Dogs are extremely loyal and loveable creatures, so it’s no wonder we call them man’s best friend. When you adopt a dog, they instantly become part of the family, and for that reason, you want to ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy and healthy life.
Part of taking care of your dog’s health is scheduling regular checkups, even if they aren’t sick. Luckily, at 911 Vets PriVET®, we make it easy to get your pet the healthcare they need. We offer mobile vet services to residents of Los Angeles where we will come right to your home and perform a checkup just like you would receive at a vet office. Not only is this more convenient for you, but it can also reduce some of the stress and fear that your pet may experience when they go to a strange office. Explore our website to learn more about our mobile vet services and continue reading below for a few more tips on how to keep your dog happy and healthy!
EXERCISE
When you go to your doctor once a year, they probably tell you how important it is to get enough exercise. Well, the same thing goes for your dog! Just like humans, dogs need to get exercise each day, especially if they are a high-energy breed. That being said, exercise for your pooch can come in many forms. You may decide to take a walk around the block a couple times a day, or you may choose to take your favorite pup to the dog park where they can run around with other dogs. Sometimes playing a rigorous game of fetch in the backyard can be enough to get your dog’s energy out.
GROOMING
The benefits of grooming your dog are two-fold — not only does it help remove excess fur, but it can also help reduce shedding! Grooming is another important task that can help your dog live a happier life while also giving them a healthy and shiny coat. Most dogs can benefit from regular nail trimmings and brushing to help with shedding, but depending on the type of dog you have, you may want to avoid having their fur trimmed, even in the summer. Breeds such as huskies, malamutes, border collies, and german shepherds, to name a few, have a double layer coat that protects them from all types of weather, so it’s not necessary to cut their coat during the warmer months. Other breeds, however, may require a haircut during the warm months to help maintain a cooler temperature. Make sure you research your dog’s breed before you take them to the groomer!
AFFECTION
It’s important to create a strong bond with your dog, and a great way to do that is by giving your dog affection. Not only can giving your pup some love have a positive impact on both you and your dog, but it can also promote positive interactions between your pooch and other humans, as well as help them associate other humans with pets and other positive actions.
Because dogs are such loveable animals, there are many ways you can show them affection. As we mentioned above, it’s important to groom your dog, and taking the time to brush them can actually be a really beneficial form of affection. You can also show your pooch some love just by cuddling on the couch while you watch TV at night or by absentmindedly stroking their head as you have a conversation. You may even find that showing affection to your dog can help you feel calmer and comforted as well.
SOCIALIZATION
Dogs need to learn how to socialize in relatively the same way that humans do, which is why it’s important to socialize your dog with both people and other animals to help them learn how to play and to learn that others aren’t a threat. While it’s good to start socializing your dog as a puppy, it’s never too late to start socializing them if you end up adopting a dog who is a little older. Consider inviting a few close friends or family members to come meet your dog to help them get used to other humans. Depending on the temperament of your dog, you may want to only invite people over one at a time. You can also take your dog to a dog park or enroll them in doggy daycare to help get them used to being around other dogs.
REGULAR CHECKUPS
One of the most important ways to ensure that your dog lives a healthy life is to schedule regular checkups. Taking your dog to the vet every year, or even sometimes twice a year, can help prevent any harmful diseases, as well as help you maintain their good health. The last thing you want is for your pup to get really sick from an illness that could have easily been prevented.
Luckily, if you live in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, 911 Vets PriVET® is here to help! We offer mobile vet services so you can have the convenience of a vet visit right in your home. Explore our website to learn more about all the mobile vet services we offer, and give us a call to schedule an appointment today.