The Health Benefits for Helping Your Dog Stay Fit and Healthy

Like any other member of the family, dogs require the proper care and attention to help them stay healthy. Looking after your dog’s wellbeing is just as important as looking after your own. There are many benefits to keeping your dog fit and healthy. After all, a healthy dog is a happy dog. Here are some of the basics and benefits of dog care. 

Exercise
Not only is “walk” one of your dog’s favorite words, but it’s also one of the most beneficial ways to look after them. Just like human beings, dogs require regular exercise to stay in good shape. It costs nothing but time, and time spent with your canine friend is always worth it. There are a number of amazing benefits to taking your dog out for a walk or a hike. The physical benefits include preventing obesity and improving joint and digestive health. These can become serious problems in the long-term, so it’s especially beneficial to help prevent them by walking your dog daily.

There are also emotional benefits of walking your dog. Dogs absolutely love exploring and spending time with their favorite humans. Taking your dog on a walk or hike is a great way to give them attention and keep them happy. More importantly, it can also help prevent them from getting bored. This may not seem like a big deal, but a bored dog with too much energy can often lead to behavioral problems. This includes things like excessive barking, separation anxiety and destructive behavior.

Another amazing thing about taking your dog out for a walk is that it’s good for you too! Humans benefit just as much from regular exercise as dogs, so this is an excellent way to take care of yourself and your pet at the same time. Exercising with your dog doesn’t have to be limited to walking either. You could also try swimming, playing fetch, or look into classes such as agility courses or dog yoga.

A Good Diet
Another thing that dogs and humans have in common is that a good diet is essential for staying fit and healthy. Just like people, dogs need to eat food that can provide all their nutritional needs. Do some research into which kind of food is right for your dog, consult with your vet if needed. A healthy diet for a dog has similar benefits as it does for humans. It helps keep their muscles and bones healthy and can improve immunity and prevent disease.

Regular Check-ups
Getting your dog regularly checked by a savvy vet is important for maintaining their wellbeing. Dogs should see a vet every six to twelve months to keep them in optimum health. You’ll also need a vet to take care of things like vaccinations and testing for parasites. You can do some check-ups at home, such as tracking their weight and making sure their eyes, ears and teeth are clean and healthy. Take them to see a vet if you notice anything unusual.

By doing regular at-home and veterinary check-ups, you will benefit in the long run. Just like with human health, the best way to combat illness is to catch it early, and ideally prevent it from happening at all. Even smaller issues such as dental hygiene and obesity can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Routine veterinary care will save you time and money in the future. More importantly, it will prevent your dog from any unnecessary suffering.

Making the time and effort to keep your dog in good shape will create a better quality of life for both you and your pet. Keeping them healthy and fit can go a long way to prevent problems. Your dog will be happier and hopefully live a longer, healthier life.

Author’s bio:
Johanna Cider is a freelance writer from ‘the coolest little capital in the world’ – Wellington, New Zealand. When she isn’t busy writing articles for her blog, she loves to stroll around her neighborhood with her dog in tow. Read more of her recent works here.