5 ways to keep your puppy safe

When you first bring your pup home, you’ll be so excited about making them comfortable. However, it’s important to start thinking about their safety from the minute they enter your space.

Whether in the farmyard or at home in the living room, dog owners should never assume that animals can look after themselves. They may even go looking for trouble and play with items that are not meant for them, such as electric wires and sharp objects.

Animals are independent and understand their own needs. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t get into trouble. Here are five ways to keep animals safe at all times.

1. Make sure they’re well-fed

We all love to spoil our dogs with treats, and there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you’re not feeding them toxic foods.

Some pet owners think it’s OK to slip their pets some human food under the table or purchase large bags of pet food in bulk without reading the ingredients.

New Heritage Feed Co is a firm believer in feeding all animals the foods they’re meant to eat. Every animal has its own dietary restrictions. Just as you’d feed your farm animals feed free of chemicals and pesticides, you’d be wise to avoid giving your dog generic dog kibble or pieces of your hamburger.

Human food is not made for dogs, and not every pet food manufacturer makes their products with the animals’ safety in mind. Be careful when purchasing foods and read labels. Research a supplier you trust and stick to it.

Sticking to a feeding schedule is also highly important for pet health. Your pup will know when it’s time to eat and be less likely to beg when it’s not dinnertime — as long as you don’t give in.

A balance of nutrition and regular food timetabling will make sure your pets and/or livestock don’t go hungry or grow overweight.

2. Create a safe space

All dogs need a safe, spacious place to live, feed, and ultimately, exist. Creating a warm, safe indoor space, matched with a spacious outdoor area, is essential.

Young, vulnerable dogs need lots of security, so making sure there are no hazards in their way is important. Install security fences that prevent your new pet from exploring, and other animals from wandering onto your property.

3. Instill an exercise routine

Owning a dog is a great excuse for doing some regular exercise. While this is an excellent motivation, animals need exercise as much as you do.

Forgetting to take the dog out isn’t an option. If you own a pet, you must ensure they have time to burn off their excess energy.

4. Book regular vet check-ups

All dogs need regular check-ups, and not just from you. Taking your pet to the vet, or bringing a professional to the home should be an annual event, at the very least. Vets will treat all kinds of problems and let you know how to prevent any health issues in the future.

5. Stay alert

We all love to be with our dogs and keep them close to us, but some owners feel like their pets should roam free from time to time. However, walking without a leash is a huge no-no. You might develop trust with your animal, but you never know when a speeding car will turn the corner.

Keep your dog on a leash and stay alert. Don’t just walk them on cruise control! You never know if they could be signaling to you that they’re fatigued, or worse, in pain.

Get in the habit of researching your dog’s breed and detecting behavior patterns. The more you know about how your dog likes to communicate, the easier it will be to understand them.

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