Imagine a world where our pets could tell us what they’re thinking and feeling. We’d know the answer to: Who’s a good boy? Who chewed mummy’s shoes? Who made this mess? But what about the really important stuff? How much exercise does my dog need? Is my dog eating or drinking enough? Is my dog healthy? When it comes down to it, our dogs’ health* and happiness is all we care about.
Just like us, our dogs need complete and balanced nutrition and a recommended amount of exercise to live their best lives. When our body needs rest, food, sleep or exercise, it lets us know. To make sure we don’t ignore the signs or get too busy, we use digital devices and apps to stay on top of our mental and physical health. Digital devices like Curve Smart GPS Tracker can give pet owners total peace of mind by helping them keep track of their dogs’ whereabouts during walks.
Is my dog hydrated?
Rule number 1 is keeping your dog hydrated. When we feel thirsty, we’re dehydrated and this may be because we’ve lost between 1% and 2% of our body’s water. Dogs are the same. A 10% drop could make them seriously ill. A drop by 15% could be fatal. Your pet can get water from both dry and wet foods, but make sure there are water bowls around the house and garden, so they always have fresh water to drink. To check your dog’s hydration, gently pinch the skin at the back of their neck. If the skin takes longer than 2 seconds to spring back to its original position, your dog could be dehydrated.
What should I feed my dog?
The best quality pet food is formulated to provide your dog’s body with all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals they need. It’s important that you read and understand the label on the pet food you purchase. We know it’s hard to say no to our dogs’ sad eyes, but sneaky table scraps and treats are more for our benefit than theirs. As a general rule, keep treats to 10% of what your dog eats. Note to self: No more sharing the Digestive biscuits.
How much exercise does my pet need?
Not only does your pet need exercise, unlike most of us, they love it! To find out how much exercise your dog needs, enter its breed and age into Vodafone’s Dog Exercise Calculator**. Then use the magical word walkies or show them the lead and it’s off to the races. Here are our top 5 tips for walking your dog, from puppy to adult. If you’re walking*** your dog off-lead, use the Curve Smart GPS tracker for added peace of mind. Remember that even when the weather is miserable, your dog still needs exercise and there are always things you can do together.
How can I show my dog I love him?
Our dogs don’t ask us for much, but they give us everything they’ve got. We may not be able to match their capacity to love but we can show them by providing a safe home; a healthy, balanced diet and lots of water; regular walks and runs to improve their physical and mental health, and all the attention and belly rubs they deserve.
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, the RSPCA has many rescue pets looking for their forever home. If you’re alreadya pet owner, enjoy every minute and show your pet how much you love them by keeping them healthy, happy and safe.
