For those bringing home a dog for the first time, it may feel like the honeymoon phase. You're excited and you just can't get over how adorable your new pet is! However, there is a lot more responsibility involved than just bringing home a dog. As their owner, you have the responsibility to make sure that they are well taken care of and that all their needs are looked after. It can be quite overwhelming for some, so read on for 3 essential tips to help make sure you're on the right track to caring for your dog.
After you've bought or adopted your dog, it would be a good idea to take your dog to the vet. The veterinarian will know more specifically about your dog, their breed, their nutritional needs, vaccines that are required, as well as your dog's current health condition. Not all dogs come fully vaccinated, so your vet can help you to see what additional vaccines, if any, that your dog will need. Take this opportunity to ask as many questions as you need to help you be more fully equipped in raising your dog and take some good notes!
You can't feed your dog anything or at anytime. Many owners assume that they can just make sure that their water and food bowl is filled and that their dog can eat whenever they want. If you randomly serve your dog food with anything at anytime, you are only going to risk giving your dog's health problems such as becoming overweight and other diseases. That is why you should consult with your vet as to what type of food is good for your dog and make sure to measure how much food you give to your dog. Your vet can give you a feeding guideline so you know just how much food is suitable for your dog's age, weight, & health status. Most dogs are fed twice a day although some are only fed once, so check with your vet to see what works best for your dog.
You will want to start training your dog as early as possible so that you can have more control over them. This can also help create more of a structure in the house and when you take your dog outside. In this way, you can help maintain a better relationship between both you and your dog. One of the most important area to start training is potty training. You wouldn't want your dog developing a habit of giving you a secret smelly surprise in your laundry basket or sofa. So you can check online for tutorials on how to teach them to do their business. It would be wise to set a specific time throughout the day that they know they can go out and do their business and help them to stick to it. This process may take some time so be patient and don't rush.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
