When you get a dog, it’s a big responsibility. It’s very much like having another human in your household that needs love, food and exercise. So if you’re planning on getting a dog, here are some tips for looking after them.
Be Prepared
Before you get a dog, it’s important that you’ve done the necessary preparation. If you’ve reserved a dog, then make sure you know all about the breed, their behaviours and what to expect. You should try and do this before looking for a dog because you may find their requirements a little too much for what you can offer.
There should also be a plan in place for when you go on holiday or if you work long hours. Some dogs can go for a while without company but not for too long.
Provide Their Own Bed
Some owners will allow their pets to sleep in bed with them, but this and other habits should be cut out, especially when they are a puppy. A dog should have their own bed, preferably downstairs away from the bedroom. It should be a good size that caters for the type of dog you have and should include one or two chew toys so that it can keep occupied until you come down in the morning.
Be Conscious Of Eating Healthily
Just like ourselves, dogs need to maintain a healthy diet and especially as they rely on you for that, you should be conscious of what they are eating. Avoid trying to give them any of your scraps or leftovers and make sure you are giving them a well-balanced diet.
Keep regular check-ups with your vet to ensure that they are weighed and that the diet that they are currently on is good. There’s also other vitamins and products you can give your dog to help maintain their health, with RestoraPet being one example.
Walk Them At Least Once A Day
Exercise is something that every dog needs and some may need walking more than others. It’s important to have regular exercise so that they maintain a healthy weight and get some much-needed fresh air if they’ve been kept inside for most of the day.
Depending again on the dog, the walk should last at least 15-20 minutes, and you should make the most of locals parks that allow dogs off the leash. This is ideal as you can let them run around with a tennis ball to really give them a workout.
Keep Them Groomed
Grooming is important in keeping the dog happy but to also keep them smelling fresh and looking tidy. Without proper care, a dog’s coat can start to smell, so as we groom ourselves, it’s important to spend the time and money in keeping your dog pampered. A simple cut every few weeks will suffice and for some that might not be as often as that.
A dog is for life, so be sure you’ve thought about everything before committing to one, as it’s a big deal!
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