How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy? 5 Ways

If you have a dog in your life, it may be your best friend. Your furry companion makes you smile and laugh.

A dog motivates you to go outside for a walk, shares your joy when you’re happy, and cheers you up when you’re sad. Plus, they are always ready for cuddles or to go on an adventure.

It’s normal for you to want to become your dog’s best friend as well, doing everything you can to make them happy and healthy.

Even though dogs can have expressive eyes and faces, they cannot tell us what they need, what they want, or when something is wrong with them. It’s up to us to get to know our pets to understand how we can fulfill their needs.

Would you like to know how to keep your dog happy and healthy? Here are a few simple tips to focus on:

1. Provide them with a nutritious diet

A nutritious diet will help keep your dog healthy, with a shiny coat, a healthy weight, and plenty of energy.

If your dog is overweight or suffers from gastrointestinal issues, the food you give them could be responsible, and you should speak with a veterinarian for advice and recommendations.

Your dog may need some supplements or dog food of better quality. Providing them with raw dog food could be a good idea, as it helps improve a dog’s dental hygiene and digestive health. Plus, it gives them relief from food allergies, stronger bones, and a fuller coat.

• Are Dogs Omnivores or Carnivores?

2. Make sure your dog gets some exercise every day

Just like humans, dogs need exercise daily to stay healthy. Depending on your dog’s breed and size, they might need a lot more exercise than you do, and you have to be aware of it.

Dogs who are bored, or not allowed to run and play to release their energy, can end up with anxiety or destructive behavior. So, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Take long walks together, take them hiking or jogging, or play fetch. You can also take your pet to a local dog park so that it gets to socialize and play with other dogs.

3. Be sure to stimulate your dog’s mind as well

Your dog’s mind needs some exercise as well. Dogs are intelligent animals, and they usually look to their owners to present them with fun activities and challenges that will stimulate them and keep them engaged.

Take your dog to a new place now and then. Find new games to play with them and teach them new tricks. Hide some of their treats in your home and make them search for them.

Build an obstacle course with cardboard boxes. Stimulating your dog’s mind will be as fun for you as it will be for them!

4. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly

Going to the vet might not make your dog happy, but it’s necessary to keep them healthy and prevent different health issues.

If your dog doesn’t have a regular veterinarian, you should look for a reliable one who takes the time necessary to explain what is going on with your beloved dog.

Visit them at least once a year for routine examinations or whenever you think your dog might be sick. With examinations and recommendations, vaccines, and regular dental care, your dog’s health is sure to improve.

5. Keep them clean and well-groomed

Regular grooming will help your dog look it’s very best. It’s also important for the dog’s health and well-being.

Ideally, you should bathe your dog at least once a month and carefully trim its nails. You should brush them at least once a week or daily if they have long hair.

You can give your dog a haircut yourself if you feel confident enough to do it. If not, you should take your pet to a professional dog groomer who will take good care of them. Think of it as a spa day for your dog!

6. Be attentive to possible signs of illness

You should always pay attention to your dog’s behavior so you can notice possible signs of illness.

Here are a few examples of what you should be looking for:

• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Bad breath
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Excessive thirst
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Anxiety

If something seems wrong with your dog, you should call the veterinarian as soon as possible.

7. Keep giving them love and affection

Finally, to keep your dog happy, you should never refrain from showing them how much you love them.

You share a special bond with your dog, and you can be sure they enjoy cuddling as much as you do.

Talk to them, play with them, take good care of them, and give them a lot of affection. The love you share should make both of you happier and healthier.