You already make sure that your children and family are well-taken-care-of in ways like feeding them healthy meals and making sure that they get enough sleep every night. Remember that your dog is part of the family too, so when you take care of your kids and your spouse and everyone else, don’t forget about the furriest member!

Vitamins

You make sure that your little ones take their Flintstone’s Kids every day to promote healthy bones and development of the brain, and you probably take a multivitamin yourself every day too. When Rover goes in for his yearly exam, ask what kinds of supplements and vitamins you should be giving him. You can shop for supplements for your dog online to make the process even easier.

• Much like in the human world, puppies and elderly dogs are more likely to need a little extra something to help their teeth and bones stay strong. Ask your veterinarian what is best for your dog or pup.
• CBD oil is a natural supplement that will not get your dog high. There are CBD shops all over the place, so speak to an expert about their line of products for dogs. A bonus is that they sometimes come in bacon or cheese flavors, so dogs love them!

Sleepy Time

The rule of thumb says that you should be washing your bed sheets every week to every other week. You already know about the dust mites and all the other grossness lurking in your sheets, but what about your dog’s bedding? 

• Whenever you change your sheets, clean your dog’s too. Run his bedding in hot water with mild, unperfumed soap.
• Don’t forget about his favorite stuffed friends and other cloth toys! Run those through the laundry as well, since they’re some of the nastiest things your dog owns.

Delicious and Nutritious

Be wary as about what you’re putting in your four-legged friend’s tummy as you would about feeding your children: Some alarming studies have come to light linking dog food to heart disease. Dog food is not cheap and can get pricey in a hurry, so research brands of dog food and decide for yourself which you consider being the best for you and your dog.

• Is grain-free better than food with grains? The jury is still out. Some experts claim that grain-free dog food is the only way to go, while others claim that dogs are missing out on nutrients they need from the grain. Ask your vet for advice if you’re unsure.
• It can be tricky to read the labels on dog food bags, but it’s worth it. Sometimes fancy print and clever marketing can make us forget to check what’s actually inside the dog food itself.

Regular Check-Ups

Everyone gets that little postcard to remind them of their annual doctor’s appointment. Don’t ignore it when it comes time for your dog to have theirs! Regular visits to the vet will ensure that any concerns are addressed and that Rover is up-to-date on his vaccinations.

• During the summer, especially it is very important to have your dog on some kind of flea and tick medicine. Ticks carry infection and can lead to other, nastier diseases.
• If you live in the South, heartworm medication is essential. Carried by mosquitos, a heartworm can be fatal if left untreated. Preventing it is easier than treating it, so start your dog on preventative meds ASAP.

You love your dog like family and you want to keep him as happy and healthy as you can. Give him proper care and he’s sure to live a long, happy, healthy life as your friend!