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Having a dog can be likened to having a baby. There’s a reason why people call their pet dogs furbabies, as they are to be treated like one. They are fed, given shelter, taken care of, and of course, loved. Those sentiments also involve taking care of the dog’s health, such as going to the vet, maintaining medication, and other responsibilities. It’s also important to take care of your dog’s health, as this is easily one of the main causes of concern and problems when it comes to taking care of a pet. Another thing is that a healthy dog is a happy dog, and it’ll live for much longer when it’s not. There are a lot of things to consider in taking care of a pet dog, especially when it comes to their health. For example, when to schedule for the vet, what are the do’s and don’ts in feeding them, and what other breed-specific responsibilities that you have to keep in mind?
In order to clear up some of these things and help you become the best fur parent there is, let’s explore some of the things that you could look into when it comes to caring for your dog.
Diet. Just like a baby who needs a specific diet – breastmilk for the first few months, a mixture of healthy macro and micronutrient-rich food, and the timing of feeding are all of the things that you should also consider when taking care of your pet dog. There are different approaches to this. It varies on your dog’s age, breed, and the resources available in your house. For example, you can’t prescribe an adult dog’s diet to a newborn puppy. Likewise, you can’t keep feeding your 6-year-old dog the same diet when it was very young.
There are breed-specific diets that could be helpful or detrimental to your dog, so take your time, learn, and research the specific needs of your pet. Another thing to consider is the size of your dog. The proper portions matter, as dogs generally have a wide array of emotions and behaviors toward food. Some of them may eat everything the owner puts in, while others are very picky. Choosing the best, nutrient-rich, flavorful, and high-quality dog food will be in your best interests.
Routine checkups. Again, as we humans need to have routine checkups with our physicians, the same thing goes for dogs. Any health abnormalities should be addressed at the soonest, and preventative care could be achieved through routine checkups with the vet. Having a local veterinarian on your speed dial and scheduling regular appointments will help you keep your dog’s health in check. Things such as deworming, diet concerns, allergies, abnormal behavior, vaccinations, and tick infections could all be addressed by your veterinary clinic. As for the timing and frequency of vet visits, it depends on your capabilities and the needs of the dog. As a general rule, a healthy adult dog should have a routine checkup at least once a year.
Hygiene. Grooming your dog is another area of pet care that you could dive very deep in. Although it might seem superficial, taking care of your dog’s hygiene can go a very long way in terms of keeping it healthy and protected. Bathing your dog regularly, cutting their nails, cutting their hair, cleaning their ears, and keeping them clean are some of the things that you could do. Of course, preventative care doesn’t stop from medications and supplements; your dogs could also get them through proper hygiene and grooming. This will not only keep your dog healthy, but you’d also avoid a stinky pet!
Exercise. As with us, dogs also need exercise. This is especially important because some specific dog breeds have very high drives. What this means is that their biological nature is geared towards a high-performing, high-activity day. Research your dog’s needs and their breed-specific requirements so that you can fulfill them properly. There are many ways to exercise your dog, but the main one is running. You could also train them, keep them mentally stimulated, and more.
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