When you take on responsibility for a dog, you need to make sure that you prioritize their health and well-being. After all, these creatures are completely reliant on you and it’s up to you to make sure they’re content and well. So, here are a few areas to focus on to ensure that you do your pup proud!
Be Aware of Breed-Specific Health Problems--
Every breed of dog will have specific health complaints that they are particularly prone to. As humans have bred dogs for different purposes, they have chosen certain physical traits and characteristics to deliberately pass on to future generations through selective breeding. However, these traits can also result in health issues. Alsatians, for example, have been bred to have shorter back legs and a curved spine, giving their figure a sloping appearance from front to back. However, this can result in increased problems with the back legs as the dog ages, as they have more pressure placed on them. Pugs are bred to have flatter faces, but this can result in respiratory problems. It is extremely important that you are aware of breed specific health problems, so that you can identify them in your pooch and have them treated sooner rather than later. If you are unsure of your dog’s breed, or have a cross breed of dog, you can have a DNA test carried out through www.certapet.com/wisdom-panel/.
Exercise--
Every dog is going to require a certain amount of exercise. These aren’t animals that can happily stay indoors for their whole lives. Generally speaking, you can determine how much exercise your pooch should be getting on a daily basis through their breed. Large or particularly energetic breeds such as Australian Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Weimaraners, and Siberian Huskies will require extensive walks. Smaller or less energetic breeds such as Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Chow Chows will require a whole lot less. Make sure to do your research rather than assuming - some breeds will take you by surprise. The Great Dane, for example, is the largest breed of dog, and only requires moderate amount of exercise daily.
Diet--
Another area where you need to avoid making assumptions is your dog’s diet. Every breed will require a different volume of food and it’s best to double check exactly what quantity of any given food they should be given throughout the day. If in doubt, consult your vet who will be able to give you specific weights or portions to provide. A vet will also be able to advise whether your pooch requires specific food for issues such as a sensitive stomach, or a special diet to gain or lose weight. The type of food you offer your dog should tick more boxes than being healthy alone though. Your dog should enjoy the food too! The only way to really work out what your dog likes is through trial and error. Many dog food brands now offer samples or small portions that you can try out before investing in larger quantities. So, see what your dog seems to enjoy and what they tend to leave untouched. You can then invest in the options that they prefer.
Treats--
Once you’ve sorted out your dog’s main source of food and nutrition, you should consider offering them different complementary food and treats. These can add a little variety to your dog’s diet and give them something in particular to look forward to. Just bear in mind that treats should never replace your pet’s basic food and that they should be given in moderation. There are plenty of treats on the market, but you should browse around for the highest quality option. They should be composed of high quality products, rather than filler, which can be considered junk food for pups.
Toys--
Toys are another way to keep your four legged friend as happy and content as possible. Not only can they offer your pup with comfort (many dogs have a favourite toy that they will carry around with them and take to bed), but there are also plenty of puzzle toys out there that can also stimulate their mind and educated them. Make sure to only purchase toys that are specially designed for dogs. They will tend to be more durable, they will be made of non-toxic ingredients, and they won’t harm your pooch’s mouth.
These are just a few different aspects of your pet’s life that you can focus on that will help to give your dog a high quality of life!
No comments:
Post a Comment