A dog is man’s best friend. They are loyal, loving, and provide great company. Owning a dog comes with many responsibilities. If you consider getting a new dog or already have one, you need to know some basic information about taking care of it correctly.
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Here are eight tips on taking better care of your dog.
Feeding
When you first get a new dog, the breeder may already have given them their first round of shots and deworming medication. After getting your new pet home, please take it to the vet as soon as possible for further images and deworming medication (as well as an examination). When it comes to feeding, consult your vet about what food is best for dogs. Food can have a significant impact on the health of dogs.
Shelter
Dogs need shelter just as much as people do. Depending on where you live, building a dog house may be too expensive or impossible for you. If that’s the case, you can purchase a dog house at most pet stores. Put the dog house wherever it will be most convenient for you to let your dog out and take it in during winter or rainstorms.
Exercise
Dogs need exercise just as much as people do too. Dogs can get a lot of energy out by running about an enclosed area such as a backyard. If your dog does not have an enclosed area to run around, it can still burn off energy by running about the house and playing with you.
Training
Dogs need training just as much as people do too. Dogs should be taught basic commands such as ‘come’ and ‘sit.’ Your dog will also need to be trained not to bark excessively and use the bathroom outside. You can take your dog through a professional training course or prepare it yourself. Sometimes you need a specialist to assist, like Havanese dog expert Kerris.
Grooming
Dogs need grooming just as much as people do too. If you have a long-haired dog, you will want to brush it daily and bathe it once a week. If you have a short-haired dog, you will only need to brush it 2-3 times a week and bathe it once every two weeks.
Dealing With Illnesses
Dogs get sick just as much as people do too. Dogs can get all kinds of illnesses, such as the flu or diarrhea. If your dog becomes sick, take it to the vet immediately. Please do not treat it yourself unless you are an experienced pet owner who has dealt with the same illness before.
Spaying/Neutering
Female dogs can get pregnant just as much as people do too. Since there are millions of dogs without homes, it is much better to spay/neuter them to not reproduce. This will also cut down on the population of dogs without homes by half or more.
Good Behavior
Dogs can misbehave just as much as people do too. Dogs can be stubborn and rude if not shown who’s boss (and you should be the boss). If your dog doesn’t obey you, make sure you always feed them by hand and never give them anything off the counter or table. Dogs will learn that there is no food for them if they don’t follow the rules.
There You Have It!
These are just some of the most important things to remember when owning a pet dog. Do not forget that dogs are great companions who can provide you with hours of fun and entertainment!
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