Keeping your Dog happy & healthy
What can I do to keep my dog healthy?
A glossy coat is a telltale sign that your dog is in tip-top condition.
Maintaining the health of your dog's skin and coat are reliant on numerous factors including genetics, nutrition, internal or external parasites, health and grooming. And whilst heredity factors determine the thickness, length, colour and texture of your dog’s coat, your care will also have a significant impact on skin and coat health. So, the best thing you can do is feed them with a good quality nutritionally balanced diet.
Dogs need a good supply of protein in their diet for healthy body function, and hair is actually 95% protein! Studies have found that certain fatty acids play a vital role in canine skin and coat health too.
Vets and scientists have known for some time that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is good for achieving and maintaining a full, glossy coat. However, consuming large quantities is not the best. Recent research has shown that it’s not the precise amount but the balance of omega- 6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are important.
Remember, if you’re feeding a ‘complete’ diet, you don’t need to supplement it as it’ll already contain all the nutrients your dog needs.
Grooming
Whilst diet significantly contributes to a good coat, regular grooming is a must too. Grooming removes loose hair and dirt and distributes skin oils, plus it’s a great bonding activity.
Dental health
Bad breath is often an indication of dental disease, but it's just one sign that we should be looking out for in our pets. The good news is there is so much that can be done to help prevent and treat oral health problems.
Check out our Dental Health in Dogs fact sheet for signs to look for & tips to help prevent and treat oral health problems:
Providing an interesting and stimulating living space
Otherwise known as Behavioural Enrichment, the way you feed your cat and the environment in which they live is essential to your pet's wellbeing by helping to prevent boredom and stress.
We've created a fact sheet containing play activities and food dispensing toys for dogs & cats, to encourage a positive mind state for your pet.
Choosing safe treats & toys
All dogs eat slightly differently. Some dogs who gulp their food at mealtimes can be victims of choking and the less chewing of the food a dog does, the more likely they are to swallow large pieces of a chew or toy, which could also potentially cause trauma or choking.
This Choking Hazards fact sheet provides guidance when choosing the rights treats and toys for your dog's size and mouth: