how to keep my dogs healthy?
I have two dogs. A female 7 year old greyhound named Jazz & a male 2 year old lab/shepherd mix named Felix who i had gotten about 2 weeks ago. Right now he has stitches so im holding off all activity for him till next Thurdsay.
Im just wondering on how to keep them healthy & happy & have them live for a long time.
Right now, there daily schedules go like this.
Wake up & i usually take them for a walk (typical walk). Then i feed them IAMS Healthy Naturals (each a cup & a half). I might put them in the backyard or ill leave them inside for the day. If i put them in the backyard, Felix loves to play & will run around chasing Jazz. Jazz doesnt like to really "play" but will run for sometime before getting tired & resting. Felix can keep chasing his bone around for hours. At around 5 ill talk them for a longer walk (bout half of a mile) & feed them again. & ill take them out again 9 or 10 before going to bed (small walk)
Each dog isnt overweight & are healthy. I will eventually take both to the dog park & the pond once the Felix's stitches are out.
Thank you!
Update:Sorry, ill TAKE them for a longer walk..
I always do that, sorry:P
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Great job with your dogs.
Make sure to get all the recommended vaccinations, fecal and heartworm checks.
Keep your dogs on heartworm preventative and flea prevention. Heartgard, Sentinel, Interceptor, Revolution, Frontline -- are all good products -- ask your vet.
Keep your dogs' teeth clean by brushing them, using rinses, etc. Whenever your vet says the teeth need cleaning, have it done. Quite often, heart disease and kidney disease is actually caused from the teeth.
As your dogs get to be 7 years and up, have bloodwork and urine analysis yearly, along with ekg and whatever your vet offers to senior pets. That way you can catch disease in the beginning and treat early (kidney disease, for example ---or thyroid disease, etc.) Catching problems early makes it much easier to manage. Also change them over to senior pet food or prescription food that your vet recommends.
I have labs ---age 15, 14, and 11. These things are what I have done, along with what you've already mentioned.
1. Iams food is crap. Im sorry, but it is. You need to get them on Blue Buffalo (if you can afford it) if not, Natures Recipe is good. Also, start brushing their teeth. It will save them their teeth and you huge medical bills in their senior years. Other than that, sounds like your doing great.
I think you take fantastic care of your dogs and they are very lucky. They must be very happy dogs in your care and their feeding is perfect. Great job! :)