Dog Health Doesn't Need to Be Spooky
Good spooky? Haunted houses and scary movies. Bad spooky? Not keeping up with your dog's health.
Dogs, like their human besties, need more than regular vet visits and walks to stay at their best. Here are a few simple ways to keep your pup feeling good and full of vigor, with all of the spooky nonsense left behind.
1. Dental Health: Don't Let Plaque Haunt You
Here's a scary stat: according to the AVMA, periodontal disease affects nearly 80% of dogs by age 3. It often hides below the gumline, where it can cause infection, tooth loss, and inflammation that reaches beyond the mouth.
Regular vet dental cleanings are essential, and a daily chew can help in between. Our Tooth Berry Dental Sticks are made with ridges that help scrape plaque off teeth, plus upcycled blueberries and mint, and no yucky additives. Think of them as a helpful add-on to your dog's dental routine, not a replacement for professional care.
Shop Tooth Berry Dental Sticks →
2. Whole Food: What's in the Bowl Matters
Weight is one of the biggest (and quietest) health issues in dogs. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's 2022 survey found that 59% of dogs were overweight or obese. And the stakes are real: in a well-known 14-year study of Labrador Retrievers, dogs fed a leaner diet lived a median of 1.8 years longer than their pair-mates who were fed more.
What goes in the bowl, and how much, is one of the most powerful levers you have. That's where our friends at Dash Dog Food come in. Dash makes fresh dog food with "the same quality meat you'd serve at your table, with nutrition designed to help them feel their best every day." Their recipes are cooked in small batches and formulated to be complete and balanced, so mealtime is nutritious without the guesswork.
3. Keep Them Moving (and Thinking)
A daily walk is the foundation, but dogs also need to use their brains. Mix in sniff-heavy strolls, a quick game of fetch, or a puzzle toy loaded with a few pieces of a break-apart treat like our Meaty Tenders. A tired body and a busy mind go a long way toward a happy, healthy dog.
4. Don't Skip the Check-Ups
Annual vet visits (twice a year for seniors) catch small things before they become big, scary things. Bring your questions, and tell your vet about changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or breath. Dogs are experts at hiding discomfort, so routine exams are how you stay ahead of it.
5. Treat Smart
Treats are part of the fun, so keep them in balance. Many vets recommend treats make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. Choose treats with real ingredients you recognize, and break them into smaller pieces for training so your dog gets more rewards with fewer extra calories.
The Haunt
Keeping your dog healthy is a lot less spooky than it sounds. Small, consistent habits, like a dental routine, quality food, daily movement, regular check-ups, and smart treating, add up to more happy, healthy years together. Now that's a treat.
Shameless Pets and Dash Dog Food: no tricks, all treats.