As a dog parent, you want your pupil to have the best possible life. So you buy toys, take care of proper nutrition, take your baby for walks and make sure it’s entertained. Thinking about the concerned owners of furry friends, we have prepared a list of 10 tips that you should remember every day to make sure that they get the most out of their lives.
1. Regular check-ups
It seems obvious, but in an everyday rush, it is easy to forget about the date of vaccination or deworming. Therefore, make a habit of regular visits to the vet and sign up for another one right away. Regular check-ups every six months will ensure that you will not miss any disturbing symptoms, and your pet will always be prepared for the season of fleas and ticks or for crazy holiday adventures. In this way, you will control the weight of the pet, and the condition of its skin, fur, eyes, ears and nose. You will know the condition of its teeth, maybe it needs descaling? You will also receive tips on the nutrition of your pet and the recommended amount of exercise.
2. Be observant
As a dog parent, you are obliged to take care of your pet’s health and carefully monitor its health. Pay attention to any disturbing symptoms and if you notice any, it is best not to delay the visit to a specialist. Google search and Facebook groups for dog owners may be useful, but as you know perfectly well, searching for the causes of disease symptoms yourself is not the best idea. It can cause unnecessary anxiety or, on the contrary, make you ignore an important symptom.
Pay attention to your dog’s hair and skin, preferably when brushing or bathing. If you notice that the coat is changing texture, becoming thinner or duller, this could indicate a poor diet or illness. There should be no redness or purulent wounds on the skin. If your pet scratches frequently, be sure to have his health checked by your vet. Examine the ears as well, and check the eyes, mouth, and teeth. The nose should be cool and moist. If there is discharge that is opaque and thick, it may be a sign of illness.
The same goes for your pet’s behaviour. If you find that it sleeps more, eats less, or seems less happy, there is probably something wrong. Be alert to any abnormal signals – this way you can detect the disease long before it develops, and as you know, early treatment gives the best results.
3. Feed your dog responsibly
All dogs love to eat and know how to get people to give them treats. And we know how hard it is to remain assertive with pleading eyes and soft moans. However, getting the right amount of food at the right time is the best way to help your dog maintain the right weight and avoid obesity-related diseases. Remember that the amount of food consumed depends not only on the weight of the dog but also on how much it is active during the day. If long, exhausting walks are a part of your everyday life, make sure that your pet is making up for caloric deficiencies. Also, make sure it always has fresh water available, and during one of his visits to the vet, ask if it needs additional supplements. Treats should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily caloric requirement.
4. Bathe and brush
Activities related to the care of a quadruped depend on its breed, type of coat or lifestyle – if your pet loves rolling in puddles or is happy to run into any water reservoir, baths are an integral part of its day. Make sure you know how to care for your pet and use properly adapted cosmetics. Never use human shampoos or soaps! Brush your pet, trim its nails, clean its ears, and if you are having doubts or don’t know how to do it, sign your dog up for regular visits to the dog’s hairdresser.
5. Provide your pet with the right amount of exercise
Dogs love to be active, but the intensity of the activity depends primarily on the breed. Border collies, German Alsatians, and virtually every hunting breed need long and attractive walks at least twice a day. Take your pet’s favourite snacks with you, do some training, play with the ball. Additional activities while walking will satisfy its high need for movement. If your pet is sociable and isn’t bothered by the presence of other quadrupeds, take it to the dog park, where it will be able to enjoy many attractions.
6. Organize home activities
Activities at home develop dogs’ intelligence, protect them from boredom and give them a lot of fun. You can invent games yourself, for example by hiding snacks in different places in the apartment and encouraging your pet to look for them. You can also construct a puzzle toy out of a plastic bottle, where you can put snacks. A good way to be active at home is also training – teaching your pet commands not only develops its brain. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner and get to know each other better. If you do not know how to go about self-training, ask a behaviourist for help.
7. Provide your dog with a healthy and pleasant rest
Dogs sleep as much as 80% of their day. This is why choosing the right place to rest is so important. Owning a sleeping corner also improves the quality of sleep of your furry friend, and also – if the bed is properly selected – protects it against joint diseases or muscle pain. At Wikopet, we are experts in dog beds. We have many types of them in our assortment because we know that each quadruped needs a different solution. We have prepared a few questions for you that you should ask yourself before buying a dog bed. Here they are:
- Does your dog like to stretch out on the bed or prefers to curl up into a ball? It will help you decide whether to chose a flat pillow with extra space or a comfortable, enclosed sofa in which your little baby will feel safe.
- Does it need extra support for joints and muscles? If so, make sure the bed is filled with memory foam that adjusts to the shape and weight of your dog’s body.
- Is your dog usually cold or hot? Thermal comfort is important and it’s also the reason why your pet will use its bed more willingly. Pay attention to the filling, the fabric, and the shape that will add extra warmth or allow for a little more stretching when it gets too hot.
- Does your dog like to bathe in puddles, or dig deep holes in the ground? Then you need a bed that is easy to clean. Also, make sure the materials it is made of providing antibacterial and antifungal properties.
8. Socialize
If your dog is young, make sure it is in regular contact with people and other pets. This is the best way to eliminate unwanted behaviour such as aggression or withdrawal caused by anxiety. The best time to socialize a dog is from 16 to 18 weeks of age. Take your pet to the dog’s playground, organize games with other pets, and allow it to play with children in a controlled manner.
9. Make sure your dog is safe
Contact details attached to the collar and microchip implantation are essential steps that will help your pet get back into your hands if it gets lost. Also, remember about the dangers lurking for your pet at home. Always keep toxic preparations and poisonous plants out of his reach. Keep your dog on a leash when you walk, unless you are sure the area is safe.
10. Show affection
Dogs live for the love of their human parents. Hugging, stroking and scratching behind the ear are activities that each of them loves and is actively looking for. They are also an important element in the upbringing and socialization of a pet. Above all, however, they allow you to create a strong bond and a deep relationship with a human being, which for every four-legged friend is the source of the greatest happiness and joy.
