subject: Keep That Tail Wagging Indefinitely [print this page] It sometimes takes a lot of effort to keep your dog in his peak condition. But having a healthy, happy pooch is well worth it, in my opinion. After having a hand in raising a couple dozen dogs, I can be the one to step up and give you some advice to help you keep your dog's tail wagging indefinitely.
Just like people, canines are inclined to become overweight or even obese if they are not on a proper diet and exercise program. This can be more pronounced in some breeds than in others, so take the time to educate yourself about your dog.
I have a corgi, and particularly after they are neutered, they have a tendency to put on weight, so I take him out every day to run outside and play games of chase. This suits him very well. Other dogs, particularly those in the working group, may require more strenuous exercise.
If you find out this is the case for your four-legged friend, then you may want to attach their leash to your bike and go for a ride or take them hiking on a local trail.
However, if your dog already has some weight problems, this may not be a good idea. Consult one of the many vets in Brooklyn to find out what level of activity your pooch can handle and how you should gradually increase it.
Proper diet is also crucial, both in nutrition and portion sizes. If you adopted from a breeder, talk to him or her to determine how much you should be feeding Fido and if you should make any changes as he ages. They should also be able to recommend a good brand that has balanced nutrition and few fillers.
But you ought to also seek the advice of a veterinarian, whether a breeder is present or absent. Avoid giving your pet table scraps, as this will increase their chances of obesity--or of you giving them something harmful to dogs.
Most of us think that our pups are the best behaved pets on the block, but that doesn't mean you should over-treat them. Select treats that are low in fat, or, better yet, use a nonfat cereal, which they tend to like just as well as any yum-yums.
Give your furry pal a serious dose of affection every single day. Although most of us give our buddies the occasional pat of approval when they do something right, they need to know they are truly loved. So devote at least fifteen minutes each day to giving them some love. Find out what they like best--scratching behind the ears, belly rubbing, etc.--and go for it.
