Bringing home a new dog is one of the most wonderful experiences in the world, but while it’s true that there’s nothing like the budding relationship you build with a puppy, it’s into the adult stages where you really start to create a long-lasting bond.
It takes time and patience to build the trust for a long-lasting relationship, and from long walks in the woods and on the beach to nights curled up on the sofa, you’ll be sure to create many special memories.
It’s not all about having fun, though. Ensuring your dog’s health and longevity is a big responsibility, and if you’re wondering how best to support them throughout their years, you’re not alone. This short article is here to help with three top tips on the fundamentals.
1. Feed a Balanced Diet Tailored to Their Breed and Size
One of the most important elements of looking after your dog’s health is their diet, and most critical is that you take their size and breed into consideration.
Many owners make the mistake of simply buying the best food they can afford from the supermarket, unaware of the nuances of portion size and micronutrient requirements. In these cases, not only can dogs end up malnourished, but they can also end up gaining unnecessary weight if you’re feeding them too much or a diet of poor caloric quality.
Conduct plenty of research into the sort of diet a dog of their type and size needs before settling (for example, you can click here to discover the best premium large breed dog food brands).
2. Maintain an Appropriate Walking and Exercise Schedule
Once your dog is adult enough to go for proper walks, it’s important to look beyond a quick ten minutes around the block. Depending on the size of your dog and what sort of temperament they have, they may need to be walked more often.
Pay close attention to their behaviour, as dogs are usually very communicative about what they need. Ensuring they get enough exercise also creates a good routine and prevents them from getting destructive.
It’s also worth mentioning that a run around at a dog-friendly plot of land is also worthwhile. There are plenty of places where you can hire out a small, fenced-off field for an hour or two and let your dog run around off-leash. This is a great way to have them burn off some extra energy if they’re a particularly energetic breed.
3. Keep Up With Vet Appointments
And finally, always keep up with regular vet appointments. If you’re struggling financially or worry about forgetting, most vet surgeries have care plans that you can subscribe to, which help keep costs low but regular.
All you really need are basic checkups and the usual flea and tick medication once every so often for most dogs – prevention is always the best medicine, and these short trips prevent a multitude of problems over the long-term.
Wrapping Up
With these three basic tips on the most fundamental aspects of caring for a dog, you should be well-equipped to build a strong foundation. There’s plenty more to learn, of course, but everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck!