Responsible Dog Ownership Month: Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy
Being a responsible pet parent is important to your dog’s health, wellness and happiness. September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and we want to ensure all dogs receive quality care to keep their minds and bodies healthy for years to come. Below are a few reminders to help keep your furry family member in tip top shape!
Regular Vet Visits and Vaccinations
There is no better way to know the health of your pup than a regularly scheduled vet visit.! Regular vet visits allow you, as a pet parent, to know if your dog is growing appropriately and staying on track for their breed. Your local vet will also be responsible for administering and keeping track of your dog’s vaccinations while informing you of your dog’s health status. An up-to-date vaccination schedule is important to ensure they stay protected against pet illnesses.
A Healthy Diet & Exercise Routine Go Hand in Hand
A dog’s diet is just as important as exercise. Maintain a regular feeding schedule to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients necessary to give them energy on a daily basis. Adult dogs can be fed twice a day whereas younger dogs and puppies may need a snack between feedings to maintain their health as they grow. Consult your veterinarian for their recommended feeding schedule and always check with them first before adjusting your dog’s eating routine.
Dogtopia has partnered with NutriSource Pet Food to ensure your dog is not only focusing on having the Most Exciting Day Ever at daycare but is also filling their body with tasty and nutritious food. Dogtopia daycare centers across the US and Canada are stocked with food and treats complimentary of NutriSource Pet Food. All NutriSource Pet Food formulas deliver compact nutrition and include prebiotics and probiotics to help support a healthy gut. A stomach filled with nutritious food will keep your pup moving all day long! When your dog attends Dogtopia, you can have peace of mind knowing they are enjoying the highest quality food and treats.
Socialization
Dogs love to be with their pet parents but spending the day playing with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) at daycare is a great way for your pup to focus on their socialization! When a dog is socialized, they tend to have less social anxiety, less aggression, and are overall better canine citizens.
Dogtopia daycare is a great solution for pet parents. It might be tricky to find time to take your pup for a walk after a long day at work, but when you take your dog to Dogtopia, they are spending the day focusing on becoming a well-round pup through socialization, exercise, education and so much more!
Make Sure to Microchip!
Microchips are a painless and secure way to bring your dog home in the event they escape and run away. Most dogs are microchipped at a young age to keep them safe for the rest of their life. When a missing dog is found and taken to a veterinarian, a microchip can be scanned to discover who the dog belongs to along with contact information to bring them home. This is a great reminder to make sure your dog’s microchip information is accurate!
Swap Scraps for a Vitamin-Packed Snack
Dogs love the chance to enjoy people food, but it may not be the most nutritious option and will not provide the energy needed for their constantly moving body. Swap out treats and table scraps with healthier options! Fresh fruits and vegetables are great options for a low-calorie snack while providing nutrition and energy for your pup! A few ideas for healthy treat swaps are plain green beans, frozen blueberries, fresh apple slices or watermelon without seeds, green peas, and plain, unseasoned, cooked sweet potato. As a reminder, please reach out to your veterinarian with any questions about your dog’s feeding schedule, nutrition, or healthy snack swaps.
The Importance of Exercise
Dogs of all ages and breeds benefit from regular exercise! Whether your dog enjoys going for walks by your side, participating in a game of fetch or playing with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) at Dogtopia daycare, daily exercise is a key factor in extending your dog’s life and will keep both their body and mind physically fit.
Everyone wants their dog to live a long and healthy life. Incorporating exercise is a great way to prevent obesity, maintain a healthy mind and body, and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Dogs are social creatures and require a life full of socializing with other dogs, learning new skills and tricks and burning off all that pent up energy through hours of playtime. At Dogtopia, we focus on the health and wellbeing by prioritizing all of those activities for the dogs in our care. Find a Dogtopia daycare near you by clicking here so your pup can start playing with their BFFFs and building healthy habits today!
