There is a lot of thought that goes behind taking care of a dog or cat. This is why as a kid, your parent(s) were reluctant to get a pet. Your dog is like your family member, which is why you need to take care of and look after them.
Welcoming a pet into your home is not to be taken lightly, whether it is a cat or any other animal. Today, dogs and cats are considered full-fledged members of the family. You have a pet, or you wish to have one. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you ought to know about taking care of your pets.
1. Meet his physical and mental needs
The needs vary according to each dog. They depend on the age and the state of health but also on the character and the breed. A dog can have the best food in the world, be spoiled with toys and have the latest harness, but he will be unhappy if you don’t consider his needs, which are important for his mental and physical balance.
A puppy will not have the same needs as an adult dog, just as a Chihuahua will not have the same needs as a German Shepherd. Taking good care of your dog means knowing it well and being well informed about its aptitudes and requirements. Also, in case of behavioral problems or a recalcitrant dog, you should not hesitate to turn to a professional (dog trainer, behaviorist, etc.)
2. Take care of his diet
The range of dog food available is becoming more and more diversified. Dry or wet food, with or without cereals, is adapted to the age and activity of the dog; the choice is vast.
There are two principles to keep in mind in order not to get lost in this area: meet the dog’s protein needs, as these are the nutrients that are essential for the proper functioning of his body, and make sure that the food given is suitable for him (well-formed stools, good digestion, etc.). If the qualities and composition convince you of a brand of food, but your dog does not tolerate it well (soft stools, digestive problems, intestinal gas, etc.), it is because it is not suitable.
3. Brush and groom your dog regularly
A dog needs regular care. Brushing once a week allows you to spot any problems: skin abnormalities, coat condition, wounds, parasites, etc. It is better to brush your dog several times a week in the spring and fall because the coat changes and moults. For long and medium-haired breeds, brushing is recommended every other day. A bath with a shampoo adapted to the canine pH every two months is sufficient unless the dog is particularly dirty or has bathed in seawater (sea salt is corrosive to the skin).
4. Prevent rather than cure
To keep your dog in good health for as long as possible, prevention is better than cure! The offer is varied in vaccines, deworming, flea and tick control, and allows to avoid possible problems. An annual visit to the veterinarian is also recommended to check the dog’s good health, detect possible pathologies, and propose adapted care if necessary. As health insurance for dogs is currently developing in the United States, it may be interesting to find out more about it depending on your dog’s health and age before subscribing.
5. Take him to the osteopath once a year
As for humans, canine osteopathy relieves tensions and muscular, visceral, and bone pains. Globally, it allows better mobility. It is intended primarily for large dogs, older dogs, sporting dogs, and in general for dogs that have suffered a trauma or physical shock (accident, whelping, etc.).
A canine osteopath is either a veterinarian, in which case he or she has followed a medical curriculum and has specialized in additional osteopathic training, or a non-veterinarian, in which case he or she has graduated from a specialized school and must have passed the aptitude test organized by order of Veterinarians because the profession has been regulated since 2017. It is necessary to count about sixty dollars per session. The canine osteopath has an office or comes to your home.
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