Having a pet, or more specifically a dog, around you can be an incredible experience, the warmth, loyalty, and love they can bring to a household is a novelty. A dog is a living breathing thing and a responsibility that needs a lot of care and attention if you want it to be healthy, happy, and thriving. If you have just gotten a new furry companion, or are considering getting one, then this little article is the right one for you, as we go over some basic care tips and basics you should be aware of.
When Travelling
Let’s start with when you need to travel and cannot take your dog with you. Leaving it alone at home to fend for itself certainly is not a good idea, and leaving it with neighbors or family is a viable option but not always applicable, especially if you are planning to be gone for longer or do not want to burden those people. This is where something called dog boarding comes in, with plenty of different places for you to choose from depending on your area. Just take a look at dog boarding rates and you will be able to rest easy knowing your little friend is lovingly being looked after while you are gone. You will likely face this scenario sooner or later, so it is good to be prepared.
Don’t Overfeed
Overfeeding your furry little friend does not just make them look fat and slow, but can lead to genuine health concerns for them too, as their natural physiology and metabolism simply are not built for overeating and cannot handle all the extra baggage so to speak. Overweight dogs are at an increased risk of cardiovascular and joint diseases, metabolic abnormalities, a lowered immune system, and the list of potential health issues goes on for a while. All this to say, do your dog and yourself a favor and feed them the amount recommended by a vet, and steel your resolve to not give in to their begging puppy eyes when they want more.
Regular Visits to the Vet
While you can read up a little and learn to recognize when your pet is not feeling well, unless it is something small, you will not be able to treat them properly, and that is without even mentioning all the issues that do not have outward immediate symptoms. Regular visits to the vet are in order; make sure you make the appointments ahead of time, at least one check-up annually, and then obviously additional appointments if you think your furry companion may have a health issue. It is also a good idea to do some research beforehand, reading up on basic and common health complications dogs go through, how to recognize them, how to maybe treat them if you can, and so on.
Having a dog is one of the best experiences you can have, but it is not a toy and you need to know how to properly take care of your furry little friend. Knowing the basics already puts you on a good path.