As a dog owner, your number one priority is to make sure they always feel healthy, happy and supported in their home environment. You have so much love to share with every member of your family and your dog is most certainly included in this. When it comes to overall pet health, you want to ensure they’re eating well, enjoying their daily exercise and maintaining good mental health overall. There are a number of signs which indicate a healthy and thriving dog, some of which are outlined below.
- They Love Their Food
If your dog is always keen for their next mealtime, this is a great sign that they are fit, healthy and happy. Having a hungry dog who enjoys their food shows that they’re burning off their energy and getting all of the nutrients they need to keep growing. Whether you order their food regularly from an online pet store or you buy a subscription to be delivered to your home, you should always make sure you’ve got a healthy supply of food for your furry companion!
- Walks Are Their Favorite Time of Day
When you see a wagging tail and a tongue sticking out of your dog’s mouth you know they’re happy and excited for their daily walk. Your dog should love going out and about with you during the day for their walks; it’s a clear sign that they’re active and enjoying their movement.
- They’re Loving and Affectionate
When your dog excitedly greets you as you walk through the door it shows that they’re emotionally intelligent, loving and affectionate in every way. This is such a healthy sign and should be noted by you as the owner!
- Playtime Gets Them Excited
If you enjoy chasing your dog around the garden, throwing sticks and playing other games, it’s highly likely that they enjoy the process as well! They like the repetitive and predictable processes such as fetch, so make sure you practice these types of games as often as possible.
- They Sleep Well Throughout The Day and at Night
An average dog can sleep for up to 14 hours a day, which is a lot more than a human usually needs. With that being said, it’s important to make sure they’re not sleeping too much and not getting enough exercise throughout the day. Of course, as a dog ages they will start to enjoy slower paced days and more regular naps throughout the day, but keep an eye on your dog’s sleep schedule and make sure they’re getting enough rest in a 24 hour period.
You know your dog better than anyone and will instantly be able to tell if something is bothering them slightly or causing them stress. When their daily routines are consistent, they’re eating high quality food and they’re being shown plenty of love and affection, a dog will generally be in good health overall. If you ever notice any worrying signs, be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so that they can help you to diagnose any issues quickly and safely.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
