Being a parent to a pet can bring a lot of joy and happiness into your life. However, it also comes with many responsibilities. As a dog-owner, you are in charge of looking after your pet; ensuring it is healthy, happy, and loved. When you have a furry friend in the house, your day becomes less stressful and lonely whilst you become increasingly social.
Taking care of your dog is all about providing a safe and caring environment for them. Not to mention, it’s a lifelong responsibility. So, if you’re thinking of making space in your life for another animal companion, here’s all you need to know about looking after your dog’s health.
Register with a Vet
Just as you would register a new-born baby with your local paediatrician, you will need to do the same with your new pet. Look up the best vet centre in your area and let them know you need to come in for a visit.
Consider Pet Insurance
This being said, visits to the vet can be very expensive, especially if a more serious issue is at stake. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consider purchasing a pet insurance policy. You can save up to thousands of dollars and remain confident that your pet will always be protected. Plus, you can decide the level of coverage you would like.
Get Vaccinations Sorted
There are all sorts of vaccines available for dogs, some of which are more essential than others. Puppies have a number of recommended vaccinations, including distemper, parvovirus, DHPP, and rabies. Older dogs should also get regular booster jabs to protect them against these diseases.
Microchipping is a Must
If you’re going to adopt a dog, you should most certainly microchip them. If they get lost or are found hurt, a microchip can help someone get into contact with you immediately. This also stops them from getting put into shelters or, even worse, the pound.
Socialise Your Pup from a Young Age
Another way you can help protect your pup is by making sure they are well socialised from a young age. This will prevent behavioural problems and it can avoid nasty accidents from happening at the dog park.
Take Them for Regular Walks
Imagine you had an owner that would never let you leave the house… You would start to go crazy, right? The same happens with our furry friends. They need to stay active and be outside. Make sure you walk them at least twice a day as this also helps keep them fit.
Watch What They Eat
As a pet parent, you are in charge of what your dog puts into their body. That’s why we recommend you feed them a healthy and balanced diet. This includes plenty of protein and minimal fats. Similarly, you’ll need to learn how to portion control, as you don’t want to risk making them overweight.
Keep Them Clean
Make sure to give your pet a good scrub every now. Don’t wait until their paws start looking muddy. If they have long hair, it’s important that you keep them well groomed, as they could experience matting or knots. Some pups are more difficult to bathe than others, so opt for a professional dog groomer if you’re not up for the task.
Cater For Their Medical Issues
If your dog does happen to develop a medical issue, it’s important that you stick by their side. Try to accommodate them as much as you possibly can. For example, if your pet has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, only purchase dog food for pancreatitis.
Always Keep a Fresh Water Bowl
Your pet should have access to fresh water at all hours of the day (both inside and outside of the house). If you find it difficult to fill up the water bowl, you can invest in a miniature water cooler for dogs. These are relatively inexpensive and provide a larger source of freshwater.
Consider Neutering Them
Neutering tends to be a controversial topic amongst dog owners. However, if you’re not planning on a large family of dogs, it’s best that you simply neuter them. Not only will this avoid unwanted puppies, but it also can decrease the likelihood of diseases and reduce aggressive behaviours.
Check For Ticks
If you like taking your dog for long walks in the countryside, you should conduct regular tick checks. The best way to do so is by combing through their fur with your fingers. If you can feel any noticeable bumps on their skin, this may be a tick. These pesky inhabitants can be as small as a grain of salt or as large as a grape. You should be able to peel this back without a problem.
Puppy Proof Your Home
In a similar fashion to toddlers, puppies need to be kept far away from dangerous areas. They love to stick their noses in places they shouldn’t, so keep the trash secure and lock away any harmful substances, such as cleaners or pesticides.
Keep Human Food Away
When you own a dog, it’s important to make yourself aware of what they can and cannot eat. For example, chocolate, avocados, and onions are incredibly harmful ingredients for dogs and could land them in some serious trouble at the vet’s office. Unless you’ve been recommended by a professional, stick to dog food.
At the end of the day, having a dog is an immense responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. That’s why it’s important that you truly understand the commitment it entails before you decide to adopt a furry friend.
Dogs are for life, not a few months when you decide you are no longer interested. Make sure you are truly prepared for this new chapter in your life. Consider whether you have the financial capacity and time to care for another life. If the answer is yes, make sure to give your pup plenty of love for years to come!