6 Facts Your Vet Wished You Knew About Keeping Your Dog Healthy

All pet parents only want the very best for their four-legged friends. But even with the best intentions, owners can make mistakes that have negative impacts on their dog’s wellbeing. Keeping dogs healthy and happy is not always as straightforward as we think. By making sure to adhere to a few basic rules, you can keep your dog in the best physical shape and even prolong his life expectancy.

#1 Slim dogs are healthy dogs

All dogs love food, and owners enjoy showing their love through treats. This is not always in your dog’s best interest!

Nearly half of all dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Being too heavy puts your pet at risk of diabetes, heart disease, back pain and joint problems as well as premature death.

Instead of expressing your affection through food, you can show your dog you love him in a variety of other ways. How about taking him to an agility class or for a long walk? You can also teach him a new trick or have a doggy playdate.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will make a huge impact on his life and wellbeing - it is one of the best things you can do for him!

#2 HOME-COOKED DIETS ARE NOT ALWAYS HEALTHY

Staying on the topic of food, you should probably not try to cook your dog’s food at home. Dogs have very different nutritional needs than humans. While chicken, rice and broccoli is a great meal for us humans, it cannot make up your dog’s complete diet!

Dogs need fewer carbohydrates and more protein than humans. They also require nutrients found in organ meat - not just muscle meat. Creating a balanced and healthy diet for your dog from scratch is an involved task. Unless you are aware of the nutrients your dog needs as well as his caloric needs, stick to store-bought dog food.

#3 Changes in behavior can be first signs of illness

Dogs are tough and often only let us know they are unwell if they are already in a lot of pain. Fortunately we can pick up on potential diseases early by observing the dog’s general behavior. If you notice any changes in your dog’s demeanor, it is always best to have him checked out by your vet. 

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Being picker than usual with eating

Not showing enthusiasm for walks or playtime

Changes in greeting behavior (for example, instead of running to say hi when you come home from work, your dog does not even get up)

Being less excited than usual (this also applies to unwanted behaviors - such as suddenly stopping to chase the cat!)

The Bottom Line

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This also holds true when it comes to our dogs’ health. 

Being a proactive and observant dog owner is the best (and least expensive!) way to ensure a long and healthy life for your pup. Many health conditions can be avoided by keeping your dog at a normal weight, feeding him a balanced diet, trimming his nails, keeping him from ingesting inappropriate objects, spaying/neutering and providing adequate exercise. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes in behavior and have your pup checked out by a vet if these occur.

The earlier possible issues are diagnosed, the faster they can be treated.