When you are living alone or with your loved ones, dogs are a great addition to the family. These little ones can bring joy to your faces and can make your days less stressful with their adorable tricks. However, after adopting a dog, dog care became a necessary part of your daily schedule, as these little ones come with a lot of responsibilities.
Either you are thinking of adopting a dog or just adopted one and don’t know how to take care of your canine companion then this article is a must-read as it includes all the integral tips you need to know if you are new to dog care.
Regular Check-ups:
If your dog seems alright from his physical appearance that doesn’t mean he has perfect health. He can have many internal health issues like inflammation of the large intestine (Colitis), constipation, bloat, cancer of the digestive system, inflammation of the stomach (Gastritis), and many more which can only be checked once you visit the veterinarian.
Vaccinations:
Secondly, vaccination must be ensured after the adoption of your little partner. Get your pet vaccinated as soon as possible and remain in constant touch with your veterinarian. If your pet seems weak, ill, or injured immediately inform your veterinarian about its conditions. Keep a record of your dog vaccination with you at home or when you travel.
Dental Care:
Lack of proper dental care can cause toothache or tooth loss. Moreover, gum diseases can be easily caused in dogs like “German Shepherd” and” Pomeranian”. Discolored teeth, bad breath, and bleeding can be the signs of dental diseases.
Try to clean your dog’s teeth regularly as this is a common part of dog care, choose the best toothpaste and toothbrush for your dog with your vet’s recommendation to keep their breath fresh and clean.
Training:
One of the most important aspects of dog care is training your feline companion. It is necessary to set boundaries and give some structure to your dog through some training. Potty training is the number one priority when it comes to structuring your pet. Dogs are very active pets, they like to run, fetch and play all the time.
Plus, these activities also keep them happy and healthy in the long run. Simple training can overcome habits like excessive chewing, barking, and digging. Daily walks help your feline companion to keep their mind calm. Your little friend wants to spend time with you so try to choose activities wisely which engage both you and your four-footed friend. Activities like hiking, swimming, playing fetch will bring more steadiness to your relationship with your pet.
Spaying/ Neutering:
Spaying or neutering is a great way to cut down on overpopulation. As many of the unwanted puppies get killed or end up on the streets. Neutering is a minor procedure that prevents dogs from having babies although this process is pretty simple you can still discuss with your vet about different health concerns.
Other than cutting down the population of unwanted puppies, neutering also has many health benefits for your dog. Studies show that spayed females have less possibility to get breast cancer and a male who is neutered has a lower risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer.
Diet:
A permanent part of dog care is a good and well nutritional diet. Consider your dog’s food according to your dog’s health, weight, size, and activity level. With so many options available in the market, it may get confusing; however, you must research thoroughly before choosing the right food for your dog.
One tip is that you may choose food containing a good proportion of proteins, carbs, and fats as they are key ingredients to a good diet. Always keep cold water beside the food at all times. Don’t ever try to give your dog raw meat, bones, or raw eggs.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, raw food can lead to grave health problems like infection and other detrimental diseases. Bones can cause internal damage to a dog’s stomach or intestine.
Grooming:
ASPCA studies recommend bathing your dog once every three months, but depending on your dog’s outdoor activities it can also be done more frequently. Your dog’s hair must be brushed on a regular basis to keep them in good condition.
Occasionally try to check your canine companion’s eyes and ears for any sign of infection or inflammations. When you are cleaning your dog’s ear don’t clean it too frequently or deeply as it may cause irritation and never insert anything in your dog’s ear canal. The nails of your dog must be trimmed on a monthly basis for a sophisticated look.
Human Medicine:
No matter how much your dog is suffering, never give your dog human medicine. Always contact your vet first and give the medicine prescribed by him only. Human Medicine acts as toxics for pets and in fact, can kill them.
According to ASCPA 2010, listing human drugs are the top 10 pet toxins. Kidney damage, seizure, and cardiac arrest are some of the common causes of digesting a human drug. Medicine like antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and acetaminophen can cause severe health risks.
If you suspect your dog has taken something poisonous like your medication or anything else immediately try to contact your veterinarian.
Fleas And Ticks:
Check your dog daily for any fleas and ticks by using a flea comb. These critters can cause irritation, various infections, and health issues in a dog. If your dog ends up digesting a flea it can become a tapeworm-common internal parasite-affecting your dog’s intestines.
Heartworms are parasites that can lead to lung disease and even heart failure. Discuss with your veterinarian different methods and medications to prevent parasites in your pet.
Identification:
A fundamental part of dog care would be proper identification. Proper identification can always save the day when the unimaginable happens and your dog gets lost, especially when they are young they are prone to dash out into the streets.
Try to get your dog a sustainable collar attached with a tag that contains your contact information. But, sometimes a collar can fall off. A permanent method would be to get your dog a microchip- an electronic device about the size of a grain-it is implanted under the pet skin and can be scanned with the help of a scanner that pulls up your contact information. With these measures, your little one will never get lost.
