Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy

Do South ® encourages all our readers

to consider adopting a pet from one of our many local rescues and shelters! 3 Girls Animal Rescue Almost Home Shelter Jen’s Kitty Rehab Kitties and Kanines Pawzatively Canine

5 WAYS To Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy

words courtesy Family Features images courtesy Adobe Stock

Check the Labels Creating a healthier life for your dog starts with the food you feed him or her. For optimal health, provide your dog a balanced diet with high-quality animal protein, like chicken or lamb, a combination of grains and essential vitamins and minerals. When shopping for dog food, look for those things on the ingredient panel. Also keep an eye out for the Association of American Feed Control Officials certification, which indicates basic nutritional requirements are being met with the food’s ingredients.

Give Them Grains Grains are an important component of dogs’ dietary needs. They are a source of carbohydrates for healthy energy, as well as fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Some grains, such as rice and wheat, provide “quick” energy, and others, like barley and sorghum, take longer to turn into energy.

Keep It Consistent If a dog is doing fine on its current food, there’s no need to switch foods. However, if you think a change is needed, consult your veterinarian. If he or she suggests a change, be sure to introduce the new food gradually. Start by replacing 25% of the current food with new food for a couple days, a halfand-half mixture the next couple days then a mix of 75% new food and 25% old food for another 2-3 days. Your dog should then be ready to eat just the new food.

Get Them Active Walks are an important part of dogs’ days – not just for doing their business, but to expel some of that healthy energy. Knowing dogs need daily exercise is an easy health hack for pet owners. They can take their dogs on walks, runs, hikes or to a dog park, ultimately helping them get up and get active, too. Regular exercise and activity help keep dogs’ muscles, bones and joints active.

Quality Time A dog needs attention, interaction and love. After a busy day, spend some quality time with your pup, whether it’s a walk or snuggle time on the couch. Your pet will appreciate having time exclusively dedicated to him or her. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that spending time with your pet can decrease your stress and anxiety, too.