Terri Ramsey Beavers Owning a dog is a source of happiness that can’t be rivaled by many things! If you want to keep your dog as happy as they make you, there are a few things that you should be doing.
Exercise and diet
Proper nutrition and exercise are some of the most important things to keep your Pet healthy and happy.
When you are choosing your dog’s food, it’s important to pick a brand of food that contains all of the nutrients that they need. Your chosen food should also be formulated in such a way that those nutrients are bioavailable, meaning that the nutrients in the food can be absorbed and used in your dog’s body. Not all pet foods are created equal, so it’s worth getting some guidance from your vet about which food is the best for your dog.
Dogs also need to be regularly exercised for both their physical and mental wellbeing. The amount of exercise needed will vary depending on your dog’s breed, age, and overall condition, so again it can be worth speaking with your vet for recommendations.
Regular check-ups
You should be taking your dog for a wellness exam at least once annually. These exams will help your vet to uncover any underlying health conditions, diagnose and treat problems as early as possible, and also give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
As part of your dog’s ongoing healthcare, you should also be regularly treating them for parasites like fleas and worms.
Grooming
Grooming helps your dog to feel more comfortable as you trim their nails and remove excess loose fur, and it’s also a good opportunity for you to make yourself aware of any changes to skin or rashes, lumps, and bumps. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for you to spend quality time together.
Regular socializing
If you ensure that your dog is regularly socialized, it will enrich their lives because it will mean that they can enjoy contact with other dogs and humans.
It also makes your life easier because it means that your pooch is likely to better behave in public situations with other animals such as dog parks and that you won’t need to be worried if you need to leave your dog with someone else for any period of time.
Affection
Establishing an affectionate relationship is how you will get the most out of your dog. Be sure to spend time playing with them, brushing them, cuddling them, petting them, and giving them belly rubs, and you will soon have a strong bond.
Spaying and neutering
Spaying or neutering your dog is important for preventing unwanted puppies, which will have to be rehomed, but also for improving your dog’s behaviors. Un-neutered male dogs can do things like spray and become aggressive, whereas un-spayed female dogs will go into heat, making them become irritable, yowl and spray.
Getting to know your dog
Getting to know what behaviors are normal for your dog will allow you to quickly tell if something has changed and could indicate that your pet is in distress or unwell. This means that you can resolve the problem more quickly than if you didn’t understand this about them.