The three main pillars to understanding your dog are diet, exercise, and health care. Like humans, these three factors are essential for keeping dogs healthy and happy.

A dog's lifestyle is primarily determined by its owners, so it's essential to be aware of what you can do to ensure your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

DIET

What your dog eats is one of the most critical factors in its overall health. Diet is also the factor in which dogs emulate their owners. Just like with humans, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for dogs to develop a strong immune system, maintain a healthy weight and have plenty of energy.

There are a lot of different opinions out there about the best diet for dogs, and unfortunately, dogs cannot choose which food to consume. Therefore, it is up to the owner to do their research and make sure they are feeding their dog a diet that will meet all of their needs.

An excellent place to start is by ensuring that your dog's food is complete and balanced, providing them with all the necessary nutrients. With a wide variety of foods on the market that 'claim' to be complete and balanced, it's essential to do your research and ensure you're giving your dog food that is actually nutritionally sound.

Obesity is a severe condition for dogs and can lead to a whole host of other health problems, so it's important to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food for their activity level and weight.

If you're unsure about what the best diet for your dog is, contact the Pet Food Australia team by clicking here, and we can advise you on the best options for your individual pet.

EXERCISE

Another critical factor in understanding your dog is how much exercise they need. Dogs, like humans, need to get regular exercise to stay healthy.

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their age, breed, and overall health. Puppies and young dogs, for example, will need more exercise than older dogs. On the other hand, working or hunting breeds, such as Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, will also need more exercise than other breeds.

Your dog's need for physical activity will decline with age. Just like people, as they age, they will become less active and may not want to walk or play as much as they used to. It's important to adjust the amount of exercise your dog gets accordingly, as too much activity can be just as harmful as too little.

And finally, dogs with certain health conditions may require less exercise than healthy dogs. Owners with dogs with pre-existing health conditions should discuss an appropriate exercise routine with their veterinarian, as they will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your individual dog.

HEALTH CARE

The third and final pillar to understanding your dog is health care. Ensuring your pet undergoes regular checkups is vital to keeping them healthy and happy.

During these checkups, your veterinarian can assess your dog's overall health and identify potential problems. They will also be able to provide you with important information on how to keep your dog healthy, such as advice on diet, exercise, and preventive care.

Preventive care is one of the most important things you can do for your dog, as it can help to prevent a whole host of health problems. Vaccinations, for example, are important in preventive care and can help protect your dog from deadly diseases. But unfortunately, many owners only visit the vet when their pet is already sick or injured.

Other components of preventive care include routine deworming, tick and flea control, and dental care. These are all essential factors in keeping your dog healthy and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

The three pillars to understanding your dog - diet, exercise, and health care - are essential components of a healthy lifestyle for both dogs and their owners. By ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, gets regular exercise, and undergoes regular checkups, you can help them lead a long and healthy life.

If you have questions about understanding your dog or want more information on the best diet for your pet, contact the Pet Food Australia team today. We are always happy to help!