Caring for a family dog goes beyond feeding them daily or taking them out for regular walks. As pet parents to our furry four-legged loved ones, we must ensure their overall well-being is always at its prime. Here are a few tips to help you become a more responsible and loving family dog owner.
Dedicate time for exercise
Regular exercise is integral to your dog’s overall health. The amount of exercise your furry pup needs depends on certain factors such as breed, age, health, body type, size, energy level, and overall health condition.
For instance, if you have a senior dog, a 30-minute walk may be enough, while two-year-old labradors require at least an hour of walking to keep them healthy and fit. If your furry family member is not fond of daily walks, consider exercise alternatives, such as playing fetch, nose work games, climbing the stairs, and dog swimming.
Train your dog
Obedience training plays a significant part in ensuring that your furry loved one is safe, confident, happy, friendly, and healthy. It can also stimulate your pup’s mental well-being and strengthen your relationship with each other. While you can train your dog independently, getting a professional dog trainer is ideal as they have more experience handling various dog breeds. If you prefer to do it yourself, use the reward-based approach, wherein good behaviour is reinforced while unwanted ones are ignored.
Ensure Good Nutrition
Good dog nutrition is of paramount importance for the overall well-being of our four-legged companions. Just like humans, dogs require a balanced diet to thrive and lead healthy, happy lives. Proper nutrition supports their growth, maintains their energy levels, and helps prevent a myriad of health issues. Nature’s Blend, a premium dog food formula by Dr Marty, is an excellent choice for pet owners who understand the significance of quality nutrition. This specialised blend is designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs and offers a combination of natural ingredients that promote vitality and longevity. Your dog’s health and happiness will thank you for it.
Groom them regularly
A well-groomed dog equates to a healthy and happy furry pet. Aside from bathing your dog frequently, you should also brush their coat, clean their ears, and trim your dog’s nails. Brushing them regularly can minimize shredding, while ear cleaning prevents ear infections. If you’re unable to cut your dog’s nails efficiently, it would be best to bring them to the vet or have it done by a professional dog groomer.
Take them to the vet
Your dog’s veterinarian is your partner in ensuring your family pet is always healthy and strong. Choose a veterinarian who can interact well with you and your pet. It is also crucial that their clinic is open 24/7 or easily accessible for emergency cases. A great veterinarian can detect potential problems and educate you on essential topics such as protecting them from heartworms and tips for improving gut health for dogs.
During your routine veterinary visits, ensure your dog’s vaccines are updated, they’re microchipped, and their dental issues are addressed. If you don’t plan to responsibly breed your furry pet, consider desexing them to reduce the chances of health disorders.
Bond with your dog
Dogs need plenty of care, love, and attention to live long and flourish. Despite your hectic family schedule, spend as much time as possible with your family pet. Bring them along on family trips, and always make time for play and cuddle. Remind your kids to be gentle with your dog and teach them basic dog handling. Treat your beloved dog with respect as you would your loved ones, and avoid punishing them using threats or physical force.