5 Health and Wellness Tips for Your Dog

Whether it’s their unwavering loyalty, impressive intelligence or sheer cuteness, dogs give us plenty of reasons to love them. The best way to show that love is to take care of their health. Not only can you make a world of a difference to their physical and mental wellbeing, but you’ll also spare yourself the cost of some hefty vet bills. 

Here are 5 health and wellness tips to help you get started.

Feed Raw

Just like with people, optimal nutrition sets the foundation for your dog’s overall health. Their diet has significant effects on their skin, coat, weight, energy levels and immunity to disease. When a problem occurs in any of these areas, chances are that it’s related to what your dog eats. Raw dog food is a considerable option.

As detailed in this raw dog food guide by Bella and Duke, raw food comprises natural ingredients such as meat, bone, healthy fats, select veg and berries and nothing else. That means their food, which is delivered to your door at no extra cost, is free from the harmful grains, fillers, preservatives and rancid fats of commercial feeds like kibble. 

Routine Exercise

It’s easy to underestimate how much movement your dog needs on a daily basis. An inactive pup can build up too much excess energy, which often leads to destructive behaviour and the diagnosis of separation anxiety. 

When you start feeding a healthy diet, your pooch will be more energetic. Without a proper outlet for that energy, they might end up releasing it on your furniture. Make sure that they’re getting around two hours of daily exercise. Age, size and breed will determine a more specific amount of time. 

Frequent Grooming 

From weekly brushes to monthly nail trims, grooming is not just for show dogs. All canine companions benefit from some routine physical upkeep. Of course, your specific breed of dog will determine their needs, as well as the presence of certain health conditions like allergies. For example, pugs require cleaning between the wrinkles of their skin. 

Long-haired dogs should be brushed at least three times per week. Bathing your pup on a monthly basis is a good idea. Just make sure that you’re using natural shampoos that are free of chemicals. 

Dental Care

We often forget about our pup’s pearly whites. Contrary to popular opinion, bad breath is not normal for dogs. It’s a sign that something’s amiss, such as plaque and tartar build-up that can lead to more serious health problems. Focus on providing preventative dental care, including regular brushing, oral rinses and bacteria-busting dental treats. 

Warning Signs

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to dog diseases and health problems. Since they can’t always express their ailments, it’s up to us to keep an eye on their health and watch out for common symptoms. Take some time to learn what you should be aware of. 

Finally, consider finding a veterinarian in your area who you can trust. Even if you don’t visit often, it helps to know that your dog will be in good hands if something goes wrong.

This is a sponsored post. Please note that JUGS only accepts sponsorships from mission-aligned brands that meet our core values of compassion + fulfillment.