Dogs are one of the most common pets in the US. We love our dogs, and we want them to live a healthy and happy life, but do we know exactly how to do that? Just like raising a child, it’s better to know what you’re expecting when you’re adopting a pet.
It’s estimated that more than 60 million households in the US own a dog. At this point, we include dogs as part of our family, and we love them to death. However, many experts believe that many
fur parents go into owning a dog without doing much research. So the first step of this research is looking into what’s healthy to eat for your pet.
The Right Dog Food
You must look into what kind of diet that your dog can have. Different breeds might have different reactions to a variety of food. Additionally, some dogs are born with certain disorders that might affect their diet. But you can never go wrong with giving your dog food that’s grain-free. Many studies have found that grain-free dog food can help aid with the digestive system of your lovely pet, and most tend to use quality ingredients. So try this diet out for your dog.
Protein-based Diet
If you’re planning to train your dog intensively or help them build muscles, then a protein-based diet can help them achieve this. Dogs get protein from all sorts of food, and some dog food even contains a lot of protein. Of course, if you want, you can always give your dog raw meat such as venison, beef, and turkey. But don’t give them too much.
A protein-based diet can certainly help your dog build the muscles and resistance they need for intense training. Overall, they are a great choice for heavy breeds, such as golden retrievers and pitbull terriers.
Foods to Avoid
You must know what kind of food you should avoid for your dog as well. Here are some of them:
- Chocolate
- Onion and Garlic
- Corn
- Macadamia Nuts
- Avocado
- Grapes and Raisin
There’s a low chance that your dog might die from eating these, but if they consume too much, it might be very harmful to your dog. So, now that you know all about food for your dogs, it’s time to create a lifestyle perfect for them.
A Tired Dog Is a Happy Dog
You might have heard of this saying a couple of times, and we like to say that we agree with it. Dogs are very active creatures, regardless of their breed. However, they are also very social as well, and they communicate through their waste. This is why taking your dogs out for walks as much as you can make a difference in their life.
If you don’t have the time for it, you can always hire someone else to do it for you. Additionally, a single fifteen-minute walk should be enough for your dog if you want to do it yourself. It won’t tire them out, but at least they’ll be satisfied.
So if you see your dog restless and uneasy, take them out for a walk or play with them. That should leave them satisfied for a while and stop them from growing obese.
Grooming
Some dog breeds can turn out to be very hairy. These breeds include the chow chow, poodle, shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier, and more. It’s good to have some hair on your dog, but too much can lead to ticks and other pests.
It’s important to get these dogs groomed as much as you can. If you notice ticks on your dog, get them to a vet to get them treated. Your vet might also offer grooming services that can help service your dog. Additionally, it’s important to get your dog groomed before summer. Dogs can have heatstrokes, which can be deadly. Hairy dogs are more susceptible to this, especially if their hair is long. Make sure to give your dog the grooming they need so this doesn’t happen.
Visit the Vet Once a Year
Lastly, you should visit the vet at least once a year. Proactive checkups can help your dog avoid any serious diseases. Furthermore, the vet can monitor the health of your lovely pet. They might give you some suggestions when it comes to diet and activity. Moreover, a vet can give you vitamins and supplements to ensure that your dog stays healthy for the rest of its life.
Keep your dog healthy and live a happy life. It shouldn’t take too much of your time to do these things, as long as you schedule them.
