Raising a Puppy? 4 Tips for Healthy, Happy Dogs

In addition to being incredible additions to the family, dogs also require a lot of work. They need everything from leash training, healthy diets, to daily walks. For example, did you know that many dogs kept as pets suffer from malnutrition and obesity? In addition, behavior problems such as aggression, barking and chewing or tearing furniture are related to not getting enough exercise.
These problems affect the quality of life, behavior, energy levels and even the longevity of your pet. If you want to make sure that your new family member is as healthy and happy as possible, you should take additional steps to care for your dog.
Developing good habits, socializing your dog and being aware of your diet will help you care for a healthy dog ​​that is comfortable until old age. We have compiled 4 keys to raise a puppy that all dog owners should know.
4 necessities for raising a puppy
Make Regular Visits to the Vet
No matter what breed or age your dog is, regular vet checkups can be life-saving. You probably already know that your dog has to go regularly, but how often depends on their age, medical history, and size.
Here's a general schedule based on age:
0-4 months - every 3 weeks. Your puppy will receive important vaccines against rabies, distemper and parvo, in addition to the prevention of Lyme disease, kennel cough and other health problems.

4-12 months, every 2-3 months. Here, your veterinarian will make sure your puppy grows well and shows no signs of health problems. If that is recommended for your area, your veterinarian will start a heartworm and potato chip prevention program, and your puppy will probably be spayed or neutered.

1-7 years: every year, most dog breeds are considered adults. If you have a large breed of dog, you may have to wait 6 to 12 more months to reach this stage. Your dog should go to the veterinarian for an annual examination, even if he is not sick. They should receive injections of parvo distemper and recall against rabies during the first annual visit, then every 1 to 3 years depending on local laws. Your veterinarian will also recommend changes in diet, additional tests, and heartworm and a deworming program based on your dog and your area.

7 years and over: after 7 years, most dogs are elderly and will require additional care. You should take your dog to the vet at least twice a year, and be especially aware of any changes in behavior that may indicate health problems, such as a change in water consumption.

Prevention is better than a cure for dogs and humans. Do not wait until your dog is sick to invest in preventive measures like vaccination and deworming.

A tip: ask your veterinarian for natural treatments to prevent allergies and cough from the kennel to the vet, and talk about treats and nutritious snacks to keep them healthy.
Invest in Behavioral Training
When you think about the health of your dog, it is common to immediately jump to physical health. However, mental health is so important to your dog. A study by Animal Cognition showed that dogs can feel the emotions of humans, and when exposed to the sweat produced by a fearful human, the dogs showed more signs of distress and sought more comfort from their dogs. owners Alternatively, when exposed to happy human smell samples, dogs were more willing to interact with strangers and, in general, were friendlier.

Training plays an important role in keeping your dog safe and social. A well-trained dog is usually more committed and less bored with its surroundings. The training allows your dog to learn to react in different situations and helps them to stay calm and friendly despite all the triggers as a fearful human nearby.

A well-trained dog is also generally safer because it can tell you to sit instead of crossing the street, teach your dog not to enter dangerous areas and adopt good habits (such as walking) that will improve the health of your dog. the years to come.
Promote a Healthy Diet
Obesity and nutrient deficiency are among the most common health problems in domestic dogs. These problems affect the quality of life and longevity of your dog, but it is an easy solution. Combine quality foods with portion control and an occasional snack, and you'll have a healthy dog.

Do not assume that cheap dog food provides the nutrition your dog needs. Most store-brand dog foods are composed primarily of flour and water with additional nutrients and flavors. These can eventually lead to malnutrition, dental caries, gastrointestinal problems and obesity.

You do not have to choose totally organic or raw meat diets because there is not enough evidence to prove that these foods are good for your dog. Instead, you should invest in high quality dog ​​food with a high percentage of meat. For example, you can feed your dog high quality canned foods, supplemented with quality kibble, and have a healthy dog. Avoid human food because most of the seasonings used are not good for your dogs.

Do not leave the food all day. Puppies should feed 3 to 4 times a day, but adult dogs should only feed twice a day. If you leave your food too long, some dogs tend to overeat, which will eventually lead to weight gain and obesity.

Tip: Pay attention to the snacks you give your dog. Most dog treats are as good as human candies. Instead, opt for nutritious alternatives that your dogs will love so much. For example, dogs 6 months and older can have raw honey for dogs, and not only love them, but they are also excellent for general health, digestion and allergies.

Finally, clean water is an important part of a healthy diet. Clean your dog's water dish and replace it daily, making sure it is always full. To prevent bacteria and tooth decay, place your dog's water away from your plate of food.
Exercise (A Lot)
Dogs need a lot of exercise. No matter the age or race, your dog has a lot of energy. Most dogs, even small ones, can enjoy approximately two hours of walking a day.

Although it is essential to pay attention to their environment (for example, no dog will benefit if forced to run in the middle of the day when it is very hot), dogs need to exercise. If you can plan four 30-minute walks each day, you give your dog the best chance to be healthy, happy and well adapted to live in a house.

Having a dog is a lot of work, but after you and your dog accumulate good habits, it will be much easier to live healthy for both. By taking small steps to keep your dog healthy, he will make sure that his new best friend lives as much as possible.

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