As with any pet, dogs need to be looked after properly. Some people don’t think about what it takes to care for an animal before they get one, sadly this often results in abandoned and neglected pets. Before you bring your new friend home, make sure to understand the basics of how to look after them!
Affection
Most dogs are affectionate creatures, and they do require a lot of attention from their owners. Unlike the independent cat, dogs like to be near you and can, at times, invade your personal space. If this sounds like it could be a little too much, then maybe a dog isn’t the right pet for you.
Training
If you are getting a puppy, then you must be prepared to dedicate time and energy to training it. Like all babies, they need to learn how to look after themselves. No one wants their dog peeing (or worse!) all over the house, so train them while they’re young to behave properly in your home. This includes their behavior towards other people and dogs.
Exercise
Some breeds will need more exercise than others, usually the bigger types of dogs. Even so, you will need to be taking your dog out at least once a day for a walk. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then think twice about committing to a dog. Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to do this, consider hiring a professional dog-walker to help you out.
Day-care
If you have a job that obliges you to be at work all day, your dog might get restless and lonely at home without you. Like using a dog-walking service, doggie day-care is a brilliant solution for those who work a 9 to 5. Your furry friend will spend the day playing with other dogs under the watchful eyes of caring professionals, like heartandpaw.com. These services are a perfect way to make sure your dog is getting the proper care it needs while you’re being kept busy at work.
Food
Each dog breed is different, and as with exercise, larger dogs will likely need more food than little ones. You must understand what diet is better for the type of dog you own. Ensure your dog is getting the correct food and nutrition to avoid illnesses and expensive trips to the vets.
Health
Dogs in general are carefree creatures that do not heed pain much. However, there may be times when dogs suffer from issues that they cannot express. Some issues may be identified based on their behaviors–licking of paws in case of cracked or infected paw pads, constant scratching in case of skin allergies and lice infestations, general inactivity in case of sickness, and many more. Keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior may help you understand if he/she is suffering from something. Additionally, taking them to the vet at regular intervals may also help you find out deficiencies that your dog may have. In such cases, using prescribed medication and supplements could keep your dog healthier and happier.
Insurance
Hopefully, your dog won’t get into any horrible accidents or develop any sicknesses. However, things can happen, and there might come a day when they receive a serious injury or fall ill. It is important to have pet insurance in place to help with costly vet bills; otherwise, you might not be able to manage to pay for the help your dog needs. No one wants to have to go through that heartache.
Pets are big commitments, due to their nature, dogs are one of the biggest you can make. Make sure that you understand what it takes to look after a dog properly before you get one.
