If you’re new to owning a dog, you may have some questions about what to do to keep it healthy and happy. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help your pet live a long and healthy life. Here are a few to consider.
General health
Dogs are highly active animals, but they are also susceptible to various diseases. Because of this, it is important to be familiar with the most common dog illnesses so you can be able to recognize them and get your pet the necessary care.
One of the most common dog illnesses is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects dogs as they age, and can be very painful. Larger breeds of dogs are especially prone to this condition.
Another disease to look out for is cancer. There are a number of types of cancers that can affect dogs, including cancer of the intestines, liver, and spleen. Symptoms can include drastic weight loss, lumps, decreased appetite, or pain. It is a serious disease and one that is expensive to treat.
Oral health
The best way to protect your dog from oral problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular veterinary checkups are one of the most effective ways to do this. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of your dog’s dental care by brushing his teeth at least once a week.
One study investigated the relationship between diet and oral health in dogs and cats. Researchers surveyed 17 184 dogs and 6371 cats in over 700 Polish veterinary surgeries from 2006-7. This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single center study.
Grooming
Grooming your dog is an important part of dog care. It’s an easy way to keep your pup looking nice and healthy. And it’s a fun and rewarding activity to do with your furry friend.
In order to get the most out of grooming your dog, you’ll need to know a few basic tips. Some of these include using a good quality shampoo, brushing your dog, and bathing your pooch occasionally.
You might want to ask your vet for a little extra guidance if you aren’t sure what to do. Your veterinarian can also advise you on medications your dog might need and how often you should groom your pet.
Training
Dog training is an important part of any dog owner’s life. The trick is to keep your training method consistent. This means that you’re not just training your dog to do something but you’re also training them to do it correctly.
You’ll want to start with simple, fun challenges that your dog can learn from. When your dog is ready, you can progress on to more advanced challenges.
First, you’ll want to use a leash. Keep in mind that most dogs don’t understand commands right away. Therefore, you’ll need to use a long enough leash so your dog can’t simply back up and run away.
Keeping your dog’s crate open
Crates provide a safe place for your pet to sleep. However, some dogs dislike the idea of being confined to a crate. Luckily, there are ways to get your dog to like it.
When first starting out with crate training, it can be helpful to keep the crate open. This gives your dog access to the room and will encourage him to come in. But keep in mind that your dog should not be punished for coming in. Rather, he should be rewarded for entering the crate.
The first step is to teach your dog that the crate is a fun place. Start by placing some treats inside the crate. You can even sneak in some chew bones if your dog likes to chew on things.
Keeping your dog’s water bowl full of freshwater
Keeping your dog’s water bowl full of freshwater is essential to his health. The body needs this fluid to flush waste out of the body, carry nutrients to the cells and cool down the body. Dogs can get dehydrated and suffer from severe illness when they don’t drink enough.
Keeping your dog’s water bowl full can be easy to overlook. When your dog is busy chasing a ball, playing with other dogs, or exercising in the backyard, you might be distracted from checking to see if your pet is properly hydrated.
Keeping your dog’s paws from cracking
If your dog’s paws are cracking, it is important to get to the bottom of the problem. This will allow you to treat the issue at home or find the best solution at your veterinarian’s office.
Cracked paws are a common condition among pets, and they can be caused by many factors. One of the most common causes is exposure to cold, dry, and hot elements. You can help your pet prevent cracked paws by keeping them clean and moist.
Keep your dog’s paws clean and free of debris. Be sure to remove all small rocks and other objects wedged between the paw pads. Then, disinfect the area with a saline solution.