Tips for Dog Owners

When you bring a dog into your life, you commit to provide everything he or she needs. While dogs can bring many welcome aspects into the lives of people like companionship, affection and love, they still require a good amount of care. Responsible dog owners feed their dogs well on a regular basis, provide for regular exercise and play, train their dogs to socialize with people and other dogs, and provide regular professional veterinary care. To take good care of your canine companion, simply follow some basic tips for dog owners.

  1. Regular Visits to the Vet

    • Never skip regular visits to the veterinarian just because a dog appears healthy. Annual visits to the vet will prevent and avoid serious problems that could develop. Several types of parasites commonly show up in dogs. For example, heartworm disease can cause congestive heart failure in dogs and may prove fatal if not detected and treated early on. In some areas of the country, Lyme disease remains a big concern for dogs and may require vaccination. Ask the vet about specific vaccinations for your dog as well as spaying or neutering, which will also prevent serious medical conditions such as testicular, ovarian and mammary cancer as well as pyrometria, a serious and life-threatening uterine disease.

    Feeding

    • If you have shopped for dog food, you know the vast number of brands and varieties available. Dog food falls into three basic types: wet, canned, and dry. Optimal for aiding hydration, wet dog food requires added water to soften or create a type of sauce making it more appealing. Use canned dog food for dogs that suffer from occasional constipation. Dry dog food, the most economical choice, has the added benefit of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Due to formulations for specific dog breeds and ages, research to find the most suitable dog food for your particular dog.

    Training

    • Above all, remember that dogs follow a pack and will follow the example of the pack leader. In the dog world, pack leaders assert control in a calm and confident manner. Dogs will always take their behavior cues from you so always remain calm and confidently in control around your dog. Because dogs understand waiting as a type of psychological work, establish yourself as pack leader through working your dog. Take him on a walk before you feed him, or withhold signs of affection until he can exhibit calm behavior. When training your dog, remain calm, practice consistency, set boundaries and limitations which will provide a sense of security and well-being.

    Regular Exercise

    • All dogs need adequate exercise and time for play. Good for both mind and body, regular exercise and play will improve circulation, provide bone and joint health, improve digestion and elimination, and help your dog maintain a healthy weight level. While daily walks provide good exercise, they don't provide an opportunity to play. Insufficient exercise and play may cause your dog to chew, dig, raid the trash can, or engage in any number of attention-seeking behaviors.Take advantage of your local dog park or schedule a weekly supervised play time with other dogs to provide exercise, play and opportunities to socialize.