5 PAWsome Ways to Show Your Dog You Care
Although October is National Pet Wellness Month, caring for your beloved dog is something you probably think about year-round. Still, taking the time to review your dog’s care routine on a regular basis is important and helps ensure that your dog is living life to the fullest. In celebration of National Pet Wellness Month, here are 5 tips to keep your beloved companion as happy and healthy as can be.
Daily Exercise: Every dog is different, but one thing that can help keep all dogs in tip-top shape is daily physical activity, such as walks, playing catch, or swimming. Veterinarians recommend that in general, dogs receive between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on many factors, such as age, breed, and health conditions.
Routine Veterinary Check-Ups: Veterinary check-ups are important to keep dogs up to date on vaccinations and monitor for any changes in health conditions. In general, healthy adult dogs should visit a veterinarian once per year. Puppies need to visit the vet more frequently to receive all their vaccinations. Finally, senior dogs (older than 8 years) should visit the vet at least twice per year, as age can lead to the development of new health challenges. You and your furry friend will appreciate your dedication to your dog's health.
Grooming: Furry, fluffy, fuzzy: every dog has a different coat and different grooming needs. For some dogs, brushing may be all that is necessary to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Others may need regular professional grooming to keep their fur free from mats and tangles. Don't forget about your dog's nails and teeth too! Clipping your dog's nails and cleaning their teeth are great ways to keep your dog happy and healthy. Make sure to research your dog's breed to figure out the best way to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Spaying or Neutering: Spaying or neutering your dog has many benefits. First, you can help keep dogs out of animal shelters, where many homeless pets end up. Next, spaying and neutering can help prevent behavioral problems in dogs such as wandering away from home. Finally, spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as uterine infections and cancer in reproductive organs.
Quality Time: You have a busy schedule, and sometimes it's hard to accomplish everything you want to get done in the day. However, your dog will appreciate you taking time to play with them, pet them, and do activities together. Come up with new and engaging things to do with your furry companion to keep them mentally stimulated and happy. Some of the ways that you can spend quality time with your dog are by giving them treat puzzles, teaching them new tricks, and taking them on car rides.
This October, celebrate National Pet Wellness month by taking time to review your dog’s care routine. Incorporating these 5 PAWsome Tips into your dog’s care will keep them wagging their tail year-round. At Mission Marcus: Operation PAWsible, we strive to make a PAWsitive impact in the lives of all dogs! Explore our site to find out how you can join our PAWsome Mission!