If you are like most people concerned about their health, you should not place it on the back burner. The same goes for our dogs that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Dogs, like humans, need to adopt healthy behaviors to live a long and enjoyable life. Your poor lifestyle choices may rub off on your canine companion. Human health and dog health are compatible in many ways. Here are some health improvement solutions to kick on the New Year!
Exercise
Develop a realistic and straightforward exercise plan that incorporates your pet. A walk around the neighborhood or the local park are great places to begin. Your dog’s quality of life will improve drastically from a simple exercise. Routine physical activity is fantastic for an emotional lift or blowing off steam after a stressful day. Reach for your dog’s leash instead of the remote. Regular exercise will help both of you maintain a healthy weight. If you do not have a fenced-in yard to take advantage of the beautiful weather at home, consider an in-ground electric pet fence from Contained K9. They are a local company that installs electric pet fences to help contain your dog in your yard! Give them plenty of freedom to run around the grass and enjoy the outdoors in a safe manner.
Proper Nutrition
An exercise plan needs to be complemented by great eating habits. The occasional treat for yourself and Daisy is okay, but it needs to be in moderation. Choose quick bites infused with nutritional or medicinal ingredients whenever possible. Superfood snacks for you and dog treats with CBD for Daisy doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
A dog’s diet can be very similar to ours. Healthy proteins, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lots of water should be staples. Look for high-quality dog food and avoid overfeeding yourself and your pet! Read your labels, and avoid products that have a lot of extra junk in them. The same goes for your food. Try to purchase food as close to its natural state as possible. Pre-prepared food from a can or a box is usually bad news. You should look at raw dog food from Nutriment as an alternative, these are very close to natural food, with some additives for complete nutrition.
Oral Care
Dogs and humans can develop a lot of undesired problems from neglected teeth and gums. Bad breath, tooth loss, bacteria, and painful chewing are just some of the side effects. A regular trip to the dentist or veterinarian removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Humans and dogs should get their teeth cleaned every six months.
Poor oral health may increase the risk of severe health problems including heart attacks, strokes, and difficulty controlling diabetes. Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem strange, but one whiff of doggy breath will change your mind for good! Keep dental floss and a brush at your desk at work, and create a habit of freshening up after each meal.
Pain Management
Listen to pain signals from your body and always err on the side of caution. If you have a feeling something is out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Dogs are more challenging as they too often suffer in silence. With indirect evidence of pain, you must rely on your intuition and observe your dog carefully.
Some cues can let you know that your dog is experiencing pain. Some examples include becoming more inactive, reacting negatively to touch, and not wanting to climb up the stairs. At your local vet, inquire about pain management that is provided for your dog, including the pros and cons of any medication that is recommended.
Human health and dog health both need to be taken seriously. These solutions are easy to execute and can provide a path to a happier and healthier lifestyle for you and your dog.