How to Make Smarter Choices for Your Pet’s Health

Health is important for everyone—and that includes your pet. Make sure your dog stays in tip-top shape with these choices you can make for your pet’s health

Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives; let’s make sure we bring just as much into theirs. To make sure Fido feels on top of the world every day, you’ve got to make wellness a priority. With that in mind, here are a few ways to make smarter choices for your pet’s health.  

Keep Your Pet’s Mouth Clean

Let’s face it—as much as we love our pets, their breath can have an unpleasant smell at times. Cleaning your pets’ teeth regularly will prevent the build-up of plaque and prevent gum disease.

Here are some signs of dental disease:

· Bad breath

· yellow-brown tartar

· Bleeding gums

· Difficulty chewing and dropping food when trying to eat

You can keep your dog’s mouth clean by either brushing their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush with toothpaste for pets. If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, then you should first let them get used to having their mouth touched. You can also use dental sticks, which provide the easiest and most enjoyable way for your dog.

Vaccinate Your Pet

Vaccines protect your best bud from infections and diseases. Vaccinating your pet is important not only for the animal’s health but also for human health. You should talk with your veterinarian about what is best for your pet.

Provide Clean, Fresh Water

Clean, fresh water is vital to your pet’s health because—just like us—water makes up most of your dog's body. In the summer, your dog should be drinking three or four times more water than they usually do. Make sure to have a bowl outside and away from the sun that’s filled with fresh water.

There are some places where you shouldn’t let your furry friend drink from:

· Dog park bowl - These bowls can carry bacteria and viruses that can harm your dog.

· Toilets - To prevent your dog from drinking out of the toilet, simply close the lid or shut the door.

· Lakes/streams - The water can host many harmful parasites that can cause severe illness.

Routine Care

Get your dog groomed by a professional to make sure they are clean and healthy. It’s important to maintain a healthy coat by brushing them gently; this will help avoid mats in their fur, which can cause them discomfort.

Don’t forget to cut their nails! Uncut nails can cause joint pain from curling, and germs can get stuck in there.

Dogs have a vertical ear canal. Therefore, it’s easy for dirt to get in. Depending on the breed of your pooch, some dogs have hair in their ear, which can keep bacteria and dirt. That’s why it’s a good idea to remove the hair from their ears and have them cleaned at groom visits.

Maintain Proper Body Weight

The best way to find the healthiest weight for your bud is by visiting your veterinarian. A chubby dog might look cute, but carrying extra fat can endanger your pet's health. Here are some tips that can help keep your pet’s weight under control:

· Limit treats

· Engage in daily exercise

· Measure their food

 

Give Them Love

Dogs are affectionate animals, and they crave love and affection. Cuddle with your dog, give them belly rubs, and reward them when they are being a good pup. It’s a great way to bond with your best bud and gain their trust. Health is more than just physical; by giving your furry friend lots of love, you’ll improve their mental wellbeing. After all, what’s better than cuddling with your dog after a hard day?

These were just a couple of tips on how to keep your loyal friend healthy. Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!