Dogs are an important part of the family. These loving, four-legged friends can be affectionate, humorous, and fascinating. They keep us entertained, and give us a reason to go for a walk on the days we really can’t be bothered to move. The quality of life that they bring to us is unreal.
But, for everything that they do for us, we must also do something for them. We need to look after them and make sure that they are kept in the best health possible. We need to make sure that they are kept mentally and physically active, that they are eating well, and that we are showing them plenty of love and affection in return.
Looking for signs that your dog is unwell
Caring for your dog is important. Because they cannot tell us that they are not feeling so great, we may not know how they are feeling. As such, we need to look for the signs. You look should always keep your eye out for things like lethargy in dogs, or if they are off their food. Pay attention to their toileting habits. Loose stools, diarrhea, and not going at all can be symptomatic of problems that may require attention for the vet.
Keeping your dog healthy
Food is important when it comes to your dog’s health. Just like humans, dogs need to have a balanced diet that gives them all of the nutrients that they need. They will need a certain amount of calories each day, but they should also not go over the recommended levels because, just like in humans, there are a lot of health problems that can occur as a result of being overweight.
So, when it comes to feeding your dog, you need to consider the food they are eating in much the same way as you would think about what you eat yourself. Many dog foods will be crammed with sugars and fats and will not provide the kind of sustenance that your dog needs.
Similarly, be careful with how much human food you give to your dogs. A little bit can be great as a high value treat to keep your dog happy, but with many of our meals containing considerably more calories than dog food, it can make them gain weight very quickly.
Exercise and your dog
Your dog will require plenty of exercises. Of course, different breeds will have varying energy levels. But it is fair to say that you should be giving your dog at least one walk each day, and this should ideally be at least half an hour. For more energetic dogs such as Labradors, you will need to increase this substantially, and if possible, provide them the opportunity to run free off their lead. Exercise is important not just to the physical health and well being of your dog, but it is significant when it comes to their mental health too, as it gives the opportunity to get lots of mental stimulation.
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