6 Ways to Avoid Common Dog Health Problems

This post is brought to you as a part of the Dog Days of Summer Campaign, hosted by the folks at dog training collars. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog!

Summer is less than 2 weeks away, and this is a time of the year when people start to think more about their health and bodies. After shrugging off the chill of winter, many people may be hitting the gym in anticipation of swimsuit season, or slathering on the SPF to protect their skin from harmful UV rays; others may be concerned with making sure their kids get enough exercise during the summer school break. Yes, there are a number of health issues for families to think about during the summer months – but don’t forget about the furry members of your family! Dogs face their own unique health issues all year long, and there’s a number of preventative steps that their human companions can take to make sure that their pooches stay happy and healthy:

6 Ways to Avoid Common Dog Health Problems

• Walks:

  Taking time to regularly walk your dog is an important way to ensure that your pooch gets the exercise he needs and provides an outlet for all that canine energy so that you have a happier and better-behaved pet. Cesar Millan swears by it and your vet will, too! With everyone’s schedules being as hectic as they are, it may seem like a big time investment, but even a few minutes walking the dog around the block are good if that’s all you have. Plus, walking is good for both canine and human health, so think of it as an efficient way to combine your exercise routines!

• Play with your pooch:

  On days where a walk simply isn’t possible, you can burn off some of your dog’s nervous energy by playing with him – try a tug of war with a dog toy, throw a ball or Frisbee, or surprise him with a new squeaky toy!

• Watch what your dog eats:

  Our furry friends are so adorable and sweet that it can be tempting to ply them with treats, feed them your scraps, or give them an extra helping of dog food. But overfeeding your doggie can cause a lot of unintended problems: Amazingly, pet obesity is becoming a more and more common occurrence in the developed world. As you can imagine, this poses the same sort of health risks for animals as it does for humans. Also, some smaller breeds, such as dachshunds, can be susceptible to back problems if they begin to gain weight, so it’s important to know what a healthy weight for your breed of dog is. Check with your vet to determine the appropriate dog food portion sizes and best feeding schedule for your pooch. Of course, an occasional treat is perfectly fine – just like humans, dogs need all things in moderation!

• Take care of your dog’s emotional health, too:

  It should go without saying, but dogs need love and attention from their owners. With our world being so chaotic, it’s easy to neglect relationships in your life, including those with your family pets. Make a point to have a time in every day where you can spend a few minutes petting your pooch and giving him some loving attention – maybe when you get home from work, or after you drop the kids off at school. I don’t think this is a challenge for most pet owners, but it can be good to have a routine in place for those crazy days when you’re hardly home!

• Do your research:

  Each dog breed has its own quirks, needs, and common health conditions that it can be susceptible to. Spend some time researching your dog’s breed online, through books, or even by watching a few Dog Whisperer episodes! This way, you’ll get some insights into your dog’s personality and what challenges it may have that you can address. This is an especially important step to take before getting a new dog, so that you can get a pooch which is a good fit for your family.

• Vet visits:

  Finally, the most important thing you can do to maintain your dog’s health is to consult with a veterinarian with your questions, issues you encounter, or whenever your dog starts to appear under the weather.

By taking simple preventative measures, you can help ensure that your dog will be happily involved in your family’s summer activities for years to come!