How to Look After Your Dog the Right Way

 Look After Your Dog

Owning a dog can be very rewarding, as having a canine friend to come home to can make for the perfect end to a long day. However, it is also a huge responsibility and every dog has complex and unique needs. While there is no one perfect way to look after your dog, there are some basic guidelines that you should follow to ensure that your dog gets looked after correctly and receives all the care it needs. 

If you are considering getting a dog, then it is important that you do your research beforehand and don’t rush into the decision. It is a huge responsibility that you must be sure about before you take a dog into your home. Therefore, if you are considering taking on the responsibilities that come with owning a dog and want extra tips on how to take care of your dog correctly, then here is a useful guide that provides you with everything that you need to know. 

Be Prepared 

It is important that you are aware of how big a responsibility owning a dog is, and many dog owners compare it to having a baby to look after. You need to be able to dedicate a lot of time to your dog and have all the things they need. If you are regularly out of town for days at a time, then a dog may not be the right pet choice for you, as a dog shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. You may also want to research the different breeds of dogs and learn about their different qualities and characteristics as this may influence your choice. Some breeds are easier to look after than others and require less exercise, which are factors you should consider before going ahead.  

Feed Them Correctly 

It is important that you give your dog a healthy and balanced diet and give them the correct food they need. They should be fed regularly (around 3 times a day) and have constant access to clean and fresh water. Different types of dog food are more appropriate for different ages, types, and breeds of dogs, so you should do your research to make sure your dog is getting the correct food. Your vet will be able to recommend what sort of dog food is most appropriate for your dog. It is crucial for your dog’s health that you give them the best food available, and you may want to consider raw dog food from a supplier like Nature’s Menu, which offers wholesome food that is free of artificial flavourings. 

Regularly Visit the Vets 

You shouldn’t just take your dog to the vets when they are unwell, instead you should attend regular check-ups so that any health problems are discovered as early as possible. 

Give Them Regular Exercise 

It is essential that you give your dog regular exercise as this is crucial to maintain their overall health. All dogs will need to go out for a walk at least once a day, so you should be sure that you can fit that into your daily schedule before getting your own dog. What sort of dog you have will determine how long a walk your dog will need. For example, smaller dog breeds such as miniature dachshunds and Chihuahuas may only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day, but Great Danes and German Shepherd may require around two hours. However, this will depend on each individual dog, so don’t force exercise on your pooch if it seems tired. 

Training is Essential

It is important that you train your dog so that it is well-behaved and easier to take care of. Training is an essential part of any dog’s development and it is often much more effective if you can start training them from a young age. Not only does training provide your dog with mental stimulation, but it also helps to make your dog feel happier. By training your dog, you can teach them what behaviour is not acceptable by rewarding good behaviour. While it is important that your dog listen and respects you, as their owner, you may also consider getting your dog professionally trained as well. 

Get Insurance 

You may consider getting pet insurance for your dog so that you are protected for any health issues or conditions that your dog may suffer from. While if your dog is young, fit, and healthy, you may think that you don’t need pet insurance, it is a safety net that every pet owner should invest in. You never know what unexpected costs are around the corner, so by getting a good insurance policy in place, you won’t have to worry about how to pay for the next vet bill. 

By doing your research and getting all the resources you need, you can be sure to have a happy and healthy canine companion.