For most pet owners, their dog isn’t just a dog; they are part of the family. Because of this, they are going to want to take as much care of their dog as possible, helping them to live a happy, healthy, long life. This can be difficult since dogs can’t let their owners know exactly what they want and need, unlike children, but there are some things that you can put in place to ensure your dog is as happy as possible and will always – as far as possible – be healthy. Read on to find out more.

Photo by Richard Brutyo on Unsplash

A Healthy Diet

Many of the ways that a dog can be kept healthy and give them the best chance of a long, happy life are the same things that a human might need. When it comes to a dog’s diet, the healthier it is, the healthier the animal will be too. The more varied and well-balanced it is, the more of the essential nutrients that are crucial for good health are going to be included. This is why it’s so important to think carefully about what you’re feeding your dog. 

Standard dog food from the supermarket might be fine, but is it good enough? Will it offer the very best healthcare for your dog? Will it give them the sparkle and shine they need to live longer? It might be better to check out dogfoodcare.com and find out more about specialist dog food. Made with fresh ingredients and created with the dog’s health in mind, it could be exactly what you – and they – need. 

Exercise 

Again, just like a human, regular exercise is something that will certainly help to keep your dog healthy. The amount of physical activity your particular dog needs will depend on their overall health, their breed, their size, and their age. Younger dogs often need more exercise than older ones, for example, and larger dogs are going to need more than smaller ones. Over time, you’ll get to know what works best for your pet, but as a guide around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day works well. 

Remember, even if your dog seems to get a lot of exercise indoors, playing with their toys and chasing around by themselves, this is not the same as going for a good walk, and walking your dog must be part of your daily routine (unless the weather is particularly hot or cold when it could be dangerous). 

Companionship 

As we’ve said, a dog tends to grow into part of the family, so spending time with them, cuddling them, stroking them, generally making a fuss of them, even talking to them shouldn’t be unusual. In fact, this is actually good for the dog since they need companionship to truly thrive. 

A dog who is left alone for hours a day may well develop depression and anxiety which can lead to a number of other health conditions that can shorten their life. By giving them the attention they deserve, you are helping them to stay healthy, and you are ensuring your own happiness as well; there is nothing as wonderful as a dog, after all.