Give Your Puppy the Presidential Treatment

(Family Features) - The Obamas have a new family member - a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo. They, along with many other new-dog families, will quickly find out that the first year can be both rewarding and challenging.

Celebrity pet expert Andrea Arden shares her advice and says any family can succeed if they establish a routine of providing superior nutrition and exercise along with regular veterinary check-ups right from the start.

"The family's first year with a new pup is full of wonderful experiences," she says. "Pet parents can provide a strong foundation for lifetime wellness - even if they don't live in the White House."

Here are Andrea Arden's tips to help new dog owners do the best for their pets:

Eat Right

The most important thing pet parents can do for their new puppies is feed them a food that not just meets but exceeds basic nutritional needs. It's vital that puppies start their life on the right path by putting their best paw forward and eating very high quality, natural pet food. "I feed Wellness Natural Pet Food to my own dogs," says Andrea, "because they carefully select natural, human-grade ingredients for their dry kibble, canned food and snacks and guarantee the best natural ingredient sourcing, most meticulous quality assurance and highest production standards in the industry."

Wellness Just for Puppy and Wellness Super5Mix Large Breed Puppy Health foods and snacks contain natural fish oils and fish meal, the leading sources of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a natural Omega-3 fatty acid essential for puppy brain, vision and nervous system development. With one of the highest levels of DHA available, they provide the nutritional profile that puppies require in order to thrive.

Regular Visits to the Vet

Because our dogs can't talk to us, it's important to pay attention to subtle changes in their behavior and/or physical appearance as these could be the first indicator of a developing health issue. It's essential to schedule newly adopted dogs for regular annual examinations by a trusted veterinarian. Vet visits are absolutely necessary to maintain the highest level of care for your new dog.

Get Lots of Exercise

Exercise is essential for a dog's happy and long life. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous in order to be beneficial to their wellbeing, but regular exercise is key. Set aside a brief period of time daily dedicated to physical activity for your dog. Doing this on a regular basis also gives your pup something to look forward and strengthens their bond with you.

Establish a Bond

The bonding process between dog and owner is a critical one. Spend regular one-on-one time together where your new dog has your complete focus and attention. Daily training sessions, reinforcement of good behavior, even brushing your dog daily will build a routine, cementing a bond with your pup for years to come.

These tips will help you enjoy a great new puppy experience and will guarantee a lifetime of wellness for your pet.

For more information, visit wellnesspetfood.com.

SOURCE:
Wellness Pet Food