A popular saying states that dog is man’s best friend (for that matter, a woman’s as well!), and there is true wisdom in that saying. Perhaps no living being can rival the gentle love or the undying faithfulness of a dog, reflected through warm brown eyes and a forever wagging tail. Anyone who has a dog for a pet is blessed with a true friend and companion, and most dog owners readily shower a lot of love on their pets. However, to ensure that this beautiful animal lives a long, healthy life is as important as petting the animal and taking care of its basic needs. For a pet dog to live long and well, it is necessary to keep him/her physically and emotionally fit.
Physical exercise
Having a pet dog necessarily means taking him/her out for walks at least once and ideally twice a day. Dogs need physical exercise as much as humans do, and pet dogs do not have the freedom to run around in the open by themselves – the owner has to take the initiative and make sure the dog gets enough movement.
Fun and games
Dogs are naturally curious and fun loving animals. A great way to engage all their senses and ensure they get enough exercise as well is to play with the dog. The owner can throw a ball around and play with his four-legged friend, and this will also deepen the bond between the dog and the owner.
It’s also important for your dog to play and socialize with other dogs. This keeps the pup healthy and happy, and it’s also a fun way to meet other dog owners in your area! If you’re not sure where to start, check out Bivvy’s guide on participating in group activities with your pet. There’s lots of great tips and apps that you can use to connect with other pet lovers in your area.
Diet and nutrition needs
As an owner, you have to make sure that the food you are giving your beloved dog on a daily basis meets nutritional requirements. Different breeds of dogs have varying metabolisms, digestive systems, and nourishment needs. You have to find out about your dog’s needs and feed accordingly. It is suggested that the owner should try not to feed bits of his or her own food to the dog, as many human foods can be harmful to dogs’ health in the long run. You can consult a veterinary expert for better guidance.
Professional care
A lot of people who love dogs want to have better knowledge on how to treat them, how to keep them healthy, how to exercise your dog, and how to cure them if anything goes wrong. Not everybody wants to be or can be a qualified animal expert, but you can always visit a vet clinic with your pet for a regular checkup. Apart from veterinarians, there are also qualified experts who have undergone training from some of the best vet tech schools and will let you know exactly how to care for the animal and keep it healthy. Such professional care can keep both the animal and the owner happy.
One of the major points to remember is that the happiest dogs are the healthiest dogs. So, apart from looking into the fact that your pet gets good nutrition, physical exercise, and professional attention as required, you should also shower your love to make the pet happy. After all, your dog loves you unconditionally, so why can’t you do it?