How to Properly Care for Your Dog
Welcoming a new dog into your household can be an exciting time for everyone involvedDogs bring joy, laughter,a presence that can really lift one’s dayAs the advantages of owning a dog are endless, it’s on you to ensure your pooch lives a life of contentment.
For first-time owners, this equates to understandingpracticing basic dog care, meeting daily requirementsAdequate exercise needs, proper nutrition, grooming,veterinary visits are all necessaryHaving said that, let’s delve deeper into what keeps your pup happy.
Ensure a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Like people, dogs require a healthy, nutritious diet to support their everyday activitieshealthWhile cheap supermarket brands can save costs, compromising on quality could jeopardize your dog’s healthCheap pet food is generally made of animal parts not edible for humansAnd while dogs don’t require premium products that break the bank, skimping on food choices isn’t idealOpt for foods that serve high-quality ingredients, which reputable brands produce.
Although it’s tempting to give your dog regular food from your plate, refrain from doing soEveryday foods (especially processed) often lack essential vitaminsminerals, causing deficiencies to emergeThere’s also the risk of creating a dependency on junk food, leading to an overweight or obese pet.
If you opt for a homemade diet, consult with your veterinarian on food recommendationsFor water intake, ensure freshwater is nearby for your dog to drink throughout the day.
Establishing a Good Exercise Routine
Since dogs are energetic animals, establishing a daily exercise routine can help exert built-in energyA walk around the neighborhood or even the block is generally sufficientHowever, certain breeds are predisposed to move moreFor example, sporting dogs like RetrieversSpaniels strive on more vigorous routines than a Basset HoundIf you’re adopting a sporting dog, a couple of hours of outdoor activity should do the trick.
To ensure your dog is fithealthy, have a wellness check-up at your local veterinarianIt’s not unusual for dogs to have pre-existing conditions unnoticed by owners,identifying issues early could help prevent later illness.
Many pet parents opt for a wellness insurance plan, paying a monthly premiumThis plan enables reimbursement for standard services provided by vets, like vaccines, flea preventionpet microchippingJust make sure to find a company that delivers quality pet insuranceA vet can also make general recommendations about your dog’s diet, current exercise routine,behavior displayed at home.
Dog Grooming
Hygiene just isn’t the biggest concern on a dog’s mindA dog’s natural tendency to get dirty is innate, from rolling on the mud to swimming in your local pondAccording to scientists, dogs would intentionally mask their smell to help stalk their prey efficiently.
Scientific dog theories aside, dogs clean themselves, using their tongues to remove dirtother debris from their coatsHowever, pet parents still need to bathe them once every three monthsDogs who spend more time outdoors may need to be washed more frequently.
Brushing your canine is also an integral part of general groomingRegularly combing will remove dirtdead skin, allowing their natural oils to spread throughoutBrushing can also identify potential fleas your dog may haveIf you see black specks, it’s a good indication of flea infestation.
Alternatively, you can visit a dog groomerstart a grooming regimeUtilizing a professional groomer’s services can save you timeenergy, not to mention they’ll most likely do a better job.
Letting Your Dog Pee Regularly Outside
Puppies remember the places you take them, generally relieving themselves in the same spot to mark their territoriesAfter your puppy has done the deed, continue to praise them using a friendlyexcited tone of voiceDogs love to be praised, being regularly told how good they areTo help reinforce new habits, adoring them for their actions is effectiveHead patting,scratching your puppy’s ears also work.
Can Dogs ‘Hold it In’?
Since puppies don’t have complete bladder control until they’re over six months old, they’ll need to go right awayBecause of a puppy’s incapacity to hold it in, they shouldn’t be crated for long periodsAdult dogs need to urinate outside 3 to 5 times daily, waiting no longer than 6-8 hours between tripsAs the saying goes, ‘When you gotta go, you gotta go!’
Love Your Dog
Although this seems intuitive when owning a dog, many pet owners fail to fulfill this basic needDogs are sociable animals,just like people require interaction to feel normalBuilding a bond is paramount to a dog’s health, as dogs can quickly feel neglectedThis typically leads to boredom or bad behavioral patterns, such as excessive scratchingchewing.
Make a daily schedule where youyour dog can bondRub their belly, scratch their earsplaying fetch are all great ways to build a strong friendship.
