Adopting a dog brings us joy and companionship, but it’s equally complex as raising a child. The owner must ensure it’s in good health and keep it happy. It might seem like a lot of work for new dog owners, especially because every dog is unique and requires different attention and care. However, you can follow some common maintenance tips to ensure a happy and healthy life for your new pup. Take a look at the tips below.
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Arrange Nutritious Diet
A nutritious diet ensures a long and healthy life for your dog. Prepare your dog’s diet by including balanced portions of protein and carbohydrates. Chicken, beef, and fish are good sources of proteins, and rice and potatoes are good for carbohydrates. You can also include fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots to provide them with the required vitamins and minerals.
Avoid adding ingredients that trigger an allergic reaction in your dog. Adjust the portion size based on the dog’s age and weight to avoid overfeeding. When choosing commercial dog food, ensure that it meets AAFCO standards. And finally, always give your dog fresh water and clean their feeding bowls every day.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Maintain a healthy weight to give your dog a long and happy life. Overeating or lack of exercise can make it overweight and lead to various health issues. Obesity is a prime reason for complex muscle and joint issues in dogs. It can also lead to breathing problems and decreased energy levels. Not to mention, these health conditions can reduce your dog’s lifespan. So keep them active and feed them the right portion to ensure proper body weight.
Take to the Vet Regularly
Dogs fall sick just like humans and need treatment. Regular health checkups seem like a lot of expense and responsibility, but they ensure good pet health. “When things go awry, and your puppy or kitten just isn’t acting as they usually would, you need a trusted veterinarian that you can turn to,” says a representative of a Phoenix Animal Hospital named ‘Phoenix Veterinary Center.’
A vet checks your dog’s temperature, weight, heart rate, and breathing, and in case of an anomaly, prescribes medicines or proper treatment methods to save your dog’s life.
Vaccinate As Needed
Like humans, dogs also need yearly vaccinations to stay safe from life-threatening and viral diseases. Parvovirus is common in dogs and can end up claiming its life. They can also catch diseases like Canine distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Rabies. Bacterial infections such as Lyme disease are also common in dogs. But worry not because vaccines are available for all of these diseases. You should speak to a vet right after adopting your puppy and get it vaccinated regularly. Always maintain a schedule of their vaccinations and never miss an appointment.
Train Your Dog
Keeping your dog active through exercises and training is always a good idea to keep it healthy. Regular exercise strengthens your dog’s muscles and joints, improves heart health, and keeps it fit. Moreover, it boosts your dog’s mood and reduces stress and anxiety.
Well, you don’t have to make your dog run on a treadmill. You can take it on daily walks and runs or even play fetch in the backyard. If you have a swimming pool, include your dog in your regular swimming sessions, which can improve its heart health. Adopting all these steps will keep your dog active and add more years to its lifespan.
Go for Professional Grooming
Many dog owners do not want to go for professional grooming because it can be pretty expensive. However, some dogs need grooming not only to look their best but also to maintain proper hygiene. Professional grooming services will bathe your dog, trim its coat, clip its nails, and clean its teeth. The fees can be hefty but they will ensure the best hygiene for your dog.
Avoid going to cheap salons to save a few bucks because they can be irresponsible or inexperienced and hurt your dog while grooming. Always check the salon’s reputation, experience, and reviews to ensure that they provide top-notch service and that your money will be well spent. Even if you tackle bathing, trimming, and nail clipping regularly, visit a professional groomer once every few months to ensure total hygiene for your beloved pet.
Provide Sufficient Mental Stimulation
You’d be surprised to know that dogs need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, just like humans. A bored dog can express destructive behavior or even develop anxiety disorder and depression. Training and playing with puzzle toys can keep your dog engaged. Alternatively, try to choose a new location or different environment during its daily walks. It can expose the dog to new scents and enhance its experience. Always teach your dog new tricks and commands so that their mind stays active. Try to switch their toys every few months to give them a new experience. A mentally stimulated dog is less likely to develop behavioral problems, which will keep both of you happy and strengthen your bond.
Maintain Dental Hygiene
Dog owners often overlook the dog’s dental hygiene, but it’s just as important. You can buy dog-friendly toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth and prevent tartar buildup and bad breath. You can also get dental chews, water additives, and chew toys to improve the dog’s oral health. You’d be surprised to know that an untreated dental issue can lead to gum disease, infections, and other health complications, which can eventually lead to kidney or heart disease. So make sure you’re paying regular attention to your dog’s teeth.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Apart from giving your dog good food and playing with it, you should also create a safe and comfortable environment for their mental well-being. Arrange a cozy resting space with a comfy bed. Stow away harmful substances and choking hazards for their safety. If you are a plant lover, avoid getting toxic plants.
Additionally, maintain positive behavior toward your dog at all times. Do not shout or raise your hands on the dog if you are upset with it. It can cause the dog stress and eventually lead to severe trauma, and it might end up feeling unsafe in your house.
Allow Socialization
Just like humans, dogs also need companionship. No matter how much you love your dog, they will always crave companionship from their species. If you don’t want to adopt multiple dogs, take your dog to dog parks to help it mingle with other dogs. Try to do this from an early age because it will reduce their fear, anxiety, and aggression and grow your dog’s confidence. Socialization also prevents behavioral problems in them.
No matter which breed of dog you choose as a first-time dog owner, you will always run into problems while handling it. However, by following the tips above, you will be a happy dog parent to a healthy and happy dog and ensure a long life for your furry friend.
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