Dogs are the purest form of joy. 

They love unconditionally and protect fiercely – with little to no regard for themselves. If you have recently adopted a pup of your own, regardless of their age, there are a few things you need to know to enable you to give that pup the loving life that it deserves.

Don’t be nervous; dogs are the most understanding and patient creatures around – as long as you try your best, you will both be fine.

Dogs aren’t complicated, but they do need certain elements to thrive and be the best version of themselves possible, so to be sure that you’re doing a great job, follow these top eight dog care tips below:

Diet

To keep your bundle of fur in tip-top shape, you must follow a simple approach to their diet.

Dogs are omnivores by nature, which means that they need a balanced diet packed with both meat and vegetables. Diet is the single-biggest contributor to their health and well-being, so for the best results, combine fresh whole foods like vegetables and fruit with raw meat.

There are many videos online to give you excellent examples of what your dog’s meals should look like.

Apart from food, ensure that your dog has access to clean and fresh drinking water throughout the day. Wash their bowls regularly to prevent a build-up of bacteria.

Grooming

Routine grooming is crucial for keeping your pup looking and feeling their best so they can make you feel your best.

During this time, examine your pet’s coat, teeth, ears, and paws for signs of problems. Most dogs don’t need daily grooming, but depending on the breed, weekly or bi-weekly sessions may suffice.

If you’re unsure of how to groom your new furry friend, consult a professional groomer for maintenance grooming tips in-between visits.

Annual Check-Ups

The best way to prevent health issues from going unnoticed is by scheduling regular check-ups with your vet. Annual vet visits will cover vaccinations, dental exams, and health screenings to stay on top of your pup’s health needs.

The vaccinations will protect against rabies, distemper, and other contagious canine diseases.

Exercise

Dogs need daily exercise to promote joint, bone, and muscle health. 

Take your dog for a walk every day to keep them healthy and happy. Exercise is essential for physical and mental well-being, so create a plan to keep your pooch stimulated.

Encourage your children to play outside with their four-legged buddy, it will be good for the dog and your kids! 

If you decide to take your dog along on hikes, ensure that you keep up to date with tick and flea treatments to keep them safe from parasites and critters, and invest in a high-quality dog harness to keep them safe.

Training

One of the most important and rewarding roles as a pet parent is to train your furry friend.

It will be hard at first, as all dogs are different and require a unique approach to training to yield the best results. Almost all dog training professionals agree that positive reinforcement training is the most effective method and always you to focus on the good, rather than punishing the bad.

Consistency is key when it comes to getting good results, so use the same word or gesture, when asking them to do something. Dogs are intelligent creatures, and as much as they can develop an impressive vocabulary, they will never speak English – so don’t expect them to.

Respect

Respect your dog and teach your children how to as well. As much as dogs are quite possibly the greatest creatures of all time, they are still animals at the end of the day, and they deserve respect, just like you and me.

Dogs operate through a complex system of pack hierarchy, and although a human will lead that pack, each member deserves to get treated well. Speak to your dog calmly, never lose your temper, and always be mindful of its instincts.

Your job is to take care of your dog and protect it – and a cornerstone of care is respect.

Playtime

Dogs require work. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that they are self-sustained creatures.

They’re the best play pals you could ever hope for, and depending on the breed, they can give anyone a run for their money! Dogs are generally energetic and always ready to play, so stock up on educational toys and a few balls.

Your dog’s personality will dictate how and when it wants to play, with some of the more playful breeds, such as Labradors, always being ready to party. If you lead a slower-paced life, consider adopting a smaller breed dog – while they can also play, they don’t have as much stamina as the larger breeds.

Love

Dogs can feel stressed and anxious, especially during the first few weeks after arriving. Create a safe space for your pooch by providing comfort, security, and love when they need it. 

Your new family member will want tons of cuddles and love, so be sure to educate your children on how best to approach them and what not to do when it comes to being affectionate with them.

Show your new dog that you love him or her by spending time together, rubbing their ears, teaching them new tricks, and always being ready to cuddle. Dogs are pack animals and as such can be some of the most affectionate animals on earth.

As strange as it may seem, don’t be afraid to have conversations with your pooch. They may not be able to understand the language, but they certainly can pick up on your tone and the implied affection that goes with it.

To End

Pile in the creature comforts, like fluffy blankets, toys, and a fluffy pet bed. Dogs crave love and affection, so make sure you know what you’re signing up for before you bring one home. They are a lifetime commitment, but an oh-so worthwhile one!

The bond between a dog and its family is next level, and every child deserves to experience the love of a dog during their childhood.

SHARE THIS POST