Health & Wellness: 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.
Goldendoodle puppies can often appear to be content in disposition, but that does not always mean their needs are being met in a way that will help them live longer, happier and healthier lives. Here are a few things you can do to help your Goldendoodle succeed in his or her new home!
1. Don’t Overfeed your Doodle:
Overweight Goldendoodles are more likely to experience health issues such as Hip Dysplasia. That is why it is important to feed your goldendoodle what it needs, and not what it wants.
The Goldenretriever side of the puppy's genes is more likely to eat until they are sick, or there is no more food in the area, whereas the poodle side will be more controlled and content with the food placed before it. Because the goldendoodle is a mix of the two, it is important to develop a healthy relationship with food for your pup at a young age.
Here is a helpful chart and good reference from PetPlate, on how much you should feed your puppy as well as how much they should weigh on average.
Additionally, high protein rich foods and healthy oils are often recommended for the goldendoodle breed. A diet rich in amino-acids helps promote healthy hair, nails and figure, while healthy oils give their coat an appealing shine.
Even so, quantity matters and too much of a good thing can often be bad, so it is helpful to be aware of food portions.
2. Ensure Your Doodle Gets Plenty of Exercise:
Goldendoodles are a sweet mix of an energetic retriever, and a playful poodle, so it is important that they are able to be active. Oftentimes, older Goldendoodles can either get overly stagnant, or overly hyper from living cooped up in a kennel, cage or crate for extensive periods of time. Although this is acceptable for occasions, it should not be an intended lifestyle.
Goldendoodles thrive with a few hours to run and play, or walk with their owner. Using their legs and muscles improves their longevity and prevents them from developing health issues. In addition to this, it helps their mental well being. It is a simple fact that dogs that get exercise are more likely to feel content and at peace rather than anxious or resigned.
It is recommended that a Goldendoodle gets 1-2 hours of exercise around 2 times a day.
3. Socialize With Your Goldendoodle
Although it may not be seen as much of a chore, it is important that Goldendoodles are around people. They are caring companions and thrive off of human affections. Even with ample room to run, and the best diet, Goldendoodles may still feel neglected if they are left alone and only acknowledged for a few minutes each day. Their excitement to see you might not ever dwindle, but their exclusion from the family may cause them to feel lonely.
4. Grooming and Maintenance
Goldendoodles hair is wavy and soft by nature, but kept that way with regular brushing and grooming. Whether you have your dog groomed or decide to do it yourself, it is important to keep their coat free from matts and clean. Matts can be painful and can lead to grasses or sticks getting stuck in their fur.
Maintaining their nails is also beneficial for their health. Long nails can be painful and cause them to walk/stand differently than how they should, putting pressure on the wrong parts of their joints and potentially leading to arthritis. Keeping your dog active can help wear down the length of the nails, but it is still important to ensure that they are clipped and trimmed/either professionally or at home. Here are a few helpful articles for grooming and trimming at home.
Lastly, the condition of your dog’s teeth is also something to take into consideration. Just like humans, dogs teeth can rot and fall out if not properly maintained. It may be helpful to have your dog occasionally checked by a professional, but for the day to day, consider investing in dog toys/bones or treats that are designed to clean your dog’s teeth.
5. Vet Checks
Although not the most exciting activity for you furry friends, vets are here to help and care about the health of your dog. Getting your dog checked can ensure you are doing what you can on your end to keep your dog happy and healthy!
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