Dogs are relatively active animals. However, some tend to be more playful and lively than others. Although the general rules in taking care of dogs still apply, you have to be more extensive and thorough when it comes to highly spirited pets. In this article, we are going to talk about the special considerations and treatments that you have to make when taking care of your very active pets. This list will include proper nutrition, how to deal with fleas, how to set limits, and other special considerations. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be more knowledgeable about the proper methods for taking care of your pets, no matter their activity levels.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
Active and lively dogs will naturally require more calorie consumption. Not only that, but they also require a more balanced and more extensive nutritional approach. This is precisely because these pets regularly use up more energy on a daily basis as compared to more tame and more relaxed ones. As we all know, all sorts of activities will naturally consume energy. The more vigorous and strenuous the activity, the more calories will be used up, and therefore more will be required during meals.
In addressing this issue, be aware of your dog’s activity levels. If you observe that your dogs are more active than usual, consider increasing the quantity of the food you feed them. More importantly, pay attention to the type of food you offer them as well. Consider feeding your dogs high-fiber and high-vitamin foods. Do not skimp on the type of dog food you give to your pets as well. Some cheaper alternatives will be much lower in quality, which means less nutritional value for your pets.
Dealing With Fleas
Fleas are a regular concern when it comes to very active pets. Naturally, these types of pets would love to spend most of their time outside. Although the great outdoors is a place for fun and play, it can also pose a threat to their health and wellness. This is usually in the form of fleas and other pests. In dealing with fleas, it is critical that you keep your dog clean as much as you can. Upon arriving home from an outdoor run or walk, clean or rinse your dog’s paws and check every nook and cranny that may have been infested with parasites.
Then, thoroughly brush your dog’s coat to get rid of any foreign objects that may have been stuck in their fur. In doing this, you decrease the likelihood that pests will cling to your dog’s body and cause various illnesses and diseases. It would also be a good idea to use anti-flea products that have been recommended by your veterinarian. These products could be in the form of powders, sprays, shampoos, etc.
Set Limits
Another concern when it comes to very active pets is that they may overdo their playtime. This could cause their heart rate and internal body temperatures to rise excessively. If this is left unregulated, it could lead to various health problems and complications down the line. In order to deal with this issue, be sure to set limits to your dog’s playtime. If you find that your dog is heavily panting, take some time off to rest, recover, and rehydrate. Also, try to decrease your activity levels during especially hot weather. During these times, dogs are more likely to overheat, especially if they are not able to cool down.
Special Considerations
In extreme cases, you may be required to do some extra work when taking care of your dog’s health. For one, it might be a good idea to modify your dog’s diet to make it more conducive to bone growth and development. This is especially true for larger breeds, which tend to be more prone to bone and joint issues as they grow older. You could also resort to raw feeding your dog, depending on its breed. Some breeds benefit from raw feeding as they often get the most amount of nutrients from unprocessed foods.