Dogs quickly become part of the family, and as their owner, you, of course, only want the best for them. If you have never owned a dog before, you might be unsure of how best to take care of one. While purchasing nutritious dog food, buying them lots of toys and comfy beds are all good places to start; below are some other basic tips to help you keep your dog happy and healthy.
Attend Annual Health Checks
One of the easiest ways to make sure that your dog remains happy and healthy if taking them to their annual health checks at the vet. This will help you to make sure that everything is OK with their health, as well as catch early signs of any potential issues that could be developing. A lot of clinics, like this veterinarian in Plano, offer wellness plans that can help you to cover the cost of things like vaccinations, deworming treatment, flea treatment, etc., and these are worth looking into to help you manage your finances easier.
Days Out at Weekend
Your dog needs to be walked every day, but if you want to give them a true treat, consider taking them out into the countryside at the weekend and going on a long hike. This is not only a fantastic form of exercise for you both but the opportunity for a little adventure that your dog will love. You might also find that escaping into nature can help to boost your mood and will make an excellent day out.
Play with Them
Dogs are playful, and they want your attention. Although it can be easy to get caught up in your daily tasks, make sure that you are taking some time out to play with your dog and let them know you see them and want to spend time with them. Throwing a ball around in your backyard, playing tug of war with a toy, or even concealing treats for them to find are good ways to have some fun with your furry friend.
Don’t Give Them Too Many Treats
As tempting as it might be to spoil your dog with tasty treats, it’s important to resist that urge sometimes. If you start giving them treats too often, they simply become part of their daily diet and could contribute to unhealthy weight gain. You should also try to avoid giving your dog scraps from your dinner plate, as this can also result in weight gain and potentially risk making your dog ill if they ingest something that does not agree with their digestive system.
Keep Them Hydrated
As well as keeping up with regular meal times twice a day, you will also need toen sure that your dog is drinking enough water. Dehydration isn’t pleasant for anyone, and your dog can get seriously ill if they don’t consume enough water. Make sure you are filling their bowl with fresh water every time you go to feed them, and take one with you if you are going out for a long walk so you can fill it up for them along the way when they need a drink.
If you want to keep your dog happy and healthy, use these basic tips to help you do this and avoid unnecessary visits to the vet!
