Welcoming a new dog into your life is a joyous occasion, but without proper dog care, you can pose serious risks to them. You also need to consider dog care to keep them at their healthiest and happiest. Learning how to provide the best quality of life for your dog will help you build a long, successful, stress-free relationship that will last for many years.
Dog Care Tips
There are many things that you can do in order to take proper care of your dog. You can keep toys and dog grooming supplies handy in your dog care essential. But to start off, you should buy your dog a collar, belt, food and water bowl, and bed. Let’s take a look at all the dog care tips now.
Diet
- If you ate nothing but corn and sugar all the time, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you gained a lot of weight or felt lousy. The same is true for your dog!
- Search for a high-quality dog food made with well-sourced ingredients and by a company you trust. Most high-quality dog foods will have a mix of meat, grains, and vegetables, along with high protein and fiber content.
- Avoid feeding your dog too much human food as that may cause obesity and pickiness.
A cute dog looking into the camera. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Medical
- Make sure your dog gets their check-ups done regularly. Vaccinations and yearly physicals are just as important for your dog as they are for you. [1]
- Do your research and find a vet that you can establish a relationship within your neighborhood. Vets are not just for emergencies!
Grooming
- Keep your dog well groomed, and they will thank you for it. Not only will grooming cut down on shedding and nail marks, but you and your dog will also get more compliments. [2]
Exercise
- No matter what size or type of dog you get, regular daily exercise is important. Exercise keeps your dog healthy and also helps regulate their moods and stress levels. As a result, regular exercise will help you avoid behavioral issues as well. [3]
- Play with your dog! Playing with your dog establishes a pack bond between the two of you, which will make your canine companion more likely to obey you. Making your dog socialize with other animals and people is also an essential part of keeping your dog happy and prevent surprise behavior later. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever for you. [4]
Other
- Make sure your dog always has an identification.
- Some municipalities have rules about specific breeds and regulations for registering your dog. Always check your local laws.
- Dogs need friends and stimulation, so if you can’t be around all the time, look into doggy daycares or dog walkers.
- Make sure your dog has a constant supply of clean and fresh water.
- Take a training class with your dog, as this will help both of you communicate better.
- Make sure to spay or neuter your dog, depending on its age and health condition. It leads to less behavioral issues and longer lifespans.
- If you leave your dog outside for long periods at a time, make sure they have shelter and shade.
And last but not the least, no matter what, it’s always important to treat your dog with love and respect!
