HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DOGS AND 5 WAYS TO KNOW WHEN TAKING CARE

Are you thinking about getting a dog for your home? Dogs are faithful and delightful companions who often provide us with more than we give them, but they need plenty of care to remain well and content. If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family, there are numerous factors to think about in order to establish a lasting and thriving bond. And how to properly take care of dogs? Let’s find out with Petlandlover!

Table of Contents

Meeting Your Dog’s Basic Needs

Purchase a brand of food with high-quality ingredients.

It is possible to prepare your own dog food. Avoid giving your dog excessive amounts of sugar, fried foods, or other human treats as they can negatively impact your dog’s health in the long run. It is crucial to never give a dog chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or products containing xylitol.

For large breed dogs, it is recommended to feed them a large-breed puppy formula until they reach about one year old. Then, they should transition to an adult diet until switching to a senior diet at around six years old. Small and medium breeds should stick to a puppy formula until they are around one year old before transitioning to an adult diet.

If a young dog starts to gain excess weight, it is acceptable to switch them to adult food (which is lower in calories) before they reach 12 months old.

Feed your dog on a regular schedule.

Each dog has unique dietary requirements. Puppies under one year old may need multiple meals daily, which can be reduced to twice a day around six months of age. Older and less active dogs may prefer eating once a day.

Consistency in feeding times is beneficial for both you and your dog. It helps establish a routine for mealtime and allows you to monitor your dog’s food intake, which is crucial for housebreaking, detecting changes in appetite, and preventing obesity.

Monitor your dog’s appetite and eating habits.

It is important to measure the right amount of food for your dog to keep track of their eating habits. Let your dog eat for 10-15 minutes, then remove the bowl until the next mealtime. If they don’t finish their food, they may be more hungry and likely to eat at the next feeding.

To determine if your dog is getting the correct amount of food, monitor their weight and appearance. While some active breeds may have visible ribs, most dogs should not. Feeling their ribs can help you assess if they are getting enough or too much food. Consult your vet if unsure about your dog’s weight or appearance.

Although free feeding may seem convenient, it is not recommended as it can lead to weight gain or lack of interest in mealtimes. Stick to a regular feeding schedule to maintain a healthy balance.

If a puppy is gaining excess weight, adjustments to their diet and exercise routine may be necessary. Always seek advice from your vet before making any changes.

Around eight years old, dogs should transition to a senior diet to prevent weight gain and excessive calorie intake. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times.

Provide water at all times.

It is important to ensure that your dog always has access to fresh water in their bowl. Dogs should have the opportunity to drink whenever they feel thirsty, and there is no problem with them drinking as much water as they need. Adding some ice cubes to the water can help keep it cool during hot weather.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises.

Dogs require space to run and play in order to maintain their health and happiness. It is recommended to take your dog for a minimum of one 30-minute walk per day, but this may not be sufficient for a highly energetic dog.

Just letting your dog out to go to the bathroom is not adequate exercise. It is important to ensure that your dog gets tired out daily.

The amount of exercise needed by your dog will vary depending on factors such as age, breed, health, and energy level. Younger, more active breeds will need more exercise compared to older, less active ones. Keep in mind that certain breeds may not require as much exercise as others.

If possible, find a safe area where you can unleash your dog to run freely and stretch.

To prevent potential harm to developing bones and joints in puppies, it is generally advised to avoid activities like running or jumping from high places. Consult your vet for guidance on suitable exercises.

Engaging in various games with your dog will provide both physical and mental stimulation, while also strengthening the bond between you two.

Depending on your dog’s energy levels and your schedule, doggie daycare can be a beneficial option to ensure your dog receives the necessary exercise and socialization.

A lack of exercise can lead to boredom, resulting in behavioral problems and potential obesity-related health issues. It is crucial to prevent these issues by providing adequate exercise for your dog.

In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is essential for a healthy dog. Incorporating games, training sessions, and puzzle feeders into your routine can help prevent boredom.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy And Take Care Of Dogs

Groom your dog.

Different types of dogs need different grooming techniques. In general, dogs should be brushed at least once a week to help with shedding. Dogs with long hair may need more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and may also require regular trims. Some breeds feel more comfortable in hot weather when they are shaved as the temperature rises. It is important to determine the best grooming routine for your dog’s fur and nails.

While grooming your dog, make sure to check for fleas and ticks and remove them using a flea and tick comb. Your veterinarian may recommend a quality flea prevention medication if needed.

Bathe your dog every couple of weeks.

Dogs do not require frequent baths like humans, but it is important to bathe them when they start to smell bad or get dirty. It is recommended to use lukewarm water and a mild, natural shampoo designed for dogs to avoid skin irritation.

