How to Have a Healthy Dog
A balanced diet, in spite of being very important, is not the only condition towards a healthy and happy puppy or adult dog. Education, correct domestication, exercising and receiving many stimuli for its psychological development are critical factors when considering your dog's health. A responsible owner takes its dog to the veterinarian on a yearly basis to put the vaccines needed against the primary infectious dog diseases. Take this opportunity to answer any doubts or problems you may have regarding your pet, be as specific as you want and don't let go of any doubt, however irrelevant it may seem.
How much exercise should my dog? Physical exercise is an essential part of a dog's healthy life. Jogging is a fine example of a great exercise you and your dog could do daily, and it would benefit you as much as your pet. Ideally, the dog should enjoy two to three daily walks, one of which should last at least half an hour. Let the dog loose and free to walk around whenever it is possible. However, be absolutely certain that the animal will respond when you call him back and get back to you, otherwise, don't let your dog loose. Some breeds require more exercise than others, and they may cause some disturbances back home if they're not given the right amount of it. Big and medium breeds, such as Dalmatians and Boxers, tend to have this problem, and even when size is not always proportional to the energy a dog needs to burn, it generally is.
Needs of an adult dog
- Do plenty of exercise. A healthy dog needs 2 – 3 walks a day
- Have a balanced diet with water always next to the food bowl
- Annual visits to your veterinarian for vaccination, and a full examination
- Company: especially with younger dogs, they must never be alone for extensive periods of time
- An appropiate bed, not to be shared, in which your dog can seek refuge during the day, and a pleasant sleep at night
- Regular brushing sessions, during which you can also check for fleas, or any abnormalities you may find while doing so
