This post: Tips for Raising a Happy and Healthy Dog | Nutrition Matters has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ProPlanPet #CollectiveBias

Animals have always, and will always be a part of my life.  However, there is not an animal that can steal my heart like a dog.  I love my dogs and want to do the best I can to raise a happy and healthy dog.   If you have dogs, I’m sure you understand.  There are several things you can do to help your dog lead a happy and healthy life. 

Tips for Raising a Happy and Healthy Dog 

Here are a few things you can do to raise a happy and healthy dog.

Be committed

If you haven’t already brought home your new dog be sure you are 100% committed to giving a dog a loving and caring home for the rest of their lives.  There are too many dogs who end up without homes; the last thing you want to do is have to take a dog to the pound because you didn’t fully commit to owning a dog.  Be committed avoid stopping to get a puppy on impulse.  Remember they grow up into big dogs, who need loved.  Owning a dog is a HUGE responsibility – training, feeding, exercising, health, and doing the best you can to give them a loving home. Be sure you are 100% committed to providing your dog with a happy and healthy life. 

Check up’s with the doggy doctor

Just like humans, dogs need a yearly checkup with the vet to make sure they are happy and healthy inside and out.  Your vet can help you keep up with all the required vaccinations as well.

Fleas and ticks

With spring here, it’s a good idea to start thinking about preventing fleas and ticks.  You can talk the vet to find out which products work best in your area.

Bond with your dog

Bonding is extremely important.  If you have children, it’s a good idea make sure your dog not only bonds with you but the kids too.  Bonding will not only help you gain a loyal four-legged friend for life, but it will help you notice how they are feeling.  If you get to know your dog, you’ll likely notice if they are acting sluggish or if something might be wrong.  If you notice your dog acting strange, it might be a good idea to take them for a checkup at the doggy doctor.

Sleep

Just like us, dogs should have a comfortable place to sleep.  We don’t allow our dogs to sleep in our bed, but they definitely have a bed of their own to catch some good sleep.  If you choose to keep your dog outside, be sure they have a place to sleep that is out of the weather.

Training

Everyone will be happier if you train your dog, including them.  Dogs want to make their owners happy, ensuring they are properly trained will make things easier on everyone.  Start training as early as eight weeks, younger is better because you can stop bad habits before they begin or stop them before your dog gets big.  Training should always be rewarding, avoid making it a punishment. Start with short sessions and slowly increase training time.  As they learn what is expected of them and training becomes a positive experience they will pay more attention.

Exercise

Dogs need exercise, it’s important to take them on walks and play with them, especially if you lack a large yard for them to run and play in.  If you job taking your dog is a great option, but be sure to build their endurance slowly, like you, it takes time before they can run 2 miles. 

Be consistent

Don’t love your dog more because they are a cute puppy.  Be sure to give your dog love and attention as they grow older too.  Dogs can get depressed with a sudden lack of affection and attention from their owners.

Nutrition Matters

Just like you feed your family good, you want to feed your dog good, and feeding them a good dog food with nutrition matters.

Since we have several different dogs, that are not yet considered seniors and life an active lifestyle we choose Purina ProPlan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food.  The SPORT® formula can help give active dogs the nutrition they need to perform and be the best they can be.  Whether they are athletes or life an active lifestyle the SPORT® platform has done wonders with our dogs.  My dogs LOVE Purina ProPlan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food taste and it helps them to be the best they can be.

One of my favorite places to get dog food is from PetSmart, it’s close to my house, always nice and organized, has a knowledgable and friendly staff, and I know they always have everything we need, like Purina® Pro Plan® dry dog food.  We do our best to give our dogs the nutrition they need to be the best they can be, have the energy they need, be resilient, maintain their ideal body condition, a stunning coat, and healthy skin, so we feed them Purina® Pro Plan® dry dog food Sport Formula. 

Did you know Purina® Pro Plan® was the first dry dog food brand to use and be founded on the idea of real meat as the #1 ingredient to help promote total body health.  Every high-quality ingredient is picked for a particular purpose.  Eight of the last 8 Westminster Best in Show Campion’s fueled their day with Purina® Pro Plan® and out of the last 100 AKC All Breed Champions 93 are fueled by Purina® Pro Plan®. 

Purina® Pro Plan® has an awesome selection of treats too.  Their wide variety of supplements bars and snacks can be found in five specialized platforms, which each contains products that are formulated for a dogs age/dietary considerations, lifestyle/activity, and taste preferences.

Nutrition Matters – Get Your Dogs MyPLAN Recommendations & FREE Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Dog Food

Learn more about Purina® Pro Plan® dry dog food and get your dog’s MyPLAN recommendations as well as rebate for a FREE bag of Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Dog Food (up to $18.99, 4-6 pounds).  Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Twitter.   

Check out A Friend For Everyone: The Best Dog for Your Personality

by Jenn Worden at Mode