So how do we keep our dogs healthy?

My Tips for a Healthy DogBy Dr Rob Zammit

This article by Dr Zammit is designed for general information only. The views and opinions expressed in this article are of

Dr Zammit. For advice and information concerning feeding your individual dog, we recommend seeking the advice of your veterinarian.

Keeping your dog healthy generally requires a two-pronged approach: Firstly, ensuring your dog’s physical health. And, secondly fulfilling your dog’s needs for good mental health. Scientists have shown that simply stroking a dog can lower your blood pressure. Statistics have also proven that people in retirement villages that have dogs, live longer, with less need for medical assistance than people without pets. However, if your pet is unhealthy then you are more likely to worry, causing the pet’s presence to become a burden on your own health.

Healthy dentition is vital to your dog so please add a fresh raw bone once weekly to the feeding regime; lamb necks, brisket bones or mutton flaps are ideal (again, never chicken necks or poultry bones of any kind). Make sure it’s very fresh and refrigerated, as if you were going to eat it yourself.

Your dog’s good health program should begin as soon as it enters your household.

Firstly, When you feed your dog, gently crouch beside it, patting the dog and reassuring with a soft voice, “good dog” while it eats. This will help form a loving bond with your dog as well as some important initial training.Secondly, always ensure that all your dog’s vaccination requirements are up to date. These vary from one location to another so discuss those variables with your veterinarian.Next make certain all preventative parasite treatments are regularly completed (worms, fleas, tick and heartworm).

Always feed your dog a balanced diet.This doesn’t mean the most expensive dog food you can find but rather a good quality dry dog food mixed with a wet dog food or a tasty protein like fish, lamb, beef or chicken. If you do feed chicken please make sure it’s cooked – this avoids some of the nasty bugs that raw chicken can harbour as well as a neurological disease that results in paralysis of your dog.

Dr Rob ZammitBVSc Veternarian

When feeding it’s best to feed less than more; never make your dog overweight, especially as a growing puppy. A fat puppy will be more inclined to develop many signs of ill-health, including such dreadful things like hip dysplasia. In old dogs, fat dogs will show many more symptoms of arthritis as well as cardiac problems, diabetes and other issues with being overweight.

Exercise is vital to your dog’s health. A daily walk will not only stimulate your dog’s heart, lungs, muscles and bones but is vital in maintaining good mental health. Plus, you can tell your dog all your problems while you’re on your walk – I promise your dog won’t tell another soul.

If you have selected a high energy breed, like a Kelpie, Border Collie, Doberman or German Shepherd, then teach them to retrieve a ball. Buy yourself a tennis racket and a few tennis balls and get yourself to the leash-free dog park a few times a week. Chasing a ball allows the dog to rid themselves of much pent-up energy.

A most commonly asked question is: “How much food should I feed my dog?” Truth is, I don’t believe there is one answer even for dogs of the same breed and the same size. Metabolism of each dog varies, just as it does in humans.

The important rule is that you should be able to easily feel the ribs on your dog and in short coated dogs, easily see the last rib.

The feeding guides on dog food packets are just that – GUIDES. If your dog is putting too much weight on, I suggest feeding less. When in doubt, please consult your vet.

Howmuch food

should I feed my

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Finally, think about obedience school for your dog. Not only will this maintain your dog’s health by giving the dog some exercise, the extra exercise your dog receives will help avoid boredom and decrease the risk of the dog becoming a nuisance barker. Further, the socialisation and training allow your dog to become a great member of the family. Getting into these habits early ensures the scene is set for a happy life.

MY TIPS FOR A HEALTHY DOG

1. Always feed a good quality, balanced dog food

2. Get your dog to chew bones (never poultry bones). Fresh raw lamb neck once weekly will go a long way to healthy, clean teeth

3. Check your dog’s energy level and structure an exercise program accordingly

4. Obedience Training – this ensures a healthy mind so your dog doesn’t get bored in the backyard

5. Worm regularly (at least at the start of every new season)

6. Regular veterinary check-ups

7. Brush every couple of days and bath as necessary

Cleanliness is essential for your dog so a brush down once every couple of days will minimise the amount of hair your dog drops IN your house. Oh, yeah, that’s essential in my opinion. Don’t give me this, “we don’t allow dogs into the house”. Open the back doors and let them in, at least while you are watching television or reading a book.

This not only keeps your dog healthy mentally but gives the dog a much more important area to guard. Also, a bath once a month will go a long way into keeping the dog clean and smelling fresh.