American Kennel Club
Becoming a dog owner is a life-long commitment. Your dog is a part of your family, and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure you and your pooch live a long, healthy, happy life together. Animal behaviorist Mary Burch offers the following tips on how to keep your pup healthy and happy.
-Choose a veterinarian for routine care. First and foremost, you need to select a veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable. Your dog’s veterinarian will work with you to establish the best care plan for your pup, including a vaccine schedule, medical treatment when needed, and preventive care. Preventive care will improve your dog’s quality of life by protecting him from worms, ticks, and fleas.
-Provide good nutrition. What you feed your dog affects his health over the course of his life. The right kind of food will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and a good coat. Feed your pup a high quality food with the proper amounts of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you are unsure of which food to select, your dog’s breeder or veterinarian can recommend a brand. In addition to food, your dog should always have access to clean water. If your dog stays outdoors for part of the day, be sure there is clean water outside.
-Daily exercise. Exercise is extremely important for your dog’s health. Daily exercise is good for your pup’s heart, lungs, circulatory system, and muscles, in addition to helping him maintain a healthy weight. Obesity causes many health problems in dogs and being overweight can shorten your dog’s life.