Image: shutterstock/ I heart dogs.com
According Dr. Kathryn Primm from the website I heart dogs.com, we may be doing more harm than good to our beloved pets. This is a great article with fabulous information. It sure made me stop an reflect on the things I do with my dog. I also had to stop giving treats and just happies all the time. I had no idea I was potentially hurting her. The first one was the one that hit home the hardest for me. What is it for you? Let us know!
- Obliterate Obesity. Obesity shortens lives and impacts overall health. Look at your dog with a critical eye. When you press on his sides, can you feel his ribs? You should be able to.
- Stop Indulging Her. Even though your dog may prefer them, generic and low cost diets may contain additives and poorly digestible ingredients. Avoid a lot of treats. These are the ones that are labeled “for supplemental feeding only” or “not intended as primary diet”. If you do give treats, be sure to account for them in the daily calorie count. If you can choose fresh produce or freeze dried treats with no additives or preservatives, it is even better.
- Don’t Stifle His Creative Spirit Dogs are living creatures and they need to think and move. Make sure he has stimulating toys and new places to hide and play. You can hide healthy treats all over your house and yard and he will delight in uncovering them when you are busy or away.
- Be A Friend She Can Count On Every day, you should remember that you are the highlight of your dog’s day. You are your dog’s focus, her leader and friend. Make sure you interact on a predictable schedule every day.
We need to be honest with ourselves when it comes to some of these points. I know we have all done some of these things and we just need to start new and make it a priority to do better. We want ourselves to be healthy and it is just as important for our dogs to be healthy as well!