Dogs are universally known to be man’s best friends, giving owners and their families a lot of love and enjoyment. In return, they require a fair amount of tender loving care that might daunt many people who are considering keeping a dog as a pet. However, as millions of dog owners will vouch, the seemingly arduous tasks soon become a part of the daily routine and even the responsibilities of taking care will yield a lot of pleasure.
Some important aspects of dog care:
Naming Your Dog
Giving your dog a name is indeed one of the most pleasurable jobs that you will need to undertake very early in your relationship with your pet. Take as much care in selecting the name as you would do for your own children as both you and your pet would have to live with it for an entire lifetime. There are no set rules for naming your dog, and the most common ways of coming up with an appropriate one are usually based on their looks, behavior, special characteristics, etc. It is important to keep the name simple as the dog will also need to recognize it and learn to respond to it with time.
Pet Care Supplies
Just as you require many personal care items that are necessary for your comfort and happiness, the same rule applies to your dog. While the number of accessories pets require is far less than required by their owners, their importance is no less. You just need to step inside a well-stocked pet store and take the advice of the salespersons regarding the essentials and thereafter the luxuries that you could pick up. Some items like a collar, leash, feeding bowl, litter box, and blanket will be required immediately while there are many more that you can keep on adding to keep your dog hale and hearty.
Dog Food
There is nothing more important than the food you serve to your dog to keep him healthy. Usually, dogs are very eager feeders and eat anything that humans consume. However, you need to be to keep yourself informed and educated regarding the nutritional requirements of your dog, and also very important what they should not be eating at all. Ensure they have access to all the fresh clean water they can drink as prevention of dehydration is extremely important, especially during the summer months. When buying dog food try to procure the best you can, but verify that your pet likes the taste as otherwise, he will never be willing to eat enough. Buy only foods that are nutritionally balanced and complete to ensure they get all the nutrition they require. It is important not to under or overfeeds the dog as this is the easiest way of a health complication. Your vet will be able to tell you the ideal quantity of food your dog should consume.
Hygiene
Due to their boisterous nature, it is very easy for dogs to get messy and the problem is compounded by the fact that they are relatively inept at keeping themselves clean to the extent that will be preferred by the rest of your family. It is very important that your dog gets a periodic bath, and is groomed well so that its coat is kept clean and free from insects. It is also vital that you carry out periodic inspections of its nails, eyes, ears, and teeth to ensure that they are clean and free from infection. Trim the nails as often as necessary so that they don’t hurt either themselves or you.
