Ideal for all the dog lovers out there.
With more than 89 million dogs across America and an estimated 26% of UK adults owning one, it’s safe to say that we’re a planet of animal lovers. If your beloved pooch has been with you for many years or if you’re thinking about adopting a dog, doing everything you can to ensure they have an excellent quality of life is essential.
To make 2024 your dog’s best year yet (well, this year needs to work for someone, right?) here are some simple measures that you can take to ensure your four-legged friend is happy and healthy in your home; our 7 tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy in 2024, IDEAL for all the dog lovers out there.
EXERCISE AND EXPLORE
Just like with human beings, in order for your dog to stay fit and active, it’s important that they get regular daily exercise. While we realise this can be tough right now, with the single daily allotted exercise slot for humans (has anyone even mentioned dogs?), it is imperative that you give your dog a run around each day to keep them fit.
To keep things within the law at this time, why not take your dog with you when you go for a run? And fortunately, there are lots of indoor activities that your dog can do which are fun for the owner too. Turning your dog into a workout partner can be a great way for both of you to get regular exercise.
PROVIDE A NUTRITIOUS, BALANCED DIET
The way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach, right? So, the first step you should take in keeping your dog happy and healthy is to provide them with a nutritious, balanced diet. The right nutrition plays a huge role in keeping your dog’s coat and skin healthy, so giving your pooch the right kinds of food is important. Plus, you can ensure healthier bowel movements and even reduce pooping with the right dog food – which means less clean up on your walks.
A popular trend that is gaining traction in this new decade is a raw dog food diet. Improved digestion, cleaner teeth, and better weight control are some of the physical benefits that your dog can gain from raw dog food. If you don’t know where to start or what a raw dog food diet entails, check out retailers like Bella and Duke, who are on a mission to change dog’s diets for the better.
MAINTAIN YOUR DOG’S WEIGHT
Even if your dog is eating a nutritious diet and getting plenty of exercise, it’s just as important to maintain your dog’s weight to ensure they stay at a healthy level. If your pooch weighs 10-20% more than their ideal body weight, this is a sign that they are overweight. Any more than 20% and your dog is considered obese.
Dogs that are obese can see their life span cut by 2 years, so it’s crucial that you keep a close eye on your dog’s weight and make lifestyle changes if necessary. Yep, this may well mean resisting those puppy dog eyes. This is so important, since obese dogs are also at a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and urinary bladder stones.
MAINTAIN YOUR DOG’S CONFIDENCE
Your furry friend has self-esteem just like you, so it’s important that you praise your dog when they’ve done you a solid, and give them encouragement for all sorts of other accomplishments, too. To do this effectively, your tone of voice is crucial when communicating with your pet. Your dog can understand the nuance in your intonation, so make sure you sound different when praising to when you’re giving a command.
We all want to show love and affection to our dogs, so make sure that you reward your pet for good behaviour. Although it can be difficult, it’s important to set out boundaries from the beginning, otherwise, they may misbehave. If your dog begins barking, whining, begging, or showing signs of aggression, it’s important that you nip it in the bud as quickly as possible.
Be alert to things that can cause your dog anxiety, too, like fireworks, changes to routine and being left home alone for extended periods. Ensuring you mitigate the causes of your dog’s anxiety is the best way to solve them.
SCHEDULE ROUTINE VET APPOINTMENTS
If you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s behaviour and need some peace of mind, regular veterinary appointments are important. The vet will be able to give your dog an overall health screening, as well as vaccinations that your pooch might need. For older dogs and puppies, it’s advised to visit your vet every six months. If you have an adult dog that is under the age of 10, seeing your vet once a year is recommended.
Many dogs are fearful about going to the vet, so there are numerous things that you can do to ensure the trip and appointment go smoothly. Playing with your dog or taking them for a walk before you head to the vet can help them feel calm and relaxed. Veterinary clinics are often very busy, so keeping your dog entertained and calm while in the waiting room is important.
ARRANGE REGULAR MASSAGES
Reducing stress levels, soothing joint pain, and improving circulation are some of the health benefits that your dog can receive from regular messages. A slow rub down that reaches your dog’s bones and muscle can do wonders for your dog’s overall health. What’s more, daily massages are known to prolong the quality and length of your canine’s life.
…AND REGULAR GROOMING
In addition to regular massages, it’s important that you brush your dog’s coat frequently to help keep it healthy and shiny. Doing so will also encourage good circulation and boost your dog’s self-esteem and mood. When grooming your dog, if you notice any new lumps, cysts, or bumps on the skin, make sure that you contact your veterinarian who will be able to assist you further. Itchy skin, redness, and scabs are also a cause of concern that should be addressed by your vet.
If you don’t have the money to shell out on a dog groomer, there are numerous dog grooming tips that you can use at home. Brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, as well as washing their face can all help to prevent infection and bacteria. To keep your dog smelling great, make sure that you factor in baths, however, the number of baths you give will depend on your dog’s coat and breed.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When bringing a dog into the home, we want to keep our four-legged friends happy and content from the get-go. Whether you’ve recently bought a puppy or you’re a long-term dog owner, there are lots of measures that you can take to ensure your dog is happy and healthy.