We all know and treasure the dogs in our lives. Therefore, making sure they are healthy and happy is essential for all dog owners.

Prevent boredom, improve their health and provide them with everything they need to make them as happy and healthy as they possibly can.

Whether you are trying to figure out if it’s the right time to adopt a dog or simply want to learn dog lifestyle needs, the following are 15 simple tips to make your dog happy and healthy!

1. Plan for Your Dog

At the start of every year, make some good plans for your dog. As you make your own New Year resolutions, make beneficial ones for your dog too!

If your dog is overweight, consider taking them out for longer walks and create a healthier diet program for them.

Other plans could include teaching them an advanced trick or solving any dog behavioral problem you might have noticed.

Further Reading: 6 Steps to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over and “Play Dead”

2. Feed your Dog a Balanced Diet

The expression “you’re what you eat” applies to dogs as it does to human beings. Therefore, feeding your dog a balanced diet is important for him to remain happy and healthy.

For example, make sure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Your dog should be nourished for the activities that he takes part in. In addition to providing proper nutrition, give your dog clean, drinking water to keep him hydrated.

Dog food is extremely important to the health of your puppy. That’s why we recommend the Dog Food Secrets program… to show you how to feed your dog the proper diet so he lives a longer, healthier life and rarely needs to see the vet.

If you think your dog is healthy at the moment, you may be in for a rude shock! He is most likely to develop health issues if you are faithfully following any of the misinformation found in many dog food brands today.

With the Dog Food Secrets program, you can learn how to make some small changes in how you’re feeding and caring for your pup that can make a huge difference to his health now and in the future.

And if your pup has a digestive issue, take heart. This program will show you exactly what you have been doing wrong and what you can do to make him happier and healthier for life. Besides, you’ll also want to discuss the problem with your vet.

Further Reading: How To Choose The Best Automatic Dog Feeder

3. Maintain Proper Weight

Obesity is a very common health problem in dogs today. With healthier lifestyle practices, your dog should be able to maintain proper weight. Check the outline of his ribs to ensure there is no excess fat.

As mentioned above, feed your pup a balanced and natural diet and exercise him regularly to maintain healthy weight… which brings us to tip #4….

Further Reading:  How to Teach a Puppy His Name (9 Simple Steps)

4. Give Your Dog Regular Exercises

All dogs need plenty of exercises to remain healthy and happy. Whether it’s daily walks or regular playtime, your dog should remain active. It is not a good idea to keep your dog in a kennel throughout the day.

In order to make your dog happy and healthy, you need to take the time to play with him.

Playing with your dog will also help enhance family interaction and stimulate them physically and mentally.

Further Reading: How to Train Your Dog to Greet Visitors (5 Tips)

5. Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated

Another important aspect is mental health. Generally, a happy dog leads to a healthy dog. Find some fun ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Instead of sticking to the same exercise routine, try fresh ideas that both you and your pooch will enjoy together.

Go swimming, visit dog parks or walk through new routes with your dog. This will curb boredom and offer mental stimulation for you and your dog.

Remember to introduce puzzle games and interactive dog toys to challenge them, both mentally and physically.

Further Reading: 6 Easy Ways to Tire out Your Dog

6. Provide Proper Training

No matter the breed, try and train your dog from an early age. And remember to reward your dog for good behavior. Scolding or punishing your dog will certainly be futile.

For training both common and advanced commands, we recommend The Brain Training for Dogs program.

When you follow this program, your dog will pay attention to you, and do exactly what you say.

It will show you how to handle your dog, including gentleness, calmness, obedience training, dog tricks and more. For dogs of all age brackets, keep them under control with this program.

Further Reading: How to Stop Your Dog from Barking at Other Dogs (5 Tips)

7. Protect Your Dog against Harsh Conditions

In addition to providing proper shelter and supplying clean bedding, protect your dog against severe weather conditions.

During the summer, provide cool water to prevent overheating. During winter, you may add them a sweater to ensure they are not feeling too cold. This is because the weather is no excuse for keeping your dog indoors throughout the day and week.

Further Reading: How to Stop Your Dog from Biting (8 Tips)

8. Talk to Your Breeder

If you acquired your dog from a proper breeder, then you should contact them if you have any questions to ask.

Reputable breeders have a lot of information about your dog’s heritage and will be willing to help you solve any issues you have with your dog.

Further Reading: How to Train Your Dog to Sit On Command (5 Simple Steps)

9. Groom Your Dog properly

Whether it’s regular baths, nail clipping or brushing, your pup will need regular grooming. If you let claws to grow too long, your family, friends and belongings will suffer.

Regular baths will keep your dog smelling fresh and looking neat. It will also prevent the accumulation of dirt in his coat, which can be a good breeding ground for bacteria, ticks and fleas.

Your carpets and your pets will be the number one breeding ground for fleas and other parasites, so make sure you check such areas properly.

Further Reading: What Is The Best Brush For Shedding Dogs? (Top 15)

10. Give Your Dog Proper Treats

Dog Treats are much more important than just luring him to follow commands or watching his eyes light up in delight.

Although both are major benefits, treats also help to boost your dog’s appetite and also offer more nourishment.

Further Reading: Can Dogs Eat Carrots? And Are Carrots Good For Dogs?

11. Follow Safety & Legal Procedures

It is important that your dog has a tag and a collar.

Tags and collars are a safety and legal requirement for puppies and adult dogs. Make sure the collar is well fitting as puppies can grow rapidly and you certainly don’t want him to feel uncomfortable.

Moreover, you should visit the vet at least once a year to ensure everything is okay.

Learn to check your pup from a young age to ensure everything is normal. This will make it easier to detect if there’s something wrong.

Further Reading: How to Stop Your Dog from Barking (5 Simple Ways)

12. Never Leave Your Pup Alone

In the hectic world we live in today, it’s inevitable that we leave our dogs alone from time to time.

However, that doesn’t mean that they should not get the attention they deserve. You may want to invest in the best pet cameras, which allow you to monitor and communicate with your dog from wherever you are. That way, your dog will get the attention he craves… and you’ll enjoy peace of mind, too!

Further Reading:  How To Entertain Your Dog When You’re Not At Home

13. Pamper Your Best Friend

Not all pets like being pampered since being mucky can be a good condition for some.

However, if your furry friend loves it, then consider giving him a relaxing haircut, bath or physiotherapy at a good dog salon or spa.

Further Reading: How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up (5 Easy Steps)

14. Take Care of Their Health

Dogs are prone to a variety of diseases and illnesses including skin irritations, ear infections, back problems, dental diseases and more.

Look out for signs of illnesses or injury on a regular basis and call your vet if need be.

Further Reading: How to Stop a Dog from Pulling On Leash (5 Tips)

15. Love Them

In addition to implementing all these things, just continue loving your dog as much as possible, and they will continue loving you unconditionally.

Dogs can feel neglected if they don’t get enough attention. Petting, hugging or playing games with him will let him know he is truly loved.

Further Reading: How to Train Your Dog to Come When Called (8 Tips)

In conclusion…

So those were 15 simple tips to make your dog happy & healthy. When you follow them, you will be doing all you can for your furry friend to live a happier, healthier and longer life.