A dog’s digestion will be healthiest if you give them a consistent diet. If you do change your dog’s food, introduce the new kind gradually by mixing it in with the old at first. Keep in mind that how much you feed your dog is almost as important as what you feed them. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Since you want to feed your dog a set amount, it’s best to control their feeding times rather than letting them graze throughout the day. Establish meal times once or twice a day to give your dog a sense of routine. Monitor your dog’s treats. It’s always wonderful to reward your canine companions with treats, but be sure that you’re adjusting their normal food intake accordingly. If you feed your dog a bone, reduce the amount of kibble they’ll get for dinner.
If you go on car trips or outings, take water with you for your dog. Be sure to clean your dog’s food bowl and water dish regularly to prevent mold, dirt, and bacteria from building up.
Brush your dog’s teeth daily. This will prevent bad breath, tartar buildup, and bacterial infections. You can lift their lips to expose their teeth and brush them as would your own. To be the most effective, use an angled brush that’s specially designed for dogs. Always stick to toothpaste made for canines since the fluoride found in most human toothpastes is poisonous to dogs.
If your dog is overweight, ask your vet to recommend a diet to help get them get back to an appropriate weight.
Be aware that many of our common food items are poisonous or even lethal to dogs, like raisins, grapes, mushrooms, onions, macadamia nuts, caffeine, chocolate (especially dark chocolate and baking chocolate), alcoholic beverages, dairy products such as milk, and citrus fruits such as oranges. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Only give your dog medicines that have been explicitly prescribed or approved by a vet. Many human drugs—over-the-counter or prescription—can kill your dog. For instance, aspirin may be given to a dog if your vet tells you it is alright and tells you the proper dosage. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen are highly poisonous for your pooch. Have a canine first aid kit on hand to address your dog’s medical needs. You can either buy one or put one together yourself. Make sure it includes basic supplies like a pet first-aid book, self-cling bandages, gauze pads, an antibacterial ointment or antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, scissors, and tweezers. [7] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
When searching for a vet, be sure to choose one that is nearby to where you live and has good online reviews. Go to your vet regularly to minimize your dog’s risk of contracting and spreading dangerous diseases (like rabies or kennel cough) or parasites (like fleas and heartworm). Your vet will keep records to remind you when preventative treatments need to be administered. How often you should visit the vet will depend on the health and age of your dog. Puppies will need several appointments in their first year, but a normal, healthy adult dog can generally get by with an annual check-up. Senior dogs who are pushing ten years of age should probably go in at least twice a year. [9] X Research source Your vet can also help you decide when it’s time to let go. When your pet is stuck in a cycle of incurable suffering due to sickness or old age, the best thing you can do for them is to seek your vet’s help to end your pet’s life humanely. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Alternative options are available, too, such as Vasectomy, Neutering, Tubal Ligation and Ovary-Sparing Spay (OSS). While harder to come by, they come with less long term health risks than spaying and neutering. Spaying and neutering comes with many associated health risks such as different types of cancers, orthopedic disorders and cardiac hemangiosarcoma. [12] X Research source The recovery time from the procedure should be relatively short. You’ll just need to keep your dog relaxed and prevent them from licking their wound while they heal. [13] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
Start by picking a dog that’s suited to the space you have. For instance, it’s not a good idea to get an active, territorial breed, like a German Shepard, if you live in a studio apartment. Don’t get a high-energy dog like a Border Collie if you don’t have a yard or nearby field where it can run around. Keep your dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Because of their fur and limited perspiration, dogs are easily affected by the heat. Never leave them in a car or place without shade. If it feels too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your dog to be outside as well. [15] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. Give your dog a designated place to sleep, whether it be a blanket, dog bed, or crate. If you choose to use a crate, be sure that it’s just big enough for your dog to stand up, sit, lie down, and turn around in. [16] X Research source When you first bring a new puppy home, it is especially important to have a specific area available only for your puppy. If there are other pets in the home, such as a cat, it is crucial to keep them separated for at least one to two weeks. During that time, they will adjust to each other by scent and will be less likely to provoke each other later. [17] X Research source
Keep garbage cans either out-of-reach (in a low cabinet or in a closed pantry), or make them impossible to get into (using a can with a closed lid). Dogs are often attracted to eating garbage. If you don’t deny them access to it, it’ll create a mess for you to clean up and health problems for them. Keep cleaning agents and other poisonous household substances, like antifreeze, out-of-reach.
Make regular stops if you take your dog on a long road trip, so that he can get out for some exercise and have a drink of water. Never leave your dog unattended in the car!
