Healthy Habits For Dogs

Having healthy habits truly bring order and balance into anyone's life, especially because they are essential for a dog’s health. Regular check-ups at the vet, a healthy diet, lots of love, attention, and plenty of exercise are all extremely important when it comes to having a happy and healthy pet.
Healthy Habits For Dogs

Last update: 09 November, 2018

Like humans, dogs should get into certain healthy habits to improve their quality of life and help keep them in good health. That’s why today we’ll explain several healthy habits to get into and actions to take when it comes to your dog.

Starting when they’re puppies, it’s very important to teach dogs what is best for them. This is exactly why pet owners tend to err on the side of caution and are always checking their pets’ bodies for any abnormalities.

This is not an activity that dogs enjoy. However, things like this won’t upset them as much if they learn early on that they’re a normal part of life.

Regular check-ups with the vet, going on walks, getting baths, playing games, and eating a balanced diet are all very important aspects of your dog’s life.

Carelessness in any of these areas can have a very negative effect on your dog’s day-to-day life. It’s extremely important for you to be aware of how to improve these aspects of your dog’s routine.

 

Training Your Dog

You should start training dogs when they’re puppies, just like we humans do with our babies. They must be taught how to come when they are called, when to eat, how to behave during walks, and most importantly, how to respect both humans and strange dogs.

Remember that your dog’s good behavior reflects on your abilities as their owner and trainer. A well-trained dog knows how to control their impulses around strangers, as well as in other situations. For example, dogs have to learn not to eat just anything off the ground, and not to beg while people are eating.

Labrador puppy at the vet's office, one of the healthy habits of healthy dogs.

Likewise, teach your dog how to behave at the vet’s office. No vet likes getting bitten while they’re working. Puppies must be taught the same principle, which is to respect (or at least recognize) the people who are trying to help them.

Training your dog to behave well around a veterinarian will come in handy in a lot of situations, like when vaccine time rolls around. If properly trained, your dog will accept the help (albeit reluctantly), and will not try to bite the vet.

In addition to teaching your dog to behave well at the vet’s office, you should also teach them how to behave during your walks together. Going on walks with your dog is healthy and fun for both of you, but only if you have trained them to act appropriately.

 

Walking Your Dog Correctly

It’s no secret that dogs love going on walks. Some will even bring you their leash to signal that it is time for your daily stroll together. But have you ever wondered whether you are actually walking your dog correctly?

A good walk should last at least 30 minutes. Taking your dog down the block and back is not good enough. Dogs need to smell and see new things, play with other dogs, and even meet other humans. All of these things help keep your dog from developing behavioral issues and anxiety.

Person walking a Labrador puppy.

Your dog’s size will greatly impact what kind of walking routine you two should get into. Large dogs have very different needs than small dogs. So, for your dog to burn enough energy, you’ll want to develop an exercise routine suited for their weight and build.

Fortunately, there are other things besides walking you can do to exercise your pet’s innate abilities. If you are too busy to take your dog on long walks, playing may be able to fill the gap.

 

Healthy Habits: Food and Hygiene

Good nutrition is essential for your pet’s well-being, which is why allowing them to eat whatever they want is unacceptable. Feeding your dog a homemade diet could be good or bad; it all depends on whether you know what you’re doing.

Dry kibble is undoubtedly the most common dog food. Not only is it nutritionally balanced, but it is also designed to keep them healthy and strong. The kind of kibble your dog should eat depends on their age since each life stage means different nutritional needs.

There are also lots of different brands of dog kibble, some of better quality than others. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog might need a special diet. The vet will also be able to tell you how much food to give your dog and when.

When it comes to hygiene, your pet has to understand that bath time is a normal part of life. It is also important for dogs to learn where they should and shouldn’t walk. A lot of dogs dislike walking in mud or where their fur will get dirty. But there are always a few here and there that love to roll around in the mud and get filthy from head to toe.

One of the most important healthy habits to get into is to check your dog’s coat, ears, nose, legs, and even their breath, on a regular basis. This way you can detect problems early on, which in turn will help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.