May 16th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Our pups quickly become part of our family, and it is completely understandable that you want them to live a long and happy life so it's important to look after their well-being. In this blog, we will discuss our top tips for keeping your pooch happy, healthy and thriving!

Learn about nutrition for dogs.

Just like when you prepare meals for yourself you want to eat something that is both delicious and nutrient-rich well the same goes for your pooch! Although it may seem easy – just give them a tin of dog food and you’re all set. Well, this isn’t always the case –just like people all have different needs dogs are the same too, different breeds, different ages or health needs can dictate what you should be feeding your pup. We recommend taking time to research nutrient requirements for your breed and altering their diet as needed also mix it up every now and then too – after all no one wants to eat the same meal day in and day out!

Treats in Moderation

It is very important to also be careful with how often you treat your pup – everything in moderation! We know it can be tempting to pamper your pooch with lots of treats after all they are so cute who can resist? However, too many treats can lead to weight gain which can lead to a whole range of health issues from joint pain, to heart disease or diabetes. Try to reduce the number of treats you give your pooch, and swap out unhealthy treats and snacks for something that is more nutritionally beneficial for them. It is also important to not feed dogs scraps of your own food; human food is often not as nutritional and it can encourage bad eating habits which can lead to weight gain. This of course doesn’t mean no treats at all so be sure to keep rewarding your pup for good behaviour, especially during training!

Regular walks

As well as nutrition it is also important that your pup is receiving regular walks – this is part and parcel of dog ownership and is an essential part of any dog owner's routine. It is recommended to walk your dog at least twice a day – the length of these walks will depend entirely on the breed and how old your dog is. Walking your dog is such an important part of your pet’s routine as it helps with joint movement, circulation and muscle tone. It also encourages socialisation between other dogs and is one of the most effective ways to keep your pup’s weight under control.

Exercise

We also recommend including other types of exercise in your dog’s routine especially for large-breed dogs with lots of energy to burn. Exercise helps with weight control, mental health, arthritis and allergies and it can also help with diabetes and heart disease. Exercise for your dog should be fun for both of you! If you have a large yard or lots of open space where you can run around together that would be great but if not, there are ways to get them active indoors too! Here are some ideas:

Play tug-of-war games with them (it's a great exercise for their jaw muscles which they use when they chew)

Fetch is also a great game to play with your dog and can be done indoors or outdoors

Great obstacle course – if you have enough room in your yard you can use items from around your home to make an obstacle course for your pup – this will exercise both body and mind!

Keep Toe Nails Trimmed

Keeping your dog's toenails short is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Long nails can get caught in carpet or furniture, and they may cause discomfort for your pet. If you do not trim them regularly, the quick (the vein that runs through the nail) can become exposed and painful for your dog.

Also, keep in mind that if you have a puppy or young dog who has never had their nails trimmed before, this process may take some time before they're used to it! It can be easier if you start when they're young so they'll grow accustomed to having their feet handled regularly from an early age. If you have an older dog and struggle with cutting their nails then you should make regular trips to the groomers to keep nails under control.

Check Your Dog's Teeth Regularly

You should make checking and brushing your dog’s teeth a part of their routine. This is important because if you do not keep their teeth clean, they can become infected or fall out. Poor dental care can also lead to bad breath and gum disease. Brushing teeth can be tricky at first, so you should get your dog used to having their teeth brushed from a young age.

When brushing dogs’ teeth, you should not use human toothpaste as this can be toxic to dogs instead you should purchase a special enzymatic dog toothpaste – you can get a special toothbrush for your dogs that can be placed over the finger and this makes it much easier to get into the backs teeth – you can also use dental snacks in between cleaning to keep plaque at bay.

Treat Fleas Regularly

Fleas can be a nightmare for both you and your pup, these dark brown, oval-shaped pests are hard to spot and notoriously hard to get rid of due to the alarmingly quick rate at that they lay eggs. You should use regular flea treatments – these can usually be purchased from pet stores or directly from your vet. Fleas can cause anaemia in dogs and can also carry diseases so it is important to treat them quickly and keeping up with regular treatment will prevent them from coming back.  

Regularly Worm Your Dog

Just like fleas, worms can be a nightmare for you and your pup. There are many different kinds of worms and they can cause discomfort for your dog and in some serious cases can also result in illness, disease and even death. Symptoms of worms are not always obvious and even a seemingly healthy dog could be carrying worms. So, it is crucial that you keep up with regular worm treatments. This can be done by the vet or you at home – speaking with your vet and they will recommend the best product to use for your dog’s age and weight.

Keep their Mind Sharp

Dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise in order to keep their minds sharp and keep cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is a neurodivergent disease similar to Alzheimer’s at bay. Food puzzles, playing games such as hide and seek and socialising with people and other dogs are great ways to do this.

Keep Them Away from Harmful Plants

Dogs are curious and adventurous by nature, they like to sniff and they are not fussy about rolling or ingesting anything they find on the floor. This is why it is important when walking your pet out and about or letting them roam in your garden to keep them away from plants that can be harmful to them. Many everyday garden and house plants can be harmful to your dog, so when choosing to decorate your home or garden do some research first to make sure that they will not harm your pup. Here are some common plants to avoid:

· Lilies

· Daffodils

· Hyacinths

· Aloe Vera

· Azaleas

· Tulips

This is just the tip of the iceberg for taking care of your furry friend and ensuring they have a great quality of life – there are many other things such as checking for lumps and bumps, cleaning bedding frequently and of course taking them for annual check-ups too. We hope that this blog was helpful and gave you some ideas on keeping your pup healthy and happy!