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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nRegular exercise is good for all dogs of any size; however,\nyou\u2019ll want to consider your dog’s age\nand physical fitness when deciding on the intensity and length of time you\nexercise. In general, walking your dog twice a day is a good rule to follow for\na healthy lifestyle. Swap out one walk\nfor a run with younger dogs who need more exercise or bring them to the dog\npark if you\u2019re not up for a run yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting your dog out twice a day will help cut back on\naccidents in the house, as well as tiring them out to prevent unwanted behavior like pillow ripping or couch chewing!\nPlus, while regular exercise is mandatory for your dog\u2019s health, it will also\nbenefit your own health and allow for bonding time between you and the pup! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut back on table food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It may not seem like a lot at the time, but frequent table scraps and treats are a huge factor in obesity in dogs. It is important to remember that dogs need significantly fewer calories a day than humans and that food doesn\u2019t affect them the same way it does us. For example, 1 oz of popcorn is 23% of a dog\u2019s daily calorie intake! Take a look at some other common table foods and the calorie impact they can have on your dog: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nMeasured meals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On the topic of calories, it is important to make sure that\nyour dog is getting the proper amount every day. Measuring out meals according\nto the activity, weight, and age of your dog will allow you to make sure your\ndog is eating the right amount each day. Your vet will be able to tell you how\nmuch to feed, or use an online pet\ncalorie calculator such as PetSci<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim for pearly whites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to dog healthcare and hygiene, teeth and gums\nare usually something that doesn\u2019t get as much attention as they should. We\nknow we should do it but unfortunately,\nit is just one of those things that fall through the cracks! This year make a\ncommitment to regularly brushing your dog\u2019s teeth to prevent inflamed or\nreceding gums, and to prevent periodontal (gum) disease. This can lead to tooth\nloss and can even spread to other organs that could cause illness. Best\npractice is to brush every day at home, and also make sure to have them\nprofessionally cleaned at least once a year by your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some quick tips to brushing your dog’s teeth daily:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Use a dog toothbrush or a veterinary recommended alternative<\/li>
- Be sure to use pet-safe toothpaste, NOT human toothpaste. Let your dog sample it <\/li>
- Lift the lip when brushing and brush in gentle motions over teeth and gums <\/li>
- Make sure you get the molars and canines way in the back<\/li>
- Always reward your pup after they\u2019ve brushed!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re unsuccessful\nwith brushing your dog’s teeth, consult your vet for other options. They will be able\nto suggest plaque-preventive products\nthat you can use instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep health and safety up to date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make a vet appointment to make sure your dog is up-to-date\non all their shots and that they are overall in good health. This is also a\ngood time to ask about calorie intake, what products to use when brushing their\nteeth, and if you are exercising enough. The beginning of the year is also a\ngood time to make sure your dog\u2019s tags are up to date. You might also want to\nthink about getting your pup microchipped\nif you haven\u2019t already. Microchipping is a tiny little chip that is inserted\nunder your dog\u2019s skin. Any vet can scan it and it will pull up your contact\ninformation in the case that your dogs get\nlost, stolen, or hurt when you are not around. So even if they lose their\ncollar, they will still have identification on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keeping your dog healthy is part of your responsibility as a\npet owner, and boy can it be rewarding! The healthier they are, the happier\nthey are and the longer they will live. With that being said, we hope this post\nhelps bring great health to you and your furry best friend in 2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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