Meet Our FURiends: Maisey and Sarah

In June, Farm to Pet will be focusing on the health of your pups. We are blessed to have our FURiends, Sarah and Maisey, as authors of this week's blog. Let's dive right into healthy lifestyles for your doggo. 

Dogs are the definition of unconditional love.  They love us on our worst days, and they love us the same on our best days.  We are their world!  Our pups depend on us to make sure they live happy and healthy lives.  Here are a few things to remember to make sure your dog lives the healthiest life you can provide:

1. Find a veterinarian that has the same beliefs as you do.  Ask around to your neighbors and find out names of vets they have used with good or bad experiences.  Check online for reviews and study their websites.  We chose our vet based on references from fellow dog owners in our area, listening particularly to how the vets handled emergencies.  Our first scary experience was when Maisey ate a mushroom in the yard.  We called them, ran her right over, they took her in immediately and treated her without hesitation.  
2. Understand vaccinations; some are required, and some are suggested based on lifestyle.  Your vet should be able to explain the pros and cons of each vaccination and help you decide when to get each one.  Keep up on your vaccinations, just like humans it's a foolproof way to keep our pups safe from preventable diseases.
   
3. Keep current on parasite prevention.  This includes heartworm prevention as well as flea and tick prevention.  There are many choices available so it's best to do your research and speak with your veterinarian to choose the best one for your pup.  Don’t skip out on these treatments, the alternative is much worse than the cost of a monthly treatment.
4. Healthy diets and treats are important!  You are likely seeing a theme here, do your research!  The first several ingredients in any food or treat should be something you understand!  Meat, vegetables, etc.  If you see additives or fillers, move to the next option.  Single-ingredient Chicken and Turkey Chips are great choices!  Grain-free diets are also available if you and your veterinarian agree that is an option for your pup.
   
5. Dental health benefits more than just your pup’s teeth.  It is important to keep up with brushing your pup’s teeth even if they don't like it.  There are plenty of toothpaste options on the market; try to find one your pup likes.  Unhealthy teeth can lead to decay, difficulty chewing/weight loss, and eventually could lead to progressive issues that can put your pup’s overall health at risk.  If you struggle to brush your pup’s teeth, consult your vet about other options such as dental chews, etc. We use the finger toothbrush with the Arm and Hammer toothpaste, and she loves the taste! There are some great options for toothpaste for your pupper.
6. Dogs need exercise!  Be sure to allow your pup exercise time every day.  This could be a walk outside or play time inside.  Not only is it good for their health and well-being to have exercise, it is also a great bonding time for you and your pet.  You can incorporate training into exercise and play time as well, making it even more worth your while.

It's important to remember that our pups depend on us to give them their best life.  Make sure you keep up with your pup’s health to help ensure you have done everything you can to help them thrive.

Treat you Precious Puppers next week!