Whether you’ve recently adopted a puppy or had dogs for a long time, there is an unwritten list of rules on how to take basic care of your furkid, and because they are just a furry member of your family, you want to take care of them and raise them as well as you would your two-legged kids. But no matter how experienced you are with canines, you may learn a thing or two every day about raising and training them. On that note, follow these tips to learn the right pet care for your furry friend.
Don’t Skip Vet Visits
One of the first responsibilities that fall on your shoulders as a pet parent is keeping your dog healthy by visiting the veterinarian regularly. Your pup should be examined at least once or twice every year, given the fact that dogs have a shorter life expectancy than humans. And, just as we humans go for checkups, so should our furkids. They need to have their vaccinations kept up to date, and, as they age, you may find yourself seeing the vet more often.
Never Overlook Grooming
It’s also your responsibility to teach your dogs healthy hygiene habits both at home, at the vet’s office, or at the groomer’s. Like their human counterparts – two-legged kids, you have to ensure their teeth are in good condition, but with a furkid, you have to do the brushing, their hair needs brushing, and they need to follow a healthy diet which includes exercise, t to keep them in top condition.
So what this means is that they need their own schedule in your calendar. To keep your pet care going smoothly, mark specific days for hygiene and grooming tasks on your calendar, such as bath time and nail care. Nail cutting and general grooming time is made a lot less stressful for both you and your pup if you use specialized, sharp shears. Many dog owners have tried the shears at GroomingScissorsDirect.com.au and have given the company the thumbs up as being professional and designed to be sharpened, so they last throughout the dog’s life. Long-haired breeds tend to develop mats and ice balls on their fur, and overgrown claws are common in older dogs. They also tend to be a lot more fragile and can make walking very painful. So it’s best to get a regular grooming schedule going, to look after all of your pups regularly.
Pay Attention to Their Vaccinations
Dog vaccination is an integral part of being a responsible pet owner. Make an appointment for vaccination immediately after you welcome your new pet home. On your first visit, the vet will create a vaccination schedule to keep your puppy safe from disease or illness, such as Lyme disease, rabies, and distemper. Your pup’s vaccinations should be done early in the first weeks after it is taken home. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations are needed on an annual basis and which aren’t. If you adopt an adult or older animal, ensure that it is also vaccinated.
Offer Them Healthy Food
A good dog parent will make sure there is a constant supply of fresh, cold water and will feed their pup healthy food. Proper pet food enriches the lives of your furry best friend and provides him with the nutrients and energy he needs. Choosing dog food can be overwhelming because of the variety of dog food on offer. However, you can quickly understand the essential ingredients and how effective they are for your canine. When you’re choosing high-quality dog food, try to balance protein, fat, and carbs. Besides choosing healthy ingredients, pick a pet food formula that suits the age, health, and activity level of your pet and consult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a different type of food.
Train Them
Ensuring that your hound behaves properly is also a fundamental part of owning dogs; proper socializing skills are vital no matter what size your furkid is going to be. While it is recommended and most effective to start puppy school at a young age, it’s never too late to teach your older pup new tricks. Obedience training and toilet training is top priority for all animals that share a home with you. Teaching your canine socialization skills will help it connect with you and other pets in the neighborhood or at the park. Contact your veterinarian or local shelter to recommend good trainers and home training guides. A well-behaved hound is always happy, making its parents happy too.
Knowledge is key when it comes to caring for dogs. Read and learn as much as you can about dog breeds, breeding, training, and sharing a home with a pup in general. The more you know, the more you can provide your dog with a safe and comfortable home. And remember, these tips don’t just apply during the holidays, they are a way of life, so be sure to incorporate them into your and your pup’s daily lives.
