5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Your dog is a member of your family and you want to keep it in your life as long as possible. Just like humans, dogs can develop several health issues throughout their lives. However, if you take the proper steps to improve your furry family member's health, it may have a longer life.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog healthy.

Feed Your Dog a Nutritious Diet

If your dog consumes a balanced diet, it may have fewer health issues and live longer. Ideally, you will want to feed your furry family member food that contains the right amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. If you are unsure of what type of food to give your dog, ask your veterinarian for advice. Additionally, make sure that your dog has access to fresh water throughout the day.

Do not Neglect Your Dog's Teeth

Dogs can accumulate plaque and tartar on their teeth just like humans. If it is not addressed, your dog can develop gum disease tooth decay, and other problems. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your furry family member's teeth. If your dog is prone to developing plaque, you may want to schedule professional cleanings at your veterinarian's office.

Take Your Dog on Daily Walks

Your dog will never object to taking a walk around the neighborhood every day. Daily walks will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and use some of its pent-up energy.

Schedule Annual Veterinary Checkups

Even if your dog seems fairly healthy, you should still take it to see a veterinarian once a year. A veterinarian will perform a physical exam to check for issues that you may have not noticed. If your veterinarian detects a health issue, he or she can recommend the appropriate treatment. The sooner a health problem is found, the easier it is to treat.

Check Your Dog's Skin Regularly

Since your dog can't tell you when it has a skin condition, you should examine its skin from time to time. As you're performing an examination, check for abnormalities, like red spots, flakiness, or bleeding. If you detect anything suspicious, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.

By following these tips, you can keep your furry family member happy and healthy. If it has been more than a year since your dog's last checkup, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. 


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