Treat Your Dog Right During National Pet Wellness Month

Did you know October is National Pet Wellness Month? Typically a month devoted to witches and goblins and things that go bump in the night, October is also a time for pet parents to focus on their fur baby’s health. While you no doubt take very good care of your doggo, it never hurts to brush up on ways you can give your furry family member the best life ever.

With that in mind, let’s talk about some of the best ways you can show your dog some love.

Provide Proper Nutrition

Great health starts with proper nutrition. Sadly, roughly 59% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. You may think a chubby dog is adorable, but those added pounds can negatively impact their joints and overall health.

With so many dog food choices out there, it can be a bit confusing to know what is the best for your fur baby. This is why it can be so helpful to get nutritional advice from your vet. Veterinarians aren’t just there for when something goes wrong; they are there to help you optimize your pet’s health. Your vet can also help you determine the exact right amount of food to feed your dog each day.

Don’t Neglect Their Dental Health

Proper dental health is about so much more than clean teeth and gums. When your pup’s oral health takes a hit, they can experience severe pain. In addition, the bad bacteria in their mouth that is causing the problems can travel in the bloodstream and negatively affect organs, leading to things like kidney, liver and heart disease.

It’s for this reason that most vets recommend annual cleanings. During these treatments, your dog will be under anesthesia and your vet will thoroughly examine their teeth and gums. Any suspicious teeth will be removed and the rest will be thoroughly cleaned, removing any plaque buildup. In between these cleanings you can ensure your pup’s mouth stays clean with chew toys and dental treats.

And speaking of treats…

Opt for Healthy Treats

Very few pup parents have the strength or fortitude to look into a set of big, pleading brown eyes and deny their pup a bite of their meal. But it’s not generally recommended to offer your doggo table scraps and bites of pizza and other processed foods. These foods can be laden with trans fats and processed sugars. They are not healthy for us and are particularly bad for our pups.

Opt instead to give your pup healthy treats such as pieces of organic produce. Dogs love green beans, watermelon, apples, carrots, blueberries and bananas. These treats have fewer calories and are loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Prioritize Exercise and Socialization

One of the best things you can do for your pup is to ensure she gets plenty of exercise each day. Different sizes, ages and breeds of dog have different exercise requirements. A Chihuahua, for example, does not have the same exercise requirements as a German Shepherd. And a 2-year-old German Shepherd has vastly different exercise requirements than a 10-year-old dog of the same breed. Again, speak to your vet to get an idea of how much exercise your pup needs to be physically and mentally healthy.

And that’s something to talk about. Your dog needs exercise not just for their body but also to stimulate their mind. Dogs can become bored, just like people. With no exercise or socialization, dogs can become anxious and destructive. So be sure to take your dog for a nice walk around the neighborhood, or for a hike in the woods. And don’t forget to stop by the dog park so your pup can have some canine fun. 

Stay Up-To-Date On Pest Preventatives

Mosquitos, fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance to your pup, they carry disease that can be dangerous to your fur baby’s health. Mosquitoes carry heartworm, which can be deadly for pets. In addition to causing severe itching, fleas may also transmit tapeworm to pets when ingested. 

Because these parasites can do much harm, it’s essential pup parents stay on top of prevention protocols. While you can purchase flea and tick treatments from pet stores, many products are out of date, becoming less effective. As a general rule, it’s best to purchase your flea and tick treatments directly from your vet.

Enroll Your Pet Into a Pet Insurance Plan

You can do all the right things for your pup but life can sometimes throw you a curveball that you hadn’t planned for. Unexpected illness or injury can strike at any time, resulting in vet bills in the thousands of dollars. Are you financially able to pay for life saving treatments should the unexpected happen?

Pet insurance provides pet parents with peace of mind and the financial resources that will help them get the very best care their pup needs. Here are the top providers in the country based on reviews from pet parents just like you.

References:

https://www.petobesityprevention.org

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.