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Diet and Exercise: How Your Dog Can Thrive 

Dogs have it made. They have food served to them, nap whenever they want, and get unlimited head scratches. It’s safe to say that many dogs live a pretty good life, but is your dog living his best life? A happy hound isn’t necessarily a healthy hound, but with the proper diet and exercise routine, you can ensure your dog will thrive! 

Balanced Diet 

As a dog owner, you love spoiling your dog, and table scraps may seem like a great way to indulge him. Before you toss him your leftovers, make sure you aren’t feeding him something with a known toxicity to dogs. In addition to being toxic, when it comes to human food, many vets report seeing dogs who are obese or experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. The general consensus is that human food is not meant for your dog, but if you absolutely must give him a treat, stick to healthier options such as a scoop of peanut butter or an apple slice.  

Make sure your dog’s regular food contains all the essential ingredients to keep him healthy and strong such as protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. The dog food aisle can be a little overwhelming with the large variety of options, so ask your vet if you aren’t sure to guarantee your dog is getting the right nutrition for his age and size. Don’t forget about the importance of water, too. It makes up as much as 70 percent of your dog’s body, so provide constant access to clean, fresh water. 

Exercise Routine 

It doesn’t matter if your dog has the most epic backyard on the block, letting him outside to potty and play doesn’t meet your dog’s daily exercise requirement. It might not seem that important, but exercise keeps your dog fit and channels all that built-up energy into positive activities rather than destructive behavior like chewing, digging, and barking. The best part about incorporating more exercise into your dog’s life is that there are so many options.  

Head over to the local dog park and set up an agility course, play fetch, or even just chase each other around. This is also a great place to encourage social play with other dogs, but keep your dog’s safety and that of others at the forefront of your mind at all times by keeping a watchful eye, especially since your dog will be off leash. As part of your daily exercise routine, include 10 to 15 minutes of training to exercise the brain and maintain your control in all situations, whether at the dog park, on a hiking trail, or on a walk around the block. 

Pawblem Solved 

It’s easy to keep your dog on track when you are with him, but work and life mean time spent apart. For those days when you need an extra set of hands, bring in the team at Pawblem Solved to give your dog a walk and plenty of love. Plus, all services include a food and water refill, so you can rest assured that your dog isn’t running on empty and is in good hands. When owner Danielle Jaffy was asked about the most rewarding part of working with dogs, she had a hard time pinpointing one specific thing. “There’s too much to love. But since I have to pick just one rewarding aspect, I would pick the fact that I can walk into the room, and they are always so over-the-top excited to see me,” Jaffy said. “I definitely don’t get that same reaction working with people!” Having a fellow dog lover care for your dog is the peace of mind you need. 

When it comes to a healthy dog, nutrition and exercise are key. Once you get a routine going, you’ll find it’s much easier to keep your dog on track. Plus, with a professional dog walker as an option, there’s no reason why your dog’s tail shouldn’t be wagging.  

Content Provided by Tamara Gilmore of PupJobs.com.