Exercise: You and the Dog

Exercise - mentally and physically - is the best activity that will make you and your dog(s) feel better - even on rough days - and this video by Victoria Stilwell explains why and what exactly your dog(s) wants.

Dog Food

There is many brands out there offering from "complete" to "breed specific", from poor to high quality but sometimes no matter what, the food doesn't sit well with the dog. This doesn't mean you should rush to get new food or another brand, this can produce worse effects as a dog's digestion is slow and new foods have to be gradually introduced with the current diet.

As a base diet, dry food is a must and the amount adjusted to weight, activity, age of the dog. If your dog isn't eating much try adding some cooked vegetables to give it some flavour or adding some warm water to make it moist and easier to eat.

Avoid give dogs any table scraps from your food as this can lead to behavioural problems. Instead you can keep them to add some to your dogs next meal - remember to make sure it's cooked food and that it's a reward, not a given right.

Fresh water must be available all the time in the house for the dog. As much as some dogs may persist to try human drinks, it's to be avoided.

If your dog turns it's nose up at food laid down for them, take it away and give it to them later on. The dog may not be hungry - mainly with smaller breeds they may not need as much as recommended - but if have became picky with food, they'll soon learn what is theirs when they become more hungry.

Finally, a set routine is the best thing for a dog. Once they are into the routine, they'll become less anxious about food and more comfortable in and out the house.

 

Canine Care

Rhu sleeping soundly.

Looking after is more than just feeding and exercising; it's also looking out for their health and well being. Which is hard as we would all do our best for out dogs if they could just tell us if exactly what's wrong.

But don't fret as all dogs show signs if something is wrong and it's up to the owners to look out for them all the time. One of the obvious signs - yet not the nicest - is what comes out of a dog.  If they are going too often or too little, discolouration, blood, etc. - exactly like us humans - then it shows they've either ate something that isn't good for them or their diet needs to be changed.

Another sign of a dog not feeling well is that they'll show less enthusiasm to walks or play, sleeping more or less, weight gain or loss, etc. - again exactly how humans act when feeling down or unwell. These changes may be due to events in the house hold - dogs react to their owners -, changes in environment, mourning, lack of exercise - mental and physical -, etc.

 To conclude always look out for your dog both in the house and outside. Make sure they are receiving enough exercise with the right diet and that their environment isn't disturbing them. But if you have any concern - even the slightest - that it might be a bit more serious: Go see your vet as soon as possible.