How to Keep Your Dogs Healthy and Fit?

As a dog lover, you know very well that dogs are the love of your life. You're an everlasting family, and you're looking to up your 'dog health care' game for them, even if they’re always chewing up your favorite shoe or barking their head off at absolutely nothing! Because that is true love.

But keep in mind that even if you're the most diligent pet parent, they'll get sick at some point because, after all, you're only human. So let's look at some things you can do to help your dog grow healthier and fitter. Ultimately, a happy dog is one that is healthy! 

A Well-balanced & Nutritious diet.

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Providing a nutritious diet for your dog is an invaluable part of maintaining their health. Choose a healthy diet for your pooch and study the first few components on the pet food label carefully because they make up the bulk of the product. This will help you choose healthier foods with the least amount of fillers so that your dog gets the proper nutrients without getting full-on non-essential ingredients. 

Also, while introducing a new food, monitor for indicators of food allergy or intolerance, such as diarrhea.

As a dog parent, you're probably aware that some human foods are toxic to dogs and can’t be one of the “healthy dog foods.”While some foods are safe for them, you should always double-check before feeding them. We've included a list of some typical foods you can feed them to make things easier for you.

1. Peanut Butter: We’ve all heard it, right? Dogs love peanut butter. But is it safe? Yes! But be sure to only give them unsalted peanut butter in moderation.

2. Pineapple: In small portions, fresh pineapple is okay for dogs to consume.

3. Watermelon: As long as it doesn’t have seeds (choking hazard!), watermelon is a great dog treat because it's low in calories and high in vitamins A and C.

4. Corn: Corn kernels, plain and cooked, are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it's found in a variety of dog foods as well!

5. Green Peas: Fresh or frozen peas are a healthy and nutritional snack that dogs love, so feel free to feed them peas!

6. Apples: Healthy and safe! Just be sure to remove any seeds as they can be very hazardous.

7. Bananas: Yes, and yes. Packed with fiber and many vitamins and minerals, these are a favorite of dogs.

8. Carrots: Carrots, both cooked and uncooked, are nutritious and safe for your dog to consume.

A healthy diet for dogs is necessary to keep them active so provide them with the best you can!

Vaccinations are a Must 

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Regular vaccination shots from your vet help prevent dangerous and often fatal conditions like hepatitis and rabies in your dog. The first vaccines for a puppy should be administered at five or six weeks of age and should be repeated every few weeks for up to sixteen weeks. Following that, your dog's immunity will be provided by frequent booster shots. To ensure protection, stick to the treatment plan your veterinarian prescribes! 

Pet parents can often overlook these shots, not understanding their importance. But take it from the professionals, better to be safe than sorry because even the healthiest dog breeds are prone to diseases.

Groom Them Regularly

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Trust us, regular grooming can prevent so many diseases and play a big role in maintaining your dog’s health. 

Take flea infestations for example. When out of hand, fleas can cause allergic dermatitis, anemia, and rashes so bad that fur starts to rub off. So once you've discovered that your dog has fleas, you have a few solutions. Consult your veterinarian for an oral flea treatment, and use a flea comb and flea shampoo on your dog. Regular skin treatments are a wonderful method to prevent fleas in the first place, so discuss a flea prevention program with your veterinarian. If that sounds overwhelming, keep it simple with a flea comb and anti-flea shampoos.

Grooming also includes Brushing Their coats regularly. It will not just bring out the gloss but also prevents mats and tangles from forming in the first place. This will also help to improve circulation, enhancing your dog’s health. Any new lumps and bumps or abscesses on the body should be noted and reported to your veterinarian as well. A veterinarian should also be consulted if there are any blisters, redness, or irritated skin. 

One thing dog parents miss sometimes is Cleaning Their Ears. It’s simple and obvious that there should be no odor or discharge from the ears. It should be free of dirt, debris, and parasitic organisms such as ticks. You might need a little guidance learning how to thoroughly clean their ears, after all, their bodies are different from ours and more delicate. Use a product designed specifically for cleaning dog ears, such as dog ear wipes. These are a popular choice for making the process quick and easy. 

Knowing how to keep your dog healthy consists of the little things one might usually overlook. So if you observe any unusual symptoms, such as discharge, they may have an ear infection. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible to get the concern resolved. 

Though it may take some time for you and your dog to adjust, Nail Clipping can become a regular part of their grooming process.

When your dog's nails are overly long, they form an awkward angle, causing soreness and tenderness in the nail beds. Long nails on dogs are also more prone to breakage, which can be uncomfortable and traumatic. Overgrown nails make it difficult for them to move around, so trim them as soon as you spot them. Just be cautious not to cut the sensitive part of the nail that holds nerves and blood vessels, as that can cause painful bleeding. 

And if the dog's nails are black, this is tough to see. In that case, they'll need a professional to do it. If you're not sure how to clip their nails, have your veterinarian or groomer demonstrate how to do it to avoid any mishaps.

Brush your dog's teeth At least once a day! It's easy to overlook your dog's teeth unless you notice a terrible odor, but we suggest daily brushing. Brushing your dog's teeth also allows you to remove any tartar or buildup. This is also the perfect time to look for ulcers, loose or chipped teeth, or any other abnormalities in the mouth. However, always use dental toothpaste created specifically for dogs, regular toothpaste contains toxic ingredients that can cause major health problems in dogs!

Grooming sessions are also an excellent opportunity to check for fleas, ticks, and mites on the skin.

Dogs and Mental Health, Outdoors, and Exercise 

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Depending on your dog's age and breed, exercise could range from a short daily stroll to a long and exciting game in the park. An enjoyable game of fetch or disc can be bodily demanding for dogs who are particularly energetic, so it’s good to regularly play with them. This also helps improve your relationship with your dog besides aiding in dog health care. 

However, in addition to exercise, make sure you provide your dog with enough stimulation to keep their minds active. Teach them to solve puzzles, learn new tricks, and obey. 

Taking them outside also allows them to interact with other people and animals to help them socialize and overcome any anxiety they might have. It might be an overlooked topic, but be a good pet parent and take care of their mental well-being as well.

Take them to the Vet at Least Yearly

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Schedule yearly exams for your dog so that necessary testing and immunizations can be administered. Regular check-ups can help them avoid numerous treatable common dog diseases that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. Only an expert can detect certain minor symptoms that might go unnoticed by you. These yearly check-ups can also provide you with a sense of safety if your dog is in good health, as well as proper medical care if they require it.

Make Your Home Dog-Friendly

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Before you bring your pet home, make sure your home is safe for them. Safeguard any electrical cables they might chew, close toilet lids, and make sure they can't get to any medication. Also, make sure your dog doesn't have access to any human food that is harmful to dogs. You might want to use child-proof locks to lock cabinets and trash cans if they are particularly adventurous.

Keep an Eye on their Weight Levels

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Obesity can lessen a dog's lifespan by around two years. Obese dogs are more likely to develop cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and bladder stones, according to experts. It's best to see a veterinarian about your dog's appropriate weight and feed him suitably, especially if you notice a significant shift in weight.

Obesity can be caused by a lack of activity and consuming too much food. On the pet food packaging, you’ll find detailed feeding instructions based on ideal weight, which you should read before feeding them to your dog. Remember to consult with a veterinarian before making any dietary changes as well.

 A Supply of Fresh Water

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Bacteria, algae, and other microbes can cultivate in your dog's container, especially in warm weather. In the winter, you'll also need to keep the water from getting too cold. So, regardless of the season, it's critical to replace the water at least once a day to clean and fresh water. This is because, in addition to healthy foods for dogs, they require plenty of fresh water to function correctly and absorb essential nutrients.

Some extra tips: 

We suggest adding a couple of ice cubes to their water in summer, so your dogs make the most of it. 

Every now and then, wash the water bowl properly, then rinse and dry the vessel before filling up with fresh water.

Watch for Red Flags

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Because dogs are unable to verbalize when they are unwell, keep an eye out for indications that something is wrong. If you see any warning signs of a health condition, contact your veterinarian. Changes in their bowel, pee, or eating patterns, any strange discharges or odors, bald patches, sudden aggression, and weight loss are all possible signs. 

To summarize, taking care of your dog might not be a piece of cake, but it’s rewarding. Following the simple points we’ve covered; you’ll have a healthy and happy dog thanking you with tons of kisses and cuddles. Just keep in mind that dogs are delicate beings and taking care of them is a responsibility you agree to once you bring them home. After all, it shows how much you love them. To help your dog live life to the max, follow these tips explaining how to keep your dog healthy!