How to Help Your Dog Stay Healthy in 2020

Any dog owner will tell you that one of the most important things about their furry friend is ensuring they have a long and healthy life. That’s why it’s natural that, as a pet owner, you’ll want to take every step available to ensure your dog achieves this goal. That’s why we’ve outlined a few methods that will help keep your pooch fit as a fiddle this year.

Feed your dog the right food

We might sound like an old record at this point, but it is always important that your dog is eating the right foods. With your dog needing a regular supply of essential nutrients, proteins and vitamins to keep them in top condition, you must keep your dog eating foods that fit their dietary needs. For instance, a strong, healthy diet can help strengthen your dog’s immune system, maintain their intestinal health, increase their mental acuity, and keep their joints and muscles healthy. Luckily, our Meatiful Sausages are the perfect source of protein and nutrients, providing your hungry hound with all the essentials they need to stay healthy and happy.

Keep your dog’s teeth clean

Did you know that 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by age three? Yes, dental health is a regular problem for our furry friends, with dental diseases and other oral health issues causing your dog pain and making it difficult for him to eat. So, in addition to taking your pet to the vet for regular dental check-ups, make sure you regularly clean your dog’s teeth to prevent afflictions like these from happening. If you ever see any signs of dental disease, including yellow and brown tartar build-up along the gum line, be sure to take your dog to the vet immediately. If left untreated, dental health issues can lead to heart and kidney disease.

Provide regular exercise

Much like how humans will gain weight if they spend all day on the sofa, your dog will gain weight if he spends all day lounging around the house. So you must give your dog regular bouts of exercise every day. You won’t have time each day to go for a 5 mile run with your dog. But a quick walk outside and even some time playing with your pet will keep your pooch physically fit, mentally healthy, and can reduce the chance of destructive or unruly behaviour as well. Much like with their dietary needs, dogs have different exercise requirements depending on their size, breed and age. So make sure you learn your dog’s requirements so that you don’t exercise them too hard or too little.

Stay vigilant of ticks and fleas

Ticks and fleas; the bane of many a dog owners life. But as much as it is a pain to regularly check your dog for them, it’s important to remain vigilant, as ticks transmit disease and can give your dog all sorts of illnesses. You should always be especially sure that you check for ticks and fleas after a walk in long grass or woodland areas. Pay special attention to their face, eyes and inside their ears. You should always have a sealed container to place the tick into to dispose of safely. If you’d like to learn more about proper tick removal, you can find out here. 

Regularly groom your pet

In the same way that you usually have to do some grooming to keep yourself looking good, you should regularly give your furry friend the pamper treatment as well. Brushing your dog will not only get rid of any unwanted hair that might get trapped on your clothes or furniture, but it’s a good way of checking the health of their skin & coat. As well as being able to check for ticks and fleas, brushing will give you a chance to look for any bare spots where your dog has been scratching. This is a sign that you might need to take him to the vet for a check-up to rule out any conditions that might be affecting their skin & coat. You should also regularly trim your dog’s toenails too to prevent any breaks or infections.