Dog Care Tips: The Pet Parents
Policy Advisor”>new puppy or you’ve had dogs your whole life, there’s bound to be something in this list of dog care tips that you didn’t know – but should.
This massive list of 39 tips for pet parents will be invaluable to me as someone who has worked in animal care for over 10 years and is a #doglover.
Do not overfeed your dog. It will negatively impact their happiness and health
AAHA”>50% of dogs in America are obese and this number is on the rise. Dogs who are overweight have a higher risk of developing metabolic abnormalities, heart disease, joint disease, and other health issues. They are also less mobile and cannot run, play or do other activities as often as they would like. Do your pet a favor and give them the recommended amount. Don’t let their puppy dog eyes ask for more.
Do not touch your dog’s nose
The dog’s nose should feel moist. Dogs’ noses will feel moist depending on the season and how much moisture they have. However, a healthy dog will have a dry and slightly damp nose. This is because dogs sweat through their noses to cool off.
Annual vet visits
Regularly have your dog examined by experts to check for health problems and provide you with personalized information that will help to ensure your pet is healthy for many years to come.
Create a “pet first-aid” kit
It is possible for an emergency to occur and you need to be prepared. This is particularly important if your dog goes hiking or camping and you are not able to help. ASPCA”>DIY pet first aid kit is something every dog parent should have.
Get pet insurance
Unexpected and emergency illnesses and accidents can often run up to $1500. This can quickly become a financial burden as many as a quarter of all pets require emergency care every year. Pet insurance is an important investment that can cover unexpected costs and long-term health conditions.
Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth
Policy Advisor”>avoiding expensive dental treatments in the future. AKC”>normal routine and make sure to use a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. You can make teeth brushing fun for your pet with a little time and some training.
Prepare an emergency plan
Although it is not something you want to think about, it’s important to have a plan in place for your dog should any unfortunate events occur. AKC”>important information about your dog’s lifestyle including how often they’re fed, how much they’re fed, medications, their vet’s phone number, etc. This list should be given to anyone in your life who could care for your dog in an emergency. Ask around to see if there are any people in your area who could assist your dog quickly.
Play with Purpose
Playing with your dog is a great way to get to know them. Positive play experiences such as touching your dog’s feet, toes, and nails will help you to get rid of their aversion to having these areas touched when it comes time to trim their nails. Your vet will be able to easily examine your dog’s ears and mouth if you get them used to this method. Your vet will find it easier to examine your dog.
Give your dog a safe space
A temperate space in your home should be set up with a blanket or blanket for your dog, toys, and a water bowl. This will allow your dog to feel safe and take short naps throughout the day. This will help your dog self-soothe in stressful situations like thunderstorms, baby crying, parties, and so on. Policy Advisor”>rescue puppy or when joining your family, keeping their crate open and available even after they no longer need it for training may provide them with a perfect place just for them that they’ll love to have.
Keep your household safe
Keep your dog away from household chemicals like cleaners and pesticides. Some dogs are very clever and can get under the sink or in the garage. To seal cabinets containing toxic substances, use baby-proof locks.
Wash your dog’s belongings regularly
Your dog’s blankets, soft toys, and bedding can become contaminated with germs, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants. To keep your dog’s bedding, soft toys, and blankets clean, make sure they are washed at least once a week. This can help reduce the amount of pollen in your dog’s environment if they have seasonal allergies.
Your dog should be kept away from any human food
Dogs can be poisoned by many human foods such as onions, chocolate, avocados, and avocados. Avoid human food and chewing gum, as they can contain xylitol, which is a sugar-like substance that is toxic to dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend that you do not feed your dog any human food. Your vet may recommend some human foods such as plain chicken, canned pumpkin, and plain rice for certain reasons, such as diarrhea or digestive upset. These situations may call for “human food”, but your dog doesn’t have to eat all of your leftovers or lick the plate.
Walking your dog is good for their happiness and health
Walking your dog regularly can provide many benefits, such as preventing boredom, improving their digestion, keeping them healthier, and burning off excess energy. You may also notice a decrease in bad behavior, such as chewing, barking, or digging.
Add variety to your life to combat boredom
You can break up your dog’s routine by taking them on extra walks and outings. For a change of scenery, take them to a dog-friendly place or drive-in. AKC”>mentally stimulated.
Your dog’s mental health should be challenged
Dogs need mental stimulation just like humans. Cesar’s Way”>keep them engaged. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained when you’re not available.
This is especially important when social-distancing your dog.
Super-eating: Slow down
Your dog or puppy may have stomach problems or upsets, which could lead to vomiting. It is easy to slow down your dog’s food intake. You can buy a puzzle feeder at a pet shop or online. A cheaper and easier solution is to place a large tennis ball in the bowl. The ball and the puzzle toy work in the same way, so your dog will have to find a way to get their food.