Dogs are important pets in our lives. They are a fantastic source of social comfort and fun to spend time with. But. Taking care of them also proves hard work and comes with great responsibility. As a dog parent who loves his dog, you should be ready and willing to put in the work, time, and most importantly, a whole lot of that TLC – tender love and care. Dogs, especially among other pets, need more care. They need lots of exercise, fed at regular times, and water provided at all times. Taking care of your dog’s health and wellbeing involves a lot of other small details and intricacies. They all may seem overwhelming at first, but once you start doing them, they’ll come easy. These Nutrition, Grooming, Fitness and exercise, Vaccination.
Nutrition
Your dog’s nutrition is a top priority when it comes to your dog’s health and wellbeing. Just as for us humans, our food is paramount in our survival and longevity, so is it to our furry friends. Nutritional needs vary depending on the size, breed, and age of your dog. You can do your research, but it is highly recommended that you consult your vet.
There are a couple of dos and don’ts when it comes to the nutrition of your dog.
DOs
❖ Ask your breeder or shelter what food he was on before you got him. A switch in food brands could upset your dog’s stomach
❖ Discuss food options with your vet specific to your dog
❖ Always read the label when shopping for your dog’s food. Do not be distracted by the packaging
DON’Ts
❖ Do not feed your pup scraps from your plate
❖ Avoid dropping food on the floor for your dog
❖ Do not feed him more than recommended times to avoid weight gain
❖ Go easy on the treats
Grooming
It may seem trivial, but grooming is essential to your dog’s health and well being. How you may ask? Imagine you not taking a shower for a month or even a week. How does that feel? Not only will you stink, but your skin will feel the effect. Pretty much the same thing happens to dogs. They may experience painful mats and skin problems when not bathed regularly. Overgrown nails should also be trimmed. You’ll quickly notice overgrown nails as they also make the dog uncomfortable and hence unlikely to be his playful self. For grooming, always use the right equipment from scissors, clippers, and dog shampoo. Grooming is initially uncomfortable for dogs, but as a dog parent, it is your responsibility to make it a positive experience so he can always look forward to it the next time. You can give him a treat after calm behavior during the grooming.
Fitness and exercise
All dogs need exercise, but just like nutrition, exercise needs vary depending on breed, size, and age of the dog. Since pups are still young and their joints still strong, they can exercise a whole lot more than older dogs. However, careful not to over-exercise the puppy as you may hurt his joints. A rule of thumb to follow is 10 minutes of exercise twice a day for a two month or older pup. High energy dogs require more exercise than low energy dogs. For adult dogs, a minimum of thirty minutes and two hours at most for exercise and mental stimulation. A physically active dog is a happier, healthier dog, and you’ll notice improved social and behavior skills.
These are just some of the essentials of caring for your dog to ensure a happy and healthy life. We believe aside from all this, the most important care you can give your pet is loving him and being there for him.