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7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Written by: Samantha H
| Published on April 9, 2019
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

As your dog’s caretaker, you want your beloved pooch to live a long, enjoyable life. This means keeping your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible. Through outdoor fun, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and lots of love and snuggles, you can give your dog the gift of joy and good health. But you can’t do it alone. Dogs need regular checkups by a trusted veterinarian to keep their furry, little paws prancing, too. And while going to the vet is one part of keeping your dog healthy and happy, quality care can get expensive in a hurry.

That’s why choosing a pet insurance policy is another must when trying to give your dog their best life. With a policy from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, you can be sure your pup’s medical bills won’t flatten your bank account. No matter the age or breed, you can get valuable coverage at an affordable price. And when one vet visit could cost you thousands of dollars, won’t it feel good knowing you’ve got protection in place?

Giving your pup a wholesome, nutritious, and thriving existence may sound daunting, but you’ve got the skillset and capabilities to do it easily because your heart is packed to the brim with love for your dog! These are some of our favorite ways to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Things You Can Do to Keep Your Dog Healthy

1. Get outdoors to get fit with your fur baby.

In 2017, a survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 56% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Scary! If you don’t want to put your dog at risk of disease, you’ve got to keep her active. So, make it fun and get busy with your furry bestie. Go for a hike together. Or, camp outdoors for a night in the wilderness. If you’re not afraid of a little water, try paddle boarding or just a trip to the doggy beach.

exercise your dog indoors

2. Exercise your dog inside.

Even if the weather outside is frightful or you don’t have the time to take your pup for an extensive walk, your dog still needs exercise. Luckily, you can work him out indoors. If you have a treadmill at home (yes, yours), your dog can also be trained to use it. This is a good option for dogs that need lots of activity. You can also play fetch with your dog inside and even set up indoor obstacle courses to keep their mind and body occupied.

3. Pick your pup’s food wisely.

Dogs are carnivores, but they need more than just meat to live a healthy life. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, your pup needs six basic nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Every dog’s dietary requirements are different, so the best approach to picking food is to check with your vet. However, you can follow these guidelines when you’re at the food store. Select foods with real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients. If you can’t identify the majority of the listed ingredients, this food isn’t right for your pup. Avoid corn and wheat gluten. Look for food that doesn’t have chemical ingredients like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin. Try to stay away from food dyes like Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6.

4. Develop a relationship with a vet you trust.

One way to give your dog the best health possible is with regular visits to a vet. Think about it this way: how would you find a doctor for yourself? How do you want to be treated by your doctor? You can apply most of the same methods when researching and determining who will provide regular care to your dog. Tap into your network to find who your friends and family use to treat their pups. Ensure the veterinarian is accredited and that they maintain a clean and orderly office. Observe how your dog reacts to them and their bedside manner. Once you find someone you and your dog like, don’t miss an annual visit.

Be sure to include pet insurance in your conversation with the veterinarian too. They love animals just like you and understand you’re in the market to do anything and everything your dog needs to stay healthy. Vets also understand their care can be costly, and many have had to watch as pet parents are forced to make heart-wrenching choices due to financial restraints. This hurts their heart as well.

But pet insurance can remove that heartbreak by ensuring quality care is always within reach. An insurance policy for your dog with Physicians Mutual takes the worry out of vet bills, so you can focus on getting your furry best friend the care they deserve. Plus, with Physicians Mutual, you won’t find any frustrating networks that will force you away from your favorite veterinarian.

5. Make sure your pup is up-to-date on his vaccines.

Maybe you moved to a new city and need a new vet, or maybe you’ve decided to select a new vet. No matter the reason, it is your responsibility to be aware of your dog’s vaccination schedule. Know the essential vaccinations (think: rabies, distemper, and parvovirus) and make sure you have a digital or physical record of your pup’s latest shots. Many groomers and doggy daycare centers require records from the vet to service your pooch.

And because yearly vaccines and the exams that come with them can also get a little steep in price, check out the wellness options Physicians Mutual offers when considering what you need in an insurance policy for your dog. By adding additional coverage for things like exams, dental treatments, vaccines, and more, you can help head off bigger issues later on.

sad pug

6. Don’t forget heartworm treatment.

Unfortunately, heartworm is a disease that is nearly impossible to prevent without medication and deadly if untreated. It is caused by the bite of an infected female mosquito. This is the only way your pup can get the disease. Since symptoms are sometimes slow to show, it is extremely important your dog visits her vet annually for a simple heartworm blood test. The best way to prevent the disease is by prescriptive medicine from your vet. There are different types: a monthly chewable pill (in a flavor your dog will love), topical “spot-on” medications, and an injectable that is given every six months. This is what you need to remember: make sure you give your pup their heartworm medication on time. Confirm that whatever medicine you give is specifically for heartworm (that’s where the vet prescription is key). This is one monthly appointment you shouldn’t miss.

7. Don’t lose that loving feeling.

Well, we know there’s no way you’ll ever stop loving your dog. But, one way to keep your pup happy and healthy is to be demonstrative with your affections in a way your dog understands. Gaze deeply into her eyes. Dr. Brian Hare, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University, wrote in his NY Times bestselling book, The Genius of Dogs, that when your dog stares at you he is “hugging you with his eyes.” Lean into your dog (gently!) to show her your trust. And if you don’t mind an extra set of paws in the bed, let your pooch sleep with you.

Because we love your dog, too, check out this bonus tip for keeping your dog healthy.

To help keep your dog happy and healthy their whole life through,  pick a pet insurance policy for your dog as soon as you bring them home. That way, if the unexpected happens, you can give your best friend the best care possible without having to worry over financial restraints. When you don’t have to worry over big bills, you can give your full focus to restoring your dog to their happiest and healthiest self.

Physicians Mutual understands your dog comes first. They offer pet insurance policies with budget-friendly rates that allow you to set your deductible anywhere between $0 to $1,000. They’re here to get you and your dog through the unthinkable, as well as the routine.

And, if getting your pup feeling their best again means multiple trips to the vet, you won’t have to worry about coverage denial because no matter how many claims you make, your dog’s policy with Physician Mutual won’t be canceled. Plus, unwavering customer service means you’ll never be alone with your questions and always find the answers you need. Get your quote from Physicians Mutual today, and know you’re doing something good for your dog’s health!

Happy dog, happy life!

Giving your pup a healthy, well-rounded life isn’t difficult. Remember: your dog has a vet for a reason. If you want other best practices, ask your vet for input. But these seven tips, plus one great bonus tidbit, will certainly help you give your dog a happy and healthy life. Follow our simple suggestions to give your dog the exercise, activity, attention, and medical support he needs. And don’t forget to include pet insurance in your plan for your dog’s healthy living. Learn just how easy and affordable covering your pup’s healthcare costs can be with a free quote from Physicians Mutual!

 

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