October Is Pet Wellness Month
We all want our canine companions to live long, happy, healthy lives. October is National Pet Wellness Month, a good time to remember the importance of regular wellness checkups and making healthy lifestyle choices for your precious pup.
There’s no better way to celebrate than by making sure you make positive choices that can help your dog live longer, have increased vitality, and thrive.
10 Tip for Dog Wellness
These ten tips will help you keep your pup healthy during National Pet Wellness Month and all year long.
1.Focus On Nutrition
Adequate nutrition keeps a dog fit and healthy and helps prevent many diseases.It's all about the ingredients in the food they get: high protein sources like chicken and eggs build muscle, and fruits and vegetables are natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are necessary for a well-functioning immune system.The old axiom "you are what you eat" applies to dogs as well as to humans, so choose a high quality food for your dog's optimum health. Talk to your vet and make sure your pup has the best diet for them.
2.Control Their Weight
Obesity in dogs can lead to problems like Cushing's disease to skin irritations, heart failure, cancer, and ligament and disc issues. An overweight pet has a decreased quality of life. Be sure your dog gets the proper nutrition, but be aware that a dog who's at a healthy weight will have more energy and better overall health. If you're worried that your dog is overweight, talk to your vet.
3.Get Enough Exercise
Exercise burns calories directly, but there's another benefit; it also can provide a boost to the metabolic rate that lasts for hours after the dog has stopped to rest.Regular exercise keeps the animal's muscles, tendons, and bones strong. It also provides a measure of mental stimulation.Spend some time exercising with your dog -- walking, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. It will do you both a world of good!
4.Don't Skip Dental Care
Check your pet's mouth -- gums should be a healthy, pink color and teeth should look clean without signs of brown tartar. Use a special dog toothbrush or piece of soft gauze, and massage the teeth or gums. Once your dog gets used to this, you will be able to brush their teeth two or three times weekly as part of a regular routine. If you see signs of oral disease, like inflamed gums, or notice loose teeth, it's time for professional help from your veterinarian.
5.Brush Their Fur
Regardless of the length of a dog's fur, regular brushing is great because it removes dead hair and distributes natural oils for a clean, healthy coat while stimulating the surface of the skin. It’s also an opportunity for you to become familiar with your pet's body, making it More likely that you'll notice any changes, like unusual growths or abnormalities, that need the attention of a veterinarian. Brush your pet every couple of days, and make it a pleasant time you share together.
6.Don't Overdo The Bathing
Bathing too frequently will dry out a dog's skin, so unless your companion has rolled in something smelly or gotten very dirty in some other way, a bath every two to four months should be sufficient if you're brushing your pet regularly.
7.Learn How To Take Care Of Nails
If you can hear the "click" as your dog crosses the floor, the nails are probably too long.Choose a pet nail clipper that feels comfortable in your hands and gives a clean line of sight to exactly where the blade is cutting. Less is more in this case, so don't clip too closely. Ask your groomer for tips if you don't feel confident.
8.Check And Clean Those Ears
Clean ears feel good to your dog and are important for preventing ear infections. Examining the outside of the ears also alerts you to the presence of wood ticks, fleas, or anything unusual.To clean your dog's ears, use a cotton ball, piece of gauze, or a baby wipe with an ear-cleaning solution -- water won't work because it evaporates too quickly.
9.Don't Go Overboard With Supplements
Reputable pet food manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure that their products contain the right proportion of vitamins and minerals, so adding more without first consulting your veterinarian might throw this delicate balance out of whack. Some fat soluble vitamins,A, D, E, and K, are not easily eliminated from the body and could build up to toxic levels.
10.Spend Quality Time With Your Dog
Happiness is an important component in your dog's overall wellness, so don't underestimate the benefit of spending time with your best canine friend.Left alone without companionship or mental stimulation, animals can become depressed, act out in destructive ways, or even become lethargic.Your pet is a family member. Interact with them -- talking, walking, playing together, stroking, and giving the affection and attention they so deserve. Your dog will benefit and reward you with unconditional love.
Are you making any healthy changes for your dog during National Pet Wellness Month? We would love to hear from you! Visit our “Social Media” link of choice and let us know what your doing? Thank you for visiting us. ~Legend Acres
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