Having dogs as our best friends is not always a walk in the park. As pet parents, we often worry if they are as happy and healthy as they can be.

Our dogs are more than just pets; they’re members of our family. It’s not very complicated to keep them happy and healthy if we take care of the basics. Scheduling timely check-ups and getting them vaccinated on time are a start. Keeping our dogs in good shape is better than treating a health problem after it develops.

Here, we share 7 paws-itively doable tips to make sure your dog is healthy so you can enjoy many happy years together.

1. Keep them active with regular exercise

Proper diet coupled with exercise are two of the best ways to help your dog maintain proper weight. Dogs will not usually say no to food. Keeping your dogs active helps prevent medical issues like diabetes, thyroid, and joint problems.

Dogs are a big ball of energy and exercise prevents them from becoming bored, which can sometimes lead to behavioral problems like excessive licking, barking, chewing, and digging.

Both in dogs and hoomans, exercise boosts the production of endorphins, a.k.a. ‘happy hormones.’ Not only does exercise keep your dog fit but it also improves their mood. Help your dog stay in shape by taking them for regular walks and staying fit through other forms of exercise.

Swimming, for example, is an excellent exercise for dogs who have joint or weight issues. Swimming in warm water is therapeutic for dogs recovering from surgery or injury. It helps the recovery process by strengthening joints.

When exercising, don’t forget to account for your dog’s size, breed, and age.

2. Make sure they are hydrated

Dogs need adequate water intake to stay healthy. Water helps them absorb nutrients more efficiently and regulate digestion and body temperature. Keeping an eye on your dog’s water consumption is vital to prevent dehydration.

There are plenty of ways to encourage your dog to stay hydrated, like providing more water bowls, setting up a dog fountain, or adding water in their food. Considering your dog’s water preference makes a ton of difference too!

Make it a habit to give your dog access to clean water 24/7. Keeping them hydrated prevents kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and other health issues.

3. Take care of their teeth and gums

Like humans, dogs benefit from dental care as well. Our furry best friend actually has a third more teeth than we do (42 permanent teeth for adult dogs!). Each should be clean, free of plaque and tartar.

The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s dental health is to check their teeth regularly and be aware of signs or symptoms. One of the most straightforward indicators that something is wrong with their dental health is consistently bad breath (halitosis). Your dog’s breath may not always be fresh, but it also shouldn’t be bad enough to make you gag.

It’s ideal to brush your dog’s teeth at least twice daily to prevent periodontal disease. This usually starts with gingivitis caused by plaque; if left untreated, it can lead to painful tooth loss. Once brushing becomes a part of your dog’s daily routine, they will begin to expect and enjoy it.

Regular check-ups are recommended to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. Make brushing a positive experience and give your dog reassurance, especially when they get nervous!

4. Don’t forget playtime

Playing with your dogs is fun for both of you. Luckily, it also comes with plenty of health benefits for them. Playtime keeps them active, keeping their organs healthy and lubricating their joints. It’s also a fun way for your dog to release all that pent-up energy.

Apart from strengthening your bond, playtime also keeps your dog mentally healthy. Like some of us, dogs get bored quickly, so adding in a few brief games is a tried-and-true way to ensure your dog gets a nice mental workout each day. Playing with your dog stimulates their brain in different ways; for example, interactive games like fetching help build their focus and discipline.

5. Proper diet

Just like us hoomans, eating right is essential to maintaining good health. The same goes for our dogs. While they are not picky, this doesn’t mean we can be careless with what we feed them.

Always freshly sourced from Canada, our pet food like Loveabowl Chicken and Atlantic Lobster is a superb source of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids. Enriched with fridge free probiotics (for a healthy gut) and 7 kinds of superfoods like blueberries (antioxidant – fight aging & cancer), cranberries (UTI), pumpkin (digestion), spinach (protect GI from inflammation), lentils (enhance energy), kelp (reduce skin inflammation), and peppermint (fresher breath). 

Suitable for active pups too! It’s loaded with taurine to ensure proper development of eyes, reproduction, bile acid (for fat digestion) and for a healthy heart in young puppies. Taurine helps avoid Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Loveabowl products also do not contain by-product meals, GMOs, added growth hormones, artificial preservatives, wheat, corn, soy or potato. Perfectly safe and healthy for your pup! Check out other available proteins here or get a sample here.

Make sure your dog is eating properly and getting the right nutrients. Look for high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial ones.

6. Be mindful of their hygiene

Keeping your dog clean is not just a pampering session. Even if your pooch has short hair, they need regular grooming. Brushing ventilates their coat, helping it grow healthy and strong. This way, your dog’s skin can breathe and at the same time lower the grease in their coat. Too much oil in their fur can block pores and cause irritation and other skin problems. 

Proper grooming allows you to be one step ahead. It can eliminate mats, ticks, fleas, shedding, and other severe health conditions. Nail trims are also important to your dog’s health. Uncut nails are detrimental to the joints on your dog’s paws, making them more prone to arthritis. Ear cleaning is also a must! This prevents ear infection and helps early ear mites detection.

Schedule a professional grooming session for your pup. Regular visits allow early detection of lumps, bumps, and skin irritations.

7. Regular check-ups

While there’s no established rule on how often you should take your dog to the vet, having regular check-ups can help spot potential health issues before they arise. Core vaccines protect pets from transmissible diseases.

Check-up visits are holistic and give your vet the chance to assess your dog’s overall physical health. Visiting the vet regularly is a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach. Don’t hold off on the appointment even if your dog seems fit and healthy.

It’s never too late to go the extra mile when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Other than these tips, showing your love for your dog is always a surefire way to a long, healthy, and happy life.