Your dog has and always will be a valued member of your family. Much like you keep up with your own healthcare appointments, exercise regime and sleep hygiene, you need to make sure your furry companion is getting the same royal treatment as they get older. Your household needs to provide a safe and supportive space for them to thrive and grow in a loving environment. Starting lifestyle habits now with your dog will help you to stick with them for the long haul. Getting into regimes that don’t support your dog’s wellbeing can also be very difficult to find your way out of in the future too. Whether this is your very first pet, or you’ve always been a dog owner, here are seven simple lifestyle habits for the healthiest and happiest dog you could ever imagine.
Regular Veterinary Check Ups
Keeping up with your doctor’s check ups is something you always stay on top of for yourself and your family, so you need to do the same for your dog. Maintaining their vaccinations, getting them neutered and checking their overall physical wellbeing can help them to remain happy and healthy for much longer.
A Balanced Diet
Providing your dog with a health and balanced diet will give them all of the nutrients they need to grow into healthy and energised animals. If you’re wondering what can dogs eat, you will be able to find detailed guidance online and from your local vet. For example, giving them fruit such as bananas, blueberries and apples as an occasional treat is absolutely fine as long as there are no seeds and they’re cut into small and manageable pieces.
Plenty of Exercise
Giving your dog a run around the park twice a day is a must-do, especially if you want them to maintain good physical and mental health. Although some dogs may do just fine with only one walk a day, you should try and get them out of the house and explore new places a couple of times a day.
Toilet Training
Getting your dog into good toilet training habits will help their confidence and it’ll make less mess in your home too! Toilet training a puppy can be a long and arduous process, but it will work wonders for the overall health of your dog as they grow older.
Dental Upkeep
Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy by offering them dental sticks and chew toys will help them with their physical health in every possible way. They’ll eat well, sleep well and behave well if their teeth are in great condition.
A Good Sleep Routine
Unlike humans, dogs actually stick to a very different type of sleep routine which you might want to spend a little time researching. Adult dogs usually need around eight to fourteen hours of sleep each day, whereas we would usually be fine to operate on around seven to eight hours each evening. Believe it or not, adult dogs also sleep for much longer than puppies do too, and their sleep pattern usually occurs between eight o’clock in the evening and seven o’clock in the morning for the most part. With that being said, it’s also very important for dogs to enjoy names during the daytime too. Setting up a comfortable dog bed in a quiet and enjoyable place for you dog is the best way to ensure your pup is getting the right amount of sleep throughout the day and night.
Plenty of Love and Affection
Every dog loves to greet their owner with a loving wiggle of the tail and lick of the face, so you need to show them the same type of love and attention too. Whether they love their tummy being tickled, or they want to be curled up on your lap in an evening, you can provide them with the type of care and support they need.
Allowing your dog to live a healthy and happy lifestyle is the perfect way to promote a long and fulfilling life for them. By providing them with a well-rounded exercise routine, a balanced diet and plenty of affection, you’ll be giving them everything they need to thrive in their day to day life. As always, if you have any concerns regarding the health of your dog, make sure you consult your local vet, as they will be able to guide you through any issues you might be facing. Hopefully, you can find a balance and ensure that you dog has everything they need to survive and thrive in your loving home!
