Dog is not just a pet, but a treasured member of the family. And just like you, we want all members of the family to live as long, as happy and as healthy a life as possible. But despite their expressive eyes, lick-ready tongues and waggly tails, dogs are not always the best communicators. So rather than hone your dog-whispering skills, let us take the guesswork out of your dog’s health and happiness with our top five tips:

1. Daily exercise. A daily dose of exercise helps your dog to maintain a healthy weight, burn up excess energy, strengthen their cardiovascular system, and ward off boredom. Whether you go for a walk, play a game, or head to a local dog park – physical activity is essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy.
2. Good grooming. Your dog’s coat should look shiny and its skin free of dandruff or sores. By regularly brushing your dog, you’ll help to stimulate their skin, spread natural oils, and remove dirt and dead hair before it’s shed. As tempting as it may sometimes be, unless otherwise recommended by your vet, you shouldn’t bathe your dog more often than weekly. Bath time also provides an opportunity to check the healthy condition of your dog’s nails, ears and teeth.
3. Balanced nutrition. Left to their own devices I’m not sure whether dogs would always make the most nutritious food choices, Ideally, dogs should be fed a balanced diet based on good quality ingredients. Be sure to add Dig-In Digestive Gravy to your dog’s meal to not only make their food taste amazing, but to also boost your dog’s immune system. Raw bones are also a great supplement to your dog’s diet by helping to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
4. Weight Management. Is your pooch rocking a paunch? Helping your dog to maintain a healthy weight reduces the risk of certain diseases and ensures their joints aren’t overloaded. Your pet may be overweight if they don’t have a waist when viewed from above, if their belly sags, or if you can’t feel their ribs.
5. Regular check-ups. Aside from visiting the vet annually for vaccinations and a check-up, your vet can also help to create a treatment plan for intestinal worms, heart worm and fleas. It’s much easier to prevent an infestation rather than tackling an established problem. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your dogs for ticks, especially if you’ve been walking in bushland areas.

Always remember that you know your dog best. So be mindful of any changes in your dog’s behaviour, toilet habits, weight or attitude, as this may indicate a broader health concern. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.