Adopting a dog can be one of the most wonderful and fulfilling decisions you can make. Whether you live on your own, with your partner, or you have a family, a dog is able to bring so much love and joy to the house. For those of you who have made the choice to adopt a large breed dog, that joy and love can be a bit more ‘in your face’ if you will, as they don’t exactly remain conspicuous in the house. As a fur baby parent, it’s up to you to keep your dog healthy and happy, but what exactly does that entail?

Here we’ll take a look at six things you can be doing to help ensure that your large breed dog stays healthy and happy, regardless of its age.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

One of the most important things you can do for your large breed dog that will benefit their physical wellbeing is maintain their weight. This will involve feeding them the correct calories for their size, build, and age; making sure they get regular exercise; and not spoiling them with tons of treats. If you want to give them a treat, provide them with healthy and natural treats that aren’t high in calories and fat.

As for the food itself, there is a huge difference in quality across the board. Ideally, you want to stick to the high-quality options that are free of fillers and junk. Not only is it better for them, but it is easier for them to digest.

If you’re unsure of what a healthy body weight is for your dog, speak to your vet. They can also advise you on how many calories per day your dog should be consuming.

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Just as oral health is important to you, the same can be said of dogs. The last thing you want is for your dog to develop gum disease, as this can lead to much more serious issues like tooth loss or even heart disease. So, what can you do to keep their teeth clean? Brush them! That’s right, you can purchase a toothbrush meant for dogs and specific toothpaste that is also dog-friendly. While they may not love it at first, you’ll find that, over time, they’ll get used to it and then it becomes a regular part of their routine.

Make Sure They Are Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

Making sure your dog stays up-to-date on their vaccinations is also important as it will keep them healthy and reduce the risk of them developing diseases. It’s also a great time for the vet to take a look at your dog and do an exam, looking for any potential issues that may be affecting them.

Older Dogs are Prone to Joint Pain and Inflammation as They Age

It’s also important to be aware of and watch for the signs of joint pain and inflammation, especially as they age. In fact, there are some specific breeds such as golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds who are very prone to arthritis. Keep in mind that age alone isn’t a factor, as these problems can develop when they are young too.

So, what should you do if you suspect your dog has joint pain and inflammation? The first step should be to take them to the vet so you can get a diagnosis, and medication may even be prescribed.

At home, there are also some steps you can take that may have a positive impact, such as making sure they maintain a healthy body weight, keeping them active if advised and possible, and you can even look into nutritional supplements that can help by lubricating the joints and potentially rebuilding the damaged joint cartilage. Considering the current climate, it’s easy to find a provider like YuMOVE who offer free advice from a vet 24/7. That’s worth it when you’re exploring options for joints as they supply natural dog join supplements. You can learn more on yumove.co.uk.

Clean Their Food and Water Bowls

This is a simple tip, but it’s something that many dog owners either don’t realise or they forget about it. Did you know that it’s important to be washing out their food and water bowl on a regular basis – ideally twice a day – in order to prevent bacteria from growing? It is also recommended that you use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic dishes since they are easier to clean.

By using these tips, you’ll be able to keep the specific needs of your large breed dog in mind and make sure you keep them healthy and happy.