5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Dog

A dog is often called man’s best friend, and they are some of the most communicative and loving pets anyone can have, but they also come with their fair share of work and commitment.

Dogs are immensely emotionally intelligent creatures that need a loving and attentive environment and a lot of care regarding the specifics such as food, exercise, etc. If you’re adopting a canine or have done so already, here are a few tips to ensure you’re caring for them to the best of your ability.

1. Feeding Your Dog Responsibly

Feeding your dog correctly and ensuring that you’re giving the proper nutrition is of the utmost importance. Every dog breed is different, so that’s a good starting point, as you can download a table or list of the correct food type or brand to go with for your own dog’s particular breed.

Many new dog owners do not realize a much-overlooked aspect of feeding is that there is such a thing as over-feeding. Over-feeding can lead to obesity in dogs, especially in breeds not known for their high mobility or physical activity. Even breeds like German Shepherd or Alsatian can still get obese if you have not invested enough time in walking them or getting them enough exercise.

Here is a standard schedule that applies to most dog breeds. If your pet has special concerns, consult with a vet for a food plan:-

• 8-12 weeks- puppies need 4 small meals a day.
• 3-6 months- these puppies can be given 3 wholesome meals a day.
• 6 months- puppies are to be fed twice daily with 2 healthy meals.
• 1 year- one meal will suffice once it covers all the nutrients they require.

Certain larger dogs can still be given 2 meals a day after their first birthday, especially if they have a high exercise ratio. Good quality dry food is excellent nutrition and should ideally be supplemented with bone broth and canned pet food. Cheese, egg, and fruit are favorites for some dogs, but you will have to experiment to find out what your dog prefers.

Buy the highest quality puppy food you can afford as it is fortified with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to fulfill the needs of a growing puppy which your dog may not be able to get from regular, human food options. Also, practice excellent hygiene with their bowls and make sure you have clean, adequate water available, especially after exercise.

2. Cleanliness

Dogs are in many ways just like people and need good hygiene to maintain their health. Brushing your dogs is good to keep their fur growing and to help with shedding. Most dogs are prone to getting ticks in the hotter months, so use specialized shampoo as a preemptive treatment if needed.

You can easily buy these shampoos from most stores, and there are also sprays and lotions to deal with an existing tick or flea problem. Most dogs that play outside can develop a vulnerability to these problems, so check your dog daily.

It is essential to not over-bathe your dog as they wouldn’t be used to that in the wild, and it can cause dryness and dermatitis. Keep proper bathing with a gentle shampoo (only use medicated ones if there are issues) down to once a week if possible. Rinsing them daily with water or even a few times a day if they are very active is acceptable. Avoid touching a dog’s nose, rinsing it (it is meant to be wet all the time), or letting any solution get in their eyes or ears.

3. Adequate Exercise For A Healthy Life

Exercise plays a significant part in a dog’s health because it keeps them fit, burns excess calories, stimulates their imagination, and encourages healthy behavior. It can also be the perfect opportunity for training exercises like fetching or following cues. When dogs get bored or boxed in, they react poorly by becoming more aggressive or depressed.

They may even carry out unwanted behavior, such as chewing up furniture. Make sure you set up an exercise schedule to adhere to so that your pet gets an outlet for their energy, and buy good quality restraining equipment like a leather dog collar and leash set, so nothing hurts or cuts into their neck when they are being walked.

4. Environmental Concerns

Dogs need a safe and comfortable environment to stay healthy and happy. They should never be left outside in colder months or direct sunlight without shade. Certain dogs, like Siberian Huskies, have more elaborate needs as they require a much harder environment to stay comfortable in due to their instincts and thick fur coat.

Make a warm and comfy spot in your home for your pet to sleep in or rest in. Your dog should not be allowed to sleep directly on the floor or be in the way of cold drafts. Instead, use pillows and blankets, and ensure plenty of shade in the warmer months, especially if your dog is sleeping outside.

5. Checkups And Vaccine Schedules

Every dog breed requires vaccinations to protect them from diseases like rabies, so maintain a dog file to check off all those dates. Vet visits every 6 months are also compulsory to keep track of your dog’s health. Regular visits can also benefit from identifying issues specific to your dog before time so they can be treated.

Avoid buying medication for any skin or health issue related to your dog without professional advice, and always get them checked. Allergic reactions are also concerned with dogs, so close observation is necessary to weed out food allergies and plan food accordingly. To treat common ailments like worms, your vet may suggest including the medication discreetly in food or drink.