Better Dog Health: The Don’ts in Focus

There are certain things you should remember not to do if you want to keep your pet dog happy and healthy. Read this article and see the twelve don’ts.

Whenever Jordan Walker sees a pet dog, he’s reminded how man is so lucky to have been given the gift of a true friend. This passion can be easily seen in his written works for Coops And Cages and in other blogs like this one. In this article, he will be telling you something about the things you should never do to achieve better dog health.

Having a dog entails taking better care of its health. Why? Unhealthy dogs are unhappy, lack energy, could suffer from serious illnesses, and may not be adequately equipped to handle common emotional stress. Surely, you would not want your canine pal to suffer from these kinds of problems. To help you better take care of it, here are some tips that will allow you to have a happier and healthier four-legged companion.

12 Ways To Make Dogs Healthier

1. Don’t give in to its food cravings. One of the main problems that affect dogs nowadays is obesity. Yes, it’s true. A fat dog could look adorable on the outside. What’s happening on the inside of its body could be another matter though. Obesity is a silent killer that could make your pet suffer from serious illnesses such as diabetes, decreased liver function, heart conditions, and digestive disorders. So even when your pet is begging for food with its twinkling eyes, restrain yourself from giving it more than its recommended intake.
2. Don’t let it eat unhealthy foods. Just like overfeeding, food choice is also crucial to canine health. This very important especially when opting to feed pet dog with human food. Table scraps are considered okay for dogs to eat just as long as you choose carefully what should be included in its bowl. Refrain from serving portions that are loaded with fat, salt, and sugar.
3. Don’t forget to visit the vet. Even when your dog is looking and acting at its best, visit your vet for its regular check-up still. Consider this a precautionary measure just in case you may have missed out on something such as bad teeth.
4. Don’t let it go without water. Hydration is very important for a healthier pet dog especially in the warmer days. Remember that they cool themselves downthrough panting and regular urination will furthermore aid them do so. Make sure that you always have a bowl filled with water so that it can readily get its needed supply when it feels thirsty.
5. Don’t let it get used to being inactive. Exercise your dog by walking this around the neighborhood. This will let it blow its excess energy, which could, in turn, make it calmer during the day. Exercise also builds its muscles, strengthens its circulatory system, and helps maintain a healthier weight.
6. Don’t just rely on the processed dog food hype. Labels will tell you that commercial dog food is the ultimate canine diet. But these are not always made equal. Ever wondered why some are classified as low quality and high quality dog food? Because the ingredients used in these vary. Those that contain higher amounts of protein tend to be more expensive. Commercial pet foods have recently been put on the spotlight because of contamination, cancerous agents, and has been linked to obesity problems. You may be better off feeding your pet dog with healthy human food instead.
7. Don’t let pet dog be untidy. Grooming is not just so that your furry friend will look good. It will also keep your pet from getting some common pet health problems like tick infestation, allergy, and ear wax build-up. Make it a point to bathe your dog with water and shampoo. If this has flea and tick problems, use natural remedies instead of commercial shampoos to prevent it from accidental ingestion of poisonous chemicals. If you have extra money, bring this to a pet spa for the total grooming experience.
8. Don’t get it the wrong toys. Play toys for dogs are essential since these can foster independence. These will keep them entertained when owners are away for work. But some common dog toys can be considered risky for their health. For example, balls that are too small for your pet dog breed’s type could potentially become a choking hazard for it. Stuffed toys poses the type of risk when the buttons in these are accidentally swallowed by a pet dog.
9. Don’t vaccinate without proper information. Why do you think vets recommend vaccinating pets? It’s a business that gives them extra cash in their wallets. Although not all veterinarians are such, just to be safe, research the recommended vaccine shots before letting one be administered to your pet. Have your dog undergo a series of physical exams to see if the vaccine shot will not have adverse effects on illnesses that it might already have.
10. Don’t overdose on vitamins. Vitamins are great for pet dogs too just like these are considered healthy for you. But too much on certain types is also considered unhealthy. For example, excessive intake of vitamins A and D can lead to toxicity. Too much vitamin A can lead to liver damage while vitamin D could make you dog suffer from internal bleeding. For its needed nutrients, opt for healthier food options instead of overdosing on supplements unless required by your veterinarian.
11. Don’t let it be an anti-social. Emotional well-being is also part of being healthy. It makes your pet happier with its current disposition. To make it even happier, you also need to expose your pet to other dogs. Now, training may be needed in order for it to get used to being with other canine pals. But once they do get used to it, they should be able to play with them too. Where to meet other pet dogs? See the nearest park. There should be one or two accompanied by their own human parents.
12. Don’t practice veterinary medicine out of whim. When your pet shows any sign of serious symptom such as diarrhea or strong allergic reaction, never attempt to give it any form of medicine. You do not have the right qualification to impose necessary treatment. Visit the vet if you suspect that your pet dog is currently ill.

Conclusion

Your pet dog’s health depends upon your ability to have the commitment to keep it healthy. But having gotten one in the first place is an understanding that you are ready to provide its needsand implement certain practices to ensure that this remains happy and healthy for the most part of its life. Is your dog showing any signs of being unhealthy such as lack of energy, obesity, or unhealthy skin? Why not start by following the don’ts mentioned above?