Cost-effective ways to keep your pooch happy and healthy
Source: Pixabay
Dog owners will often tell you they can’t imagine life without their four-legged friends and that they’re as dear to them as any family member. With the best intentions for your fur baby, the slightest cough can often have you rushing to the vets, only to receive an eye-watering bill. We all know that dogs are quite simple creatures so, in order to maintain a happy, healthy pooch, you do not need to spend a fortune on special gadgets and the latest organic products. Here are some great examples of things to do to make your dog’s lifestyle as good as it can be, and even save money in the process;
Build a doggie door
Source: Flickr
Not just reserved to cats, this cat flap of the dog world, will give your pooch the independence to run about and get fresh air and escape the walls of the house resulting in a much happier pet. The best part about a doggie door is you can try your hands at building it yourself to save money on the installation.
Socialize your pup
You do not need to enroll your dog into a doggie daycare to have them socialize with other dogs. This step is as simple as taking them to the local park, or even a dog park if you have one. If you are cautious, why not introduce them to a friend´s dog at first and continue this pattern one dog at a time until they build up more confidence.
Keep them active
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It’s important to choose a breed of dog that matches your lifestyle, for example, herding breed dogs are usually hard working and require a lot of exercise, they would be an ideal dog for an active pet owner who has a big garden or lives near a local park. If you don’t have a secure garden consider getting a dog run so your dog can keep healthy when you aren’t ready for a walk, you can find these at The Friendly Dogs. Dogs need to run around to keep fit and healthy, one way of monitoring this is with FitBark. It is a health monitoring app very similar to the human FitBit which claims to reduce vet bills, increase your pup’s life expectancy and minimize destructive behavior. What is even better, you can compare their activity against other dogs of the same breed to ensure you are doing enough for them.
Feed them well
Dogs are relatively simple creatures which is why you do not need to invest in the most expensive, soy, low-fat specialized dog food to keep them healthy. A lot of veterinarians swear by human food to ensure your pup gets the nutrients they need. Always ask your vet which type and quantity of food suits their breed and always stay attuned to how your dog is reacting to the food you’re giving them. You can obviously tell by the er, slightly less glamorous side of owning a dog as to how their bodies are reacting to the food you’re giving them!