Your dog gives you unconditional love. You leave the home just for a couple of minutes and when you arrive back they act as if you were gone for days. As a pet owner, it's up to you to see to it that your pet has everything they need to sustain a happy and healthy life.
Proper Diet
Just like people, dogs need a nutritional diet consisting of real meat, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. It's important to read dog food labels to see if additives and fillers are the main content. If they are, keep searching until you find the one that has everything your dog needs. If you are uncertain of what ingredients they need, consult with your veterinarian.
Exercise
Dogs have a natural instinct, similar to children to run and play. It's also beneficial to their health to get in regular exercise. If you have a big backyard let him out periodically to just play and release the bottled up energy. Dogs like to interact so throwing a ball or tossing a Frisbee will help both of you maintain a healthy weight. If you live in an apartment, you can still give your dog regular exercise. Take long walks to drive to the park and let him play. If you live near the beach, put on your modest swimsuit and sandals and take your pet out to enjoy a morning or an afternoon running on the sand and enjoying the water.
Canines Need Their Teeth
Your dog's teeth are essential to satisfy their need for chewing and to allow them to eat properly. The good news is that you can buy a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs to keep his teeth pearly white and free of plaque between vet visits.
Administer Medications
Unfortunately, flea and tick season can harm your pet. These parasites feed off of your pet's blood and if not treated, your furry friend can develop worms or a number of flea and tick-borne illnesses. Luckily, you can purchase medications that prevent both from harming your pet. If you don't want to put chemicals on their body, veterinarians now have pills that you camouflage inside their food or treats to administer easily.
Bathing/Grooming
Bathing and grooming your pet should be part of the personal care routine. While humans bathe daily or every other day, dogs generally need a bath every 1 to 3 months depending on the breed. For instance, a long-haired dog such as a golden retriever may need a bath each month where a short-haired lab needs one every few months. Grooming, however, involves brushing the hair and trimming their nails. How often you do this again depends on the breed. If you are new to pet ownership, there are several books on the subject available.
Socializing
A dog that never gets out or introduced to other animals or people will become very nervous. If a dog becomes nervous or frightened due to lack of exposure, they could bite or act aggressively. A great way to prevent this from happening is to take your dog with you during the first year on short trips to local places and take walks around your neighborhood.
Regular Checkups
Just like developing children, dogs, especially during the first couple of years, need to go to the vet regularly to get the required shots and preventative vaccinations to keep them healthy. Going to the vet annually, after that, will allow the doctor to do a thorough checkup to make sure that your pet remains healthy. If the doctor suspects that something's not right they can begin treating it immediately. At least during the early stages, even something like cancer can be treatable.
Your dog loves you and displays it each day. In return, a great way to show your love to your pet as the owner is to make sure that your loyal friend lives a better quality of life.
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