How to Care for Your New Dog

Caring for a dog is a big responsibility that calls for providing for both its emotional and physical needs. Dog ownership requires you to supply your dog with everything they might need. This includes ensuring they are happy through ample playtime and exercise as well as keeping their health in check. So there is a lot to consider when getting yourself a new companion.

Here are a few tips that will help you successfully build a good relationship with the new member of your family.

1. Feeding the Dog

You need to feed your dog with high-quality food. While buying food, read the label to determine the ingredients. Dogs need to be fed meat that has high protein content, not grain or meat by-products. You can visit the local veterinarian and ask for food recommendations. The vet will guide you on the right food and the quantity to feed your dog.

The new member of your family needs to have a strict feeding schedule. It’s recommended that dogs are fed twice a day; in the morning and evening. A stable routine is essential in house training because dogs go to the bathroom around 30 minutes after meals so you and your dog will know the exact lay out of your day from morning till night.

You don’t have to entirely deny your dog a treat for good behavior and they are a useful tool in training but don’t go overboard. They may look at you with pleading eyes but excessive treats is not good for them.

Alongside a good diet, make sure to give your dog enough water. You should supply clean water for your pet whenever possible.

2. Monitor Your Dog’s Health

Make sure you have a reliable vet who is happy to answers your questions and provides the best care for your four-legged friend. Your pet requires regular checkups which can get expensive and you need someone who you really trust is doing the best by your pet. The vet should also be accessible in case of emergencies.

Your veterinarian should advise you on the diseases that are common in your area and decide whether you need to vaccinate against them. Some states require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies. To be on the safe side, even if it inst the law, it’s advisable to vaccinate and protect your dog against deadly diseases.

Your pet also needs regular preventive treatments against parasites. A dog who spends a lot of time inside will be less at risk of things like ticks but it is still a good idea to get protection for them, the same as you would a dog who is more adventurous. Check out tick prevention methods online and make sure you consult your vet if you have any concerns.

It’s also essential to deworm your dogs often to avoid the risk of infestations which can harm your dog’s health.

3. Groom your Dog

Your dog’s coat should be regularly cleaned to prevent secondary skin infections and matted fur. You should bathe your pet using a mild disinfectant or shampoo. The frequency of the baths depends on the breed of your dog, but most dogs need to be bathed about once or twice a month.

The dog’s fur may grow and may need to be trimmed if it causes discomfort. You should regularly brush your dog to assess its coat and reduce shedding,

4. Have Time to Play and Exercise with the Dog

Dogs require exercise to burn off excess energy. Failure to do so can result in behavioral problems such as excessive barking or digging. You need to determine the amount of exercise the dog needs, depending on the breed. A small dog may require just a walk while the big one might require tons of exercise at least twice a day.

Bottom Line

Your dog will be with you their whole life so you need to make sure you do the best by them. Only bring a dog into your life when you are ready and do everything you can to keep your four-legged friend happy and heal 
thy.