Dogs have been by mankind’s side for thousands of years. In the past, they helped us hunt and source food, serving an integral role in our hunter-gatherer lifestyles. In today’s world, dogs serve a more benign but no less important role; they are our trusted and loyal companions through thick and thin. 

If you have a dog, you won’t need us to tell you that your furry friend’s love for you is unconditional. It is your duty as an owner to repay this dedication in kind, and you must do all you can to keep your dog safe and satisfied. We’ve put together a guide with three top tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy. 

Walk Your Dog Regularly

Many modern breeds of dog descended from working animals. They were used to hunt, herd sheep, or rescue people from mountains. Our dogs still share the same traits as their not-so-distant ancestors, which often manifest as seemingly limitless energy and passion for activity. 

Dogs need to be walked regularly. This keeps them physically fit and strong and provides with the mental stimulation to ensure they are happy. The length and regularity of your walks will depend on the breed and size of your dog, but all dogs need some form of daily outdoor exercise. 

Walking your dog will help strengthen the bond between you. It will also keep you fit, with dog owners shown to have lower blood rates and cholesterol levels. 

Feed Your Dog High Quality Food

Dogs love to eat. However, to stay happy and healthy, dogs must eat a balanced diet full of all the essential minerals and vitamins. Dog food can be expensive, it’s all too easy to reach for the cheapest option, especially when you see how willing your dog is to eat anything. However, these cheaper brands could contain harmful substances which can lead to health problems later in life. You might find that more frequent vet visit as a result offsets the money saved buying this cheaper food. 

Choose a higher quality dog food, it contain everything a dog needs to maintain its health and stay happy. some brands are offering organic and free-range products so this might be worth exploring. Our dogs give us so much, the least we can do is to feed them the best food we can. If you want to learn more about the benefits of pet vitamins, you can read more on pet vitamins.

Get Your Dog Insured

Dogs love nothing more than to play and explore. They’re incredibly curious and inquisitive, they’ll eagerly investigate anything new and can get excited over the smallest things. Which in uncommon scenarios can lead to an injury. What’s more, dogs are susceptible to certain diseases and conditions. 

If your dog was to hurt themselves or become ill, you would likely have to make a trip to the vet. Vets provide a vital role, but unfortunately their services come at a high cost. Even a simple procedure can incur an enormous bill, more than the average person could realistically expect to afford. 

To protect yourself financially and to ensure your dog will be able to get treatment they might require you might need to evaluate different providers of insurance like Petsure. 

Conclusion

Dogs are our most trusted and loyal companions. The bonds we form with them are incredibly strong and intense, they can feel like members of our families rather than pets. It’s important that we treat them as such. Use the tips outlined in the guide above to look after your dog and ensure they stay healthy and happy.