By: Auvan Turner
Having a dog in the household is a great experience. It is more than just having a pet. It is like having a friend, a companion. As they say, the dog is a man's best friend. Dogs can be very amusing and entertaining. They can be very much the object of the affection of the family.
At the same time, owning a dog also requires responsibilities. The dog will have its needs that you will have to respond to, even for many years ahead.
Adopting a Dog:
There are various types of pedigree dogs to choose from. Dogs of this kind can be very expensive. They will even require documentation. However, the traits of this dog can be easily ascertained by their breed. That is why getting a pedigree dog will help if you are specifically looking for a certain trait like working dogs or toy dogs.
On the other side are the cross-bred dogs and the mongrels. They are not as inexpensive as the pedigree dogs. Furthermore, owning one can be advantageous too. They often get the better traits of the pure-bred parent dogs. It is also very unlikely for them to inherit the disabilities of the pure-bred dogs.
A Healthy Puppy:
It is a must that you adopt a dog when it is still a puppy. The ideal time to adopt a puppy is when it is at least 8 weeks old. Make sure that the puppy is healthy. There are many ways to tell.
Pick up the puppy. A healthy puppy will be happy to be lifted. Check also the ear, gums and tongue. These should be pink. Check the eyes of the dog. Make sure that they are bright and do not have any discharge. Ideally the fur should be shiny and the skin should nut be flaky or lumpy.
Caring for the Dog:
Getting a healthy puppy is not enough. There are long years ahead of you and your puppy, until it becomes a full-grown dog. It will require your love, care and attention. It is very much needed to be attentive of the needs of the dog.
Feeding:
Fresh and clean water must be available for the dog anytime of the day. Make sure that the water bowl is refilled everyday. It is best to provide a dog with a clean container for feeding too.
A puppy can be fed three or more times a day. When it becomes a dog, it will have a daily meal allowance requirement. This can be provided once a day or divide it to twice a day meals. Just stick to the routine once you decided on one.
Select properly the dog foods to provide. Human foods are not all healthy for the dog. Ordinarily, dogs can eat the meat and vegetables. However, there may be preservatives which can be damaging to the dog.
There are many choices of dog foods. There are the canned dog foods that can be very high in protein. The dry foods are odorless and contain more calories and nutrients. Semi-moist dog foods are excellent meal as they provide three times more calories than the canned foods.
Some dog owners opt to give their dogs bones to gnaw on. This can be another source of calcium supply for the dog.
There are tidbits and treats for dog that are good for snack foods. Be wary in giving these as to not go beyond the ideal calorie intake. These can actually be very helpful in training the dog.
Toilet Training:
It is necessary to toilet train a dog. This is for your own good too. It is best to train the dog to this outdoor. The sign that a dog is ready to go is when it starts sniffing a spot. Bring the dog to a spot where you want it to regularly go. Once they have found a specific place, they will stick to it.
Cleaning the Face:
Dogs are not particular with cleaning their faces. It is best to use a cotton ball to remove dirt on the face, eyes and ears. Dogs with many skin folds especially need this one.
Cleaning the Teeth and Gums:
You can purchase special canine toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog. This will keep the bad breath away and to get rid of those bad bacteria.
Bath:
A dog may regularly require bathing, especially if it has a thick or hairy coat. The bath is also helpful to address flea and mite condition to alleviate the discomfort caused by the parasites. This will also get rid of the smell if the dog happened to roll on something foul.
Use a dog shampoo or soap. Never use on them your regular shampoo. This can be damaging to their skin and coat. It is best to get whatever the veterinarian recommended.
Make sure also to rinse well to avoid skin irritation.
Trimming Nails:
Nail trimming is part also of the hygiene of the dog. This is best done after a bath when the nails are still soft. Use a proper nail clipper for the dog. Simply trim the nails. Do not disturb the pink of the nails to keep the dog from any pain or bleeding.
Play and Exercise:
The dog requires play and exercise to keep them healthy. Take a walk outdoors or play catch with the dog. This is ideal also to bond with the dog.
Veterinarian Visit:
Have a regular check-up with the veterinarian for physical examination of the dog. It is also best to get a vaccination for the dog.
The dog is your companion. It needs your love, care and attention. The best thing to maintain a relationship with the canine friend is to keep the dog healthy, comfortable and happy.
