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11 Tips for a Healthy, Happy Adult Dog

buddy the dogAs your dog reaches adulthood you have probably settled into a routine in regards to your relationship.  Make sure it’s a mutually rewarding one.  Here are a few guidelines to make yours is mutually rewarding:

  1. Each day give your dog at least 30 minutes of your undivided attention.  Play, brush, practice obedience commands or give a few treats.
  2. Each day give them plenty of exercise.  You too can get some exercise in too.  It’s a win win.
  3. Indoors or outdoors be sure they wear a flat collar with up-to-date ID tags at all times.  This is a must if your pet should ever get lost.  Get them microchipped.  If you don’t have them microchipped, promise yourself you will the next time you go to the vet. (Pet festivals often have organizations who will microchip your pet at reduced prices.) Periodically have your veterinarian check to make sure the chip is still active.  Do this when you take them in for their annual. 
  4. Keep practicing the basic commands such as “sit”, “come”, “down”, “heel”, “stay”, and “leave it”.  Sign up for a refresher course.  2 Paws Up Pet Sitting & Dog Walking have dog trainer referrals.  Check our website https://2pawsupinc.com/concierge-services/ 
  5. Once a year have your pets taken in for their annual exams, and discuss any new or ongoing health issues.
  6. Brush you dogs teeth once a day to stay ahead of tarter build-up on their teeth.  I will write a followi up in a few weeks on the easy way to brush. Also talk with your veterinarian about the best way to brush your dog’s teeth.
  7. Every month, schedule on your calendar, day planner or tablet that you give your pets heartworm preventative.  In Georgia, it is recommended you do this every month. 
  8. When you find your pet itchy, smelly or dirty, bathe them or schedule a grooming appointment.  We would be happy refer you to a few groomers in our area.
  9. If your dog is home alone all day, consider putting them in “doggie daycare” or hire us to take them for a walk and play with them.  They need stimulation during the day.  Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a calm dog?  Dogs are social animals, and can become destructive when bored or lonely from chewing up your shoes or your remotes to peeing on the floor.  They need companionship.
  10. Dogs need quite time just like us.  Provide them with a comfortable place to rest in an area where they will spend most of their day, in respect for their “quite time”. 
  11. Always supervise children around dogs.  Teach them not to tease them or encourage undesirable behaviors, such as chasing and barking.

Hound Health Handbook by Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.

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