Easy Tips to Help Keep Your Dog Healthy

If you’re lucky enough to own a dog, then you know just how much joy they can bring into a family’s life. They make such great family pets; they’re loyal, loving and everything you’d expect from an animal that’s often called ‘man’s best friend’. But dogs are also a big commitment. They need regular exercise, lots of love as well as regular health-checks at the vet. Vaccinations and booster shots can be quite costly. And this doesn’t factor in any extra expenses, should your dog experience any unforeseen health issues.

Investing in a pet insurance plan is always a wise move, as this can help to protect you financially in the long-term. However, there are other things you can do to help ensure that your dog stays fit and healthy for as long as possible. Of course, there are some things that simply are out of your control. But you can help to limit some of the risks simply by being a responsible dog owner. So, follow our easy tips and this should help ensure that any visits to the vet are few and far between.

Chew Toys and Dental Sticks

There are lots of these on the market right now, and they’re really effective at helping to keep a dog’s teeth nice and healthy. Infections and plaque build-up is a very common problem in dogs. You can buy specially designed toothpastes to help combat the problem. But encouraging your dog to chew on dental sticks and rawhide treats is also just as effective. If your dog is particularly young it can help to discourage them from chewing on furniture and anything else they’re not supposed to! However, be sure only to buy rawhide treats from a reputable supplier. It’s important to know what they contain, as there’s evidence to suggest that some brands can be harmful to dogs.

Regular Grooming

Issues such as fleas, ticks and worms are another common problem in dogs. Regular bathing and grooming can help you to identify any rashes, infestations or skin problems that may need the attention of a vet. Brushing your dog daily also helps to remove any dead skin and also presents a great opportunity to bond with your pet. Soft and shiny dog coats are a good indication that the animal is in good health. So if your dog’s coat is looking a bit lackluster, it’s time to get the grooming brush out.

Frequently Check Their Ears

Certain dog breeds are more prone to infections and other ear-related problems. This is a particularly common problem in some breeds of spaniel. Their ears often hang low to the ground, and they can pick up all kinds of dirt and mites when on their walks. So, it’s essential that you check your dog’s ears as regularly as possible. Look for any signs of tenderness or swelling. You can help to prevent such problems from occurring by investing in some canine-friendly ear-cleaning solution.

So, just follow our simple tips to help ensure that your family can enjoy all of the fun of having a dog for many years to come.