Your pets gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, they count on you to provide them with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of the essentials for your pets, and you'll develop a rewarding relationship with your furry friends.
Always keep proper identification secured to your dog's collar at all times. A collar with a tag is a great way to help identify your dog should he get out of the house. You may also want to talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your dog for lifelong identification. If an unforeseen event should take place and your pup should roam far from home, microchip identification will allow for a fast reunion. One in three pets will become lost in its lifetime and, according to the American Humane Association, only about 17% of lost dogs are reunited with their owners. Most veterinary hospitals and shelters have the ability to scan your dog for a microchip should he be found and brought into the facility.
Research a veterinarian and take your dog in for routine exams at least once a year. Even if your dog appears to be healthy, an annual veterinary exam is a must! Oftentimes, the trained eyes of a veterinarian can uncover injuries and illnesses unknown to the owner. Different breeds of dog are prone to different ailments. When diseases or injuries are diagnosed early, your dog has a better chance of recovery.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter what the size, they all need exercise. Whether you go on a daily walk, agility train or just play a game of fetch in the house, dogs need this physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If the proper amount of exercise is not provided for your dog, health or behavior problems can occur. Research your breed and talk to your vet about the best activities for your pup.
Dogs need not only regular physical stimulation, but they also need mental stimulation, especially while their owners are away from home. If a dog is not provided an opportunity to exercise his mind, behavior problems can occur. Toys like Kongs®, Buster® Cubes and The Canine Genius™ are excellent examples of toys that will keep your pup's mind busy while you are away. Some toys are not appropriate for all dogs. Before you leave your dog alone with a toy, observe him first to see how he plays. If your dog starts tearing apart the toy, it is probably best not to leave him alone with it.
Research your dog’s grooming needs. Some breeds like Jack Russell terriers or dachshunds have very little grooming needs, while the collie or flat-coated retriever breeds need daily brushing to keep their coat from matting. Other breeds like schnauzers or poodles require frequent professional grooming appointments. Whether it’s a bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, flea and tick check or routine brushing, grooming is not only for looks; it keeps your dog healthy, too. Grooming your dog should be a routine part of his health and care.
Create a comfort zone for your dog. Dogs need a safe place to call their own. Whether your dog spends most of his time inside or outside, provide a bed, crate, run or other comfortable area for your dog. Dogs naturally seek out a den for sleep, comfort and safety. Observe your dog to see where he likes to rest, and then provide him with a comfortable retreat.
Provide your dog with quality food and fresh water. Your dog’s age, breed and activity level will greatly effect what food you choose. Generally speaking, an adult dog should eat twice a day to keeps its metabolism in check. To learn more about what food is best suited for your dog, contact your veterinarian or your G’day! Pet Care Pro.
Training is an important part of your dog’s upbringing. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, training should be a fun bonding experience for you and your dog. Starting early and staying consistent will help ease this process. The foundation for successful training is love, respect and trust. Research a qualified trainer or behaviorist such as a Bark Busters Dog Behavioral Therapist.
Though we all will occasionally give a table scrap here and there, it is important to note that not all human food is tolerated well by dogs and, in some cases, is toxic. Some household foods that are dangerous for your dog include chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, raw/undercooked meat, and eggs, as well as xylitol, a sweetener in many products including chewing gum.
One of the most important things you can do as a pet owner is to spay or neuter your dog. Not only is it a responsible thing to do for population control, but it also dramatically reduces the risk of health-related problems such as mammary cancer, testicular cancer and other reproductive problems. This simple procedure has been known to reduce marking behaviors and decrease aggression in dogs. It is generally recommended that most breeds of puppies should be spayed or neutered between five and six months of age. Spaying and neutering does NOT change your dog’s personality at all!
To contact a G'day! Pet Care Pro in your area, call 1-877-600-GDAY (4329).
