There Is More to Dog Care Than Some People Realize

Dogs are a fantastic addition to families, after all, they have long been considered man’s best friend. You will want to make sure to take care of your new best friend and help them have a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, some people under-estimate the amount of work that’s needed to look after that new pooch. 

There’s a variety of aspects to dog care. While some are obvious and well known, it’s always good to get a refresher of the basics before you think about other aspects that may be getting ignored a bit more than they should be. This article will look at some of the many ways that dogs need care. 

1 - Exercise

Dogs require regular exercise, multiple times a day. The breed of your dog will determine the general exercise requirements. Typically, larger or high-energy dogs like golden retrievers and labs will need more exercise, while smaller dogs like chihuahuas and Shih Tzu's will require less space and exercise indoors.

Walks are among the most important ways to give a dog exercise, but they can use more as well. If possible, have a large fenced-in yard for your dog to explore, exercise, and use the restroom safely. If you do not have a yard, the next best thing will be a pet-friendly space where you can play with your dog multiple times a day. 

2 - Food

Puppies need a special diet during their first year. Talk to your vet and then visit your local grocer or pet store and locate the foods that have “puppy” on the front. You can continue feeding them the diet they are already familiar with or slowly integrate a new puppy-approved food by mixing it with their old food until they adjust completely.

Puppies need to be fed around three to four times a day, while dogs that have reached their first birthday usually only need to be fed once or twice. Premium-quality dry foods will give your dog a well-balanced meal that needs no other supplements.

Some dogs do well if you leave their food out all day so they can eat when they are ready. You can also feed your dog on a schedule and pick their food bowl up after feeding. It really depends on how food motivated the dog is and how they will react to food being available.

3 - Training

From the moment you bring your new pet pal home, you’ll want to begin training them, to develop healthy habits. For puppies, you’ll be responsible for:

• Potty Training - Potty training can take up to 6 months for your puppy to master. Be consistent and offer lots of praise for your pup each time they use the restroom outside. Take your puppy outside every hour for the first three months, and then about every two hours after they are 6 months and older. After 1 year your dog can hold out for about 3 to 4 hours, and overnight.
• Leash Training - Train your puppy to walk on a leash from an early age to build their confidence and ensure they behave. Make sure you’re walking your dog, and that it’s not walking you. 
• Food Training - Feed your dog on a schedule and curb aggressive behaviors if there are other pets in the home.
• Crate Training - You may choose to train your dog to stay in a crate when you are at work, or overnight, or when you are going out, based on personal preference.
• Non-Biting and Chewing Behaviors - Offer lots of toys for your dog and provide lots of exercise to reduce chewing and bored behavior.
• Socialization - Older dogs may already have some training from previous owners. But you’ll want to set the ground rules for your pet friend, to develop healthy habits from the start. Consider if you’ll allow your pet on furniture or beds. Consider where your dogs will sleep and eat.

4 - Grooming

Give your dog a bath about once a month, or as needed. Regularly brush your dog and check them for fleas and ticks. You can clean their ears with a warm wet paper towel and brush their teeth with a pet toothbrush to reduce plaque. Grooming can be one place where people let their dogs down. It’s not enough to just brush their hair sometimes. 

5 - Vaccinations and Medication

Puppies have scheduled vaccinations for the first year, which are offered at your local veterinarian. After a year you’ll have to keep up with rabies and other shots based on your veterinarians’ recommendations. Other medications can help to prevent dangerous tick born illnesses. It’s also important to consider spaying or neutering your pet if you do not plan to care for puppies.

6 - Registration and Insurance

You’ll have to Register your dog under your name within your local county. You can also chip your dog to help locate it if it ever gets lost. Far too many people don’t register their pets. Pet insurance is also a very important aspect to ownership. Not everyone will get pet insurance, but prices are often quite reasonable if you get it early and your breed of puppy isn’t predisposed to problems like hip dysplasia.