As a canine lover, you must know that your dog's well being is of paramount importance. Apart from being man's best friend, dogs have proven to be great companions and great additions to the family.

A dog's health heavily relies on the keen eye and knowledge from its owner, and if not done correctly, the consequences can be dire. It might sound complicated, but taking care of your dog's health is really not that complicated. It's for this reason that we've listed six ways on how to improve your dog's health.

1. A Balanced diet

Even though dogs are carnivorous, fruits and vegetables are highly nutritious. A healthy dog's diet should contain foods that help retain a balance between acidity and alkalinity. Proteins from meat and its products are essential, but having it exclusively can cause excess acidity leading to inflammation and other related complications like arthritis.

Speaking of arthritis, did you know that CBD oil when included in your dog's diet could help relieve joint pain, enhance joint health, and boost brain health? The experts at Honest Paws state that CBD oil is a more natural pain reliever and an important ingredient to help develop your friend's overall health. Including fruits and veggies such as apples, broccoli, watermelon, lettuce, and an assortment of herbs will also help improve their health.

An alkaline environment is crucial to the efficiency of a host of a dog's internal organs like the heart, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys. Adding some foods rich in fiber such as brown rice will aid in overall digestion. It's crucial that you make a timetable or schedule to make sure that your friend has a balanced diet throughout the day.

2. Vaccination

Vaccines are as crucial to a dog as they are to a human being. If you got your dog as a puppy, you probably took him to the vet to be vaccinated accordingly. However, if you got him as a grown dog, it is important to have some tests done to ensure that your companion was properly inoculated. Regardless of age, you don't have to make any other annual vaccination trips to the vet.

It's important to ensure that they have had their vaccines because he or she will be in contact with other dogs on your visits to the parks. You don't want those outdoor excursions to be the reason your buddy will be hospitalized for acquiring strange ailments from stray dogs. Most importantly, before your vet recommends any more vaccines, make sure you do some research to find out whether the vaccine is necessary.

3. Regular Exercises

Dogs are some of the most active pets and they love to run; either alone, in a pack, or with you. Your canine friend needs exercise. On those mornings when you are taking that 10 km jog or those evenings when you have time to take a walk around the hood, take him with you. Additionally, dogs are social animals, therefore, you can spare some time and take them to the dog park where they can meet up with other dogs for their social time. Good exercise will keep your dog's heart pumping and those happy hormones showing.

4. Regular Check-ups

A visit to the vet doesn't have to be when your dog becomes sick. Due to the lifespan of your dog, some complications such as arthritis or cancer can manifest at that particular age. The best way to keep these diseases at bay is with a balanced diet and a check-up by a qualified vet. Even though some complications are inevitable, they sure can be avoidable. Once or twice a year, make sure you schedule an appointment with the vet, have your buddy checked out because you might just be saving their life.

5. Grooming and Bonding

Dogs love getting groomed. Arm yourself with the right tools from a friendly brush, the necessary soaps and shampoos, and a nice bath to get him going. Grooming is essential to dogs because like cats, dogs also shed a lot of fur depending on the breed. It is important to regularly groom them to remove any loose hair, dirt, unwanted skin conditions, or pests. Additionally, this time can be a splendid moment for you to bond with your friend, it helps to know each other better and improve their health. Dog-Gear says it doesn't have to be professional grooming at the salon - you can do it at home as well.

6. Provide Them With a Clean Living Environment

Some complications can be caused by a dirty and unkempt environment. Furthermore, in the process of socializing and playing, your dog can, unfortunately, pick up some unwanted pests that can lodge inside their fur. Most of these pests can cause life-threatening conditions like Lyme disease caused by tick bites. Also, make sure to maintain clean feeding bowls – and if possible, avoid sharing their bowls with other pet pets.

In the unfortunate event your dog's health is in jeopardy due to one situation or the other, do not wait, take him or her to the vet immediately. A dog's health is as delicate as a baby's but when handled right; your dog can live a long, fulfilling, and purposeful life. Follow these tips and your dog's health will be assured.


WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown