September marks National Responsible Dog Ownership Month, with the third Saturday of the month designated as National Responsible Dog Ownership Day. If you want to make sure you’re the best pup parent you can be, here are some areas to which you should pay extra attention this month and beyond.
- Diet: A lot of people get into the habit of feeding their dog leftovers from the dinner table or overindulging them with unhealthy treats. All dogs require different nutrients at each life stages, so it is important to get diet recommendations from your veterinarian. While high-quality food is perfectly acceptable, dry food is recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your veterinarian can advise you about appropriate healthier treat options.
- Exercise: Daily activity not only helps dogs burn energy and maintain a healthy weight; it helps them socialize and relieve anxiety as well. Dogs at different ages require different amounts of activity, but a good goal is to aim for a total of an hour of exercise a day. Remember that it doesn’t have to be the same long walk around the neighborhood. You could toss a ball around the backyard, have a tug-of-war battle or play with other pups at the dog park — to name just a few ideas. And don’t forget to provide mental exercise! Sniffing safaris, snuffle mats, and puzzles can provide great mental stimulation.
- Dental Care: More than 50% of pup parents never brush their dogs’ teeth. Let’s reduce this statistic! While annual cleanings at the vet are certainly better than nothing, brushing daily is ideal. These efforts reduce the risk of bacterial infection, which can lead to heart, lung, liver and kidney disease in dogs. There’s a lot of different options to start an at-home dental care routine with your dog.
- Grooming: Bathing your dog with appropriate dog specific shampoo will keep their skin and coat clean as well as soothe dry skin. Brushing their coat can help clear away loose hair and remove dirt, and potential allergens. And while this may seem unexpected, trimming their nails can help prevent pain and injury. Long nails put irregular pressure on your dog’s toes, hips and back, which can even lead to arthritis. If your dog chews or breaks their nails, there is potential for them to develop a serious infection. Your veterinary health care team can provide a good rule of thumb for an appropriate length of nail for your dog.
- Wellness Checks: Regular exams help keep your pup up to date on vaccinations, parasite preventions, and stay ahead of potential health issues.
When was the last time your pup visited the vet? This month is a great time to make an appointment! Call (770) 526-9678 to schedule an appointment today.
