Believe it or not, 2022 is staring us in the face. It feels like we’re still processing the first part of 2020, if honest, but time marches on. And in that, it’s important that we make sure we march on with it and do the best we can for our dogs. So, in anticipation of 2022 being THE BEST YEAR EVER, here are 4 things you must do for your dog in 2022!
Talk to the teeth!
They’re some of our dog’s most important body parts, but they’re often overlooked. You know what we’re talking about–their gums and teeth. Dental hygiene for dogs is typically secondary to other health care needs, but this needs to be the year you make it a priority.
Your dog may not just be suffering from bad breath. He could also have other issues going on in his mouth that could affect his whole body health. When we don’t take care of our dog’s teeth with regular brushing or even dental additives, plaque can build up and then turn into tartar. Plaque is made up of bacteria and left unchecked, can make a nightmare of a situation for your dog. Plaque will signal to your dog’s immune system to take care of the area around his gums, and that immune system response is what causes gingivitis. The bad news is that the inflammatory response not only results in gingivitis but also destroys tissue in the process.
Plaque and tartar are the things bad bacteria dream of as safe havens for eating away at your dog’s gums and teeth. They can suffer from canine periodontal disease, oral pain and even canine tooth loss but that’s not even the scariest part of what happens when we don’t take care of our dogs’ oral hygiene. That bacteria can also affect our dog’s bodily organs–like their kidneys, liver and heart–and that can affect their overall health. If brushing your dog’s teeth sounds harder than herding turtles, we get it. Consider dental additives that can help, and be sure to give Bernie’s Perfect Poop with each meal so those digestive enzymes can help take care of their teeth from each first bite of their meals.
Watch that weight!
We know, we know. You probably hear it all the time…keep your dog at a healthy weight.
But what does that actually mean?
Your vet will know best the weight your dog needs to be for optimal health, but you need to know the real dangers of having a dog that’s overweight. It’s not just that he looks a little fluffier or moves a little slower…obesity in dogs can affect them in many ways, from moderate to severe.
If your dog isn’t at his best weight, know that he’s at risk for the following:
- Arthritis/ACL issues: If your dog has extra weight, he can also have extra pressure on his joints. His joint cartilage can deteriorate and lead to arthritis. That may put him a risk for tearing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and that would require surgery. Read how you can help your dog lose weight.
- Heart and breathing issues: Overweight dogs are at more risk for heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as breathing problems. Dogs who have extra pounds are more prone to having collapsing tracheas and laryngeal paralysis. These could be fatal if not treated.
- Anesthesia risks: If your dog should have to go under anesthesia, extra pounds will make it harder for his lungs and heart to work. He may struggle to wake up after anesthesia and during the anesthesia, he may struggle for breath.
- Quality and quantity of life: Did you know that if your dog is overweight, he may be at risk of dying two years earlier than his typical lifespan? Not to mention he’s less able to get up, exercise, play and adventure with you because he’s slower to get up and down or he gets too winded or tired to play with you. Even just a few extra pounds makes a huge difference in a dog playing frisbee or chase!
- Skin issues: Dogs who have extra skin folds because of their weight could have skin irritations and infections that are caused by bacteria that get into the folds. That might make him scratch or smell and could lead to inability to groom properly. Not to mention, overweight, infected skin can smell pretty stinky.
- Tumors: Dogs who are overweight are at increased risk of tumors like lipomas (benign fatty tumors) or transitional cell carcinomas (breast/bladder cancer). Keeping your dog at his best, healthiest weight could ward that off.
Spend more quality time
Dogs crave our attention. They live for their humans and though many of us have spent more time with them in the last two years than we ever have…it hasn’t always been real quality time. Sure, we’re there, but are we there with them?
Think about what would make for quality time–maybe it’s playing ball or frisbee more. Maybe it’s going to the dog park or taking more walks together (good for both of you)! Maybe it’s just snuggling while you relax and giving him some belly rubs to let him know he’s loved.
Sometimes, we think because we’re in the same room, we’re together. But plan purposed time each day to not just feed or care for your dog but to interact too. You’ll both be so much happier for it. Here are some other ideas to entertain your dog even on cold days.
Keep his gut healthy!
We’re one million percent serious about this one. And it’s not just because we want you to try Bernie’s Perfect Poop out!
More and more research continues to prove the incredible benefits of healthy guts in both humans and dogs, and we’re more convinced than ever that taking care of your dog’s gut is KEY to keeping him his happiest and healthiest.
So pay attention to his gut. Pay attention to what you feed him, but more? Pay attention to how he digests what you feed him. Ensure that he’s able to break the food down optimally so that he can absorb all the nutrition he should get.
You can do this so easily too…simply add Bernie’s Perfect Poop to each meal every day. Perfect Poop is a combination of premium insoluble and soluble fibers, pre- and probiotics and digestive enzymes. The delicious flakes couldn’t be easier to sprinkle on, and when you do? You’re giving your dog everything he needs to ensure his gut health is in tip-top condition. He’ll be able to digest his food at the appropriate speed and his dog gut will flourish with healthy bacteria that boost his immune system.
It’s a new year, and we’re always feeling new starts…so make these things MUST DOs on your ‘fresh start’ list. They’ll not just make your dog healthier but happier too. And that’s a GREAT way to start a new year!
