National Pet Month Tips: 4 Big Responsibilities for Dog Owners

May is National Pet Month, a time where we reflect on what dogs do for us and what we can do for our dogs. A variety of studies have shown that dogs can help lower our blood pressure. The simple act of just petting our dog can help to lower our stress levels. Our best friends can make us laugh and smile at the silly, fun things they do. Our loyal companions can even help us to be more social and to get more mild to moderate exercise. Since our best friends do so much for us, we want to be sure to provide the proper training, nutrition, health, exercise, and play to raise a happy, healthy dog. This month, let’s take a look at a few pet tips every doggy dad and mom should know to keep our fur-babies smiling and wagging.

Visit the Vet Every Year

When was the last time you took your dog to the veterinarian? Only 46 percent of pet parents visit the vet when their furry friend is visibly sick. Regular check-ups are important because pets often hide signs of illness, which means you should schedule regular appointments just like you would for any other member of your family.

How often should you see the vet? While the frequency will depend on the breed, age, and lifestyle of your pooch, every dog should visit the vet at least once a year. We recommend scheduling your pup’s next visit every time you go in for an appointment so that it’s already on your calendar.

Ensure a Well-Balanced Diet That’s Right for Your Dog

A good nutrition plan is essential for your best friend to stay healthy and keep her beautiful coat nice and shiny. When searching for the right food for your friend, look for high-quality protein dog foods like Bil-Jac Adult Select Formula. The essential amino acids found in chicken protein are needed each day to support development, growth, and body cell repair.

The extra care in sourcing, handling, and processing real and fresh ingredients will offer your best friend a complete balanced diet. Because she’s eating healthy, she’ll have soft skin, bright eyes, a healthy activity level, and solid muscle tone—all signs she’s getting the vital nutrients she needs.

In addition, depending on your dog’s age, you may need to opt for a Puppy Select Formula for growing pups or a Senior Select Formula for dogs in their golden years. Does your dog need to lose a few pounds? Skip the people food and look into a Reduced Fat Formula dog food like the one Bil-Jac offers. Digestive distress? Adding a probiotic like Bil-Jac BreakThru Biotics® could be helpful. Joint issues? BreakThru® Joint Health and Immune Function is a great option.

Learn a New Trick

We all know the feeling of excitement and satisfaction we get when we teach our dogs a new trick. Whether it’s how to be better behaved like “sit” and “heel” or how to guarantee a smile like “play dead” or “wave,” teaching your dog new behaviors can be helpful and rewarding for both of you. This National Pet Month, learn a new trick like how to “kiss.” You can even take an obedience class to take training to the next level.

Find Ways to Spend Time Together

Of course, training is just one way to spend time together. Now that the weather is warming up, take a walk together and explore. You could simply spend some time throwing a ball or disk to encourage some more movement for your dog. Even when you get busy, it’s important to make some time to give your best friend the love and attention she deserves. Remember, it’s good for both of you to spend time together just being friends!

Celebrate National Pet Month Year-Round

It’s important to consider well-being tips for your pup year-round. However, National Pet Month can act as a reminder to spend some extra time with your family member. Want to learn more about how you can best care for your pooch 365 days a year? Join our Best Friends Club today. Each month, you’ll receive special training tips, informative articles, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac products, so your dog stays happy and healthy.