How to Keep a Dog in Good Health

Being a dog parent is not easy. One needs to be very careful about the special needs of the dog and offer them proper care and attention. In fact it would not be an exaggeration today that the adopting a dog is akin to being a parent of your child. You have to offer them a happy and healthy life that would not only increase their obesity but also offer them a high standard of life. One thing that you should remember here is that you don't have to adopt the dog only because of its liveliness or charm but also because you want to form a lifelong relationship. So you need to be very careful about physical and mental health of your dog as you are careful about your own child.

Here are a few helpful tips to maintain the health of you dog:

Daily Exercise

Daily exercise is the most important part of a dog's schedule. In fact many pet owners would not like to take their dogs to nearby parks for walking as they are too much worried about the dog being attacked by street dogs. In that case you may use a vehicle to take your dog in a vehicle and park it outside the garden. Then you can take you dog inside the park and allow it to enjoy brisk walking. The obese dogs find it difficult to breather and are at a high risk of developed diabetes.

Diet

Some people treat they dogs as their own family members. However it times they go a bit too far. It is especially true in the case of diet; In fact the dog's biological system and digestion process is distinctly different from human beings. So chocolate can be a treat for your child but for your dog it is a threat. The digestion system of dogs is designed in such a way that they cannot digest certain foods like chocolates, pizza, bread and others. Hence, instead of giving it what it likes the most you should rather offer it something that is most beneficial of its body.

Mental Well-being

The dogs are very sensitive when it comes to psychology. Many people buy dogs, not adopt them. It means that they buy them because of their liveliness instead of forming a genuine relationship. Such dogs are pampered too much in the beginning and later on when the owners are fed up they stop giving much attention to them. Sure, they get the food and water on time. But that is not enough. They also want to get proper care and love. Many such dogs suffer mentally and finally they fall victim to various psychiatric problems. So, it is very important to adopt a dog only of you have enough time to take their proper care.

Even if you buy healthy dog, they might observe that it develops certain kind of health issues in the course of time. In fact when you adopt dogs you change their lifestyle intentionally or unintentionally that may lead to a variety of dog diseases.

Credit: Ashish Chhanwal

Dog Treats - The Best Time To Treat Them

Pet treats are of great importance. They can be a great asset, when given at the right time. If you find it difficult that your pooch is not following or listening you even after a treat, then there is something wrong with your timing or reason. To help you practice the right time to give it to your pet, here are some guidelines that can solve all of your confusion and aid you in administering the treat easily with all positive results.

When To Give Treats To Your Dogs

Giving treats in between the meals is ideal. Remember never include treats along with dog food. Try to find the liking and taste of your pooch and select a treat that your dog will enjoy. It is also quite helpful when you are training your dog. Also, your treat will not work as an encouraging tool, if you are likely to give it right after the meals. Therefore, ensure to give the treat only in between the meals and not immediately before or after the meals.

One of the best techniques to give treat is to hold it into your hand between the first two fingers and thumb. Then, let your dog sniff through it to find that it is there. The golden role here is: first nose, then mouth and ears! Starting with a dog's nose, is highly rewarding as you are appealing to the most important part of her brain.

Furthermore, as your dog is sniffing and getting interested, slowly lift the treat above nose height and move it gradually over her head and slightly back towards her shoulders. The aim is to make your dog sit on the butts, to lower the shoulders back and lift her head up.

Lift the treat slowly and easily so that your dog's nose follows it in your hand. When your dog jumps at your hand, take it away. Second time, have the treat hand closer to her head. The moment she begins to follow the treat with her nose and eyes along with putting her butt to the floor, say - "sit", calmly and slowly and give her the treat. Say softly as not to disturb your pooch. Also remember, not to overexcite your furry pal as he may lose the lesson in all the chaos.

Well, dog treats are to show the feeling of affection. Given abruptly will not churn out to bring in the desired results. Treats need to be given at the right time for the right reason. If you are not sticking to the rules or consistent when you give a treat to your furry pal, you may just end up confusing your pooch greatly. Ensure to give treat as a reward for a good behavior or for showing affection after a good deed.

It's essential to treat your pet at the time and on the right occasion as this will boost positive behavior in your furry pal.

Credit: Eugene Hix

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

Why does my dog follow me everywhere? is the exasperated cry of many a pet parent! Dogs are known for being man's best friend and rely on their owners for food and shelter. They are also socially dependent on their owners and family members and have a desire to be your buddy at all times. This can make them an ideal companion and easily trained, although sometimes your furry friend may appear too attached. A pet parent needs to watch out for separation anxiety and deal with traits that are less desirable by balancing training, socialization, and healthy outlets for expression of their dog's feelings.

Dogs do have feelings and they make strong relationships with their human families. Sometimes when their loved ones ignore them, or they get busy and have less time, it can make a dog start chewing things up, howling or showing signs of anxiety. They become fearful when their owners are not there.

Normal healthy behaviors of your pet dog may include the following:

• A desire to lie at your feet all the time.

• Jumping up to follow you everywhere from the room.

• Sitting outside a bathroom or bedroom door waiting for you.

• Being at the door to greet you happily when you return.

• Wanting to go with you when you leave, but can accept if you leave them behind.

• Leaning on you and having a desire to touch you.

Signs of separation anxiety and unhealthy behaviors in dogs:

1. Anxious behavior, such as panting, and pacing or whining constantly.

2. Chewing up your furniture, door frames, or other items of value, especially that belong specifically to you.

3. Trying desperately to follow you everywhere and trying to break through doors to get to you. They are unable to handle simple things like you going to the bathroom without trying to get in with you.

4. Shaking and acting depressed. Showing a lack of desire or interest in any other family member or someone offering them attention. Displaying hostility towards people who aren't you.

5. A general feeling of anxiousness from your dog that can include going to the bathroom in places they aren't supposed to. They are expressing they are upset with you or stressed from having you leave.

6. A general sense of anxiety when you're getting ready to leave and them having behavioral outbursts right before you go or while you are gone.

"Why does my dog follow me everywhere?"

ANSWER: Dogs need their owners!

Keeping your dog happy means encouraging and teaching them to be alone for a couple hours during the day. This can include crate training, rewards, proper socialization or even medication from your vet if needed. If your dog also drastically alters in personality, it could be a sign he's sick, so please don't ignore any changes in personality or behaviors. You must talk to your vet or a behavioral trainer if you start to see signs in your dog that go beyond just being a happy, friendly people dog.

Having an attached pet dog can make an owner feel pretty good, knowing your companion always wants to be around you, follow you everywhere and is happiest at your side. You just have to make sure you have a good balance of healthy, well socialized dog vs. a dog having a neurotic case of separation anxiety, and it can be hard to tell the difference sometimes. A good rule of thumb is that your pet misses you but can be content by themselves for short to medium lengths of time, without you coming home to a completely destroyed house, or your neighbors wanting to strangle you for a dog that howled the entire time you were gone.

Reinforce desired behaviors - this includes simple things like you being able to leave and come back. A confident happy dog will not be worried you are going to abandon them, even if they wish to go with you.

Reinforce training techniques - like sit, stay, come. This helps the bond between you and your dog. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and positive attention. This should help reduce the likelihood of their attention being anything other than the most devout love for you.

So why does your dog follow you everywhere? Remember, dogs often want a job, or a purpose, and they are often quite happy to make their Master their life's purpose. Just make sure you control how this is expressed and you two should get along great!

Credit: Suzana S.