While there are many benefits of having a dog, such as getting more physical activity and emotional support, our furry friends also require a lot of care. They thrive under the care of well-informed owners. So, let’s take a look at how to take good care of a dog.
1. Feeding
There is nothing more vital than providing your dog with nutritious food.
There are two types of dog food: dried dog food and wet dog food. Both are good choices and have their own benefits and drawbacks. The top three dog food brands recommended by veterinarians are Royal Canin, Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. Young puppies need more nutrients and calories than an adult dog. This is why puppy foods have a higher level of protein and fat to support growth and puppies need three to four feedings a day, while adult dogs only need two feedings a day. If you need to change your dog’s diet, do it gradually. A sudden change may be a shock to the animal’s system. You can also find many online recipes to cook for your dog at home, but make sure to give your dog a balanced diet. Always keep fresh water available, except for maybe at night.
2. Potty Training
As soon as you bring your cute puppy home, potty training should start.
Generally, a puppy can hold his bladder for one more hour than his age in months. Therefore, a two month old puppy should not be expected to last more than three hours. Every three hours, you should take the puppy out and let him release himself. Especially during the first weeks, you will need to keep a close eye on the puppy, observe any signs that he needs to excrete, and take him out immediately. Once he has done his business outside, reward him with praises and a treat. Usually a puppy can be house trained in a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the breed and size.
3. Exercising and Socializing
Dogs like to play and socialize.
Spend at least a couple of hours walking or playing with your dog every day. If you have a puppy, it’s a good idea to have shorter play sessions spread across the day. Teaching them tricks and playing fetch is fun and keeps them engaged. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, you can take your dog out for a walk or play with other dogs in a dog park. Allowing a dog to socialize at a young age is very important, so they know how to act properly around people and dogs. It will also lower the chance of having behavior problems later. How much exercise a dog needs depends on the breed, size, age and other factors. If you notice that your dog puts on weight, becomes bored or frustrated, or releases his pent-up energy in undesirable ways, then it’s time to take him walking or to the play field with a frisbee.
4. Grooming
You could take your dog to a professional dog groomer or you can do it at home. A good rule of thumb is to give your dog a bath once a month in the tub or shower, using warm water and a gentle dog-specific shampoo. This will help to keep their skin and coat clean, as well as keeping their natural oils. While many dogs have fur that grows and sheds regularly, other breeds have hair that doesn’t shed at all. While dogs with long, curly hairs need regular haircuts to prevent matting, other dogs with short fur would only need weekly brushing. Nail trimming and ear cleaning helps keep unwanted bacteria and infections away. It’s recommended to brush your dog’s teeth every day with a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs. Make sure to provide chew toys that will help clean his teeth. As your dog ages, he may have a buildup of tartar that requires special cleaning by a veterinarian.
Having a dog is like having a friend that will never leave, and they will return the love and care their owners feel for them.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever had or wanted to have a dog or a cat or any other pet?
What do you think is the most challenging part of having a dog?
What do you think is the most rewarding part of having a dog?
Do you have a favorite breed?
Vocabulary
Thrive: (of a child, animal or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously; prosper; flourish
Vital: absolutely necessary or important; essential
Nutritious: nourishing; efficient as food
Excrete: discharge as waste
Breed: type
Socializing: participating in activities with friends
Vaccinated: protected with medicine
Pent-up: closely confined or held back
Rule of thumb: a generally accurate principle
Matting: the process of becoming tangled or messed up
Tartar: a hard deposit that contributes to the decay of teeth
