We adore our fur babies and we want them to be healthy. But sometimes life gets in the way and we don’t take the care we should when it comes to man’s best friend.
Get back on track with these 8 tips for a healthier Fido.
1. Bowl Alert.
Dogs don’t mind much where they get their water from, but you should. Take a good look at that water bowl – is it fit to drink out of? Older plastic bowls may contain BPA that can leach into the water (especially if it sits for a while). Look instead for BPA-free plastic, (un-cracked) ceramic, or stainless steel to keep your dog’s thirst quenching from becoming toxic. And, while you’re bowl shopping, grab one to-go for long walks and hikes so they don’t have to turn to puddles.
2. K9 H₂O.
We probably don’t have to tell you that dogs need water to stay healthy, but the quality of the water makes a difference too. Do you know why dogs drink out of a toilet bowl? Convenient and cold, sure, but it may also be because water that sits for a while allows chemicals like chlorine to evaporate. Why not save your pup from this indignity…switch to filtered water in his bowl.
3. Raw, Raw, Sis, Boom, Bah.
We know there’s some debate around this, but done right, the raw diet for dogs can make a huge difference in their health. It mimics their natural (as in wild) diet as closely as possible and ensures they are getting plenty of nutrients (while skipping some of the scary stuff that passes for dog food these days). BUT (yes, that is in all caps), it has to be done right. So make sure you educate yourself before slopping some raw stuff into Fido’s dish.
4. Brusha-Brusha.
It’s not just so your canine’s canines can be pearly white. Regular dental brushing will help your dog avoid painful abscesses, difficulty chewing, gum disease and even depression. Did you know that up to 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease by the time they’re three? Get brushing and don’t forget that chew bones will also help keep those teeth healthy and sparkling. Ting!
5. Supplemental.
A healthy diet should give dogs everything they need, but sometimes there’s a need to supplement their diet. One of the most common and beneficial supplements is fish oil. Adding fish oil to your dog’s dinner will help keep the skin soft and the fur shiny and healthy. This is especially true in our dry winter months (or if you’re lucky enough to live in a dry, hot area). Just like humans, dogs may need a little something extra that their diet isn’t giving them.
6. Stimulation.
Dogs love to play, and play they should. Having play time with your pup every day is great for his health (and yours), but it’s more than that. Dogs like to be challenged and stay mentally stimulated as well. Continue to teach your dog new tricks, try new games or toys and give them a job to do. And, don’t forget a little social time at the local dog park. All of these activities help to keep your dog mentally, emotionally and physically fit.
7. Check-ups.
Regular (annual for most breeds) vet visits may seem unnecessary if you’ve got a healthy dog, but these visits will ensure that there isn’t anything creeping up that can be stopped before it becomes a big deal. Plus, these vet visits are a great time to check in on your dog’s weight which, when we see them every day, can change without notice.
8. Work it Out.
You know that dogs need to walk every day, and not just so they can do their business. Dogs need exercise, just like we do. It’s not just to help them maintain a healthy weight – exercise also helps their joint health, improves digestion, keeps up their appetite, decreases their desire to chew things (like those new runners) and reduces hyperactivity (which means less knocked over furniture). Most importantly, it’s time for you to bond, you know, with your best friend.
You may have noticed a little something in this list. A lot of this advice is advice we adhere to ourselves in our efforts to live in wellness. Now we get to extend that to our pouches and give them a healthier lifestyle too.
