Top 5 healthy and happy ways to save your pooch from the blues!
The love of a dog is the purest thing in the world that leaves a paw-print-sized hole in your chest. He gives you unconditional love and trusts you like no one else. You mustn’t betray it and ruin the “pawfect” relationship.
Pets become an integral part of our lives instantly. They fill up the empty space with their cuteness and naught tricks and never fail to make us smile and laugh. Young or old, they make their parents feel needed and support them just by being there with innocent eyes and smushed faces.
This is why when you first brought your dog home, you vowed to take good care of it no matter what, and now that you’ve gotten busy with your job and daily routine, your doggie is craving for some love you gave him as soon as he walked through that door.
Therefore, the responsibility of keeping your dog who shares your home and heart happy and healthy ALL THE TIME falls on your shoulders. Here are some simple ways that ensure that your fur baby stays healthy throughout his lifetime and is delighted to share it with you. Let’s get started!
Pay them the attention they seek.
Dogs are clingy. They love to be around their parents every time, literally. And now that you are busy with work and other responsibilities, your furry friend might be feeling lonely and finding cues to strengthen the bond. So, it is really important for a dog parent to spoil their doggos with some cuddles and snuggles.
For instance, whenever you come back from work or a trip, make sure you give a long hug and let your fur baby sniff and kiss you for a while. Believe it or not, but as with people, little actions and gestures go a really long way with maintaining that “pawfect” relationship.
Meet your pup’s nutritional needs
Just like yourself, your pup also needs an adequate and balanced diet explicitly created to meet his nutritional needs. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that the food you offer your pup will determine his mood and, most importantly, health. So, take ample time to research what food and ingredients are best suited for his nutritional needs.
According to prominent veterinary experts, introducing a daily supplement in the diet and offering quality Dog snacks to your furry friend is one of the surefire ways to ensure a healthy and happy lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to keep your pet hydrated because regular freshwater intake ensures smooth functioning of the organs and flushes out toxins from his body.
Don’t ignore dental health.
Many parents ignore and overlook the importance of dental hygiene and health for their pets. And that can lead to bigger problems. Research shows that approx 70-80% of dogs over the age of three are suffering from severe dental diseases. According to the experts at the American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA, annual dental checkups at the age of one or two can actually save your furry friend from dental problems. These checkups allow the veterinarian to diagnose periodontal diseases and fractured teeth.
You’ll be surprised to know that these unattended periodontal diseases can further increase the growth of bacteria not only in the mouth but also into the other parts of your pet’s body. In fact, studies have proven that dogs with acute periodontal diseases tend to struggle with severe microscopic damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart. You don’t want that for your fur baby. Right?
Play-Play-Play
As mentioned before, your pet craves your attention and love whenever you are around. And the best way to bond with your doggo is to take some time and play with him. For this, you can play fetch with your furry friend and create a fun and entertaining environment for your doggo.
You can also introduce him to stimulation toys and treats so that he can play and keeps himself busy and entertained. But before you shop for those toys, make sure that those toys are the right ones and non-toxic for your dog. This is because dogs have different and individual preferences about toys. Not all dogs love to play with hard rubber balls, and not all enjoy squeakers. Therefore, look for what entertains your dog the best and don’t let him be bored. Experts also recommend stimulating and channeling your dog’s energy with the help of training sessions, exercises, and fun games.
Prioritise mental health
It isn’t surprising when we mention that every one in five adults in the United States is suffering from mental health conditions. But it would definitely be surprising if we tell you that humans aren’t the only ones who have to keep their mental health in check. Yes, you read that right. Mental issues in dogs and other pets are very much real and an alarming topic. Believe it or not, but those four-legged family members also show some clear signs of stress, anxiety, OCD, and depression.
This is because a recent study confirmed the fact that the dog’s brain is slightly similar to the human’s, especially where the emotions are concerned. According to the vets, just like humans, if your dog is having a hard time coping with mental conditions such as anxiety and depression, he might cause severe damage to his health and emotional well-being by harming himself, not exercising, and refusing to eat. And if your pooch is suffering from OCD, he will repeat his actions excessively.
So, unlike humans, your dog can’t speak for himself and can’t let you know that something is seriously wrong. But what you can do is look for the physical signs of distress and other mental health disorders and consult the vet who specializes in this field. Taking good care of your pet’s emotional needs is also a part of your role as a parent.
Final words,
Dogs are the cute little bundles of joy who walk the Earth and bring happiness to humankind. They love beyond limits and make their owners laugh whenever possible. Therefore, the least we can do to return the favor is ensure that they stay happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.