A Balanced Dog Life

Just like their humans, dogs have several needs that must be met for them to live happy and healthy lives. A balanced approach to health includes meeting physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Our pet dogs rely on us to help them meet any of these needs, and so it is our responsibility to help bring balance to their lives! 

Physical: 

1. Dogs require regular visits to a veterinarian to receive medical treatment, vaccinations, and health checkups. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, fix injuries, and prescribe medications 
2. Vaccines help protect dogs from developing severe illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses by training their body’s immune system to fight the infections agents before it encounters them for real. All dogs should receive vaccines for Rabies, Distemper and Parvovirus. 
3. There are many parasites that like to live in and on dogs. These include fleas, ticks, and worms. Medications can be used to prevent and treat these. 
4. To keep their muscles strong and to maintain a healthy weight, dogs require regular exercise 
5. A complete and balanced diet containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is required for proper nutrition 

Mental: 

1. An active brain is a healthy brain. Learning tricks, solving problems, exploring new sights and smells, and having new experiences are all ways that dogs can keep their brains active 
2. A mentally stimulated dog will also be less likely to have behavioral problems that are caused by boredom 

Emotional: 

1. Dogs feel many of the same emotions as us. A healthy dog should experience more positive emotions than negative ones 
2. We can support the emotional well-being of dogs by treating them with love and kindness. Dogs that are abused or neglected can become fearful and aggressive. 
3. Exercise can help boost positive emotions and reduce boredom. Dogs can get exercise  by doing many of the activities they enjoy such as playing fetch, tracking scents and running with other dogs 
4. Dogs are very social animals and form strong bonds with people and other animals. When dogs are left alone, they experience loneliness. 

When you think of your dog, what areas (physical, mental, emotional) of your dogs life could you help to improve? 

Click here for additional resources:

A Balanced Approach worksheet

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