Proper dog care is the basis of responsible pet ownership. If you adopt a pet, this is a lifetime commitment to a new family member that depends on you for their well-being. In addition to love, care, and companionship, your dog requires several essentials to keep him or her healthy. Supporting your pet to maintain an ideal lifestyle is one of the essential responsibilities of a dog owner. Sometimes, caring for your dog can be overwhelming. However, there are some simple measures you can implement to ensure your pooch leads a healthy life. All these things are easy to provide for your pup by following the tips below.
Collar
A dog collar is a material placed around a dog’s neck. It can be used for marking, holding, grooming, or protecting your pups. Collars are made of different materials. Nylon and leather are the most famous, with e-collars being the latest entrant in the market. Pick a comfortable collar that is suited for the size, age, and breed of your dog. If it’s a puppy, you should understand that they grow fast and big. This means you need to check their collars almost every day for condition and fit. Also, a collar shouldn’t be so loose that it can slip over your dog’s head. Additionally, it shouldn’t be too tight that you cannot slip two fingers beneath.
Housing
Your pups needs a comfortable and quiet place to rest. This should be an ideal place away from all drafts and off the floor. Consider going for a training crate or a dedicated bed. Next, pick a clean blanket or pillow and place them inside. Ensure you wash the dog’s bedding often. If your pooch is spending plenty of time outdoors, make sure it has access to shade and adequate cool water in hot weather. Also, you’ll need to ensure your dog has a warm, dry, and covered shelter when it’s cold.
Health
Dogs need health care just like you do. Depending on the breed, your pup could have a tendency for hip problems, breathing concerns, or allergies. You can find yourself in need of kidney support for dogs, or facing emergency surgery before you are prepared. Find a quality veterinarian, get regular checkups, and pay attention to changes to in your dog’s behavior, and they should stay healthy and happy to some time.
Behavioral Needs
Even if dogs were domesticated centuries ago, they still have an instinctive urge to express behaviors linked to their evolution. Ideally, a behavioral “need” is an animal’s inherent tendency to behave a certain way. In most cases, this is something an animal can’t help doing. If an animal cannot express these behaviors, they get irritable. You need to give your puppy a chance to express these natural behaviors. It will boost your dog’s mental health and fend off bad behavior. Typically, dogs adapt well to life in family groups. Additionally, many of them prefer not to be left alone in the house for a long duration.
Dog Leash
Most of us use dog leashes to walk our pups in public places. Using a leash on your dog helps protect the dog and the general public if any incidents happen. You can also use the leash to prevent losing your dog or being taken away by strangers in crowded places. Choose the standard flat lead leash for your dog as it has a length of four-to-eight feet long. If you want to have optimal safety and total control over your pooch, it’s advisable to have at least four feet long of your dog’s leash. You can also choose a retractable dog leash which comes in various length, styles, and thickness.
Water and Food Bowl
This comes as a no-brainer. The foundation of good health for your pup starts with a clean set of food and water bowls. This affects their appetite, and they might not enjoy their food if they’re not feeding on a clean bowl. You can find different types of bowls in the market. Many people opt to use plastic bowls. They’re lightweight, cheaper, and long-lasting. However, plastics are not all recommended, especially if you have a dog that likes biting its bowl while eating. If you have such a pooch, you can go for stainless steel bowls. They are durable and easy to clean.
Treats
There are plenty of all-natural, grain-free treats on the market. Every puppy has its preference, so you’ll need to research carefully what your pup likes. For first-time dog owners, trial and error is a great way to establish your favorite brand. You could also consider using specific treats for different occasions. Ensure you check the dietary guidelines and ask your vet if you’re not sure.
Getting your dog his or her necessary items doesn’t have to be that hard. This is also a great way of expressing your love and appreciation for your pet. If you can take good care of your pet, it will be easy to take care of any other person that comes into your life. Remember: you’ll need to put in the effort, time, and finances in making your pet dog comfortable.