Top Five Tips for a Healthy Dog

Whether you've had your loyal companion by your side for quite some time already, you've just acquired a brand-new puppy or adult dog, or you're considering a canine chum for a permanent pet, you'll want to do whatever it takes to ensure your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

This concept may seem a little too simple or obvious, but the truth is that many dog owners-to-be and even longtime dog owners aren't necessarily prepared for the work involved in properly caring for a pet. If you already have a dog, and have noticed lethargy, fatigue, a negative change in behavior, or overall poor health in your pooch, it's time to take matters into your own hands and learn how to turn your dog's health around. If you have yet to buy a dog, make sure that you understand what's involved in the proper care of a dog and that you're prepared to do so before you make that very important purchase. Don't just go and buy the first puppy you see because he's "cute."

Here are the top five tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy and living with you as long as possible (or at least as long as you want him around!):

First, give him fresh water daily. While most dog owners aren't ignorant to the point where they forget to "water" their dogs, many don't bother giving them fresh water on a daily basis. Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh water every single day. This means that you'll need to change his water bowl every evening (or morning), empty the water that wasn't consumed, and refill with clean water. You'll also need to clean out his water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Second, feed him. It's a mistake to actually think you can just buy any kind of dog food (particularly for the singular reason that it's "cheap") for your dog. There are many different types of dog food out there, based on weight, size, nutritional requirements, and special health concerns. Read the labels carefully before buying dog food for your dog. If you're not sure, talk to his veterinarian to find out which type of food is the best for your pet. Keep in mind that puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, regardless of their respective sizes. For example, don't assume that you can feed puppies of larger breeds the same food you would feed smaller adult breeds. Further, don't forget to follow the package's instructions as far as how much food and how often you should feed your dog. Consult your veterinarian for further guidance or clarification.

Next, play with him and take him for walks. Just because you're feeding and watering your dog doesn't mean that he's healthy. Dogs of all breeds and sizes require daily outdoor activity, exercise, and fresh air, or their quality of life essentially suffers, contributing to lethargy, poor health, poor appetite, weight gain, lean muscle loss, or even disease. Even "indoor" dogs aren't meant to be cooped up indoors all day long. Smart and health-conscious dog owners take their dogs for walks every day, even in the cold; this is also a great way for you to get some fresh air and exercise, too. You can also let your dog run free (without a leash) in your yard for a time, supervised or unsupervised. Do whatever you can to ensure your beloved pet receives the exercise and fresh air he needs every day.

Don't forget to give your dog his needed shots. Dogs, just like cats, other pets, and humans, require certain shots in order to stay healthy and prevent harmful diseases and viruses from entering their systems, affecting their overall health. You'll need your veterinarian to give your dog the necessary shots (it's certainly not something you can attempt yourself, even if you theoretically could get your hands on the right drugs and dosages) at the right times and in the right amounts.

Finally, ensure your dog has regular checkups with his veterinarian. If you don't have a vet for your dog, find a qualified and recommended one, and get your precious pet checked out as soon as possible. In addition to receiving his shots, your dog also requires regular checkups to make sure he is healthy and in good shape. A professional veterinarian will also check the health of your dog's teeth, eyes, coat, and paws, and be able to detect any sicknesses present and give you the correct medication for your dog.

If you love your pet dog, you should be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his life with you is a long, happy, and healthy one; this involves following these top five tips. There are, of course, other things you can do to improve your dog's health and keep him content, but following this list of essentials is a great start to becoming a great dog owner.