they can be high in calories and low in nutrition. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy and energizing alternative to high-calorie snacking. Frozen blueberries, fresh apple slices (remember to remove all seeds!) and basic green beans are other fresh choices. As a reminder, any significant nutritional changes to your dog’s food and treats should be discussed with your veterinarian.
DENTAL HEALTH IN DOGS
We adore it when our dog grins at us, so let’s keep those teeth clean and healthy all year! Bad breath is generally the first indicator of inadequate dental hygiene. Plaque accumulation around a dog’s gums and teeth may be the cause of this. Plaque can harden, causing disease and other issues such as broken or fractured teeth.
Consider the toys kids play with and the cleaning methods you employ to keep their teeth clear of debris and bacteria to avoid any dental concerns. Chew toys that bend can be beneficial to your dog’s dental health. Saliva production can also help a dog’s breath! If feasible, use a warm washcloth to clean your dog’s teeth. Excess food, bacteria, dead cells, and even saliva can be removed this way. If your dog enables you to wash their teeth on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to spend a few minutes cleaning their teeth with the right tools.
REGULAR VISITS TO YOUR VETERINARIAN
As a responsible pet parent, the most important thing you can do is take your dog to their veterinarian on a regular basis. Your dog will grow and age properly if you take him to the vet on a regular basis. A veterinarian will also maintain track of your dog’s immunization records and keep an eye out for early signs of illness or disease. Maintaining a current immunization regimen is necessary for doggy daycare options to keep your dogs and other dogs safe. Contact us for more information.
EXERCISE & BRAIN GAMES
Your dog’s agility and mental health will be maintained with regular play and exercise. The best-behaved dogs get plenty of playing and exercise, which helps them avoid bad habits. Bored dogs engage in undesirable behaviors such as barking, gnawing, and object destruction. Taking your dog for walks around the neighborhood, playing fetch, or challenging their brains with a thinking game are all excellent ways to improve your dog’s mood and give daily exercise. Any toy that helps your dog to think about how to get a prize – aka a treat – qualifies as a brain game. To earn the prize, your dog will have to press key buttons in a specific order or tap their nose on various parts of the toy, all while challenging their brain!
MICROCHIPS
If your dog becomes separated from you, a microchip will help you find them. When most dogs are young, they are microchipped. This is perfect because if your dog gets lost or escapes from you at any point, someone who discovers them can take them to a veterinarian to look up your name and return them to you. The procedure is easy, and it is the safest way to ensure that your dog returns home if it becomes separated from you. Please double-check that your dog’s registration is up to date.
To us, dogs are the most important thing in the world. They give us their all every day and demand nothing in return, which is why we must look after them and ensure that their health and well-being are maintained. It’s critical to be a responsible pet parent if you want to keep your puppy for a long time!