After bathing, dogs often enjoy running around, so it’s a good idea to schedule the bath at a time when they can play outside afterwards. Bathing and grooming your dog is also a great way to check for any cuts or lumps that may require medical attention.

Make sure your dog has routine veterinary care.

Your veterinarian may suggest regular medications like heartworm preventatives, deworming treatments, and flea and tick preventatives based on your location and the time of year.
Ensure that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations to maintain their well-being. Common vaccinations for dogs include Rabies, given at 12 weeks or older and then every 1 to 3 years as per local regulations and vet advice. Distemper, Parvovirus, and Hepatitis are typically administered together, with puppies needing four doses every three weeks starting at six weeks old, followed by annual boosters as adults, following your vet’s guidance.

Consider getting your dog spayed or neutered.

Spaying and neutering are surgeries that can prevent unplanned pregnancies and can also address various health and behavioral problems. Neutering in males can help prevent issues like testicular cancer, prostate problems, urine marking, and certain aggressive behaviors. Spaying females significantly lowers the risk of developing mammary tumors and eliminates the possibility of uterine infections or uterine cancer.

It is recommended to have a puppy spayed or neutered around six months of age. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about this procedure during your puppy’s regular check-ups or at the first appointment after adopting an adult dog.

Monitor your dog’s general health.

Being familiar with your dog’s typical eating patterns, energy levels, and weight will enable you to detect any changes easily and monitor their health effectively. Keeping an eye on their regular bathroom habits can help you identify any unusual signs that may indicate health issues. Regularly inspecting your dog’s mouth, teeth, eyes, and ears can help you catch any problems early on. It’s important to regularly check for any unusual lumps or cuts. Additionally, pay attention to any alterations in your dog’s gait or movement.

Seek advice from a veterinarian if you notice any deviations from your dog’s usual state.

Training Your Dog

Housetrain your dog.

When you bring a new puppy or adult dog home, one of the first priorities is to teach them to go to the bathroom outside instead of inside. With proper guidance, dogs of any age can be trained.

While training, it’s important to follow certain rules to help with the process. Limit your dog’s access to certain areas so you can closely monitor them for signs that they need to go out. Set up a routine for taking them outside, including first thing in the morning, after meals, when you return home, and before bedtime.
Puppies will need more frequent bathroom breaks when they are younger, typically being able to hold their urine for an hour per month of age.
Keeping your dog on a leash indoors will allow you to keep a close eye on them until they are fully trained. When taking them outside, use a leash to guide them to a specific spot and ensure you know when they have gone.
You can use a command like “go” to train them to go in a designated area. If you catch them starting to go inside, calmly take them outside and give the command. Always praise them when they go in the right place.
If there is an accident indoors, clean the area thoroughly to prevent them from going there again.
Avoid punishing or scolding a dog for going inside, as this will only make them fearful of you.

Crate train your dog.

This will provide your dog with a secure and comfortable space when you are away, which is a common method to avoid accidents.

To make the crate enjoyable, offer a treat or toy and ensure that your dog spends less than 4 hours at a time inside, especially for younger puppies. When you let them out, take them directly outside to their designated area and remember to praise them for going potty.

Teach your dog to play nicely.

Dogs are usually friendly and many enjoy playing with kids. However, some may play too rough by biting or scratching, so it’s crucial to teach them how to play gently. Praise your dog for gentle play and avoid giving attention when it bites. Over time, the dog will understand that being gentle is more enjoyable.

Teach your dog not to bark too much.

Barking is a common way for dogs to communicate, but excessive barking can be bothersome for many dog owners. Different types of barking may require specific actions to address the issue, which usually involves a gradual process and patience.

To prevent your dog from barking excessively, it’s helpful to identify triggers and remove them, such as closing blinds or moving them away from what they are barking at. If they continue barking, place them in a quiet area or crate until they calm down, then reward them when they stop.
Yelling at your dog for barking may backfire, as they could interpret it as joining in the barking.
For dogs that bark compulsively, increasing exercise and playtime can help.
Dogs barking for attention should be ignored and not rewarded until they stop barking.
Addressing excessive barking can be challenging and may require assistance from a professional behaviorist or trainer. Bark collars should only be used under the guidance of a trained expert.

Teach your dog a few commands and tricks.

Teaching your dog basic commands like sit, stay, and come is important for their safety when they are off-leash outside. These commands also establish your authority and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Additionally, teaching your dog other commands can be a fun way to engage with them and enjoy playtime together. You can instruct your dog to sit, come, stay, lie down, and roll over.