PxHere Image Source: Happy dog caught playing in the field
So you’ve got a dog – yay! Whether you’re a new dog owner or have always had these beauties, you should know that keeping them happy and healthy should be your main concern. As cute, fluffy and smiley as they may appear, don’t take that as a sign that they’re healthy. Dogs need check ups at the vets just like we need them at the doctors, to make sure our bodies are running how they should. There are many things that you may not when it comes to looking after your dog.
If you want to know what – keep on reading.
Super foods
There are certain foods out there that are exceptionally good for your dog. These things help keep your pup fit and healthy, preventing any future problems and improves their bodily functions. The best super foods are chicken, turkey, eggs, mackerel, yogurt, spinach, kale, sweet potato, carrots, apple, raspberries and blackberries. If you include a small portion of a few of these different foods every day, you will have one happy puppy.
Dangerous foods
Now you know the good foods, it’s important to know the bad ones too. Never let your dog get in contact with chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, caffeine, seeds, fruit pips, leeks, onions, alcohol or cooked bones. They can eat up becoming very sick, or even choking.
Eating alone
One way a lot of dog owners go wrong is giving their pup their food, and standing around watching or stroking them while they eat. Even if they do allow it, they don’t like it. Dogs prefer to eat in peace, not socially. You are the alpha because you’re the owner, right? So if you don’t leave them in peace to eat, they’ll be on the edge most likely waiting for you to steal their food off them. This means they may rush instead of taking their time, which isn’t any good for the digestive system.
Ticks and fleas
Ticks are horrible blood-sucking critters that fill themselves up on your dog’s blood and cause them quite a bit of grief. The same goes for fleas, but these reproduce 600 fleas within one month, leaving your dog totally infested with them. The best flea treatment for dogs can be from pills, spot on, creams and shampoos. Speak to your local vet and see what treatment they suggest is best for your dog.
Leave their bed
Your dog will want a warm and cuddly place to sleep in, and you need to make sure that you have everything that they’ll need like a bed, blanket and some teddys to snuggle with. Whatever you do though, don’t keep making your dog’s bed – even if it looks messy – that’s how they want it to look. You may see your dog circling the bed a few times before they get comfortable. This is just how we make our own beds. Mess with that, and they won’t want to rest there anymore.
Tammie~
Becky Kinard says
Great tips for taking care of our treasured pets. Very informative!