5 Hacks To Keep Your Dog Healthy… Even if You Don't Feel Like You Are A Very Good Dog Owner!
We all know the basics to keeping our dogs feeling great: clean water, good food, regular vet care, plenty of exercise, (and lots belly rubs of course).
However, there are things you can do beyond these basics to prevent health problems down the line.
Here are 5 ways to keep your furry friend healthy and happy for years to come.
1. Avoid Insecticides & Herbicides
Rolling around in the grass, wiggling through the hedges, or even a simple walk through the park… dogs get a lot of exposure to plants.
Herbicides and insecticides can be absorbed into your dog’s skin, build up in their systems, and cause major health problems over time.
Avoid treated areas and switch to dog-safe alternatives around your home.
2. Avoid People Food
While a piece of bacon every now and then certainly won’t hurt, making a habit of sharing your food with your dog can be bad for their health.
Human food can cause digestion issues (which lowers overall immunity) as well as inflammation and minor allergic reactions that over time lead to more serious problems.
3. Utilize Multivitamins
People benefit from vitamin supplements, and dogs do, too!
Fill in the gaps in your dog’s nutrition with a balanced multivitamin.
However, do NOT give dogs people vitamins! Only give them multivitamins that have been vet-tested and approved for use in dogs.
4. Embrace Dog Probiotics
Maintaining your dog’s good bacteria through a high quality probiotic is her first line of defense to staying healthy! As much as 80% of your dog’s immune system is based in her gut and digestive problems can be a symptom or a cause of many other health troubles.
Viruses and bacteria enter the body through the mouth and probiotics starting in the mouth and continuing strong throughout your dog’s gastrointestinal tract are crucial for your pup’s health.
Dogs are just as prone to heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach, and inflamed bowels as we humans are, they just don’t complain as much! Probiotics formulated for dogs (not people!) will promote good bacteria and protect against long-term organ damage and many other illnesses.
5. Keep Up with Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause severe illnesses in dogs like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, dermatitis, Bartonella… the list goes on.
The best way to keep these awful critters at bay is regular flea and tick prevention.
You can also prevent exposure by keeping your grass as short as possible, avoiding areas of long grass or brush, and check for ticks after every walk.
Ticks tend to go for the exposed areas of skin like eyes, ears, lips, under the tail, and between toes.
If you notice your dog is extra tired or has a fever, head to the vet— many lasting problems can be prevented if caught early.
Hope this helps. Have a great day!