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How to Take Great Care of Your Dog Friends and Show them Love
It’s a fact that dogs are our best friends. They are loyal, loving and ask nothing in return except our love. Such magnificent creatures deserve a proper care and affection. It may seem overwhelming from time to time, but our devoted companions deserve to be happy, and more importantly – healthy.
It’s a responsibility, but an incredibly rewarding one. Don’t be scared or stressed about it, just prepare and enjoy. Start with the basics, provide them shelter, water and food. Keep in mind that dogs are like children, they won’t learn if you don’t show them how. Here are a few things to remember in order to provide a safe and a loving home for them.
1. Long-term commitment
Before you take on this task, make sure you are fully committed. Animals are not toys, they are breathing and eating, sensitive living things just like you. Therefore, caring for them requires time, empathy and money. You shouldn’t consider having pets at all if you can’t fit them in your schedule or provide for them. Be absolutely sure of your decision and ability to fully commit.
2. Exercise
Your little troublemaker needs to exercise just like you! Dogs can get sick or become destructive if they are forced to sit around the house all day, so help them burn off all that extra energy. You can even exercise with them – it will give you the opportunity to bond and enjoy the time spent together. Whether you walk, run or play fetch, any activity will help prevent nervous behaviour and excessive weight gain.
3. Take them to the doctor
As mentioned above, the health of your furry friend matters. Regular vaccination and annual checkups with a veterinarian help prevent or detect illnesses in their early stages. Also, in this case, if you want to save some money, “better late than never” doesn’t really hold true. Serious health issues cause serious bills. If you think something is going on with your little furball, contact a veterinarian. Furthermore, they can provide you additional information about parasites, vaccination schedule and records.
4. Identifications
Equip your precious with a collar and identification tag. It should include your name, address and a telephone number, just in case they wander off and get lost. It’s a risk you don’t want to take. If you want to increase the chances of him or her returning home safely, make sure you equip your little friend with an ID tag. Also, be careful about the fit. The collar should not be too loose or too tight.
To properly adjust, take two fingers and grab the collar. If your fingers fit easily, you have found the right measure. Besides, if you think this is not safe enough, you can always microchip your dog at the vet. This way, if he gets lost, when he is scanned in some shelter or the vet, you will always be able to get him back through the microchip information.
5. Feed your dog properly
The most common rule you learn about the animals in your youth is – “Don’t give them chocolate!” Selecting the right food is important, so don’t think what suits your needs is good enough for them.
If you are confused with the options or don’t have the time to go to the store, research and find quality dog food online. In fact, you can even have them delivered to your home. One good example is the natural dog food delivery Melbourne for all my fellow Aussies who can’t find the time for frequent shopping runs to the local pet store, but I’m sure you can find a similar option for your geographical area with a bit of research.
Make a feeding schedule and feed them in a safe space. Most animals eat twice a day, so be careful not to overindulge them. Also, it goes without saying that you need to change their water regularly.
6. Groom your little one
Dirty hair leads to infections, and regular grooming keeps dogs clean and happy. That includes clipping their nails, so it’s easier for them to walk, bathing them to reduce the itching and bring comfort, and brushing the fur to prevent hair loss.
7. Love them
The greatest care you can give them is your attention. No matter how much you love them, they love you more. Hug them, pat them, and even talk to them. Don’t be afraid to look silly; remember, they are the ones that truly care about you. If you have problems with their behavior, ask for some advice from a veterinarian or consider professional training.
Having an animal improves your lifestyle. It adds a new member to your family, who will always guard you. Taking care of them may start as an obligation, but it ends up being the happiest time of your life.