Check for holes in the fences or gates, especially if you have a small dog. If you have a puppy, you might want to put wire over gates with gaps in them as very small dogs may be able to fit through the bars. Some plants, like poinsettias or holly bushes, are poisonous to dogs. Do an online search for which species are toxic to canines, and then keep them out of reach or remove them to keep your dog safe.
Besides being sure that your dog is under control and supervised at all times when in public, responsible dog owners will get to know their pet’s patterns of behavior so that they can anticipate any issues. For instance, if you notice that your dog growls at strollers, give them a wide berth whenever possible until your dog grows more comfortable with them. It’s always the best policy to avoid putting your dog in situations that you know will make them uncomfortable. For example, if your dog is suspicious of or aggressive towards other dogs, it’s not a good idea to let them loose in a crowded dog park because that is not setting them up to behave well.
Socialization is a slow process, so don’t ask too much of your dog all at once. For instance, if you’re dog has not been in crowds before, it’s not a good idea to take them to an outdoor carnival. You want them to continuously learn more about the world, but you don’t want to overwhelm them. When your dog remains calm with new people and settings, reward their good behavior with praise and/or treats.
Socialization is a slow process, so don’t ask too much of your dog all at once. For instance, if you’re dog has not been in crowds before, it’s not a good idea to take them to an outdoor carnival. You want them to continuously learn more about the world, but you don’t want to overwhelm them. When your dog remains calm with new people and settings, reward their good behavior with praise and/or treats.
At the very least, every dog should know basic commands, including “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” “come,” and “heel. " You might see variations on these command phrases, but the behaviors that they need to learn are the same: responding to you immediately, exercising self-control, staying in a given position, coming at your request, and walking well on a leash. [24] X Research source Ask your vet, local animal shelter, breeder, or fellow dog owners for trainer recommendations. Positive reinforcement, like rewarding your dog with treats or praise when it does something right, is the most effective training method. [25] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. Contract a trainer via phone or visit their website to verify their qualifications. Make sure that the trainer you pick has significant experience, can offer good references, and uses humane methods of “positive reinforcement. ” Never go to a trainer whose methods involve physical restraint or violence.
Use a bag to pick up your dog’s feces and dispose of it right away in an authorized trash receptacle. Consider using biodegradable bags to minimize your environmental impact. Besides being considerate to your neighbors, cleaning up waste helps prevent the spread of disease.
Oftentimes, local law insists that you keep your dog on a leash, so you risk fines if you don’t observe it. Be sure you’re familiar with the dog-related regulations in your area. If you’d like to let your dog loose, find an off-lead dog park where they can run free.
Many pet owners who work during the day get a companion pet for their dogs so that they can keep each other company. You should also consider having a friend or family member visit your pooch, taking them to doggy daycare, or hiring a dog-walker to get your pet out of the house.
Without proper exercise, your dog will become bored and many behavior problems may arise (like chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and hyperactivity). Play with your dog. Canines have instincts to chew, fetch, chase, hunt, spar, dig, and herd. Help them exercise these instincts in constructive ways through supervised play. For instance, if your dog loves to hunt things, get them a toy that they can safely chase after, like a wooly chew toy at the end of a long rope. That way, your dog can act on their instinct while keeping them away from real animals and at a safe distance from you. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Without proper exercise, your dog will become bored and many behavior problems may arise (like chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and hyperactivity). Play with your dog. Canines have instincts to chew, fetch, chase, hunt, spar, dig, and herd. Help them exercise these instincts in constructive ways through supervised play. For instance, if your dog loves to hunt things, get them a toy that they can safely chase after, like a wooly chew toy at the end of a long rope. That way, your dog can act on their instinct while keeping them away from real animals and at a safe distance from you. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Most breeds love to have jobs. Giving them work to do will make them more alert and boost their sense of well-being.
Comb your dog’s coat at least once a week (or more for long-haired dogs) to control shedding and keep their fur from getting tangled and matted. Brushing can also help clean your dog’s skin and distribute its natural oils. Be sure to use a brush that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and hair length. [33] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Only bathe your dog when it’s absolutely necessary. Frequent washing can dry out the natural oils in their skins, leaving your pet with constant itches and rashes. When you do, use a mild dog shampoo and warm water. Since dogs have sensitive ears, only wash them from the neck down. Keep your dog’s nails short to keep them comfortable and avoid them scratching up your house. Be sure to consult with a groomer or vet about how to clip your dog’s nails before you do it yourself. It’s a tricky process that can easily harm your pet if you do it wrong, so learn the right method from an expert or leave it to a trained professional. [34] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source Some canines are more high-maintenance than others. If you have a breed that requires grooming, like a Poodle or Pekingese, make sure you have a regular appointment set up with a professional groomer. [35] X Research source
