Owning a dog is a real privilege. Your furry friend is sure to bring endless amounts of joy and laughter into your household. Therefore, it is only right that you take excellent care of your beloved pet. This is the best way for you to ensure that your family dog is happy and healthy in the years to come. If you are determined to be a responsible pet owner, you will need to read on. Below are eight ways that you can take fantastic care of your family dog.
Train your dog
Make sure that you understand how to communicate with your dog. This will help you to establish a hierarchy in your home. It will also come in handy whenever you take your dog out in public. You should be in control at all times. First, you will need to teach your dog basic commands such as sit, lay down, and stay. Then, you can have fun teaching your furry friend a wide range of impressive tricks like roll over or fetch. Once you have mastered the art of communication, you could even enter a competition. Instead of training your dog independently, you should also consider attending classes. This will provide your pup with the opportunity to socialize. It will also help you to compare your progress with other dog owners.
Invest in regular grooming
Grooming your dog, on a regular basis, will help your pet to maintain excellent levels of health and hygiene. It will also prevent your home from taking on an unpleasant smell. Why not dedicate a specific area of your home to dog grooming? You could invest in a deep sink with a detachable shower head. You will also need to stock up on dog shampoos, dog brushes, and a specialist towel. Ideally, your canine cleaning process should be kept completely separate from your family life. This will help you to avoid cross contamination. Although it is important that you clean your dog at home, you should also consider booking a regular grooming session. This is the perfect opportunity for your pup to get a haircut and a nail-trimming. It will also provide the kind of deep clean that can only be achieved by a professional service.
Introduce a clear meal plan
Any good pet owner will understand the importance of a strict diet. This is one of the best ways for you to take good care of your animal’s health. Why not create a meal plan for your dog? You could even weigh its food at every mealtime and limit the number of treats you use each day. Make sure that you discuss this plan with your local vets. They should be able to provide you with the guidance that you require.
Invest in a suitable dog bed
In order for your furry friend to have lots of energy, they will need to have a great night’s sleep. That is why you should invest in a suitable dog bed. Whatever you do, don’t go for cheap options that are likely to fall apart. Instead, look for a bed that is durable, comfortable, and easy to keep clean. It should also be a bed that is the perfect size, and shape, for your chosen breed. Providing your dog with a lovely bed will help it to feel comfortable in your home. It may also help you to reclaim your spot on the couch.
Create a fitness plan
Even if you are struggling to balance a busy schedule, it is vital that you find the time to walk your dog. This is the perfect opportunity for you, and your canine, to enjoy some much-needed exercise. If your dog doesn’t get out enough, it may become unfit, overweight, and even depressed. One way for you to avoid this is by creating a fitness plan and sticking to it. Make sure that you set yourself a target for each walk. You should also look around your local area to find routes that suit your needs.
Take care of your dog’s teeth
Whatever you do, don’t forget to take good care of your dog’s teeth. Poor dental hygiene could make it extremely difficult for your furry friend to lead a normal lifestyle. Luckily, it is incredibly simple for you to protect your pet. Why not purchase VetlQ dog dental treats? These dental chews will provide vet recommended dental care for your dog. Not only will they help to clean your canine’s teeth, but they will also promote fresh breath and work towards the reduction of plaque and tartar.
Make sure that you can always find your dog
If your dog is part of the family, you may shudder at the thought of it getting lost. That is why you need to think ahead, and make sure that you have your dog chipped at the vet. This will improve your chances of being reunited, if the worst should happen. Most shelters will take the time to scan strays for chips. Or, if a Good Samaritan should stumble across your pooch, they could have it scanned at the vets. You should also make sure that your dog is always wearing a collar and an ID tag. This will help people to track you down. It will also send a clear message that your animal has an owner.
Have a little fun
Why not have a little fun and set up a pet photoshoot for you and your dog? This is a fantastic way for you to celebrate the love that you have for your furry friend. Don’t worry, you don’t have to hire a professional photographer. Instead, you can take the pictures yourself. Photographing a dog isn’t always easy, so the important thing is to have fun. You could splash out on some cute outfits or take the time to create interesting backdrops. When you have finished, you could use your photos to create a sentimental calendar, a personalized key chain, or a funky fridge magnet.