As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your dogs. But it can be hard without an idea of how to take care of dogs. Proper care means prioritizing your pet’s health, giving them their basic needs and constant veterinary care, providing them with a healthy life, responding to health concerns, and ensuring their happiness. These factors allow your pet to live a healthy lifestyle in a healthy environment.
Just like children, dogs depend on their dog owners too. Many dog owners think that having a pet is a responsibility. But in reality, it is an experience that improves your life in different aspects. Emotional health improves, your physique improves, and you have a newfound best friend. Dogs also take care of their owners, like how they take care of their pets. Continue reading below to learn how to take care of dogs properly.
Getting a puppy is undeniably time-consuming and the most demanding stage of dog care. You are starting with a blank slate, training puppies with basic potty manners, crate training, forming and shaping their behaviour, and doing other exhausting work you have to do. On the other hand, getting an adult dog that hasn’t experienced house training also gives you the chores above. Is there a difference?
First, puppies are easier to train when compared to adult ones. Reward-based training works well with puppies which is also an effective way for your pets to behave well. On the other hand, an adult dog responds well to training, too, especially those that have a good understanding of basic training are easy too. They are open to learning and more responsive. With puppies, it is also easy to establish your dog ownership, unlike with adult dogs, who are already used to the people around them while growing up.
But when it comes to health problems, puppies are more vulnerable and often go downhill quickly. Adults also have a lesser temper problem when compared to puppies. They also have better manners and good socializing skills. Since we are already talking about training, let’s dive deeper into why it is important!
Dog Training
Dog training is one of the important needs to give your dog at any age. Training creates mental stimulation for your dog and lets them be more confident. Most dogs feel anxious whenever they are around many people. Training them as part of dog care helps them feel accomplished and self-confident.
Aside from its benefits, it also creates a stronger dog-owner bonding if you will be training your dog yourself. One of the dog’s basic needs is exercise and physical activities to have healthy limbs and good mobility. Proper training and exercise twice a day (give indoor exercises during too much cold and hot weather) keep your dog away from sickness and let them be stronger.
Basic hygiene for dogs includes frequent brushing of their coat to reduce shedding. It would help if you also brushed your dog’s teeth to keep up with their dental health. Avoid using toothpaste for humans since it contains ingredients that are harmful to animals.
The frequency of meals your dog needs depends on its age.
Giving dog food with high-quality ingredients allows your dog to stay healthy and have a balanced diet. Dogs enjoy eating dry food mixed with broth, canned goods, or plain freshwater too! You can also include vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Just remember to avoid giving them people food especially good meat with bones.
If you are a dog owner with male dogs, consider neutering your dogs. It avoids accidental litter and helps your dog avoid health issues. But if you own female dogs where neutering does not apply to them, spaying is your option. It is the permanently taking out your dog’s ovaries and uterus to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Like humans, animals are also vulnerable to sickness, especially when old. Their bodies also become weak to carry a litter, and their sperm gets weaker too as they age.
Dogs also need proper bedding where they can rest. Dog’s bedding can be a crate or bed and pillow that makes them warm when sleeping. Their beddings need to be washed regularly to avoid foul smells and ticks.
A regular veterinarian visit does not necessarily need to be when your dog is sick. It’s also an essential part of prioritizing your dog’s health. It includes yearly vaccinations, health checks for behavioural problems that sometimes have an underlying sickness, and other regular treatments that your dog needs.
Dogs can also have pet insurance to help you with unexpected fees while providing premium healthcare. It is another important part of dog care that helps owners afford veterinary care due to unforeseen events like accidents and sudden illness. Dog owners can avail of dog insurance from different providers. However, the features and policies vary among different insurance companies.
Keeping your dog healthy means avoiding them from experiencing animal cruelty of any form. According to the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 in the UK, owners must meet all welfare needs of their pets and animals. This act keeps dogs safe from animal abusers. It implies that animals should have a suitable living environment, a balanced diet, training to exhibit good and normal behaviour, needs to have their separate home from other kinds of animals, and need to be kept away from injury and suffering.
If you plan to have a dog in the house, this blog is beneficial for you, especially for new fur parents! Read more of our blogs here.
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