Raising a doggo is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences you have. Not only do you forge a loving and nurturing relationship with your dog, but you get to see them grow into wonderful dogs that you, your family, friends and randoms at the park all love!
But it’s important to maintain your dog’s health as they get older. Doggos, like us humans, require occasional health checks, plenty of exercise and a nutritious diet to keep them happy, healthy and chasing birds at the beach.
This being said, adult dog health care differs from that of a puppy or older dog. Dogs age quicker than us humans – we know this – that’s why we have “dog years”.
It’s around one dog year for every seven human years, so it’s important to keep an eye on your adult doggo’s health as the years progress. You’ve already got the best pet insurance, now it’s time to see how to ensure your doggo continues to lead a happy, healthy life as they enter doggy adulthood!
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Table of Contents
Regular checkups are a wise choice
Although dogs can be pretty good at telling their hoomans if they have a health problem, often a dog won’t realise they actually have a problem until it’s gotten worse.
Therefore, it’s a very good idea to take your adult dog for the occasional vet check up – once every six months is a good idea.
Your local vet will perform a thorough doggo check and will go over the following aspects of their health:
- Coat & skin
- Ears
- Eyes
- Teeth & gums
- Muscles
- Heart & lungs
- Bones & joints
- Feet & nails
- Lymph nodes
And more if necessary. This is also a good time to ask your vet about any concerns you have for your doggo. You can also learn from your local vet about health aspects including dental hygiene, nutrition, flea control, heart health and worming.
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Walk your doggo
A dog can’t maintain a basic level of health if they are confined to the home for too long. Not only is it cruel to the dog to keep them inside, but it is also bad for their health.
So, be sure to take your dog for the right amount of weekly walks depending on their breed. Your dog may not need a twice-daily walk to keep them healthy and stoked, but most dogs do need at least a daily walk.
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Play games with them
Dogs also love playing games. This isn’t only good for their fitness, but they get so happy after playing one of their favourites. Whether it’s tug-o’-war, fetch, a ball game or even playing with other dogs at the park, games are one of the best exercises for a dog’s mind and body.
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Feed them a healthy diet
Dog owners are becoming more conscious when it comes to what they feed their dogs – this is a good thing! Dogs aren’t like us, and as much as we like the idea of sharing our favourite chocolates and snacks with them or even the occasional greasy takeaway this is simply not a good idea.
Your dog should be fed high quality dog food which, today, is easily accessible at any Australian supermarket or pet store. If you are to feed them scraps, be sure that they are plain and don’t have any intense flavourings or sauces that could upset their digestive system. You could also add a good food supplement for them like Perfect Poop to enhance the immune system and overall health of your dog.