News & Events

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dogs are our best friends. So, it makes sense that we want to keep them as healthy as possible. We’re often asked for advice on how to keep your dog healthy, so here’s your answer! By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.

Good Diet

A well-rounded diet is key to the health of your dog. Dogs, at their root, are omnivores. They thrive when eating a combination of meats, grains, fruits, and veggies. 

For good dog food, we recommend products like Hill’s Science Diet. These well-balanced foods list meat, such as lamb or chicken, as a protein source. Often, on low-quality dog foods, you will see “meat by-products” instead of an explicitly labeled meat such as chicken. 

Plenty of Exercise

A good diet will only get your dog so far. Dogs need to get an adequate amount of exercise in conjunction with a well-balanced diet. The best way to tell if your dog is getting enough exercise is to assess their behavior. Are they running around the house constantly and wanting to play? Maybe they’re chewing up inappropriate things around the house and appear to be wound up. They may need more exercise, then. On the flip side, are they wanting to relax and take a nap? Use their behavior to gauge how much exercise they need each day, as some dogs may need more than others. 

Training

Utilizing training in your dog’s day-to-day life will work wonders for their mental and physical health. Like exercise, training allows your dog to utilize their logical thinking skills. Proper, consistent training is good for your dog because it strengthens the human-to-dog bond. It builds trust, confidence, and will make your dog calmer at the end of the day, like physical exercise. 

Grooming

Grooming frequency will vary depending on your dog’s breed. For most low-maintenance dogs, a simple brush once every couple of weeks will suffice. For a furry dog, such as a sheepdog, you may need to brush their fur every other day. Washing once a month or every other month is generally a good schedule to follow for any breed of dog, and it’s beneficial to incorporate a soap-free shampoo in their bathing routine. Traditional dog soaps and shampoos can strip the coat and skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to eczema and other skin conditions. 

Regular Vet Visits

Another crucial element to keeping your dog healthy is to schedule regular vet checkups. The vet will assess your dog from head to tail and address any issues they may find. These regular visits are important because they catch issues before they become serious. Think of it like going to the doctor for a physical exam, except for your pup!

Come See Us

At Care First Animal Hospital, we prioritize our patients’ health. Give us a call to set up an appointment today! 

Back to Blog
Schedule
An Appointment