Articles

Essential Tips for Dog Care: Guide for Dog Parents

• May 8, 2024
• BY Skylar Duck
• 
  Dog

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a furry friend at home who holds a special place in your heart. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some essential tips to help you provide the best care for your canine companion. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or new to dog parenthood, these tips are for you!

1. Nutrition is Key: Like people, dogs thrive on a balanced diet. Opt for high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs, and consider factors like age, size, and activity level when selecting the right formula.
– Check for the AAFCO Complete and Balanced Statement, which verifies that the diet meets a dog’s nutritional needs.
– Many good options for pet food including kibble, canned, fresh, freeze-dried and carefully formulated home-cooked diets.
– Choose a pet food company that has a veterinary nutritionist on staff and formulating their diets.
– Follow the instructions on the bag for the amount to feed and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and vet recommendations.

And don’t forget the treats! They’re an essential part of training and bonding but should be given in moderation to maintain a healthy weight.
– Treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake
– When training, small dogs should get treats the size of a lentil and larger dogs the size of a cheerio. This allows many treats without overfeeding.

2. Regular Exercise: Many dogs are bundles of energy, and regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of fetch in the park, or a romp in the backyard, aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day to keep your pup happy and healthy.
– Exercise requirements vary greatly based on the breed and personality.
– High-energy dogs such as herding, hunting or working dogs need more than just a walk.
– Smaller dogs and dogs with short noses often have less energy and may be satisfied with a walk and indoor play.
– If you have a high-energy dog, consider getting them involved in a dog sport such as agility, flyball, coursing, dock dog, or obedience. These provide both mental and physical enrichment.

3. Grooming Matters: Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking their best but also promotes good hygiene and prevents health issues like matting and skin infections. Depending on your dog’s breed and coat type, grooming may include brushing, bathing, nail trimming and teeth brushing.
– Acclimate your dog early to grooming and handling of face, ears and paws.
– Some pet parents are able to do the necessary grooming. Professional groomers are a great option for many pets.
– Long-haired dogs need to be groomed regularly to prevent matting and maintain their hair coat. Most need full grooming every 6-10 weeks, depending on coat type and length.
– If you notice any matting (clusters of hair you can’t brush out), grooming needs to be addressed immediately.
– Nails should be trimmed monthly for most dogs. If they touch the ground when your dog walks, they are probably overgrown.

4. Training and Socialization: Training isn’t just about teaching your dog basic commands – it’s also about building a strong bond and encouraging good behavior. Socialization will help prevent behavioral problems down the road.
– Socialization involves exposing puppies to new situations they will encounter as adults so they can react confidently and securely instead of being fearful.
– Expose your dog to situations that will happen as an adult, such as car rides, being in a carrier, toys, grooming procedures, meeting other animals, meeting new people, and trips to the veterinarian.
– Teach them to accept restraint by gently holding them in place.
– Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog commands, tricks, crate and leash training.
– Consistency and timing are most important. Reward immediately when desired behavior happens. Redirect promptly when you want to discourage a behavior.

5. Healthcare Checkups: Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for keeping your dog healthy and catching any potential health issues early on.
– Puppies need to be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks from 8 weeks old until they are 16 weeks old. This is vital to protect them as they grow and lose their immunity passed on from their mother.
– Every dog should be seen by a veterinarian at least yearly, and dogs over 7 years old should be evaluated every 6 months.
– Spay or neuter your dog. Timing may vary and should be discussed with your vet. Most dogs should be spayed or neutered between 6 months and 1 year.
– Rabies vaccines are legally required for all dogs and must be given by a veterinarian. The distemper/parvo vaccine is the most important otherwise, but most dogs also benefit from vaccine protection against other infections.
– Discuss flea and tick control and heartworm prevention with your vet
– Bloodwork to screen for problems is helpful for catching and treating diseases early. Dogs over 7 especially should have yearly bloodwork.

6. Provide Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation. Keep their minds engaged with puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
-Herding, hunting and working dogs especially need daily mental and physical stimulation to reduce anxiety.
-Always supervise your dog when they are playing with a toy. All toys can be dangerous if torn into small pieces.
-Training has the benefit of both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

7. Create a Safe Environment: Dog-proofing your home is essential to keeping your furry friend safe and preventing accidents. Remove toxic plants, trash, and human food products. Secure hazardous items like cleaning supplies and electrical cords. Ensure your yard is securely fenced or you walk your dog with a leash to prevent escapes.
– Remove all possible hazards from your dog’s accessible area.
– Use a crate, pen, or baby gates to confine your dog, especially when it is a puppy or known to get into things.
– Most dogs should not have free access to the whole house especially when alone.
– Teaching your dog to be alone will reduce separation anxiety and lead to a more confident dog.
– Consider your puppy as a toddler. They will get into everything they can and find things you never thought they would find. Never take your eyes off of them without knowing they are in a safe, confined area.

8. Give Plenty of Love and Affection: Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to shower your dog with love and affection every day. Whether it’s cuddle time on the couch, belly rubs, or a game of tug-of-war, spending quality time with your furry friend strengthens your bond and brings joy to both of your lives.
Remember, while you have many other parts of your life, your dog relies on you for all of their needs and attention.

Remember, being a pet parent is a lifelong commitment, and your dog relies on you for love, care, and guidance every step of the way. By following these essential tips and showering your pup with the love and attention they deserve, you’ll ensure they live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life by your side.