“Everything I know I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts (author, The Search)
It is true that dogs are our best friends and they love us unconditionally. If raised well, they become a part of our family therefore it becomes important to ensure that they get proper upbringing just like a child.
It is essential you schedule time in such a way that dogs get all the attention and love and care that they deserve.
- A clean environment
Every dog deserves a clean environment which is comfortable, dry, draught-free, and a quiet place to rest. You must avoid a wet place that can make your dog unwell. Provide your dog with access to an appropriate place where they can go to the toilet. You should also give them constant access to a safe hiding place to escape if they feel afraid.
- Fresh water
Your dog needs a constant supply of fresh water since water makes up most of your dog’s body—about 60 percent for an adult dog. Water keeps their organs healthy and, in particular, helps the kidneys flush out toxins from the blood. Fresh intake of water also promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, keeping essential electrolytes in balance.
- Quality diet
A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Be sure to pick the food that’s right for your dog’s stage of life — puppy, pregnant or nursing, or adult. There are also foods that are approved for all stages. When it comes to wet or dry food, both can have benefits.
- Regular health check ups
One of the benefits of doing a regular health check will help you easily identify any changes. You should perform this basic health check each week, keep a record of your findings and report any areas of concern to your vet. This will also help your dog get used to be handled on a regular basis. This is very helpful when you have to go to the vet.
- Exercise
It is essentials for dogs to get their daily exercise irrespective of weather conditions. You need to walk your dog every day, sometimes several times a day. You can run your dog up and down the stairs, set up an obstacle course, play with him a game like fetch and keep away and even get your dog on the treadmill.
- Communication
Dogs use face and body language to communicate, but their body language is very different from ours. You should take time and keenly observe their movements and actions to recognize stress or discomfort. A constant eye contact from your dog is his way of showing his trust and affection towards you. Always keep an eye on his eyes.
- Reproductive control
Spaying or neutering is the most effective method of preventing unwanted puppies. There are alternatives as well. A removable implant called Suprelorin stops testosterone and sperm production for months at a time in male dogs is also a popular way to avoid unwanted breeding.