There’s something about dogs that makes them almost universally endearing. Perhaps it’s their tendency to give us their complete loyalty and trust, or their goofy antics and unbridled joy when playing or running around. Whatever it is, there are more than 160 million dogs in the world, and the vast majority of those live as beloved family members rather than pets.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are currently more registered dog owners than there are human ones.
Whether you have a brand new pup who needs training and guidance or an older dog who needs special care, there are plenty of ways to ensure your pet has a happy, healthy life before they pass on to that Great Doggy Inn in the Sky.
Ensure your dog is spayed or neutered
Many dog owners opt to have their pooch spayed or neutered to help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as uterine infections or testicular cancers, as well as certain types of aggression.
In fact, female dogs who are not spayed can develop uterine infections, which can be fatal. It’s also worth noting that spaying your dog can be beneficial in terms of controlling the pet population.
Neutering male dogs can help reduce the risk of them roaming, getting into fights, and spraying urine in your home. This can help reduce noise complaints from neighbors, too.
Put boundaries in place
When you have a garden, you naturally wouldn’t want your dog to escape and run off somewhere. They could get lost and you’ll spend hours, if not days, looking for them. Put boundaries in place to prevent that.
Getting some products from a dog fence company helps with this. It’ll make sure your pet doesn’t escape your garden and get lost.
These are relatively low-cost, but they’ll be quite effective. They’ll keep your pet from getting hurt somewhere while letting them play around the garden. You’ll have nothing to worry about.
Don’t forget the puppy dental care
Dental care is an important part of every dog’s health, but it’s especially vital when it comes to puppies. In adult dogs, their teeth naturally begin to fall out, but in puppies, they don’t.
This can lead to major dental health issues, such as painful tooth decay or even tooth loss. When you’re caring for a puppy, make sure to give them plenty of chew toys that help massage their gums and remove plaque from their teeth.
Always provide plenty of exercise
Picture by Matan Ray Vizel on Pixabay
Dogs who live sedentary lives are at risk of developing joint issues, obesity, and behavioral problems such as excessive barking or chewing.
When it comes to exercising your dog, think creatively. You can go for walks, run with your dog, or play games indoors.
Make playtime a priority and avoid keeping your dog cooped up for too long. Depending on your dog’s breed and health, you may want to consult your vet before spending a lot of time exercising, especially if your dog is older.
Never feed your dog from the table
People and dogs have a natural curiosity about one another, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things that are off-limits.
Your dog’s food should always be kept separate from human food. While some owners may be tempted to feed their dog table scraps, this is not a good idea.
Dogs’ digestive systems are different from ours, and they can’t break down table scraps in the same way. Feeding your dog table scraps can lead to health issues, such as digestive and stomach problems.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Your dog is part of your life.
Thinking about doing some ant pest control work at home? You must contact the company to ensure your dog is not at risk.
Planning a vacation? Also plan where you will leave your puppy.
Think proactively about the choices you make in your home that have an impact on your puppy’s life. Most importantly, treat them with the care they deserve.